wellness Archives - Page 4 of 13

Holistic Approaches to Managing Chronic Stress and Anxiety

Stress can impact everybody system, making it necessary to consider a holistic approach to managing it. While we can’t eliminate all stress, combining physical, mental, and social strategies can help build effective and lasting ways to be more resilient during stressful times. Balanced Nutrition Anytime we’re in stressful situations, it’s common to notice appetite changes. Whether we’re prone to snacking on anything in sight, skipping meals, or craving comfort foods, our nutrition typically takes a hit. However, balanced nutrition is one of our body’s top energy sources, and it can help us healthily manage stress. You don't need to begin a strict or extreme fad diet that can cause even more stress. Instead, think about ways to be more mindful of your eating. Intentionally incorporate more colorful fruits, veggies, lean protein, and whole grains in your meals and snacks. Make [...]

Tags: #Anxiety, #HolisticWellness, health, meditation, mindfulness, nutrition, SocialSupport, stress, wellness|

HIIT vs. LISS: Which Cardio Workout is Right for You?

Cardiovascular or aerobic exercise is an integral part of a balanced workout routine. The numerous heart health benefits include better blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight management. It also lowers the risk for conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It’s one of the best things you can do to care for your heart. But how do you choose what kind of cardio is best for you? Let’s break down popular forms like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and low-intensity steady state (LISS). We’ll discuss benefits and differences to help you formulate a personalized plan. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a training form with bouts of near-maximal effort followed by a recovery period and is then repeated for several cycles. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)1, the benefits of HIIT include improved aerobic and [...]

Tags: #LISS, cardio, health, hiit, lifestyle, wellness, workout|

6 Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating

Our daily food choices directly impact our health, especially our heart health. While we don’t have control over every risk factor for heart disease, we can control our nutrition. The good news is that you don’t need an extreme fad diet to see a positive impact. Here are a few tips that go a long way for heart-healthy benefits. Eat the Rainbow The different colors in fruits and vegetables point to various nutrients and have specific benefits. For example, red varieties, such as beets and strawberries, contain lycopene. Lycopene can promote heart health and lower stroke and cancer risk. Choosing a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables ensures an assortment of nutrients. Check out Mayo Clinic1 for more information on the health benefits of each color. Choose Healthy Fats Fats are a vital part of your diet for energy and [...]

Tags: #EattheRainbow, #HealthyEating, #HeartHealth, health, wellness|

Mindful Eating – Making Every Bite Matter

In our fast-paced, modern lives, the act of eating has become more of a routine than a mindful experience. Instead of appreciating the food we are putting into our bodies, eating becomes a mindless habit that accompanies everyday tasks such as answering emails, watching TV, or driving. The prevalence of quick meals, processed foods, and distracted eating has uncoupled us from the essence of nourishing our bodies. Mindful eating has gained prominence as a holistic approach to creating a healthier relationship with food. By paying attention to the moment and savoring each bite, mindful eating encourages people to make every morsel matter. For many this fosters a more conscious and satisfying culinary experience. When applied to eating, mindfulness encourages individuals to engage all their senses; to appreciate the colors, textures, and flavors of each dish, and to be attuned to [...]

Tags: #mindfuleating, health, nutrition, wellness|

Wearable Fitness Technology Trends for 2024

The popularity of wearable fitness devices isn’t slowing down anytime soon. It’s only gaining steam! We’re here to unpack the latest technology trends for fitness wearables and trackers. Wearables for Stress and Sleep Management Health and wellness wearables have gone beyond simple step counting, with many now incorporating stress and sleep management features. Some even focus solely on these features. The Apollo Wearable1 uses silent vibrations to help promote stress management, relaxation, focus, and better sleep. They also have an app to use with the bands and with Oura Rings2 as well. Another tech gadget bursting onto the wellness scene is Muse3. Muse is a headband wearable designed to help improve meditation practices. It uses an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activity during personalized meditations and monitors heart rate and breath to make the most out of each practice. Their [...]

Tags: #FitnessTechnology, #Wearables, fitness, health, trends, wellness|

Setting SMART Goals for the New Year

The new year brings new goals and a renewed motivation to reach them. However, setting goals and accomplishing them can often be two different stories. Did you know your approach to goal setting can affect your success? We frequently aim to exercise more or eat healthier, only to find we rarely stick with it because the objective is too vague and that makes it easy to procrastinate. According to Forbes1, “Vividly describing your goals in written form is strongly associated with goal success, and people who very vividly describe or picture their goals are anywhere from 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to successfully accomplish their goals than people who don’t.” As you set your intentions this year, consider making SMART Goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. Specific Make your goals as specific as possible so you know what [...]

Tags: #Attainable, #GoalSetting, #Measurable, #Relevant, #SMARTGoals, #Specific, #Timely, health, wellness|

Unleashing the Health Benefits of Canines

We all need companionship, and everyone benefits from healthy relationships. We usually think of people-based relationships in this context, but the strong association between humans and dogs has been documented since the Stone Age. Many pet owners understand the benefits of owning a dog. Now a growing body of research is supporting the long-time observation that owning a dog can provide significant emotional and physical benefits. The Canine Connection: A Source of Health and Happiness In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, dogs emerge as natural stressbusters. The unconditional love and companionship they provide have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in several scientific studies. The rhythmic act of petting a dog triggers the release of oxytocin, promoting feelings of calmness and well-being in humans. The social aspect of dog ownership can't be overlooked. Whether it's meeting [...]

Tags: companion, dogs, exercise, health, lifestyle, social interaction, stress relief, volunteer, walking, wellness|

Our Top 10 Nutrition Gifts for 2023

Spiralizer Sneak in more veggies or shake up pasta night with a spiralizer. From zucchini to carrots, it can make eating vegetables more fun for kids and adults alike. The Spiralizer Ultimate 10 is a version that comes with several blade choices to fit a variety of options. Meal Planning Notepad A meal planning notepad can help you organize your week and stay on track with healthier meal planning. Make more mindful eating choices by planning daily meals and a grocery list to avoid over or under-purchasing. Meal Prep Containers Make meal prep a breeze with leak-proof, multi-compartment, microwave-safe containers. A set of containers will make it easier to fill at once and then grab and go each morning. Gift the Rubbermaid BPA Free Food Storage Containers for your meal-prepper. Kitchen Conversion Chart A quick conversion chart is helpful for [...]

Tags: gifts, health, holiday, nutrition, wellness|

6 Ways to Stress Less This Winter

The winter months can seem exceptionally long, especially when cold and dreary, bringing their fair share of stress this season as well! Between the holidays, busy schedules, and changes in daylight and weather, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help give you a respite, we’ve compiled six ways to stress less this winter. Incorporate Physical Activity Exercise is often less consistent this time of year, but staying active is a great way to manage stress, among many other health benefits. Add some physical activity to each day. Consider indoor options like the gym, a class, or home workouts whenever the weather isn’t conducive to exercising outside. If you’re heading outdoors for a workout, dress appropriately for the weather and wear reflective gear during the hours of limited daylight. Eat Mindfully Stress less about your food intake by being more intentional [...]

Tags: exercise, health, mindfulness, nature, physical activity, relax, stress relief, wellness|

Top Fitness Gifts for Every Exerciser

Trendy Essentials Workout Games. Make exercise routines fun by incorporating workout games. Games like Fitness Dice, Exercise Cards, or The HIIT Game can add spark to any workout session. These activities are also a great way to get the whole family involved in fitness. Jewelry Travel Case. Keep your rings and other jewelry safe and protected while you’re exercising. Whether at the gym or on the run, a jewelry travel case can help. Choose one like the Ring Thing keychain, which holds multiple rings and easily clips to your keys or gym bag. Moisture Wicking Socks. We all joke about gifting socks, but these will surely be a hit. From preventing frostbite to blisters, moisture-wicking socks are necessary and inexpensive must-haves. Gift a pack like these women’s or men’s options and have your exerciser set for the season. The Home [...]

Tags: exercise, exercise gifts, health, wellness, wellness gifts|