Holistic self-care that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit for wellness reset
As we welcome October, it’s the perfect time for a wellness reset! For many of us, midlife brings a new chapter, full of opportunities to embrace our health, happiness, and well-being. The latest episode of Chasing Brighter, “Revitalize Your Midlife: The Ultimate October Self-Care Reset,” invites you to focus on holistic self-care that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit.
At Chasing Brighter, we believe that self-care is essential for living your best life, especially as we prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. By focusing on the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of wellness, you can increase your clarity, build resilience, and bring more joy into your life.
Why October is the Perfect Time for a Wellness Reset
October is a transitional month. As we move from the more active summer months into the cozy autumn season, it’s a great time to refocus on self-care. During summer, we’re often more active, enjoying the outdoors and fresh, vibrant foods. But as the days grow shorter and colder, it’s easy to fall out of those good habits. With the holiday season fast approaching, this is the ideal time to reset your wellness goals and establish sustainable self-care practices to carry you through the rest of the year.
The holidays bring unique challenges—events, shopping, school functions, and social commitments can drain our energy. That’s why taking a proactive approach to self-care now is critical. By filling your own cup first, you’ll have the energy and mental clarity to navigate the busy months ahead.
The Three Pillars of a Wellness Reset: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Self-Care
We approach a wellness reset as a holistic journey, not just a goal to be checked off. A balanced self-care routine should nourish your physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. Let’s break it down:
1. Physical Self-Care in Wellness Reset
Your physical health forms the foundation of wellness. It’s important to prioritize the basics: nourishing your body with whole foods, staying hydrated, and finding a form of movement that works for you.
- Food & Hydration: Start with what you’re putting into your body. Are you drinking enough water? Consider starting your day with a glass of water before your coffee or tea. As for meals, fall is a great time to get creative with seasonal vegetables and warm, nourishing foods. Pay attention to how you feel after eating—your body will thank you for fueling it well.
- Exercise: Whether you’re hitting the gym, walking in nature, or doing yoga, find a way to move that brings you joy. At Chasing Brighter, we’ve been inspired by strength training, lifting heavier weights to build skeletal muscle and improve overall strength. But your exercise doesn’t have to be intense. Find moments to move, like taking a walk during your child’s practice or doing a quick stretch in the morning.
2. Mental Self-Care in Wellness Reset
Mental self-care is all about finding balance and clarity in your thoughts and emotions. This is where mindfulness practices come into play.
- Mindfulness & Reflection: Take time each day to check in with yourself. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Mindfulness practices like deep breathing, journaling, and meditation can help calm your mind and create space for reflection. Even if it’s just for five minutes, those moments of stillness can make a big difference.
- Podcasts we LOVE for Mindfulness & Reflection: Tara Brach Podcast | Wake Me Up Podcast
- Journaling: If you’re new to journaling, start with small steps. Write for just two minutes each day—about anything! You can also use a gratitude journal to note things you’re thankful for or a victory journal to celebrate daily wins. Remember, this is for you, so there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Start simple with notes on your phone or computer. Kelly uses Notes on her iPhone to keep a journal.
- Journals that are also planners: Legend Planner Hourly/Weekly | Top Planner by Megan Sumrell
3. Spiritual Self-Care in Wellness Reset
Spirituality doesn’t have to mean religion; it’s about connecting with something bigger than yourself, whether that’s nature, your values, or a sense of purpose.
- Gratitude & Reflection: Cultivating gratitude can be a simple but powerful spiritual practice. Spend a few moments each day reflecting on what you’re thankful for. Whether it’s journaling or just mentally noting things, this practice helps you stay grounded and positive.
- Check out our episode on Gratitude: Get Happy with a Gratitude Attitude
- Connection with Nature: Spending time outdoors, even for a short walk, can do wonders for your spirit. Nature has a way of helping us feel more connected and at peace. So take a moment to step outside, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the world around you.
Overcoming Obstacles in Your Wellness Reset Journey
Starting new habits is exciting, but life has a way of throwing us curveballs. Setbacks happen, and it’s important to give yourself grace when they do. Don’t let perfectionism get in the way of your progress. Instead, practice self-compassion and know that wellness is a journey, not a destination.
It can be hard to juggle self-care with all the demands of life, but remember—you can’t pour from an empty cup. Setting boundaries is essential. Whether it’s scheduling time for yourself in the morning, or saying “no” to commitments that drain you, protecting your self-care time is key to staying healthy and energized.
Creating Sustainable Self-Care Habits
Consistency is the secret to sustainable self-care. But it’s also important to be flexible and adjust your routines when needed. Maybe waking up at 4:30 AM for a workout isn’t realistic. That’s okay! Reflect on what works for your schedule and lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to make changes.
We’re big fans of the concept of habit stacking. This means building new habits by attaching them to existing ones. For example, if you already make coffee every morning, try adding a habit like journaling while your coffee brews. This makes it easier to incorporate new routines without feeling overwhelmed.
Our October Wellness Reset Challenge: Invest 15 Minutes a Day in You!
Ready to reset your wellness this October? We’re challenging you to take 15 minutes every day to focus on your self-care. Whether it’s a short meditation, a walk, or journaling, carve out that time to invest in yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just find what feels good for you, and start small.
Think about what area of wellness you’d like to focus on—physical, mental, or spiritual—and choose one simple habit to incorporate into your routine. Need some ideas? Here are a few:
- Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
- Take a 10-minute walk during your lunch break.
- Set a timer for five minutes of deep breathing or meditation.
- Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
Whatever you choose, commit to it for the rest of the month and watch how it transforms your wellness!
We know that wellness is a lifelong journey, and it’s one we’re excited to share with you. This October, take the time to reset and refocus on what makes you feel healthy, strong, and vibrant. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s the key to showing up as the best version of yourself for your loved ones.
Stay tuned to the Chasing Brighter podcast as we continue exploring wellness throughout October, and don’t forget to join our Wellness Reset challenge. Here’s to a season of self-care, balance, and brighter days ahead!