There is a hard truth in life – There is No Magic Wand. 

However, humans are looking for the easy way out, the magic wand. You may look for what will make you feel better: the piece of cake, avoiding the workout, not taking the time to sit in silence, or keeping scrolling.

There is no single piece of advice or information I share on my blog that will improve your wellbeing; that is why I share many ways to enhance your wellness. 

This past month, I joined a weight loss group. I joined the group for several reasons, mostly to feel better about my body, increase my muscle mass, and potentially lose some weight. I also wanted accountability since I had been losing weight but had plateaued. I needed some help.

I am in week 2 of the program, and it’s not easy. In fact, it is very challenging. Then last week, my weight went in the wrong direction—UGGH!! I calmed myself down and reached out to my coach to ask about the increase. She gave me several valid reasons why my weight would have gone up, and none of them had to do with me not following the program. 

Here is the change in me!! 

1. I calmed myself down and found a place within myself where I didn’t feel emotionally triggered by the number I saw on the scale.
2. I reached out for help.
3. I didn’t give up.

In the past, the number on the scale would have triggered me not to weigh myself for months. Then, I would just give up and tell myself that it’s my genetic (I have a disposition to a particular body type) or that no matter what I do, I can’t lose the pounds. 

I attribute my perseverance and changed reactions to my well-being practices. The short routine, mindsets, and tools I establish in the mornings set my mind in the “right” place. You can hear me talk about my morning routine here. 

Improving our well-being is hard work. Researchers have found an adaptation called hedonic adaptation in humans. This adaptation is the tendency to return to a set point after emotional changes. Because of this adaptation, our perception of happiness or sadness won’t last long. 

This adaptation is good because it lets us know that when a sad event happens, the sadness will not last forever. However, this is also why when you buy that new car you have been saving for, and you feel joy, the joy doesn’t last forever. It wears off, and we are on to the next emotional high without awareness of our feelings. 

Researchers have noticed that we go back to the emotional set point much more quickly after a positive event than after major events that are uncomfortable and cause loss, like losing a loved one or a job. 

To raise our emotional set point, we need to actively take care of ourselves. We need to find the tools, routines, and mindsets that help us ride and navigate the waves of change in our lives. These well-being practices are a powerful act of self-care that empowers us to face life’s challenges. 

Try this:

1. What is one wellbeing tool, mindset, or routine you would like to practice this week? Pick something small, like watching a sunrise in silence, going for a 10-minute walk outside, or intentionally focusing on a positive event at the end of the day.
2. When will you do this action? Set a reminder or put it in your calendar.
3. Each time you do your chosen action, congratulate yourself with a pat on the back or a mental “way to go!”

When you start to practice wellbeing for yourself, there will be ups and downs. Remember that there is no magic wand for change; however, you are the magic to create change, starting with yourself.