#workplacewellness – Be Well Solutions

Eating for Longevity: Lessons Inspired by the Blue Zones

Most of us would like to live a longer, healthier life. While no single food or diet can guarantee longevity, researchers have spent decades studying regions of the world where people routinely live to age 100 and beyond. These areas, known as the Blue Zones, include communities in Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California). Although these cultures differ in many ways, they share several common lifestyle habits that are associated with better health, lower rates of chronic disease, and exceptional longevity. These habits, known as the “Power 9” include daily movement, a sense of purpose, stress management, strong social connections, and certain eating behaviors. Let’s take a moment to focus on the two nutrition-related Power 9 principles that nearly everyone can begin practicing today – the Plant Slant and the 80% Rule, or [...]

Shared Care: Building Wellness Through Connection

While caring for our health and wellness is our personal responsibility, we can often achieve our goals and create lifelong habits with the help of those around us. Studies have shown that social connection can increase longevity, strengthen the immune system, improve recovery, and boost mental health, while a lack of connection can cause physical and psychological health to diminish (Stanford Medicine1). The following ways can be used to build wellness through community, relationship, and connection. Find Support and Encouragement Establishing healthy habits that last can feel like a lifelong journey. Finding support along the way provides encouragement and reinforcement. Working with others and sharing our experiences can make the process feel less lonely. Even the strongest habits can go through seasons of obstacles and difficulty. Creating connections with family, friends, and coworkers helps us work through life's hardships while [...]

How Community Can Impact Our Stress Management

As humans, we experience stress as a natural part of life. How we react, respond, and manage stress can greatly affect our physical, mental, and emotional health. Research from the American Psychological Association found that while loneliness can negatively influence health and wellness, “social support bolsters resilience in stressful situations.” Seeking out community and meaningful connections can positively impact our stress management efforts. Ease the Fight or Flight Response During stressful situations, our body’s natural reaction is to ‘fight or flight’. This can protect us from harm or prepare our bodies to fight in an emergency. However, when daily stressors continuously activate this system, it can begin to negatively impact our physical and mental health. Communicating and engaging with others helps us calm this action, so we can respond appropriately and thoughtfully rather than mindlessly or impulsively. The support of [...]

A Blue Zones Approach to Physical Activity

In the early 2000s, National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner began researching and coined the term “Blue Zones” to identify areas of the world where people lived the longest (Blue Zones). His research led him to seek similarities among these groups to discover their strategies and secrets to longevity. One of the common characteristics involved the way people move and stay active. Let’s explore how centenarians, or people who live to be 100 years or older, naturally incorporate movement into their daily lives. Natural Movement In the Blue Zones, people do not typically exercise by going to the gym or joining the latest fitness class. Instead, they fit movement into nearly every aspect of their life. They walk to and from work, school, and the store. They do many things by hand rather than relying on modern conveniences and appliances. Citizens [...]

Summer Self-Care: Simple Ways to Stay Well During the Hottest Months

Temperatures are climbing, and the great outdoors is calling. Take time to slow down this season and care for your needs. Tuning into self-care, outdoor safety, and healthy habits can help you beat the heat and make the most of your summer. Enjoy the Outdoors Safely Find outdoor activities that you enjoy and participate in them safely. Visit a park, have a picnic with family, go for a walk, tend a garden, or simply relax in the shade. Partaking in outdoor hobbies can bring moments of rest, recharge, and reconnection as you savor the season. Know the forecast and plan accordingly before heading outside. Keep a loved one informed about where you are and when you plan to return. Avoid the heat of the day by accomplishing activities in the morning or evening sunlight. Protect Your Eyes and Skin Don’t [...]

Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Eating Well Without Spending More

Eating healthy does not have to be expensive. Many people believe that nutritious foods cost more, but with smart planning and simple choices, it is possible to eat well while staying within a budget. In fact, some of the healthiest foods, like beans, oats, frozen vegetables, and eggs, are also some of the most affordable. Learning how to shop, plan meals, and reduce food waste can help you get the most nutrition for your money. Why Healthy Eating on a Budget Matters Good nutrition supports energy levels, focus, immune health, and long-term disease prevention. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), healthy eating patterns can be achieved at any income level with planning and smart food choices. When people rely heavily on highly processed or convenience foods, they often spend more over time and get less nutritional value per [...]

Getting Quality Sleep in the Summertime

Summertime brings longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. While this combination can be motivating for many things, it can disrupt your sleep schedule. Prioritizing adequate, quality sleep will help you feel rested and energized for an adventure-filled season. Follow the tips below to keep your summertime sleep on track. Create a Cozy Environment Adjust your sleeping space for personal comfort. Note that indoor temperatures can fluctuate this time of year, and consider lowering your thermostat setting or adding a fan to stay cool. Depending on your typical bedtime and the natural light in your room, curtains or blinds can provide a darker space that is more conducive to sleeping. Tailoring your room to fit your needs each season can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Choose Cool Materials Just as a cooler environment can promote better sleep, lightweight and [...]

Outdoor Fitness: Turning Nature into Your Gym

Take advantage of the seasonal weather and bring your workout outside this summer. Whether you are walking down your neighborhood sidewalk or meeting friends for pickleball, being active outdoors comes with a variety of benefits. Let the great outdoors bring variety, motivation, and fresh air to your exercise routine. Moving in nature has been shown to improve both physical and mental health. It is low- to no-cost and widely accessible. Let’s explore ways you can use your environment with minimal equipment for a balanced workout. Outdoor Cardio Workouts Outdoor environments provide numerous opportunities for cardiovascular exercise. Nearby sidewalks, bike paths, and trails can be used for heart-pumping activities like walking, hiking, running, and cycling. Many community pools offer space for lap swimming and water aerobics at this time of year. Get your family or friends involved by meeting at a [...]

6 Tips for a Successful Walking Meeting

Workdays can quickly turn into a schedule of endless meetings and sedentary desk work. Incorporating walking meetings helps boost productivity and increase energy, while keeping your team on the move. They promote a high level of engagement and more creative thinking. Follow the tips below to make your next walking meeting a success. Plan Ahead A successful walking meeting starts with a plan. Ensure all attendees are willing and prepared to participate prior to the scheduled meeting. Preparing beforehand will allow participants to wear or bring the appropriate clothing and footwear for a walk. You will also want to plan out the route. Choose a path that is safe, quiet enough for conversation, and of the appropriate length for the meeting. Finally, you may want to send out any necessary documents or materials for the meeting in advance. Bringing these [...]

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] estimates that the flu led to: 47 million illnesses 610,000 hospitalizations 27,000 deaths While the CDC hasn’t yet released exact numbers on how many illnesses and hospitalizations were prevented by the flu vaccine this season, we know from past years that vaccination can make a big difference. What can we do? The CDC recommends[3] that everyone 6 months and older gets a flu shot each [...]

Tags: #flushot, #protecteachother, #publichealth, #StayHealthy, #vaccineawareness, #workplacewellness|