REMEMBER your goals at the start of January? All those resolutions to eat better, exercise more and pay attention to your mental health?
But realistically, when our daily lives get buried under a mountain of "to-dos", it's easy to lose sight of health and wellness goals.
But even if you're not quite there on your wellness journey, there's still time to get back on track and many ways to do it.
To start off, take a closer look at your progress and ask yourself what's working, and what needs a tweak? With a bit of reflection, you'll be able to make the necessary changes to ensure you're where you want to be with your health and wellbeing, says LAC Malaysia nutritionist Cynthia Jetan.
A holistic approach
It's important to realise that it's not just a single aspect you should be focusing on adds Cynthia.
Our body operates as a complex system, influenced by various factors. "From your physical fitness to your mental resilience, nutritional intake and professional satisfaction, every facet contributes significantly to overall wellbeing," she says.
Adopting a holistic approach means acknowledging the interconnectedness of these different aspects and how they come together.
A Vitality Boost
As we hit the year's midpoint, it's a great time to evaluate not only your exercise habits but your overall physical wellness.
Are you keeping active or slipping into a sedentary lifestyle? It could be that all you need is a new exercise routine or a workout buddy for added motivation.
Cynthia says keep in mind that physical health is more than just gym time. Beyond exercise, there are other components that contribute to physical wellness, increasing energy levels, improving mood and enhancing productivity and vitality.
Adequate sleep, for example, allows your body to rest, recover and recharge while stress management can positively impact wellbeing.
"Consider scheduling a health check-up too for valuable insights into your health status so you can make proactive adjustments."
How's your mood been lately?
Often, we forget to pause and tune into our emotional wellbeing, getting too caught up with everything else. Neglecting emotional health can lead to increased stress, burnout and overall dissatisfaction.
If you've been feeling a bit blue, it's all right to take a break. Whether it's a holiday to reset or a day off doing the things you enjoy.
These proactive steps to prioritise your mental health are key to staying happy and resilient, says Cynthia.
Nourish and Thrive
Did you kick off the year with a strong resolve to prioritise healthy eating, only to find yourself slipping off track recently? It happens.
"Maintaining a nutritious diet can be tough, but it's important to view it as a journey, not a sprint," says Cynthia.
Ultimately, your focus should be on nourishing your body and enjoying the process. Eating well doesn't mean dieting or depriving ourselves of the food we love either.
In fact, sticking to a strict diet tends to be the exact opposite of good nutrition and self-care, says Cynthia.
What's important is maintaining a positive relationship with food. This means giving yourself permission to eat foods that make you feel good physically and mentally, in moderation.
"Food not only provides our body with energy and nutrients but also nourishes our soul and boosts emotional wellbeing."
And certain foods have a bigger role than others in this aspect. For example, chocolates release serotonin and endorphins, as well as improve blood flow to the heart and brain, improving concentration due to antioxidants.
Bananas contain tryptophan, vital for the production of serotonin and melatonin to regulate sleep and mood.
Meanwhile, pumpkin seeds provide magnesium, promoting relaxation and stress reduction for better sleep.
Tea - green or black - contains L-theanine known for calming effects on the mind.
Finally, mackerel, a good source of protein, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and regulate mood.
Work-life balance
Another important thing to reflect upon during your mid-year wellness check is job satisfaction.
Cynthia says spending hours in a job that doesn't bring you joy will seriously impact your overall wellbeing, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.
Ask yourself this: Are you finding fulfilment in your work, or do you feel overwhelmed and drained?
If it is the latter, it might be time to make changes to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether it is setting boundaries or seeking new opportunities, prioritising your happiness at work is essential for a balanced life.