Revitalise Your Life: My Top 5 Wellness Practices For High Achievers That Actually Work

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, I believe prioritising our wellness is essential for maintaining a healthy balance. 

Throughout my own journey, I have experienced both ends of the spectrum. From the verge of burnout to endless energy each day, I know which side I want to be on!

Over the years, I've experimented with various practices, and today, I'm excited to share my top five that have genuinely made a positive impact in my life. 

Before I dive into these top 5, I first want to set the scene.

Between the ages of 25-29, I suffered with terrible anxiety. There were days when I couldn't catch my breath, and panic attacks were a regular occurrence in my life.

I knew this way of life was not sustainable as it began to have serious consequences on my physical and mental well-being. 

I was often unwell and had lower levels of energy which impacted my mood, leading to poor decision making. 

One day on my way to work, I began having a panic attack and had to get off the train as I couldn't catch my breath. It was at this point that I knew something had to change. 

I began reading everything I could get my hands on about stress and anxiety. I dived deep into topics such as psychology, mindfulness and meditation. 

Slowly but surely, I began to understand why I was experiencing anxiety. 

A lot of it was driven by my need to control everything and the pressure I was putting on myself to do well at work. 

What I came to realise was that my anxiety was closely linked to my achievements; for example, if I had a great week at work, I would feel ok, but if I had a tough week, I would not!

The first step I took was separating my sense of worth from my job. 

I began to reinforce that I was enough and did not need external validation from my job, salary or anything outside of me. 

From this new perspective, I began to change my habits and routines as I knew this would be fundamental in my journey to becoming a happier and healthier person. 

These habits and practises I still use today, and they have all been essential in my wellness journey enabling me to not only overcome anxiety but also ensure I thrive both inside and outside of work. 

Here are my top 5:

1. Meditation:

At the top of my list is meditation. 

I used to say I didn't have time to meditate, and my mind was too busy. What I have come to realise is that meditation is not about quieting the mind; it's about becoming familiar with the mind. 

What meditation has helped me to do is become more conscious of my unconscious thoughts. This allows me to challenge my thoughts and, more importantly, become the observer and not get lost in my mind. 

I spend the first 10-20 minutes of my day meditating. This simple habit has had a huge impact on my life. Instead of waking up, checking my emails, socials and the news, I now go within and focus on who I want to be that day and what I am grateful for. 

Where we place our focus is where we place our energy, which is why starting the day this way always sets me up for success. 

If you are new to meditation try with a simple 10-minute guided meditation and just focus on your breath. The mind will wonder, and that's okay.

Every time you notice it has, bring it back into the present moment. Each time you do that, it's a win, and you will be on the path to becoming a calmer and more centred human being.

2. Nutrition:

Wellness starts from within, and a crucial aspect is the food and drinks we consume. 

I've discovered the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that fuels the body and mind. 

Incorporating whole foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated are key components that have impacted my overall well-being. 

It's not about deprivation but nourishing your body with the proper nutrients for sustained energy and vitality.

I am a big believer in "everything in moderation". I love a glass of wine; I don’t drink during the week but will happily enjoy a couple of glasses of wine at the weekends with my husband and friends.

I love pizza, chocolate and all the indulgent foods, but I don’t eat them every day, as I know they leave me with a big energy crash. 

I limit my caffeine intake to 2 cups a day and won’t have a coffee after 2 pm as I know this impacts my sleep.

When it comes to nutrition, it is very personal, so see what works for you, track your energy levels after you eat certain foods, and see how they make you feel. 

3. Movement 

Every single day I will move my body!

I do this for my mental well-being as well as my physical well-being. 

Whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga session, a bike ride, or hitting the gym, finding a form of exercise you enjoy, in my opinion, is crucial. 

It is well-documented that physical activity releases endorphins, reduces stress, and contributes to overall cardiovascular health. 

The key to exercise is consistency, so it is important to try and find something you enjoy. 

I know that when I move in the morning it sets me up for the day, but experiment with different times that suit you best and just don’t stop!

4. Sleep:

The importance of quality sleep cannot be overstated. 

I've learned that establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimising my sleep environment significantly impact my overall wellness. 

Quality sleep is the foundation for mental clarity, emotional well-being, and physical recovery. 

I never used to take sleep seriously, which was a huge mistake. I had poor evening habits, such as checking my phone before bed and staying up late to watch an extra Netflix episode. 

When I made sleep a priority, I began to wake up earlier and felt so much more refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

5. Digital Detox:

The final wellness practice that really helped me was taking a regular break from any screens or devices. 

I found that disconnecting allowed me to reconnect with myself, fostering creativity, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of balance in my life.

I now have strict boundaries with tech; for example, I do not check my emails after 7 pm or before 9 am. At weekends, I often leave my phone at home if I am off for a walk or when I am out with my friends or husband. 

Having these moments away from my phone has made a huge difference in my stress levels and general quality of life. 

Try it and let me know how you get on. 

Overall incorporating these wellness practices into my daily routine has been transformative, and I encourage you to explore what works best for you. 

Remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination. By prioritising mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and unplugging from the digital world, you can unlock a more balanced, and fulfilling life. 

Let me know if you enjoy any of these habits or which ones you will implement into your routine.

Until next time

Georgie x

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