When it comes to the pillars of good health, quality sleep, a nourishing diet and regular movement or exercise usually spring to mind. Whilst these are all essential elements of a healthy lifestyle, there are, however, other tools that are less obvious but just as important.

Connect with the ones you love

We know loneliness is linked to a range of adverse health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline.

Finding time to connect with those nearest and dearest is a simple act that can benefit both you and your loved ones.

This might look like consciously choosing to take some time away from watching TV or being plugged into a device and engage in a shared activity like a board game, an after-dinner walk, cooking or eating a meal together. 

For something different, what about volunteering at a local charity, building new connections and supporting people in need.

Do more of (or find out) what lights you up

Do you have a solid grasp of what fills you with delight and regularly make space for it in your life? What do you love to do? What makes time fly or fills you with happiness? Frequently making space for things that bring you joy is crucial to our wellbeing.

It could be the case that you’ve lost touch with what lights you up. You can try thinking of things you used to love that have fallen by the wayside. If you’re still stumped, then don’t worry – it just means it’s the perfect time to get out of your routine and try some new things.  

One of the most crucial steps of being responsible for your wellbeing is to keep discovering what nourishes your contentment and bliss and determinedly making the time and space for it.

Soak up some silence

Information and entertainment are so readily available that it’s become necessary to consciously make time to remove yourself from stimulation to let your mind and body rebalance. 

So, take a bath, go for a walk in nature or just sit in the garden with a cup of tea and let your nervous system recalibrate. Just don’t take your phone with you!

If, at first, you feel agitated or unsettled when you unplug from stimulation, don’t worry; it’s a sign your nervous system is detoxing from the constant noise. It can take a while for silence to feel normal. Try starting the day with a bit of quiet, get up 10 minutes earlier in the morning and spend some time outside in your garden or your local park.