When most people hear the word wellness, they immediately think about diet and exercise. While those are certainly important, true wellness goes much deeper. It’s about caring for your body, your mind, and your spirit. After 40 years as a personal trainer and wellness coach, I’ve learned that the healthiest people don’t just focus on looking fit, they build habits that nourish every part of their lives.
This August, as we celebrate National Wellness Month, I encourage you to choose one or two healthy habits and begin building them into your daily routine. Small, consistent actions create lasting results.
Here are my seven favorite wellness habits:
1. Start lifting weights.
Strength training is one of the best investments you can make in your health. It helps build muscle, strengthen bones, improve balance, boost metabolism, and support healthy aging. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym, just a few sessions each week can make a tremendous difference.
2. Practice gratitude every day.
One of my favorite daily habits is keeping a gratitude journal. Each evening, I thank God for the blessings He gave me that day and write them down. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance already in our lives. It reduces stress, lifts our mood, and reminds us of the many gifts we often overlook.
3. Get outside and enjoy nature.
Step away from your screens and spend time outdoors. Take a walk, sit in the sunshine, listen to the birds, or simply enjoy the fresh air. Nature has an amazing way of calming the mind, reducing stress, and restoring our energy.
4. Eat real food.
Focus on foods that come from nature rather than a factory. Fill your plate with real food. Organic when possible. Meats, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats. Limit ultra-processed foods , seed oils and sugar! Try cooking more meals at home. Your body will thank you with better energy, improved health, and fewer cravings.
5. Make sleep a priority.
Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, your muscles recover, and your brain resets. Consistent, restful sleep improves everything from your immune system to your mood and your ability to make healthy choices.
6. Swap sugary drinks for water.
One simple change can have a big impact. Replace soda, sweet tea, and sugary coffee drinks with water whenever you can. Aim for about eight glasses each day to stay hydrated, support digestion, improve energy, and help your body function at its best.
7. Take time to slow down.
Our lives are often filled with constant busyness, notifications, and endless to-do lists. Even a few minutes each day to pray, reflect, breathe deeply, or simply sit quietly can reduce stress and bring a greater sense of peace.
Wellness isn’t about doing more, it’s about creating space for what truly matters.
Remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination. You don’t have to change everything overnight. Choose one healthy habit today, stay consistent, and let those small choices build a healthier, stronger, and more joyful life.
Here’s to making August your healthiest month yet!
Elissa XOXO
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