12 Proven Ways to Improve Your Well-Being

Last Updated on July 13, 2023 by Avia

If you’ve landed on this page, odds are you are looking for some tried-and-true ways to improve your well-being.  While there are hundreds if not thousands of similar pages on the ‘net that cover this topic, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive and well-researched account on the subject of enriching your overall comfort, happiness and soul-satisfaction as you will here.  That said, we appreciate you trusting us and getting the answers you need about self-improvement right here on our website.  So let’s get this party started, shall we?  Here are our top 12 proven ways to improve your well-being that, when put into action, will certainly revolutionize your life.

Benefits to Improving Your Well-Being

Let’s face it. We all know that making efforts to improve ourselves is essential to…well…feeling good!  And who doesn’t want to feel their best? That said, we’ve all heard or read about the benefits of administering self-care.  From losing weight, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, strengthened spirituality, and improved outlook on life – I could ramble on and on about the ripe fruits we can reap when we invest the time to be our best selves. Bottom line: Taking care of your overall well-being is essential for living a fulfilling and balanced life. 

12 Proven Ways to Improve Your Well-Being

While everyone’s journey to well-being may differ, there are several proven strategies that can help improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. Below, we have detailed 12 evidence-based ways to improve your well-being and cultivate greater happiness and fulfillment.

1 Prioritize Self-Care

If you’re really serious about feeling like a rock star inside and out – you’ve got to make self-care your numero uno, top-notch priority.  Let nothing get in your way or disrupt your efforts to take care of yourself.  I imagine my inner child screaming for attention.  You wouldn’t neglect your own child or deny that child nourishment for any reason, right? The same mentality goes for prioritizing care for yourself.  Take care of yourself like you would take care of that inner child who depends upon you for its best existence.  Let nothing stand in your way in so doing.  

This could include practicing mindfulness, enjoying a hobby, taking a walk in nature, or engaging in creative pursuits. Prioritizing self-care allows you to recharge, reduce stress, and nurture your mental and emotional health.  Self-care could involve creating a morning routine that includes meditation or journaling, scheduling regular exercise sessions, or treating yourself to a relaxing bath in the evening. By dedicating time and attention to yourself, you show yourself love and respect, which contributes to overall well-being.

2 Consider a Supplement for Relaxation

Self-care can also be in the form of more non-traditional medicine and treatment methods. One notable example could be using kratom to reduce stress and improve mental health. Choosing a reputable online kratom shop to purchase from is imperative if you decide to achieve relaxation through this route. I’ve tried kratom and have experienced remarkable outcomes in terms of feeling more relaxed.  I’ve even experienced better creativity, improved focus, and a more positive attitude after a microdose of kratom.  Is it for everybody? Maybe not, but talk to your doctor and see if it might work for you as one of the ways to improve your well-being.

3 Stay Active

Engage in exercises you enjoy, whether jogging, yoga, dancing, or cycling. Physical activity releases endorphins, elevating mood, reducing stress, and improving cognitive function. Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week to reap the benefits. Does that sound like a lot? It’s really not when you consider most of us work an average of 38.7 hours a week and spend an average of 6.5 hours of sleep.  So a measly 2.5 hours moving the body is trivial, and time super-well spent!

Make body movement fun so you look forward to it.  This could be boogying in a dance class, taking a stroll in a park stuffed with nature, getting involved in a local sports group, or trying out a pole-dancing class (yes, I just said that). 

The key is to make exercise a regular part of your life and choose activities that bring you joy. Physical activity is crucial to feeling good, getting fit, thinking more clearly, and just plain ol good juju for attaining an elevated level of well-being in life. 

4 Nurture Healthy Relationships

Maintaining healthy relationships is vital for your emotional well-being. Cultivate meaningful connections with family, friends, and loved ones. Foster open and honest communication, practice active listening, and offer support to those around you. Positive relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and fulfillment.

Take the time to nurture your relationships and prioritize quality time with loved ones. Engage in activities together, have meaningful conversations, and express appreciation for one another. Building and maintaining strong connections contributes to a sense of happiness and emotional well-being.

5 Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are power-packed methods to enhance your mental and emotional well-being. Set aside time each day to engage in mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, body scans, or guided meditation. These practices promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate greater self-awareness and inner calm.

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine by starting with just a few minutes each day. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and bring your attention to the present moment. Pay attention to your breath, sensations in your body, and the thoughts and emotions that arise. Engaging in regular mindfulness practice helps you develop greater self-awareness and the ability to respond to stressors with more clarity and calmness.

6 Get Sufficient Sleep

Everybody says we’ve gotta get enough sleep, but this point can’t be overemphasized. Set a target to get around six to nine hours of sleep each night to allow your body and mind to rejuvenate. Prioritizing sleep will enhance your mood, cognitive function, and physical health.

Create a sleep routine that helps signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Establish a regular bedtime, avoid electronic devices before bed, and create a peaceful sleep environment free from distractions. Make your bedroom a sanctuary for relaxation and prioritize sleep as an essential part of your well-being routine.

7 Nourish Your Body

Here again – we know this is a common sense tip.  However, that old saying “garbage in, garbage out” is utterly true.  You can’t stuff Twinkies and Cheetos down your gob and expect to feel like a million bucks.  I can attest to this.  I used to be 250+ pounds and got that way by fueling my body with crap foods.  Once I started caring, paying attention, and nourishing myself mindfully – a miracle happened – I began to feel better, look better, and my well-being skyrocketed to unparalleled heights.  

A nutritious diet that is balanced with all types of healthy foods plays a key role in your overall well-being. Fuel your body with whole foods. What does that mean? It means eating tasty things that come directly from the mother earth.  Yummy stuff like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Nourishing your body with the right nutrients supports optimal physical health, energy levels, and mental clarity.

Set your intention to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and provide the life-lifting vitamins, antioxidants, probiotics, minerals, etc. your body and mind need to function optimally. Make it a habit to plan and prepare meals that incorporate a range of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Remember to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and strive for a balanced approach to eating.

8 Cultivate Gratitude

Sounds innocuous and maybe even a weak way to improve your well-being, right?  Think again. Gratitude has a phenomenal way of boosting mood, shifting perspectives, and transforming your attitude. Start by making and keeping a gratitude journal where you write down everything you are thankful for. You can also express your gratitude verbally to others. Cultivating gratitude shifts your focus to the positive aspects of life, increases resilience, and promotes a more positive outlook.

Start a gratitude practice by taking a few moments each day to write down three things you are grateful for. These can be simple things like a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a supportive friend, or a beautiful sunset. Practicing gratitude regularly rewires your brain to focus on the positives in life and enhances your overall sense of well-being and contentment.

9 Manage Stress

Yes, that old chestnut.  Stress is the big bad wolf we all know about.  But don’t discount what the experts say: stress is the “silent killer.”  Chronic stress can have a detrimental impact on your well-being. Devote yourself to stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, regular exercise, mindfulness, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Learning to manage stress effectively enhances your resilience, lowers the risk of mental health issues, and improves overall well-being.

Identify the sources of stress in your life and explore strategies that help you manage them effectively. Engaging in activities that help you relax, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature, can be incredibly beneficial. Additionally, practice self-compassion and be mindful of your own needs and limitations to prevent excessive stress from impacting your well-being.

10 Engage in Lifelong Learning

The hard truth is that you just go flat and stagnant if you don’t continue learning and growing.  Avoid this unsavory look for your well-being by committing to learning new things.  Committing to ongoing learning and growing is essential for intellectual well-being. Pounce on opportunities and activities that work out your mind, body, and spirit. 

Read books, take up a new hobby, attend workshops or courses, or engage in stimulating conversations. Lifelong learning keeps you young and flexy! It stimulates cognitive function, expands knowledge, and fosters a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.

Embrace a lifelong learning mindset and seek opportunities to broaden your horizons. Explore topics that interest you, join online communities or forums where you can engage in meaningful discussions, and never stop feeding your curiosity. Engaging in intellectual pursuits enhances your overall well-being and contributes to a sense of personal fulfillment.

11 Seek Support

It’s essential to seek support when needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals for assistance. Seeking support helps you navigate challenges, promotes mental and emotional well-being, and provides a sense of connection and understanding.

Recognize that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reach out to loved ones when you need a listening ear or seek professional help from therapists or counselors specializing in mental health. Remember, you don’t have to face challenges alone; resources are available to support your well-being journey.

12 Laugh (Seriously. Have a Good Chuckle)

They say that laughter is the best medicine. That really is true. Medical science proves that jubilation is a staple to good health, positive perspectives, and improved quality of life. So, watch a comedy, listen to music that makes you happy, get your bestie to tell you some jokes, watch your dogs do crazy-stupid-funny stuff. How ever you go about getting the laughs in – do it – because it will make a huge difference in your life.

Closing Thoughts About Proven Ways to Improve Your Well-Being

We realize that these ways to improve your well-being aren’t exactly the newest tips to see the light of day.  However, these strategies bear repeating. Why? Because if you practice these 12 steps with vigor and consistency, you will absolutely see positive results. Guaranteed.  The trick is sticking to a regular practice of utilizing these steps for betterment and personal satisfaction.

Enhancing your well-being is an ongoing journey that requires commitment and self-care. By implementing these evidence-based strategies, you can make positive changes to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. Everyone’s path to well-being is unique, so exploring and finding what works best for you is important.