How to Train Your Wellness: Part Two - Research

Wellness looks different for everybody, and although we have an idea of how we want our wellness goal to look long term, we aren’t always realistic with our choices and small steps that lead us to that end goal of optimal wellness. So let’s get into how research can lead you to carefully, slowly but surely reach your optimal wellness goal.
Researching best practices that support your wellness goal is essential. This gives you a range of what has worked for other people that have most likely been successful with your goal. There are always a multitude of routes one can take to get to a particular destination. Some routes are more effective than others depending on your willingness to commit to the work, your access to knowledge about the topic and your lifestyle. Research gives you room to play with different ideas until you figure out what route is best for you.

Here’s an example of how you could use research to help you achieve your wellness goal - 
Goal example: A consistent bedtime routine that leads to ample amount of sleep.
Best practices to achieve this: (online research)

• avoiding large meals before bedtime
  
• prioritizing physical activity
  
• creating a comfortable, clean sleeping space
  
• distraction free space when you go to bed
  

Now, with this information you can begin trying the practices until you figure out which of them helps your body to consistently get ample sleep. 
A very important thing to remember is that all of this takes T I M E. You must be patient and give yourself grace as you figure out your strengths and weaknesses. 
One more important thing to consider when doing your research, is the sources. Of course most of us prefer to do our research online, but also think about some of these other options:

1. Books
   
2. Podcasts 
   
3. Speaking with someone who has experience 
   
4. Visiting places that support what you are trying to accomplish 
   

Use your research as examples to try to help you figure out what’s most effective for you, individually. What works for one does not work for all. You have to learn to create your own unique success story. Which leads us into Part Three of How to Train Your Wellness blog series: Trial and Error. Stay tuned for the next wellness Wednesday to find out how Trial and Error plays a part in training your wellness!