Annemarie’s Wellness Journey
annemarie’s wellness journey
ANNEMARIE SAMPSON
JOIN SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS ADVOCATE AND ACTIVE TRAVELER, ANNEMARIE, IN HER JOURNEY WITH WELLNESS
Can you share the catalyst that inspired you to take those first steps towards adopting a healthier lifestyle? Additionally, what were some of the initial changes or practices you implemented to kickstart your health and wellness journey?
From a very young age I knew that being thin was a priority to my parents. The conversations were never around being healthy and I do not recall a Pediatrician ever saying I was at risk for health problems- This started a complicated relationship with self, food, and movement as early as grade school. Hard stuff particularly growing up in a time when as a child I was not allowed to share my feeling. The road was long and complicated until I finally found the resources I needed to find my way to wellbeing. Taking a holistic approach to well being was the change that made my path to well being a journey that was never about good/bad or healthy/unhealthy- rather a journey of mindfulness. Holistic wellness addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental wellbeing.
What are some of the most valuable lessons or insights you have gained throughout your wellness journey? How have these lessons shaped your approach to self-care and influenced the choices you make regarding your wellbeing?
Integration of mind, body, and spirit focus on quality of life in every aspect. The combination of conventional and alternative wellness tactics is personalized and cares for the whole person. Self care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s wellbeing particularly in moments of stress- learning how to express ourselves in a way that conveys our values and what we want is a critical step and often overlooked.
As an active traveler, health and wellness can sometimes be challenging to maintain while on the go. How do you prioritize wellness no matter where you are?
Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Has to be the priority. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood, and health. Not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of illness- not fun when traveling!
Water! When people travel, there are factors that can increase risk of dehydration and take the fun and excitement out of going on a trip. Hydration is a key to properly functioning kidneys. The kidneys remove waste from your body naturally- keeping you regular. In addition, a body that is properly hydrated will tend to restore nutrients quicker, preventing illnesses- not fun when traveling.
Have you found a specific health and wellness routine that has positively impacted your journey towards wellbeing? How has this routine impacted your life?
WELLness is a comprehensive equation of mind, body, soul, and environment. Honoring our genetics, culture, values, economics and access are imperative to creating sustainable habits to be WELL and stay WELL.
Taking a holistic approach to include nourishment, sleep, hydration, meditation, connection to the outdoors, authentic relationships, community, and self-talk is all critical and play different roles at different times in our lives.
WELLness is not a shape, size, or number. WELLness is not a destination or goal. You will not find it in a diet or in a gym. You will find it through self exploration, education, and resources that are vetted and take a balanced and fluid approach to sustainable lifestyle practices.
In your experience, how would you describe the role of health and wellness in your age group? How do you believe prioritizing health and wellness can positively impact individuals in your age range?
In this phase of life, women need to create their own integrative path to wellness. There is a freedom in the last 1/3 of life, 60-90-beyond. By refusing to accept the limitations that society puts on women of a certain age, we can age and challenged the status quo. Continued passion for life and ability to contribute to causes, work, and community remains throughout our 60’s and beyond. There is so much more life left to live!
Simple steps include:
- Loving your body. Make a beautiful statement every day about your body. Stop criticizing it. It’s the only home you will ever live in. When you appreciate it, you will put good food in it.
- Eat more vegetables and fruit. Include all the colors, and eat the ones you like and enjoy. I often include vegetables with my breakfast so I get a good start in my daily vegetable count.
- Drink more water. Woman can be nervous to drink more water for fear of needing to get up through the night. When you gradually add water with the goal of getting 7-8 glasses a day, your body’s cells will absorb more water; it will not go to your bladder.
- Stay connected to friends and loved ones. Keep an active social life. Learn a new activity. Listen to music. Read a good book. Explore new environments.
- Volunteer. Woman who volunteer have a more optimistic view on life.
- Move. Find activities that you enjoy. Try to move at least 30 minutes a day.
Annemarie’s Favorite Wellness Classes
