Well-Being Moments

Make getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night a priority this week by making a healthy change to your nighttime routine. Turn off all screens at least an hour before bedtime, avoid spicy foods and alcohol before bed or adjust your thermostat settings to create a more comfortable sleeping environment. Getting enough quality sleep allows your body to repair itself and your brain to process information, so you can stay strong physically and mentally.

Identify a situation that causes you to eat unhealthy foods or eat when you aren’t hungry — for example, watching a movie, driving by a favorite fast food restaurant or seeing a plate of treats in a meeting. Think about how you can avoid that cue or turn your response into a healthy habit.

Find time today to just sit quietly and be present in the moment. Focus on your breathing and be aware of the sights and sounds around you. In our hectic and fast-moving lives, taking moments to be still allows us to contemplate, observe, re-energize and find some inner peace.

Take a break to take care of yourself. When you’re feeling stressed from work or from taking care of others all the time, the healthiest thing you can do is take some time for yourself. Self-care gives you energy and strength, so you can accomplish what you need to do — and be happy and healthy while you do it.

Identify something in your life that causes you stress and think about what you can do to reduce this stressor. For example, if you often feel rushed in the morning, pledge to wake up 20 to 30 minutes earlier so you have more time to start your day without feeling rushed. Reducing or removing even small stressors from your life can help you feel happier throughout the day, which lead to a big improvement in your emotional well-being over time.

If you suffer from stress or anxiety in a way that feels unmanageable or insurmountable, seek out a trusted GuidanceResources EAP counselor to speak with. Counselling sessions are safe and judgment-free — an opportunity for you to share anything, with a trained professional who is there to help. They can help you understand and cope with your feelings and find solutions to help you feel better.