Prioritize your health and well-being during National Wellness Month
August is National Wellness month, a time to focus on you, your health, and your overall well-being.
It’s the perfect time add some new healthy habits or bring some back. Stress, unhealthy eating, and not enough rest can take a tole on your body as well as your mental health.
Try to incorporate taking care of yourself into your daily routine with these tips for a better quality of life.
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Besides quenching your thirst, Water helps give you energy, lubricates your joints and helps your body transport the nutrients. If your water intake is low, increase your intake to ensure you’re getting the fluids you need to feel your best. If you want a little wow with your water, add a flavor infuser or some old-fashioned fruit to your glass for a tasty twist.
Make healthy food choices
Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. Food can impact the way you feel. The key is to build a healthy eating pattern, which means choosing a variety of nutritious foods in the right amounts for you — and making these choices part of your everyday routine. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy in your meals. Mix it up by trying new-to-you vegetables. Limit your sodium intake. It isn’t not just from normal table salt. Many processed and packaged foods are high in sodium. Making smart food choices can also help manage your weight and lower your risk for certain chronic conditions.
Get moving
If you’ve been thinking of starting an exercise program, there’s no time like National Wellness Month to make it happen. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and is terrific for your mental health, especially when you exercise outdoors. Regular exercise can reduce stress, increase flexibility and strength, and helps with sleep. Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated—it can start with smart swaps. For instance, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or choosing a parking spot further back to get more steps in.
Strive for better sleep
Sleep is an important component of wellness. Adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep every night; however, studies show that most Americans get a little less than 7 every night. The proper amount of sleep helps your body repair and recharge. Sleep can have a big impact on your day-to-day energy and mood.
Put stress at bay
Between work, family, home, or other commitments, it is easy to get stressed out. Employee Assistance (EA) is here to help with all of life's challenges, big or small. At mycigna.com you get access to a variety of online, telephonic, and face-to-face resources. The services are completely confidential and available at no cost to you or your household members. Each eligible person can get up to 6 visits per issue. Connect with EA through mycigna.com or call 855-566-4295.
Practice self-care
Self-care looks and means different things to different people. It’s essential for a balanced and healthy life. Whether it’s taking a walk, doing a hobby, participating in sports, or spending time with family or friends, take a little time to do something you enjoy. What’s important is be sure to incorporate some self-care into your regular routine.
Take time this month to prioritize your health and your well-being. Strive to add one or two of these healthy habits to your routine. You don’t have to do it all at once—remember that small changes make a big difference over time.