Wellness Facet #2: Social Wellness

The social dimension of wellness encourages contributing to one's human and physical environment to the common welfare of one's community. Social wellness emphasizes the interdependence with others and nature. It includes the pursuit of harmony in one's life- as you travel a wellness path, you'll become ore aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on nature and your community. You'll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging a healthy living environment and initiating better communication with those around you. You'll actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature along the pathway.

Social wellness is having positive interactions with and enjoying being with others. it is having comfort and ease during work and leisure situations and communicating feelings and needs to others. It involves developing and building close friendships and intimacy, practicing empathy and effective listening, caring for others and for the common good, and allowing others to care for you. It is recognizing the need for leisure and recreation and budgeting time for those activities.

As you proceed on your social wellness journey, you'll discover many things- you'll discover that you have the power to make willful choices to enhance personal relationships, important friendships, your community, the environment and ultimately, the world. As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that socially.

Social Wellness Facts and Tips

• Socially isolated people are more susceptible to illness and have a death rate two to three times higher than those who are not socially isolated.
• People who maintain their social network and support systems do better under stress
• Approximately 20% of Americans feel lonely and isolated during their free time
• Laughter really is good medicine
• Cholesterol levels go up when human companionship is lacking
• Warm, close friendships cause higher levels of immunoglobulin (an antibody that helps keep aways respiratory infections and cavities)
• A strong social network can create a good mood and enhance self-esteem

So how can I improve my social wellness?

• Practice self disclosure
• Get you know your personal needs and pursue things and people who nuture those needs
• Attend a wellness forum

Habit 4 Health is hosting Wellness & The Workplace: Does It Really Affect the Bottom Line seminar on July 13th at South Slope Communications in North Liberty 11:30 - 1pm. RSVP by July 8th to brooke@habit4health.com

Kate Morris, Spiritual Care and Bereavement Counselor with Care Initiatives Hospice will provide a more in depth analysis of social wellness

4 Facets of Wellness: Mental Wellness

A few weeks ago Habit 4 Health launched its Facebook Trivia. One of the questions was: 'What does the 4 in Habit 4 Health stand for?' We had lots of responses! So we'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you all to the four facets of wellness (blog by blog)!

One of the facets is Mental Wellness. Defined by the World Health Organization to be 'a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community.'

Erica Lutz, LMHS from Psychiatric Assoicates, Iowa City will go into more detail on the importance of mental health, ways to achieve it, and answer your mental health questions at our upcoming 'Wellness and The Workplace: Does it really affect the bottom line' seminar July 13th 11:30 -1pm at South Slope Communications. Everyone is welcomed! Contact brooke@habit4health for more information by July 8th.

But for now here's 10 Tips for Improving Family Mental Health.

1. Eat dinner together: as so many families know, finding time to sit down for a family meal can be a challenge. But doing so once a week is a prime opportunity to talk, listen, and enjoy a good meal together.

2. Get some exercise: Exercise can be hard work, but it can also be lots of fun for the family and help you feel great. So get together with loved ones to shoot some hoops, go swimming or play a favorite sport.

3. Go the zoo or a museum: Choose a free day and take a trip to local zoo or museum to learn and explore. Afterwards, treat yourselves to lunch or a healthy snack.

4. Take a walk: Walking together can be a simple and fun way to get your blood flowing while enjoying the outdoors and the company of family members. Pick a scenic route and get moving.

5. Get enough rest: mental and physical health go hand in hand and you can only be at the top of your game when you've gotten plenty of rest. Make sure you and your family members get a full seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

6. Read a book together: reading a good book can be one of the simple pleasures of life and a great way to exercise the mind. Select something the whole family can enjoy and read a portion of it aloud each night.

7. Pack a healthy lunch: encourage the healthy eating habits of your family by packing a healthy lunch. Substitute chips and a soda with healthier snacks like carrots, raisins, and fresh juice or water.

8. Plan a picnic: choose a sunny day, pack a nice lunch and head to the park. Bring tennis rackets or a soccer ball and challenge your family members to a game of one-on-one.

9. Watch a movie: pick up a good family film, make some popcorn and stay inside for the night.

10. Take a vacation: getting away from home and work for a couple days or more is always a treat. Plan a fun and affordable getaway where you and your family can rest, relax, and escape your busy schedules.

It's National Men's Health Week!

Share these 'Tips For a Healthy Life for Men' by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) with the men you love and support them in making healthy lifestyle changes.

Eat Healthy
Eat a variety of fruits, veggies, and whole grains everyday.
Limit food and drinks that are high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol
Eat a balanced diet to help maintain a healthy weight

Be Active
Be active for at least 2 1/2 hours a week. Include activites that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.

Fun physcial activites may include playing touch football for 30 -45 minutes, shooting baskets for 30 minutes, bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes, washing and waxing a car for 45 -60 minutes, gardening for 30 -45 minutes.

Protect Yourself

• Wear helmets, seat belts, sunscreen, and insect repellent
• Wash hands to stop the spread of germs
• Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke
• Build safe and healthy relationships with family and friends
• Be ready for emergencies. make a supply kid. Make a plan. Be informed.

Manage Stress

• Balance work, home, and play (For those of you out there who need help from your employer to do this...may I suggest our Corporate Stress Management Series?!)
• Get suupport from family and friends
• Stay positive
• Take time to relax
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• Get help or counseling if needed.

Get Check-ups

• Ask your doctor or nurse how you can lower your chances for health problems based on your lifestyle and personal and family health histories.
• Find out what exams, tests, and shots you need and when to get them.
• See your doctor if you feel sick, have pain, notice changes, or have problems with medicines.