It’s easy to lose sight of the fundamental building blocks of health when seemingly everything is stressful. Notice yourself feeling a bit of overwhelm but not sure of its source? Unfortunately, stress is cumulative. We’re in an unprecedented period of both environmental and civil unrest, job security is low, future plans have been scrapped just to scrape by, and loss (in many senses of the word) seems commonplace.

It’s time to take back the reigns on your health. And no, it’s not what pill you can get your hands on or shortcut you can take…it’s going back to the basics. You have to earn the right to ask complicated questions.

For instance, stop asking what supplements you should take before you figure out how to eat whole foods (not at Whole Foods, just eating foods that only have one ingredient…). Stop trying to attempt “fun” exercises you see on Instagram before you can manage a simple squat or push-up.

Below, we’re going to list five areas of health to focus on and ask one simple question to help you on your way. Even if you’re an “expert”, these questions may provide some simple context (especially for your weakest area).

5 Areas of Health

The five areas of health we’ll address are:

• Sleep

• Hydration

• Exercise

• Nutrition

• Mindset

Sleep

Question: What is your required amount of sleep per night to feel energized to accomplish the demands of your day?

(Bonus question: Do you give yourself the “opportunity” each night to achieve this amount of sleep?)

Hydration

Question: Do you start your day and end your day with enough water?

(Bonus question: Do you know how much water you need to consume on a daily basis to maintain proper levels of hydration?)

Exercise

Question: Do you have a plan set each week for daily movement?

(Bonus question: Do you have time blocked off and scheduled for this daily movement in the same place you keep your calendar for other priorities, like work?)

Nutrition

Question: What is your required amount of food you need each day to feel energized to accomplish the demands of your day?

(Bonus question: Do you know your daily breakdown of the types and quantities of various foods you should be eating for your goals, lifestyle, history, and activity levels?)

Mindset (+ Mental Health)

Question: What does the conversation you have with yourself each day sound like?

(Bonus question: Do you have a mantra, strategy (e.g. meditation), or support group you lean on when you’re having a tough day?)

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Before taking the “Band-Aid” approach and trying to patchwork all the leaks that need fixed, take a reflective step back and ask yourself where you are weakest above. Is it getting enough sleep? Enough healthy, quality food? Getting outside enough?

Start With One Area of Health

Begin with one area and start asking questions, namely “Why is this a problem for me?” When we can pinpoint major areas of weakness in wellness foundation, it’s easier to start to heal those gaps in wellbeing and performance. You might even find that fixing a weak area of hydration may start to solve some of the sleep issues you also might be having (…giving myself advice here).

Our wellbeing is connected, and mindset is the start of everything. It’s time to start taking back control of our health, and that means starting with the simple pillars listed above.

Today will be the best day ever if you make it so.

Time to get to work.