4 Tips for a Healthy, Resilient You

It’s no secret – taking care of yourself is easier said than done. Take a moment to check in with yourself with these health and well-being tips from HMSA:

• Get enough rest. Schedule seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation (less than seven hours) can impair your concentration, decision making, memory, and judgment. Getting enough sleep helps bolster immunity and recovery and improves cognitive function and mood.

• Stay active. Incorporate daily aerobic exercise into your routine. Walking  just 20 minutes a day can be beneficial. Break it up into two 10-minute walks if that works better with your schedule.
• Breathe. Deep, slow breathing encourages full oxygen exchange that leads to a slower heart rate and lower or stabilized blood pressure. Practice deep breathing when you feel overwhelmed and before bed to promote stress management and better sleep.
• Put pen to paper. Try a daily gratitude practice such as keeping a gratitude journal to focus on the positive aspects of life. Doing so can help to lower stress and improve overall health.

Read all about it. For more tips and resources:

• Check out the upcoming spring issue of HMSA’s Island Scene magazine, which includes an article on Mental Health Awareness Month.
• Get health, fitness, and well-being inspiration at islandscene.com.
• Learn more about HMSA’s well-being programs at hmsa.com/well-being.