Wellness Newsletter

"Take care of yourself – eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed."

April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Stress is a major contributor to all kinds of health problems, so let's focus on reducing it as much as possible this month.

Click here to learn more and then participate in the quiz below and earn one (1) wellness point.

Every year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day. This day is a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet and its resources. But did you know that human health and the earth's health are closely linked?

Just as it is important to take care of our bodies, it is also important to take care of our planet. The earth provides us with everything we need to survive: clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy food to eat. When the earth is healthy, we are healthy. But when the earth is unhealthy, we are at risk for a variety of health problems.

There are many ways you can tackle both of these tasks at once. If you’re looking for a few healthy, earth-conscious alternatives to improve your body and the planet, consider these tips for a better you and a better earth.

• Use “greener” cleaners
• Bike or carpool to work, school, etc.
• Join a community garden
• Spend more time outside and leave the lights off indoors
• Read a book outside
• Add a plant to your home or office space
• Set up your kitchen for composting
• Hang up a bird house
• Join a local clean-up

Do you find yourself slumping in chairs? Hunching shoulders?

Many of us live a sedentary life that contributes to poor posture, but developing your core muscles may improve your balance, increase your stability, help protect your spine, and even prevent pain.

The core, also called the “powerhouse,” refers to the entire trunk of the body – front and back – from the upper abdomen down to the pelvis and hips, including the back and side body muscles (lats and obliques). The core is responsible for supporting the entire body. As you move your arms and legs, bend, twist and turn, you’re depending on your core muscles much more than you likely realize.

Try the simple exercies below each day to strengthen your core muscles. Start slow and build up your repetitions. You should also talk with your doctor on the types of activities that may be best for you to work your core and feel stronger and healthier to move throughout the day.

Achieving financial well-being ultimately allows you to meet current and ongoing fiscal obligations, feel secure in your financial future, and be able to make choices that allow you to enjoy life. By understanding spending habits and limiting discretionary expenses (those that you can live without), you can keep your cash flow in check and build your savings over time. Below are some easy ways you can uncover and trim unnecessary spending!

• Make a grocery list before food shopping and prepare more meals at home.
• Avoid impulse purchases by waiting a few days before deciding to buy.
• Use spring cleaning as an excuse to sell unwanted household items via yard sale or consignment.
• Identify and cancel unused memberships or entertainment subscriptions.
• Give DIY projects a shot to repurpose and make use of what you already own.

We have all heard the phrase “April showers bring May flowers.” While most of us are certainly ready for flowers by the time May arrives, this phrase also has a deeper meaning. It is a reminder that unpleasant things can bring about positive outcomes. This phrase also encourages us to maintain an optimistic attitude and a sense of hope.

Hope and optimism are similar but distinct concepts. Both are....click here to read more.

Italian Shrimp Fettucine

Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese

Zucchini-Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Edamame Corn Salad

Roasted Pears with Nut Oat Crumble Topping

No matter your financial situation, becoming more aware of spending habits builds stability and prepares you for the future. For this month, you are challenged to use a notebook, digital diary, or budgeting app to jot down your purchases and payments, and reflect on those entries. Then consider adjusting saving or spending habits to best align with your current situation, goals, and values.

Before getting started, refer to the tips in the photo below.

After completing the challenge, self-report your participation in your Wellworks For You portal and earn one (1) wellness point.

The wellness program runs from November 1 - October 31 each year. It is your responsibility to maintain your points during each cycle within the Wellworks For You portal. Anything reported after the deadline will not count.