Engaging in a variety of activities is an essential aspect of a fulfilling life. There are many types of activities that can enrich our lives, such as creative endeavors, social events, educational interests, physical movement and more. Activity plays a vital role in helping us lead happy, connected, and balanced lives. The first step in finding the right activity is to take a closer look at what you are already doing in your life. Consider the activities that interest you and the ones that you find enjoyable. From there, you can identify ways to incorporate more, or a variation of these activities into your routine. It's important to remember that activities do not have to be time-consuming or complicated. Even small actions, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or trying a new recipe, can bring joy and satisfaction to your life. By being intentional about the activities you engage in, you can create a more enriched and gratifying life that aligns with your interests, passions, and values.

Let’s explore the 8 Domains of Wellness to help find activities that suit your life. 

• Spiritual wellness activities and practices can help us develop resilience and a more balanced perspective and a greater ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. Meditation, prayer, attending religious services, reflection and spending time in nature are some examples that keep us feeling grounded and centered. 

• Overall, Occupational wellness provides us with a sense of purpose, enhances our self esteem and contributes to our overall life satisfaction. Some activities to help achieve wellness in this area are setting career goals, taking breaks, seeking professional development opportunities, giving back to your community, and prioritizing self-care. By incorporating these activities, you can improve your overall happiness and find greater satisfaction in your work.

• Emotional wellness activities are practices and exercises that help us enhance and maintain our emotional wellbeing. These activities focus on cultivating positive emotions, managing difficult emotions, and developing skills to navigate life’s challenges. Some of these activities may include journaling, breathing exercising, using positive affirmations, finding a creative practice, or talking with a friend or counsellor. 

• Social wellness activities can have a positive impact on our daily lives by fostering healthy relationships, promoting a sense of belonging, and helping us to learn better communication skills. Some of the activities that build our social wellness are, joining a club or group, spending time with friends and family or attending events in your community. 

• Physical Wellness is key to maintaining good health and preventing health issues form arising. Engaging in physical activities like exercise, sports, or even daily tasks like gardening, house cleaning, and running errands can help keep your body moving. Along with physical activity, prioritizing sleep routines and creating a healthy diet can also have a significant impact on your overall well-being.

• Engaging in Intellectual wellness activities can significantly benefit us in our daily lives by stimulating our minds, expanding our knowledge, and enhancing our curiosity and cognitive abilities. Explore your interests and passions through reading, taking online courses, exploring creative pursuits, and attending workshops or classes. 

• Environmental wellness activities focus on fostering a healthy relationship with your outside environment and your personal space. Some activities include cleaning and organizing your personal space, gardening, hiking, recycling, reducing waste and energy consumption.

• Financial wellness activities play a crucial role in improving our daily lives by helping us manage money effectively and reduce stress. Some ways that can benefit us are by creating and sticking with a budget, creating financial goals and plans, investing for your future, and seeking professional advice. 

So, take some time to reflect on what you love to do and start incorporating more of those activities into your daily routine!

Submitted by: Paula Williams-Iverson