It’s officially Spring. You know what that means. The sun is out, warmer weather is approaching. Millions of people are frantically joining gyms, trying to eat healthier, taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
But, why?
It seems like this time of year always brings out healthier lifestyles and choices. We start focusing on those bathing suits folded in the back of our dressers, preparing to shake off the winter dust.
I’ve asked a couple of our Health and Wellness team to share their favorite tips on staying healthy in 2019.
Our Dept. Director of Health and Wellness, Cody Hutchin is up first.
Tips from Health and Wellness Team
Cody Hutchin
Department Director
1. “SMR – With a job that requires me to sit most of the day it is particularly important to stay functionally mobile. Overactive muscles can knot up and create imbalances in our bodies. Taking a foam roller or lacrosse ball and performing self-myofascial release (SMR) is a huge relief for the tension that easily builds in my “trouble spots” such as my traps, scapula, and glutes.
2. Drinking enough water – If I’m focused on implementing SMR into my schedule then I better be drinking enough water. I can feel a major difference when I’m dehydrated as this not only helps my muscles and body stay neutral, but also increases brain function since the brain is made of 73% water!
3. Lifting weights – Yes, lifting weights is great for building strength and maintaining muscle mass, but I love weightlifting because of the mental challenge it provides. Life, as we all know it, is not generally “easy.” There are road bumps and obstacles daily that we all face. Being disciplined to daily put yourself in a place where you want to quit, but decide to push through, will change your mindset. It has been said that it takes 21 days minimum to break an old habit (in other words, to change your thought patterns). Imagine how your mindset would change towards all other areas of life if you committed to not only reaching, but pushing through that threshold of quitting, for an entire month!”
Secondly, we have one of our Sr. Account Executives from our Health and Wellness team sharing her favorite tips.
Emily Ramsey
Sr. Account Executive
1. Short Ingredient Lists – You are what you eat. We’ve all heard it and probably rolled our eyes and kept eating that McDonald’s McFlurry. But, there’s definitely truth in that old saying. Take a look at some of the items in your pantry. How many ingredients can you pronounce or even know what they are or where they came from? Processed foods are high in fat and salt content, which are not conducive to feeling and being your best self. Try sticking to the outer edges of the grocery store and check those ingredient lists before adding to your cart.
2. Think Dirty – We all hear of clean eating, but when was the last time you considered the products you were interacting with, especially us ladies? (make up, lotions, body wash, cleaning supplies, etc). Think Dirty is a cheeky little app that allows you to scan common household and beauty items and let’s you know what’s in the products you’re using. Chances are you’re being exposed to carcinogens and irritants – eww, no thank you! You’ll see a full ingredient list, potential health impacts and a list of sources so you know you’re not getting #fakenews.
3. Meditation – Channel your inner yogi and take time to decompress! Our society is constantly on the go with so many more expectations and goals than ever before. Taking an hour 1-2 times a week to practice yoga will drastically help reduce stress and all the negative side effects that come along with it. Common misconception – I have to be flexible to do yoga. Yoga’s movements involve stretching, true, but they are used to rinse the body of built up toxins and tension! You’ll leave the mat feeling like the tall cool drink of water you are. Can I get a Namaste??”
One Final Note
Of course, all of this goes without saying, so I’ll say it anyway — Please be sure to consult a physician before drastically changing your exercise and diet routines or implementing these tips by our team. Although they’re great with fitness, they’re promotional product experts, not licensed health instructors!
That said, if you have any questions regarding promotional products and you are in the health and wellness industry, Emily and Cody, or any of our other Health and Wellness experts, would love to help you now! So click this link, and you can get in contact with us.
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