August National Wellness Month

We are amidst some of the hottest days of summer—a time for relaxation, a time for vacations, and maybe even a time for calorie-laden foods and drinks. But though we may enjoy some of the sweet things in life or the lazy days of summer, we cannot forget to take care of ourselves. That’s probably why August is known as National Wellness Month—a month to prioritize “self-care, reduce stress, and create healthier habits.”

To help you do that while still enjoying all that summer has to offer, we want to give you some great suggestions for ways to prioritize your health.

Build self-care

Self-care means just that—taking care of yourself. That includes both mentally and physically. It’s true that our physical health affects our mental health. In fact, the Mental Health Foundation explains that “nearly one in three people with a long-term physical health condition also has a mental health problem, most often depression or anxiety.”

If you have you ever suffered from a prolonged illness, significant pain, or other malady and begun to feel sad or depressed, you know this firsthand.

That’s why it’s important to care for all aspects of our bodies. So, this month, make a plan. Take a look at where your mental and physical health are and how you can change them for the better.

If you need to begin an exercise program, do that. If that means starting slowly with walks around the block, then start there. Find a buddy to join you and help motivate you. If you have wanted to get back in the gym, make this the month to do that. If you have been putting off cutting back time at work, spending time with your family, or taking that vacation, decide that now is the time.

Know that you are important. Treat yourself well and do what it takes to care for both your mind and body.

Reduce stress

A recent Gallup poll reports that nearly 50% of the US population admits to experiencing stress. From jobs, to money, to the economy, to health, to politics, to family, there’s a lot to be stressed about! Saying we should reduce stress may seem like an insurmountable task—or even laughable. But it can be done. And for the sake of our health, it must be done.

So what are some ways to reduce stress? That looks different for everyone, but activities that reduce stress are activities that you enjoy, that take your mind off your worries, and that allow you to relax and maybe even laugh a bit.

This could be painting or sculpting, doing a puzzle, having a night out with friends, meditation, participating in a sport, hiking or relaxing outside in nature, getting lost in a good book, sitting on your deck and looking at the stars, or putting on your favorite album and dancing in your kitchen.

To reduce stress, we must add something—or a few somethings!—to every day that is just for us. And we must do it without feeling guilty.

Create healthier habits

Chances are, we all have a habit we could either give up or temper. Maybe it’s snacking or drinking too much, procrastinating when it comes to exercising, eating too much junk food, or smoking.

Identify one thing (or more, if you’re adventurous!) that you want to change or give up and then work on that this month.

Do you buy a calorie-laden coffee from your favorite cafe every morning? Maybe switch to black coffee from home a couple times a week. You will save money and calories.

Do you hit the snack machine in the afternoons at work? Take a healthy snack from home instead. Or try PI’s protein bars. They taste great and are the perfect mid-afternoon snack!

Do you sit at your desk and work through lunch? Get up every hour and walk or stretch for five minutes.

Do you go home from work and lie on the couch all night? Take a walk around the block after dinner.

Do you spend weekends eating junk food, going to restaurants, or drinking too much with friends? Suggest an outdoor sport or a hike instead.

Many people find themselves doing so much for others that they forget to take care of their own needs. But remember, you cannot take care of your family, your friends, your household, or your job well if you don’t first take care of yourself. It’s okay to prioritize your own health. So, this August, take time to be good to yourself—both mind and body.