Indigenous approaches to wellness are rooted in beliefs and practices that include the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual areas of well-being. While each Indigenous culture and nation has its own unique teachings and practices, there are common threads that can be found across many Indigenous wellness frameworks in North America.
Living in balance helps you manage stress, improve your relationships, and enhance your overall quality of life. When all aspects of your wellness are aligned, you feel more grounded, resilient, and capable of facing life’s challenges.
Creating a wellness routine is about integrating activities into your daily schedule that support your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. A well-thought-out routine can help you manage your time effectively, reduce stress, and ensure you are making space for self-wellness and growth.
Reflective activity:
- Create your own wellness routine and remember to keep the following tips in mind! How can you integrate school/life balance during the semester?
Content below is drawn from the IIC’s Pathway to Wellness Resource, Touchstone 5 “Building a Wellness Routine”
Here is how you can build a wellness routine that works for you:
- Identify priorities: Start by thinking about what is most important for your health and wellness. These priorities might include exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, study time, sleep and relaxation. Write down your top priorities so you can make sure they fit into your daily schedule. For example, if your physical health is a priority, you might decide to include daily exercise in your routine.
- Plan your day: Develop a daily schedule that includes time for all your priorities. Planning helps you allocate specific times for different activities, ensuring that nothing important gets overlooked. Set your routine to match your energy levels, accomplishing the most difficult tasks during your peak hours. Use a digital calendar or planner to stay organized and on track.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key to making a routine stick. Try to follow your schedule as closely as possible each day. Over time, your routine will become a natural part of your life.
