by Joshua Boardman, Health & Wellness Coordinator

 

A new year is the perfect time to refresh, review, and renew your health and wellness goals. It’s also a great time to establish steppingstones to improve your overall wellness. When designing your wellness plan, it’s important to include movement, physical health, mental health, and self-care. SUNY Empire’s Health and Wellness Program supports your health and wellness needs as you journey into the new year and new term. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you get started.

 

Know Your Baseline

Schedule your annual physical with your doctor to understand your baseline measurements, or biometrics, such as blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and to identify any warning signs for serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Understanding your current health and where you want to go will help you design a plan you are motivated to stick to.

 

Get Out and Move

Movement is a big part of our overall health and wellness. When we move, we activate and strengthen our muscles, organs (heart and lungs), and skeletal system which keep us well as we age. A movement program customized to your fitness level and ability is important to stay healthy. Lifeworks MySSP, SUNY Empire’s mental-health provider, offers a free fitness app called Lift. Download the app and get moving today!

Eating well will also help accelerate your success. Check out www.MyPlate.gov to find ways to adjust your nutritional needs as you kick off your movement plan.

 

Don’t Forget Your Mental Wellness

Mental Health is just as important as physical health. When you take care of your mind, you will find it helps with all aspects of your wellness! Check out LifeWorks MySSP, a free student resource offered by SUNY Empire that provides 24/7 support from licensed mental health professionals.

And if you’re planning to address any substance-use issues this new year, check out our new partner, Start Your Recovery, to find support in your local area. Resources include support groups, therapies, and other tools to help you on your journey. Not sure if you have substance use issues? Take a confidential quiz through LifeWorks MySSP. 

Stay tuned for exciting events and resources this spring. You don’t want to miss out!

 

This Month’s Wellness Observance

Promoting time to focus on the quality of living and areas to focus on to make your or others living better.

https://nationaltoday.com/international-quality-of-life-month/