August Is National Wellness Month

With August being National Wellness Month, now is a great time to incorporate healthy habits to better your mind, body and soul. Although we encourage you to practice healthy living all year, now is the perfect time to start! 

Exercise more frequently.

Especially if you have a job that makes you sit all day, planned exercise is a great way to be active and get the recommended 10,000 steps per day. Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym; you can go for a walk, ride a bike, swim laps in a pool or play a game outside with friends and family.

Drink more water.

Not only does water help you stay hydrated, but it also prevents constipation and keeps your bowels moving. Additionally, staying hydrated can aid with weight loss and control calories.

Consume healthier foods.

This is a no-brainer when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. The average American consumes almost 22 teaspoons of sugar every day, while the American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 6 teaspoons of sugar per day. Cut out soda and other soft drinks and replace with water. Adding fruits and vegetables to your diet is a good alternative to consuming processed sugar.

Meditate.

Meditation doesn’t require a lot of time to complete, which makes this task easy to do anywhere. Usually, it’s best to meditate early in the morning so it’s already done, and you can start your day with a clear mind. When meditating, remember to breathe naturally, carry your mindfulness into the next task and try it with a friend to help hold each other accountable.

Stretch.

Stretching doesn’t have to take place before or after exercise, it can be a beneficial part to starting your day or winding down after work. When stretching, go only to the point of mild tension — never to the point of pain. It’s also important to breathe while stretching and to practice good form and posture. This will allow you to receive better results and decrease the likelihood of becoming injured.