Some of the best memories are made when you venture outside your comfort zone. Believe it or not, new and exciting experiences can also be good for your whole health.
Many of life’s adventures — both planned and unplanned — teach us things about ourselves, inspire new ideas, and push us physically, mentally and spiritually. AdventHealth is excited to launch the Feel Whole Challenge, an opportunity for you to try something you’ve always wanted to do. These activities can be big, small or somewhere in-between.
The point is to get out there, shake up your routine and put yourself on a path to better health and wellness.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of nine adventures sure to give you a boost in body, mind and spirit.
1. Sign Up for a New Exercise Class
Get your heart pumping with an invigorating workout. Exercise goes far beyond your physical health. Research has shown that exercise releases endorphins, or feel-good chemicals, to help us combat stress and anxiety. An exercise class at your local gym or YMCA are also a great opportunity to connect with new people — fulfilling your social and spiritual needs.
2. Take a Cooking Class
Whatever your skill or comfort level in the kitchen, a cooking class is a fun way to kick it up a notch. Master a new cuisine, learn simple tips to get the most of out of your time in the kitchen and discover healthy, satisfying recipes to prepare for yourself and your family.
3. Go on a Wellness Retreat
A wellness retreat can give you the chance to rest and restore your body, mind and spirit. Wellness retreats often focus on whole health by promoting a healthy lifestyle with plenty of physical activity and nutritious foods, support your mental health with relaxation opportunities, and nourish the spirit by allowing you to reconnect with yourself away from the hustle and bustle of life.
There are many different types of wellness retreats, including those with a focus on mindfulness, the arts, spa activities or the outdoors. Find one that’s right for you and nurture every aspect of your health.
4. Try a New Recipe
A new adventure doesn’t require you to leave your state — or even your home. It can be as simple as trying a new, healthy recipe in your own kitchen. Challenge yourself to use an unfamiliar ingredient and enjoy the process of cooking a healthy, homemade dinner for your loved ones.
5. Take Ballroom Dancing Lessons
Ballroom dancing delivers many whole-health benefits: The physical activity tones muscles and gets blood flowing; concentrating on the dance steps helps improve memory and attention; partnering during classes with a loved one is a great way to bond — and forge new relationships with other classmates.
6. Reconnect With an Old Friend Face-to-Face
Social media makes it easy to stay in touch with childhood or college friends. It can also make it easy to take those relationships for granted.
Reach out to someone you haven’t seen in a few years and invite them to lunch, or schedule a phone call with someone who lives far way. You’ll learn more about their life than you could through a screen — and you’ll be strengthening valuable interpersonal relationships.
Our relationships help us feel connected to others. Research has shown that strong connections and relationships can help improve your overall physical, mental and spiritual health.
7. Go Hiking
Head outside for a nature hike. Explore a new trail near your house or make a day trip to a nearby park. Many state parks have well-kept trails and are inexpensive to visit. The outdoors can provide some much-needed physical, mental and spiritual refreshment.
8. Travel Someplace New
Plan a weekend getaway or weeklong trip to someplace you’ve never visited. Bring along the family, meet up with friends or have a romantic road trip with your loved one. When you’re away from home, be sure to explore local culture. Get some exercise as you explore the town on foot. Try out healthy, local dishes at restaurants and take time to focus on your spiritual health with intentional quiet time and relaxation.
9. Learn a New Language
There are many options to help you learn a new language: Check out books or audiobooks from your local library, sign up for a local course, or look into a language-learning program like Rosetta Stone or download a free smartphone app.
Start Your Adventure Today
Our Feel Whole Challenge is designed to help you improve your physical, mental and spiritual health by creating healthy habits. Challenge yourself to a new adventure, and be sure to share your experience with us and others by posting your progress with the hashtag #feelwholechallenge!
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This material is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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