Wellness isn't about having an ideal physique and diet or always feeling stress-free and self-assured. It's about building habits that, over time, help you have more good days than difficult ones.
If you're generally handling the demands of daily life, enjoying time with family and friends, eating nutritious foods, moving your body and feeling well rested, you're on the right track. If, however, you notice you're struggling in one or more of these areas, National Wellness Month is a good time to take stock.
NewBridge clinicians recommend these time-tested actions to support your physical and mental well-being:
Walk, stretch, move. Exercise releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress. You don't need an intense workout to benefit. Find physical activities you enjoy and make them part of your routine.
Prioritize sleep. Have a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, and give yourself time to unwind before bed. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Nourish your body. Choose healthy meals and snacks most of the time. Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol and caffeine, which can affect sleep and mood.
Connect with others. Call a friend or family member. Volunteer or join a community group. A sense of belonging gives our lives purpose and can help reduce feelings of loneliness.
Take time to recharge. A few minutes of slow, deep breathing can be calming. Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or simply spending time in nature may also help reduce stress and restore perspective. Experiment to discover what works best for you.
Building healthy habits can have a big impact on your overall well-being, but self-care alone often isn't enough if you’ve experienced trauma or are struggling with depression, anxiety or addiction. Counseling and, in some cases, medication, can make a world of difference.
“A healthy lifestyle, sometimes in combination with counseling and medication, can help people achieve mental health and well-being and boost self-esteem," said NewBridge Services CEO Michelle Borden. "By adopting simple yet impactful practices and seeking support when needed, we empower ourselves to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
In addition to counseling and medication management, NewBridge offers programs that keep people active, engaged and informed. Bodies in Motion, for example, is a free move-to-music class for adults 60 and older, offered virtually in six-week sessions throughout the year. Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to recognize and respond to signs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis. The Decoding Dementia course helps participants better understand Alzheimer's disease and related dementias while offering practical caregiving strategies.
###
