August is National Wellness Month, which means making time to care for all aspects of your health; mental, physical, social, and emotional. Try adding some of these tips to your weekly routine throughout the month!
- Begin your day with a stretch
Many people spend up to 8 hours a day sitting at their desk bent over looking at a computer. Beginning the day with 5 minutes of stretching can help you relax and reduce lower back pain throughout the day. Try stretching at lunch and at the end of the day as well to relieve any built up tension.
- Make breakfast a priority
Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day and it is! By eating a good morning meal, you kickstart your metabolism and replenish your glucose levels which helps you burn more calories throughout the day. Check out our online store to see some of our delicious breakfast options!
- Make exercise a part of your daily routine
Exercise is just as crucial as eating right in maintaining your weight long-term and makes for an overall healthier lifestyle. Whether you are starting to exercise for the first time or adding it back into your daily routine, create a plan to follow and stick with it. Don’t know where to start? Visit our Signature Patient Website for workout plans! Remember to adjust your routine to match your progress.
- Drink more water
Drinking enough water helps maintain your weight but also replenishes any water your body loses while working out. It is recommended you drink at least half your body weight in water every day. But drinking water is not the only way to stay hydrated. You may be surprised to learn that some of your favorite fruits and vegetables are mostly water!
- Take a moment to relax
During busy days it can be hard to take a break from something but giving yourself even 5 minutes to relax can be a great stress reliever and help your mental health in the long run. Breathing exercises, meditating, and journaling are just a few of many ways to decompress at the end of the day.
- Try journaling
Journaling is a great addition to your wellness journey. Journaling can help you achieve goals, gain self-confidence, reduce stress and anxiety, find inspiration, and track your progress and growth. To start, set goals for National Wellness Month and see how you did at the end of the month.
- Declutter one area of your home
Maintaining your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Decluttering helps you gain a sense of control and is a big part of self-care. Choose one area of your home that may be contributing to your stress and organize it to help with productivity.
- Connect with others
People need social interaction as it impacts physical, mental, and emotional health. Connecting with friends you have not seen in a while or saying hi to a neighbor outside promotes a sense of safety and belonging. Connecting with others is also good for your brain health and may lower your risk for dementia. This National Wellness Month, call a friend and go for a walk to catch up!
- Monitor your sleep
Sleep is vital for overall health. Getting a good night’s rest allows your body to repair, reset, and ready itself for the next day. Also, when you sleep your brain does a lot of processing and stores important information in long-term memory. Experts recommended that adults get 8 hours of sleep every night to allow their bodies to properly recover. By monitoring your sleeping patterns, you can estimate how many hours of sleep you get a night and adjust as needed.
These are just a few ways to stay in touch with your heath. After the month is over, reflect on how you did and choose a few tips to continue through the rest of the year.