After the hustle and bustle of our daily routines it’s good to focus on your personal well-being and health. We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise are the building blocks to living a happy and healthy life, but here are some other ways to make sure you’re mentally and physically in tip-top shape by practicing one of our many healthy suggestions. 

1. Evaluate your work-life balance

No matter what your job is, bad habits can creep up that allow work to seep into your personal life. It’s important to check in with yourself every now and then to maintain healthy work-life boundaries. If you do find work is becoming harder to ignore while you’re at home, it could be helpful to implement a ritual or routine that tells your mind it’s time to turn your work brain on and off.  Try taking a few deep breaths before you start your workday, as well as when you end it to be more mindful about the space you’re entering into and leave any unnecessary distractions behind.

2. Find movement that you love

It’s easy to prioritize high calorie burning activities such as running, cycling or aerobics.  However, it’s just as important to discover and make time for movement that is fun and interesting to you! With so many ways to get your body moving both indoors and outdoors, devote some time to experimenting and trying new activities that are not just about burning fat such as:

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Hiking
• Dance classes
• Sight-seeing
• Walks around the neighborhood or one of our many local parks
• Indoor rock climbing, offered at many of our Y locations
• Water activities like paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking

As an added bonus, our Y facilities offer drop-in classes that are free to our members for many of these activities as well as interest-based clubs and groups.

3. Create a joy list

Create a list of things, big or small, that bring you joy and that are just for you.  It could be a coffee from your favorite shop, getting a massage, attending a workout class, a television show, anything!  Then, set a goal to incorporate one thing that brings you joy into each of your days.  It’s a great way to start prioritizing your needs and making time for yourself.  

4. Get some rest

Not getting enough sleep for your body can leave you feeling sluggish, irritable, unfocused and stressed.  Not to mention its importance in boosting your immune system.  Today, it’s harder than ever to get some shut eye because for many, technology is a part of our winding down routine. That being said, if you absolutely must be on your phone while you’re in bed, try to at least dim the brightness and if it’s an option turn your settings to night mode.  Once you are ready to put away your device, make sure it’s completely off or on airplane mode to minimize any unexpected disruptions.

5. Spend time connecting with your friends

You don’t have to be isolated in order to focus on yourself.   In fact, many studies show the importance of cultivating friendships for both emotional and physical health.  “The Nurses’ Health Study from Harvard Medical School showed that the more friends women have, the less likely they are to develop physical impairments…The study also showed that not having friends or confidants is as detrimental to your health as being overweight or smoking cigarettes.”  Meaning, it’s actually in your self-interest to spend time with your friends.

As our research and knowledge about what it means to be fit and healthy grows, so do our options of how to get there! Because the Y values a holistic approach to health, we offer a wide array of programs to nourish you physically, mentally and emotionally.  Set some time aside this autumn to experience this firsthand at one of our Women’s Wellness Weekends. Hosted at both Camp Orkila and Camp Colman every year, they’re a great way to connect and bond with other women while having a blast with activities like yoga, archery, crafting, campfires and more.

April 24-26, 2020 & October 2-4, 2020 l Camp Colman l Learn more | Register
April 3-5, 2020 & October 16-19, 2020 l Camp Orkila l Learn more | Register