Blog
Fresh Air Fix: 5 Simple Outdoor Activities to Relieve Stress
As our lives become more fast-paced and intertwined with technology, our time spent outdoors decreases while our stress levels increase. Research has shown that intentionally getting outside among nature can positively impact our health and how we manage stress. According to the American Psychological Association1, “spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.” Try these five simple outdoor activities for a mental break and [...]
Family Fitness in the Sun: Outdoor Activities to Get Everyone Moving
Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to get moving than including the whole family in fun outdoor activities? We often give up on our exercise routine because it gets boring, or we feel guilty for time spent away from our families. Outdoor activities can turn exercise into enjoyable and motivating movement. Grab your loved ones and find an activity that everyone can look forward to. Try These Outdoor Ideas Plant and [...]
Why the Flu Shot Matters More Than Ever
After years of navigating public health recommendations, it's completely natural to feel some vaccine fatigue – a sense of weariness to keep up with vaccinations due to pandemic burnout, information overload or confusion. But the truth is that the flu is still a serious threat. Staying protected matters for you and those around you. According to the Associated Press, this past flu season was the most severe we’ve seen in over 15 years[1]. The CDC[2] [...]
Foods for Restful Nights: Certain Foods Can Help or Hurt Our Sleep
Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Sleep is not a passive process; during sleep our body revitalizes physically and mentally. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that proper sleep reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and clinical depression. Proper sleep is essential for optimal daytime functioning. The doctors at the CDC advise that most [...]
Build Healthy Routines with Healthy Habit Formation
Healthy lifestyle routines lower the risk of various health conditions, diseases, and all-cause mortality (National Library of Medicine1). However, it is challenging to create healthy habits that last. It might feel frustrating when you don’t see results immediately or have difficulty navigating a busy schedule. Too often, we give up before healthy habits become part of our lifestyle. The good news is that creating lasting healthy habits isn’t impossible. Follow the tips below to build [...]
Tips for Handling Stressors that are Beyond Your Control
Stressful situations occur every day. Some conditions are within our control and can be alleviated or changed, while others lie beyond our control. We cannot regulate things like traffic, the behavior of others, or environmental factors, but they can still bring worry, anxiety, and frustration. Learning to accept and respond to situations you cannot control will bring healthy stress management and resiliency for the future. Identify and Acknowledge Your Stress Managing stress begins with identifying [...]
Unlocking the Benefits of Short Workouts
Finding the time to fit regular exercise into your schedule can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to. Even small bouts of activity can be beneficial. Don’t worry about clearing your agenda for an exercise session. Instead, let’s dig into the benefits of short workouts. What is Recommended? Before diving into the benefits of short exercise, let’s review the most recent recommendations set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In 2018, [...]
Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go
Spring is finally here. April is an exciting time to get outside, plan summer vacations, and enjoy the sunshine. When life gets busy, it can be challenging to keep up with your health. Learning to eat healthily on the go will help you fuel and protect your body throughout the year. This month we will discuss strategies for healthy eating on the go, provide examples of nutrient-dense snacks, and learn how to make healthier choices [...]
Stress SOS: Quick Techniques to Calm Your Mind
Managing stress is a necessary part of health and wellness. Stress can creep up quickly or build over time. While it is wonderful to have times when we can go for a long walk or sit and read a good book to destress, certain situations don’t allow extended breaks. Sometimes, we reach a breaking point with stress, and we need to address it now in the short moments we have available. Quick stress relievers can [...]
4 Tips to Reach Fitness Goals on a Budget
It is a common misconception that proper fitness comes with a high price tag. The good news is that you don’t need expensive memberships or costly equipment for a beneficial workout. Routine exercise can be free or budget-friendly with creative planning. We’ll look at four ways to accomplish your fitness goals on a budget. Enjoy the Outdoors The great outdoors provides numerous opportunities for free or cheap exercise. You’ll likely only need a good, supportive [...]