The Two Wellness Practices I Would Never Give Up 🌊🧘♂️
Recently, a friend asked me a simple yet powerful question: Which wellness routine would you never give up?
I couldn’t settle on just one, so I shared two - one for my body and one for my mind. These simple yet effective habits have profoundly shaped my well-being.
1️⃣ Contrast Showers (Hot & Cold) 🚿🔥❄
Contrast showers involve alternating between hot and cold water, stimulating the body’s circulatory and nervous systems. Research has shown multiple benefits:
Improves circulation: The sudden temperature shifts encourage better blood flow and cardiovascular health.
Boosts the immune system: Studies suggest cold showers stimulate white blood cell production, increasing immunity.
Speeds up muscle recovery: Cold exposure helps reduce muscle soreness and inflammation.
📖 According to a study published in PLoS One (2016), individuals who took regular cold showers had a 29% reduction in self-reported sick leave. (Read here)
2️⃣ Meditation 🧘♂️
Meditation isn’t just about relaxation—it rewires the brain. Various types of meditation exist, from mindfulness to transcendental, but all share these key benefits:
Enhances cognitive function: Meditation strengthens the prefrontal cortex, improving focus and clarity.
Reduces stress and anxiety: Studies show that meditation lowers cortisol levels, promoting long-term well-being.
Supports emotional balance: By increasing self-awareness, meditation helps us manage emotions effectively.
📖 A 2009 study in NeuroReport found that experienced meditators had increased gray matter density in brainstem regions linked to cardiorespiratory control. (Read here)
Final Thoughts
Wellness isn’t about drastic changes—it’s about small, consistent habits that make a lasting impact. For me, contrast showers and meditation are two non-negotiable rituals. They help me stay physically strong and mentally clear.
