Author: Lisa Murphy
Earlier this year, I saw this term on social media somewhere during one of my darkest times in 2022 and it resonated with me instantly.
It also made me think deeply about these words and how our health has become Hellth and wealth, ultimately has become Wellth. There is a saying that all the money in the world cannot buy you health but indeed as we chase wealth in a state of stress and exhaustion, we can unknowingly develop a new form of Hellth.
This year and the past few years have been a really traumatic, stressful, tiring time for many dealing with huge changes, restrictions, loss, grief, isolation, separation, fear and illness. There seems to be a collective feeling of both exhaustion and dislocation as across the world we re-emerge from a pandemic with fatigue, both mentally and physically.
There haven’t been too many people that have said openly that the year of 2022 was their year. 2023 seems to be the year people are looking to feel Wellth.
So, what does Wellth look like to you?
As I look back on the past year, I can clearly recall the calm and peaceful effect nature has had upon me and others as I’ve guided them towards that same state of feeling whole, embodied and connected. Feeling “well” for me is having a bit of a daily plan that usually involves exercise to release endorphins, fresh air, sunshine, good conversation and catching up with likeminded people who I run, walk or swim with over coffee. To be on the trails, on the beach or on waves these are without a doubt my happy places and whenever I need to visualise a happy place during a meditation, I struggle to decide which of these three places I would like to be in.
When illness prevented me from actioning my daily wellness plan for close to 6 months of this year (with around 50 odd days of it spent in bed spread over a 12 month period) my mental health became Hellth and at times, I struggled to comprehend that I may never return to my “old self” due to extended long term recovery and fatigue. I even admit I didn’t want to be on earth anymore if this was all I could do for the foreseeable future – thank goodness this was fleeting and as I recovered slowly physically, those dark feelings and thoughts left me too. I also had a pretty supportive network around me who I am really grateful to for listening to me – talking this stuff is a must.
Interestingly, when I reflect on that “old self”, I realise that she was a bit overworked. “Old Lisa” pushed through with what felt like superwoman powers and at times, held trophies for burning the candles at both ends with overcommitment becoming the norm. Truth be told, the more I did, the more I felt I could take on and I had to find a way to slow down, find space in the calendar to rest, even making time for a daily nap to overcome some of the lingering fatigue or meditate with no screen in hand. I also needed to find joy and feel well doing things “just for me” as part of my recovery no matter how selfish it may have felt.
This got me thinking about ways I could try and find wellness again through positive fun activities, that became Project Get Wellthy for next year.
So, what might this look like especially if finding Wellth means more nature based activities?
Being the goal setter that I am though (and a bit driven!) I came up with some passive and adventurous activities that contribute to good health and wellth and will be on my agenda as soon as my body allows it next year….
CALM, STILL, REFLECTIVE OPTIONS
Just Do Nothing
If illness is forcing you to, you might find this one easy. If you are overworked in a job or run a business and struggle to prioritise rest, rejuvenation or recharge then this might be the only thing you can aim for and manage. If you decide to do nothing, make sure it is restful (no screens in sight!) and go outside for maximum recharge.
Sit Spot
This is the simple act of finding a spot either inside or outside if you are physically able to sit and observe nature at roughly the same time each day. Listening for birds, bugs, looking at the plants, sky, noticing all five senses and sometimes recording this in a journal. The idea behind this is to observe the variations each day that you might experience or encounter as a “practice” and doing this daily/weekly you will see the evidence of seasonal cycles and shifts, including the layers of clothing needed and how you feel. Minimum time required 20 minutes. The challenge is to do it hands free unless you are journalling the experience.
Journalling
Alluded to in the previous suggestion some people find journalling a real challenge and others get so much out of it, they teach others how to do it! Guided journalling is one way to help you find the words to get started and there are actually many different forms of journalling out there! I am a fan of Intrinsic Journals, particularly the guided ones designed by the talented Adele Basheer, a local Adelaidian. You can check out her site here.
If you are a blank notebook kinda person and still looking for some great prompts check out the gorgeous Steph Bartlett’s guided journalling prompts here. While this was written in 2020, the questions are relevant and may help to get some of the good stuff on paper!
Nature Journalling
OK so this is different again to writing words and expressing our intentions and reflections. Nature journalling is a bit of sketching, art therapy and doodling all in one, it really just depends on your preference. Sitting at your “Sit Spot” for example you may discover a plant or flower, insect or a scene that just has to be captured in your journal (a blank unlined journal or art pad is recommended along with a lead pencil, crayons, artliners or coloured pencils). If you are already a bit arty you might want to go watercolours even. This kind of journalling gets us more curious about the natural world, noticing the intricacies, details and maybe even the names of different flora and fauna. There are also some great workshops on HOW to Nature Journal. If you are local to South Australia check out the lovely Hannah Jones upcoming workshops at Wattle and Wonder.
If you cannot attend a workshop in person, consider online courses available on low cost sites such as Udemy or Domestika.
Gentle Yoga and Meditation
Not all yoga is active! If you are as lazy as me when it comes to yoga (yes for an active person I love nothing more than just laying on a mat and relaxing) there is yoga out there that involves long stretches (Yin Yoga) and restoration (Restorative Yoga). Most Yoga normally includes some kind of relaxation or guided meditation at the end of the session – my favourite part.
If you are looking for yoga that includes more earthy connection and more movement, have you checked out Dru Yoga?
Meditation apps are also great if you’re needing to just tap into something quickly and specifically. Check out the top apps rated by Healthline HERE.
Nature Therapy and Forest Bathing
This is a guided experience that lasts up to 3 hours in forests, parks or ocean side environments. Taking people through a guided sequence of meditation, slow walking and invitations to connect deeply with nature and self, this is best achieved by attending an experience offered by trained guides who are not therapists but will guide you professionally through the sequence in a safe and supported way.
Big Heart Adventures offers guided nature therapy experiences year-round across the Adelaide Hills and Beaches led by certified guide Yours Truly (me). You can see our upcoming walks here. If you are not based in Adelaide you can find your nearest Forest Bathing Guide at this global site of certified guides HERE.
ADVENTUROUS AND MORE ACTIVE OPTIONS
Perhaps feeling Wellth for you includes ADVENTURE, FUN AND ACTIVITY. Well here are a few ideas to get you started for those with energy, drive and motivation.
Park Run
With doctors now prescribing Park Run to people as part of their journey to health and wellness for heart health, improving mental health, weight loss or to lower blood pressure, this is a weekly free 5km opportunity now popping up in most suburban areas in multiple countries around the world. To see your closest Park Run location click here.
Walking
I am passionate about this one purely because it is so accessible and can be self-directed by setting your own goals to walk from home a minimum of 20 mins a day. It’s possible in most cases to join a walking group such as the Heart Foundation. For a women’s only group consider joining Wise Women Walking offering small group walks weekly all over Adelaide.
Bushcare and Horticultural Therapy
Love the idea of planting trees and caring for the bush? Organisations like Trees for Life offer Bushcare days that get you outside, planting, weeding and caring for sites that offer house and home not just for flora but fauna too.
Horticultural Therapy is also on the rise allowing people to experience the therapeutic activity of gardening in a structured group setting. Read more about this type of therapy and view and local directory of programs here.
Surfing
Learning to surf is something many of us older folk wish we had done in our youth, to be able to “pop” up on a board with ease and finesse is the ultimate challenge on top of reading waves, conditions and being water safe. The feeling of catching waves, standing up and staying on a board all while harnessing a bit of ocean power is exhilarating and quite frankly addictive. Where can you learn to surf? You might see me in lesson mode with Kombi Surf or if you are located in other parts of Australia, check out your local surf school directory.
Love the idea of a weekend away with like-minded women to learn to surf, check out Mucha Adventure in Adelaide or Surf Getaways for adventures in both Australia and worldwide locations.
Hiking and Bushwalking
Biased of course with this suggestion, it is the one activity that allows physical and mental challenge entirely foot powered whether it’s a day hike, pack carrying hike with all the gear on your back or a multiday inn to inn style walk. The pace of walking allows us to process things that are normally occurring at breakneck speed day to day at work and home, so this slows us down offering more clarity to solve problems, create more self-awareness and work through our worries in our own time and headspace – even more powerful when walking solo. If hiking alone is not your thing though there are a huge number of bushwalking clubs you can join with Walking SA.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Sunrise and sunset would have to be the best times to experience some calming yet active time on the water. Learning to stay on the board, stroke correctly and have fun is at the core of Enliven Outdoor Adventures.
Adventure Holidays
Another biased addition to this list is planning an adventure. This could be an active holiday that includes any of the activities mentioned above or a combination. Did you know there is a one stop shop for this? Get in touch with us or check out our range of adventures on our website. For multi adventure weekends such as She Loves Adventure that includes surfing and standup paddleboarding to Wellness and Walking Weekends with Big Heart Adventures or Murray River Trails, you might find some inspiration…
Reflecting upon this list of awesome ideas, consider this:
If your life already feels “full”, and you are time poor or wishing you had more time, just remember, for every new activity you bring in, something has to be let go from your current agenda. This is a good opportunity to declutter the calendar and insert the things that bring joy, positivity and purpose.
We must first create the space in our lives before those new things can take root. If your vege patch is already overcrowded, you cannot expect new seedlings to thrive.
If life for you is lacking in adventure, then fill up your cup!
If Health is the new Wealth, what does that look like for you?
