National Wellness Month in August is a dedicated time to focus on personal well-being and the adoption of healthier habits.
Certified Personal Trainer and Coach Mike Harris of Strong Bond Health emphasized the importance of the month as an opportunity to focus on self-care, stress reduction and the creation of healthier habits.
“National Wellness Month is the perfect time to prioritize self-care, which plays a crucial role in managing stress and enhancing overall happiness,” he explained. “By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we can significantly boost our well-being and truly feel like our best selves.”
Established in 2018 by Live Love Spa, National Wellness Month was originally created to foster community, connection and commerce in the wellness industry. Over the years, it has grown beyond its commercial roots to become a movement encouraging healthier lives.
The August initiative has several key objectives, including balanced diets, regular exercise and proper hydration. It also emphasizes the importance of mental health, encouraging practices like stress management, mindfulness and regular check-ups.
Preventive care is another cornerstone of National Wellness Month, with a focus on the importance of regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings for both children and adults. The initiative also encourages participation in community activities such as local wellness fairs, fitness challenges and support groups.
National Wellness Month also advocates for strategies to improve work-life balance. They include promoting flexible working hours, taking regular breaks and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Building supportive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues is also a key component.
One of the key messages of National Wellness Month is that improving your well-being doesn’t have to be expensive. There are numerous cost-effective strategies that can help, including participation in community fitness challenges or free fitness classes offered in parks or local centers.
Mental health is equally important, and there are affordable ways to nurture it. Many organizations offer free or low-cost meditation and mindfulness sessions during National Wellness Month. Engaging in community events that encourage social connections and participating in group nature walks or outdoor yoga sessions can also boost mental well-being.
National Wellness Month also addresses financial health, offering opportunities for individuals to improve their money management skills by attending free financial wellness workshops and discovering community resources like food banks, clothing drives and library programs.
For those who want to make lifestyle changes, National Wellness Month also offers advice on how to quit smoking with its free cessation programs and how to reduce alcohol consumption, with support groups available to help.
Throughout National Wellness Month, individuals are also encouraged to adopt simple daily habits that can significantly impact their overall health. Regular exercise – even just 30 minutes a day – can improve both mood and physical health. Staying hydrated is crucial and spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure and improve mental clarity.
Practicing deep breathing techniques can help manage stress and promote relaxation, while getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining both mental and physical well-being. Taking a break from social media can also be beneficial, helping to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Finally, staying connected with friends and family through regular calls or video chats helps maintain the strong social bonds that are vital to well-being.
