In Pursuit of Good Health
No one needs a designated month to make wellness goals. That said, August is Wellness Month and being reminded of that can help kickstart some much needed care. Your body needs you to practice healthy habits for longevity and energy. Let’s look at implementing some new habits that will benefit your well-being.
The Physical:
- Sleep or lack thereof can make or break your day! Sleep deprivation not only makes you grumpy but has long-term health effects, like heart disease. The National Sleep Foundation, advises that adults get between 7-9 hours of sleep a night. If you find that you need more sleep, try moving your bedtime back in 15-minute increments. Anything is an improvement and by adjusting slowly your body will get used to the change.
- Daily movement and exercise are a must for staying healthy, but sometimes it is hard to fit exercise into a busy schedule. For substantial health benefits, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services endorses a minimum of 150 minutes a week. You can break this down into more manageable 30-minute intervals, 5 days a week. Also, attempt to get up from your desk to walk or stretch for 5 minutes at the top of each hour. Your body will appreciate the break!
- Protect your eyes. Our eyes are massively important and need care. When outside, always wear sunglasses. For the best eye protection, look for sunglasses that block 100% UV light and have lenses that are shatterproof. We are now spending more time than ever on devices, thus exposing our eyes to blue light. Luckily, there are glasses made to block blue light, providing your eyes with protection and comfort.
- Drink plenty of water. Water helps to keep the body’s temperature normal; it lubricates joints, provides cushioning for the spinal cord, and eliminates waste. You can fill a large bottle each morning to keep up with how much you are drinking. The Institute of Medicine recommends 13 cups of fluid for men and 12 cups for women each day.
- Eat well. This is not always a simple task, but try prepping healthy snacks and meals for the week. This way when you are hungry you have an easy “go-to” and you won’t cave to an unhealthy option!
Your physical well-being is tied to your mental state. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed can induce health problems. Finding ways to promote self-care and manage stress will not only help you to feel happier but can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Self-care and stress management:
- Get outside. Taking a break from whatever “box” you are in, will gift you with perspective and a sense of calm.
- Adopt a dog. Taking care of a dog is rewarding in various ways. They are entertaining, petting and snuggling with them reduces anxiety, and they make you feel safe. The added bonus of adopting a furry friend, is they will get you moving since they need to be walked and played with regularly.
- Give yourself a little at-home spa treatment. Light a candle, put on a face mask, defuse aromatherapy oils, or take a bubble bath. All have soothing qualities and will help you feel relaxed.
- Try a new hobby. Doing something fun, that is just for you, can get be a great mental distraction. From knitting to biking, the options are endless!
- Keep a journal. Writing down your feelings and thoughts can be therapeutic. Don’t sweat the punctuation and neatness, this is for you, no one else.
No matter what the month is, make wellness a priority. Take good care of yourself, the world only gets one you!
