Category: Lifestyle

Temperatures are high, days are long, vacations are planned, and summer is definitely here. And luckily for summer lovers, we get to enjoy it through the end of September! During these hotter months, you might realize yourself putting health on the backburner to tend to your summer plans. It’s important to work healthy habits into your schedule so you don’t feel burnt out or unwell by the time fall rolls around. With so much going on, use this summer health and wellness guide to feel both physically and mentally set to take on the season with healthy tips like eating in-season and using an infrared sauna.

Use an Infrared Sauna

Even though it might be hot outside, having an infrared sauna session in your routine can be a huge benefit to your total body wellness this summer. Infrared saunas offer a number of health benefits such as muscle recovery, improved skin, boosted immune system, reduced stress, increased metabolism, and much more. On top of that, infrared technology allows for lower temperatures than a traditional sauna while still allowing for deep infrared penetration, meaning you won’t have to worry about adding too much more heat this season. Sauna sessions can be as long or short as you need them to be, making them an easy addition to your summer health routine.

Protect Your Skin

Summer is all about fun in the sun, but too much sun can be an issue for your skin. Sun exposure, heat, and dryness all can lead to skin damage, so it’s important to find a summer skin care routine that protects your skin from the elements. Sunscreen is an essential product in any routine, but especially in summer when you’re enjoying the outdoors a bit more. No matter how long you’ll be in the sun, apply sunscreen before leaving the house and reapply depending on your day. Summer activities like swimming can wash off your sun protection. Regular use of moisturizers, exfoliators, and infrared saunas can also help combat dry summer skin.

Exercise Outdoors

Getting proper exercise benefits your mental and physical health, especially in the summer when the weather is warm and clear. Moving more and sitting less can have major health benefits such as reduced stress, maintaining a healthy weight, improved metabolism, and more. What’s great about summer weather is its ability to get people outside, and even a simple daily walk to enjoy the sun can be a great addition to your summer health routine. Aim to get around 2.5 hours of active movement a week to keep your body healthy and in top shape, and use an infrared sauna to boost your summer workout even more.

Pick Up a Hobby

A healthy summer is all about balance, which means prioritizing time for yourself and pursuing passions, interests, and new adventures. Summer hobbies can include a lot of outdoor activities like learning how to surf or becoming an avid hiker. Not a fan of the summer heat? Then use the air conditioning as an excuse to enjoy the air conditioning of your house or a classroom! Indoor hobbies like painting or baking are great to pick up in the summer, as they can be enjoyed year-round as the weather changes. And depending on your goals, hobbies can either be a great social activity or a solo experience to connect with yourself.

Meditate

Summertime can be fast paced, and it might seem like you have plans around every corner with no time for yourself. It might be time to incorporate some meditation into your summer wellness routine to give yourself a break. Mindfulness meditation is a technique that helps reduce stress by slowing down your thoughts and moving your focus away from negative emotions. Mindfulness meditation is rooted in breathing exercises that keep you focused on the present moment. Studies have shown that meditation makes you less distractible and improves your resilience to stress. You can get started by dedicating as little as five minutes a day to take a breather – literally.

Do a Digital Detox

Our phones, tablets, and televisions are our ways to stay connected to the world. But every once in a while, taking a break is a good thing. Excessive screen time can take a toll on your well-being, from physical to mental health. With the great summer weather right outside, dedicate some time away from your phone and computer every day to take a break from the screen. You don’t need to do a full detox of ditching your phone for days, but adding screentime breaks into a healthy summer routine can help you feel refreshed and reconnected with your surroundings. Use this time to meditate, read, socialize in person, or do a physical activity.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key every day, but especially in the summer as temperatures rise and you are sweating a bit more than in other seasons. On top of the physical downsides of not drinking enough water, such as headaches and lightheadedness, did you know that becoming even slightly dehydrated can lead to lowered mood and decreased concentration too? Keep water or other low-sugar drinks on hand to sip throughout the day, especially if you’re sweating more than usual due to activities such as exercise or sauna use, or simply from the heat outside. If you need to, set an alarm every hour to drink water until it becomes a natural part of your healthy summer routine.

Eat Light and Fresh

Not only is eating in season more nutritious, but it’s also more affordable and more delicious. With fruits and veggies like corn, beets, strawberries, summer squash, cherries, and peaches more readily available from farms, it’s easy to fill your kitchen with some of the ripest summer produce available. These fruits and vegetables lend themselves to creating light and refreshing flavors that can be made into great dishes like salads, flatbreads, healthy pastas (with in-season zucchini noodles!) and desserts. Try cooking them on the grill for some true summer vibes, and throw a healthy summer party to enjoy the nice weather.

As we’re in the final weeks of summer, add these healthy summer tips to your regular routine to enjoy the rest of the season and feel prepared to go into fall feeling your best. Starting these healthy habits now will set you up for a healthy future every season of the year. From protecting your skin to giving yourself a mental break, your body will thank you for focusing on your summer health and wellness!

Having a home workout routine is great for your health, especially if you have a home gym that allows you to maximize health benefits whenever you want. Carefully setting up a home gym is a great way to have access to everything you need to stay physically fit at home, from warming up to cooling down. Read on to learn about the benefits of working out from home and which items to include when setting up your home gym, from workout equipment and recovery tools like an infrared sauna.

The Benefits of Working Out at Home

Recently, many people have included home workouts in their regular routines. Whether shifting from gym visits or starting new, working out at home is a great way to stay active – especially if you have the added benefit of having a home gym to take it up a level. Some of the main benefits of working out from home include:

• Easy access and efficiency: Working out at home means you get to workout whenever you want – whether that’s between meetings or before bed. And without anything like traffic or planning your workouts around avoiding the busy hours, you save time and add flexibility to your overall schedule.
• Making working out a lifestyle: Going to the gym can feel like a chore if it isn’t part of your routine that you enjoy, and it’s easy to make excuses to not do chores. Instead, working out at home helps you work it into your lifestyle and daily home life, which makes it easier to set a routine.
• Having a home sanctuary: The gym can feel impersonal, whereas working out at home allows you to connect with yourself and create a sanctuary at home free of any distractions or judgment. Bonus points if you make your home gym a full wellness sanctuary with an infrared sauna.
• Setting your own standards: People in public spaces might not always meet your own cleanliness standards – especially in the gym. Working out at home means you control your own space’s level of sanitation and cleanliness with your own personal equipment.

Tips for Setting Up a Home Gym

Choose a Dedicated Space

First, you need to decide where you want to set up your home gym. The spare bedroom, office, or even a back porch or patio, are all great spaces for exercise. While a dedicated room is great for separating workout equipment from the rest of the home, if you don’t have a spare room, a small area in your home (like the living room) that can double as your workout space will also work. Try to find or create a space with natural light, and keep it as light and airy as possible with good airflow. Your at-home gym area should be a place that is bright, comfortable, and away from distractions so you can fully direct your attention to your workout.

Make it a Place You Want to Spend Time In

After you choose the space you’ll be using for your home gym, it is important to make it a place that you’ll actually enjoy using. Having a bare room crowded with exercise equipment might make it unappealing to do your home workout. Instead, make the room tidy and filled with things that motivate you. Add in a TV and speakers, use an exciting color palette, and add in any additional comforts that will get you excited to workout. Including features such as large mirrors, easy-to-clean floors, and dedicated workout spots (cardio, strength training, yoga, etc) will help you get into the gym mentality at home, as well.

Have Adequate Storage

While planning your home gym setup, take storage into heavy consideration. You will want to have ample space to do your workouts and won’t want to be tripping over jump ropes and kettlebells. Especially if you have a smaller space, having creative storage solutions can help you maximize your home gym and its capabilities. When setting up storage, consider ease of access so you can quickly store or get to the equipment you need. Remember that you’ll need plenty of floor space. And if you’re considering expanding your home gym equipment in the future, think ahead about how it will fit with current equipment so you won’t have to do much reorganizing down the road.

Equip it With Home Gym Essentials

Now that you’ve designed and prepped your home gym space, it’s time to equip it. The great thing about a home gym is that you can choose any exercise equipment that you enjoy using to focus on the workouts that matter to you. For cardio, check out a stationary bike, treadmill, or weighted jump rope. If you’re looking to fit in some strength training, invest in some kettlebells, dumbbells, and resistance bands. There are plenty of other home gym equipment options to choose from, including some cool high-tech gadgets, so research your favorites and start off with the ones you’ll use most – you can always get more.

Consider Non-Exercise Equipment

On top of exercise equipment, there are some home gym essentials you’ll want to consider for workout recovery. After your intense workout, your home gym should also be the place where you can cool down and take steps toward recovering your muscles. Tools like foam rollers, yoga wheels, inversion tables, and yoga mats are all great additions to your home gym. Another great recovery tool is an infrared sauna. From compact one-person saunas to saunas for hot yoga, investing in an infrared sauna for your home gym can help your muscles recover faster, boost your workout performance, and provide a number of other health benefits. You’ll have a gym and spa in one place!

Set a Home Workout Plan

Once you have your workout space set up, it should be easy to jump into a workout whenever you want. Start off your home gym session by creating a workout routine. It’s recommended to change it up a few times a week so you don’t get bored and you have the ability to properly work all areas of your body without becoming too fatigued. At the end of every workout, sanitize your area. While home gyms may not have the germs of strangers, keeping your space clean after sweating out toxins is important for staying healthy at home. Not only does it keep things clean for your health, it also helps prolong the quality of your home gym equipment for longer.

Having a home gym is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy endless health benefits right in the comfort of your own house. Use these tips to set up your ultimate home gym, and start moving your body – whether you choose cardio or hot yoga. And don’t forget to recover in your infrared sauna when you’re all done!

After the last couple of years, how we have defined and perceived the health and wellness space has shifted. As we continue into the year, we’re seeing new trends in these spaces both emerge and grow. With so many innovations in the industry, we’re seeing a real emphasis on personal health that hasn’t been seen before to this degree – and we love it! Read on to learn more about which health and wellness trends are becoming popular in 2022, from larger focuses on immune and mental health to sound healing, and see how to implement them in your life.

Immune Health

One out of three consumers reported they were more concerned about immune health than before the pandemic. Immune health has been put in the spotlight as people aim to keep their bodies strong and protected from disease, and that spotlight is still bright. Over the years, there have been increases in people using  immune-boosting treatments such as red light therapy, IV therapy (vitamin drip), supplements, and detox programs. Other popular immune health services include injection therapy (such as B12 shots), infrared sauna use, and salt therapy.

Mental Wellness

According to Mindbody, mental health was ranked the most important dimension of wellness by the greatest number of Americans with 49% agreeing that the pandemic has negatively affected their mental wellbeing. As wellness trends progress, the stigma of seeking solutions for mental health has weaned, which in turn has made it a popular topic. We expect to continue to see higher focuses on work-life balance, mental health treatments, and incorporating daily routines to help support mental wellness this year.

Personalized Treatments

In today’s health and wellness trends, many people want to avoid generic advice and one-size-fits-all wellness. Instead, they seek out sources that offer more personalized experiences where they can learn more about themselves and determine practices that benefit their own personal healing. Trends show that people are more invested in their individual health, and services such as personalized vitamin packs to personalized workout routines have become more and more popular in the market.

Home Sanctuaries

As many have had to spend more time at home, people will be intentional about how they bring healing and joy into their spaces by creating home sanctuaries. External uncertainties like new COVID-19 variants, returning to the office, school closures, and more encourage us to create a soothing home environment to help establish balance. Those staying at home more often will invest more in items such as home infrared saunas and personal gym equipment to achieve their needs for health and wellness within the comfort of their homes.

Intuitive Movement

Intuitive movement and mental-health–based exercise regimens will continue to become increasingly more popular  this year. Working out is shifting from being a way to obtain a specific body type into something that fuels our mental health and wellness. The rise of ‘snackable’ or ‘micro’ workouts will keep growing – instead of sticking to intense workout regimens that might cause physical and mental stress, people are finding ways to include fitness into their daily lives intuitively to avoid pushing their bodies and minds to extremes.

Hormone Balancing

In recent years, we have seen the increase in hormone health offerings to support everything from mood to metabolism. Focusing on endocrine system health has been a growing trend that is really starting to take off as more products and therapies become available. In this year’s health and wellness trends, consumers want to know how they can harness the power of their hormones to support their natural hormonal balance, which in turn can increase energy levels, boost mood, reduce stress, increase muscle strength, and much more.

Body Microbiome

The research of the microbiome has exploded in the last decade, leading us to understand more and more about the complex intricacies at play between the organisms living on us, in us, and their relationship to us. With that growing body of research, we’re getting a better picture of how to actually care for each of these unique eco-niches. Bacteriophagic prebiotics are going to be the most important thing to happen to the microbiome in 2022, as they target bad bacteria and destroy them from within, allowing probiotics to thrive and not have to compete.

Plant-Based Diets

You’ve heard of vegan and vegetarian diets in the past, but health trends in 2022 are seeing the rise of new terms like flexitarian and reducetarian – also known as those who are flexible vegetarians or those reducing their animal protein intake. Innovations in the plant-based food industry have made it easier for people to cut down the amount of meat they are consuming, even for devoted meat-eaters. This year will continue to see the increase in plant-based alternatives and people being more mindful of their diet’s sustainability.

Facial Body Work

On top of regular skincare such as topical applications or taking nutrients to support healthy skin, facial body work is a wellness trend that seems to be gaining in popularity. Using massage therapy and exercises that stimulate the muscles, skin, and lymphatic system, facial body work helps soften and relax facial muscles to help alleviate tension and stress. Gua Sha is a popular technique to relieve tension, sculpt skin, and increase circulation to help reduce acne scars, reduce puffiness and dark spots, and promote lymphatic drainage.

Sound Healing

Sound healing has been around for millennia, but wellness trends in 2022 will see a spike in modern-day sound therapy. Sound healing has been shown to have many benefits, such as relaxing your body to invigorating your mind, and is sometimes used as a form of biohacking to achieve your health goals. Personalized soundscapes powered by AI, vibration resonance therapy in an infrared sauna, and a renewed interest in ancient techniques like sound baths are all incredible ways to feel the healing power of sound.

Taking care of your health is important, and following these health and wellness trends for 2022 will make it fun! Personal and individualized health is the main focus, giving you control over what you do and how you approach wellness. With so many new products and solutions on the market today, it’s exciting to find which ones fit your wellness goals best. Keep an eye on these wellness trends, and follow them to be the best and healthiest version of you this year.

Over the last couple of years, we’ve been faced with a lot of changes – many pertaining to our health. The way we work, eat, get social, and simply live have all faced some sort of shift to adapt to the way things are today. But change doesn’t have to be bad or scary! In fact, it can be something we continue to grow on to build out our best lives possible. As we get into the swing of things in 2022, what are some of the best healthy habits for life we’ve picked up in the last couple of years, and how can we continue to apply them for a healthier future?

Bettering Our Immune System Health

With a couple years of thoroughly washing hands, wearing masks, and keeping distance, everyone had a bit of a crash course on the importance of our immune system and the steps we can take to keep our bodies healthy. On top of that, many of us started to look into more ways we can naturally support our immune health even further by changing our daily habits. Exercising more, eating better, getting enough sleep, taking supplements, and doing immune-boosting activities such as using an infrared sauna all became part of our new health regimens.

This year, maintain those habits you’ve been forming to turn them into healthy habits for life. Your immune system is constantly working hard to keep you healthy, so return the favor by treating it right and taking steps to prevent sickness. Give yourself a health challenge to get you motivated to stick to your goals for lasting habits.

Cooking More at Home

Once going to restaurants became a bit harder to do, delivery and cooking at home started to become more popular. While ordering delivery is nice from time to time, it isn’t as sustainable of an option as cooking at home with its higher costs and less healthy options. With more time spent at home, that means more time spent in the kitchen as well. This has allowed us to learn how to mindfully prepare meals for ourselves and understand the ingredients that go into what we eat, which helps improve our health, energy, and more.

This year, keep using that kitchen and preparing nutritious meals at home! With so many recipes out there, you’re sure to continue finding new food you love. To kick it up a bit, start incorporating things like weekly meal prep or meatless Mondays to mix things up.

Embracing Our Relationships

Being social definitely required some creative approaches over the last couple of years. Family reunions turned into Zoom calls, happy hour became having a drink with a friend over FaceTime, and work meetings started with, “Can everyone see my screen?” Being apart made us realize how important our relationships are and how much it means to be in contact with those we care about. By getting creative with communication, we’ve found better and more efficient ways to be social in times we can’t physically be together.

This year, stay social! As some things shift back to “normal”, you’ll see more people in person and have a different approach to your social life. But still keep those family Zoom calls to see relatives who may be far away, have a glass of wine with a friend over the phone to catch up after a long week, and talk to those who make you happy.

Finding New Ways to Exercise

Maybe you went to the gym all the time, and then those plans were halted. Or maybe you always worked out at home and needed a change of scenery after being home all day long. Or, perhaps, you were looking for new ways to get some fresh air. No matter your reason, your exercise routine probably had to adapt – which is actually better for your physical health! We’ve had to get creative with our workouts by taking online group classes, starting to do more outdoor activities, or setting up a home gym. It was a great way to find new ways to get our blood pumping.

This year, keep finding new and exciting ways to get active. Start going on hikes or bike rides to exercise outside and explore new areas. Or keep building up your home gym to up your at-home workout game. And while you’re at it, use an infrared sauna after working out to feel those health benefits even more.

Improving Mental Health

Mental health has seen a huge shift over the years, even before the last two years threw the world for a loop. What was once shrouded by a stigma is now embraced, and the last couple of years have really stressed the importance of being mindful of our mental health. With the changes that rapidly took over our lives, high stress levels and burnout became very real side effects. This caused many people to address their mental health and find solutions and support to help make life more manageable.

This year, continue to make time for yourself and do mental check-ins. If you are feeling down, reach out to find support and find ways to give yourself a boost when needed by slowing down and doing something like meditation or journaling. Infrared sauna use can also help improve mood and mental health, making it great to help unwind.

Setting Boundaries

Finally, one of the best healthy habits we’ve learned is that it is important to set boundaries. These boundaries had to be set to keep life manageable as we navigated unknown times. It wasn’t always easy to set them, but the results are well worth it. Boundaries were set for: yourself, work, relationships, making plans, and more. In doing so, we have been able to better identify our wants and needs, find a better work-life balance, and make realistic commitments.

This year, continue to feel comfortable setting boundaries that work for your life. The art of saying “no” is an important thing to learn so you have the physical, mental, and emotional capacities to do the things that are enjoyable for you. Balancing your needs helps you be present for other parts of your life.

Life throws all kinds of things at us, and all we can do is adapt and learn how to make changes that will benefit us in the long run. We’ve certainly learned a lot the last couple of years, and hopefully some of the positive things we’ve taken away from all of this will leave us with some of the best healthy habits for life. Remember these habits as we get into the new year and continue to build upon them so you have the best and healthiest future ahead.

Winter has begun, which means the cold weather is here! The cold has long been associated with getting sick as people spend more time indoors in close quarters, immune systems are lowered, stress is increased, and healthy habits sometimes go out the door. But winter doesn’t have to mean a season of sickness! Read on to find ways to stay healthy this season with these winter health tips – from eating healthy meals among winter treats to protecting your body from winter colds.

Detoxify

One of the most useful winter health tips is detoxification. There are many benefits of detoxification, such as the elimination of toxins and chemicals, ease of muscle soreness, and general relaxation. Sweating is one of the main forms of detoxification. Either hit the gym or use an infrared sauna for a deep sweat session that will leave you feeling healthier this winter season. An infrared sauna will take your detox to the next level with a slew of other health benefits such as reduced stress, improved skin health, a boosted immune system, and of course, a great way to stay warm – all great things for winter health.

Stay Warm

Getting sick in the winter is a common occurrence, and it may partially be caused by the cold. Some viruses spread more easily in cold air, and being cold may have an adverse impact on your immune system. One way to help keep your body healthy is by keeping warm. Luckily, this means you also get to be more comfortable! When you’re outside, wear appropriate clothing, and make sure your extremities are well protected. You can also keep warm by having a session in an infrared sauna, which will make you warm while boosting your immune system. Cozying up next to the fire, enjoying warm foods, holding a mug of warm tea, and exercising can also help.

Exercise

Apart from the warmth, exercise is one of the top ways to stay healthy regardless of the season. With large, indulgent meals and the desire to just sit in front of the fire, it’s easy to fall off the workout wagon. Exercising doesn’t just help you stay in shape physically, it can also help you stay in shape mentally. Movement helps boost endorphins, which is especially helpful in the winter when many experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Get active for 30 minutes every day, whether that means taking a stroll outside or hitting the gym. This way, you can stay happy and get your blood pumping.

Eat Well

The winter is full of warm and cozy treats that can be hard to ignore. This winter season, indulge in moderation and consider a detox after. Try to keep the decadent treats to a minimum, and make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of vitamins. Take the time to plan out meals a few days in advance, focus on lighter fare that allows you to take advantage of local farmer’s markets and seasonal items, and eat as healthy as possible to support your overall mission of good health and wellness over the winter. Sure, you can indulge here and there, but it feels a lot better to eat healthfully than to overeat.

Get Rest

With the winter months being some of the most hectic for many, rest is one of the most important winter health tips. This season, take time to rest and relax to recharge your body. Whether it’s an hour to read your favorite book or ensuring you get the proper number of hours of sleep every night, rest is important for brain function, mood, and even cardiovascular health. Between work, social engagements, and life in general, it is important to make time for yourself and take it easy to let your body heal and recuperate. Work rest and sleep into your daily routine to get your body on a healthy schedule.

Step Outside

Depending on where you are, the weather outside may be frightful, but the benefits of going outside are so delightful. Spending some time outside is linked to many benefits that may affect your mental health during the winter, such as boosting creativity and concentration, fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder, improving your mood, reducing stress, and preventing cabin fever. Don’t get the winter blues stuck inside, bundle up and go outside for your mental health. Always be sure to check the weather beforehand and wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, and stay warm to prevent catching a cold!

Meditate

Quieting your mind in the winter may seem like a difficult task when you’re still recovering from the holidays and starting to plan the year ahead, but taking 10 minutes of your day to meditate can help significantly reduce your stress. Work meditation into your daily routine, whether it’s when you wake up or before bed. Take this time to center yourself and collect your thoughts. Meditation can be done anywhere, but we recommend trying it in a sauna or in bed for ultimate relaxation. You can boost your meditation session by pairing it with a bit of daily journaling to keep track of your mood and how your mental health is impacted.

Set Boundaries

An important tip for mentally staying healthy during the winter is learning how to set boundaries. There are some settings or situations that might make you uncomfortable, and that is okay! Whether you’re avoiding large crowds or simply don’t have the time on your plate to make new plans, boundaries ensure that you don’t end up experiencing burnout – which can lead to stress that can eventually contribute to worsening your health. Set these boundaries with yourself and be comfortable with saying no to plans that don’t work with your schedule or your comfort level. Those close to you will respect and understand your choices!

Prevent Sickness

The winter season means colder temperatures, which often lead to sickness if proper precautions aren’t taken. Cold weather facilitates the spreading of germs and lowers your immune system. This tip might not 100% be in your control, but taking extra care in winter to prevent sickness and boost your immune system can help reduce your chances of catching something. Along with the tips above, you can keep your body healthy this winter by staying hydrated, taking vitamins and supplements, washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask in large crowds, and minimizing contact with those who may be sick.

This winter, take extra care of yourself to ensure you have a healthy and happy season! Use these winter health tips to guide you along your health journey. Remember, many of these tips are helpful year-round. Start incorporating these practices into your everyday routine to start a healthy future for yourself.

After this last year and a half of a different approach to life, it might feel a bit odd returning back to pre-pandemic life. With increased vaccine rollouts and expanded access across the country, returning to “normal” is something on the horizon that many are looking forward to. However, this return to normalcy is making some anxious. People who are still worried about contracting the virus or who are used to spending time alone may find it difficult to return to their pre-pandemic social lives.

This is why it is so important to set a plan for healthy transitions for life after COVID so it isn’t an overwhelming experience. Read on to find the best ways to mentally and physically prepare yourself for getting back into the swing of things in a healthy manner.

Tips for the Return to Normalcy

Build Up Your Immune System

Health is obviously one of the top priorities when returning to life after COVID. Building up your immune system can help keep your body in the best shape possible to defend against any sickness. In this last year and a half in isolation, your body hasn’t been exposed to many outside influences, which might make you more susceptible to illnesses such as general colds or even allergies until your immunity is built up again.

Help give your immune system a boost naturally by having regular infrared sauna sessions, taking supplements, exercising, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet.

Define Your Priorities

After a year and a half at home and away from our regular activities, it can be overwhelming with all the new opportunities available. People to see, things to do, places to visit, it can all feel like a bit much. Define your priorities to make the transition easier to manage. Make a list of what you’d like to do first, whether that’s going on a trip you’ve had to reschedule or visiting friends or family members you haven’t seen in years.

Determine Boundaries

Once you have your priorities set, determine some boundaries. You don’t need to return to your pre-pandemic social life right away, and if you’re wary of seeing certain friends or are nervous about some interactions, it’s okay to take a step back. Set a window of tolerance, which is essentially a comfort zone that you can work, live, and socialize within, adjusting it as things open up more.

Embrace the Good Changes

There’s no denying that the last year and a half has been a challenge. It has been a weird period of change that has been both uncomfortable and uncertain, but it’s also important to take a look at the good changes. Perhaps you learned a new skill or picked up a new hobby. Or maybe you’ve adopted a healthier lifestyle or have invested more time into your mental health. During your return to normalcy, embrace the good changes during abnormal times.

Find a New Routine

At the start of COVID, our lives were rocked and routines were thrown out the window. Over the months, you probably found a new at-home routine. And now, that routine might have to change again. Whether you’re going back into the office after working from home or starting to do things on the weekend again, settle into a new routine that helps you fit in all the things you need to do in the day.

Make Time for Yourself

With all this energy going toward thinking about things to do when returning to normalcy, it can be easy to forget to take time for yourself. You’ve had a year and a half to yourself, so don’t stop that important time now. Set aside time that doesn’t revolve around anyone else and pamper yourself. Have a spa day, go on a solo run, watch your favorite movie, lounge and read a book, or spend time on a hobby you love.

Manage Your Overall Health

We mentioned boosting your immune system above, but there are other aspects of your health that are important to manage as well. Of course, still do the basics like washing your hands and maintaining distance between those who may be sick. You should also continue to exercise, eat a healthy diet, meditate, and go to doctor appointments to take care of your mental and physical health.

Reflect on Your Experience

This last year and a half has been a life experience many were not expecting or prepared for, which means we were collectively thrown into a world of change. It is important to reflect on these months, from the good to the bad. Reflection will help you appreciate the wins, process the hardships, and celebrate the return to normalcy even more. This is an important step forward in understanding how the pandemic has affected your life moving forward.

Set Realistic Expectations

At the end of the day, it is important to set realistic expectations for yourself when returning to normalcy and life after COVID. Things are going to be different from how they were pre-pandemic with our new normal. Expect that it’s still going to be a learning curve getting back into the swing of things, and that’s okay! With realistic expectations set and healthy transitions in place, going back to normal will be easier than you expect.

Healthy Transitions for Life After COVID

While COVID may be around for a bit longer, we are certainly getting closer to “normal” life once again. Planning and setting up healthy transitions after this last year and a half can help you ease back into an old lifestyle that feels pretty new. Take things slowly and don’t pressure yourself to do anything you aren’t comfortable with yet.

This period in life has been a learning experience and has made a large impact on us all. Anxiety about life after COVID is totally normal, but it can be managed with the right steps. Plan your transition for your return to normalcy, set boundaries, reflect on your experience, and focus on your health. Taking care of your own physical and mental health should be your top priority at this time.

A lot of health routine guides will tell you how to focus on one part of your wellbeing, be it diet, exercise, or something else. But we know that having a routine for total health and wellness requires a lot more than focusing on just one thing. From meditating for your mental health to staying hydrated for your physical health, a lot goes into creating a routine that benefits your overall health. Read on to find the best ways to have the ultimate total body wellness routine, from mind to body.

Wellness Routine for Physical Health

Begin Your Day with a Stretch

Your daily routine should start off with a good stretch. Stretching in the morning improves your energy levels, improves your circulation, relieves any tension or pain from sleeping the night before, encourages good lymphatic function, and prepares your body for the day ahead. To really bolster your morning stretch, a quick hot yoga session in an infrared sauna will really invigorate your day.

Exercise Regularly

Getting proper exercise benefits your mental and physical health. Sedentary behavior has been linked to many medical problems. Moving more and sitting less can have major health benefits such as reduced stress, maintaining a healthy weight, improved metabolism, and more. Aim to get around 2.5 hours of active movement a week to keep your body healthy and in top shape, and use an infrared sauna to boost your workout even more.

Get Quality Sleep

Getting quality sleep gives you a headstart on good mental health each day. The tough thing about sleep issues is that they lead to stress, which leads to more trouble sleeping – and the cycle continues. You can counter this by sticking to a bedtime routine. Try limiting screen time before bed, or going to bed at the same time each night. Developing a predictable routine around sleep can help put your mind at ease when it’s time to rest.

Sit in an Infrared Sauna

If you have an infrared sauna or access to one, having a sauna session in your routine can be a huge benefit to your total body wellness. Infrared saunas offer a number of health benefits such as muscle recovery, improved skin, boosted immune system, reduced stress, increased metabolism, and much more. Infrared sauna sessions can be as long or short as you need them to be, making them an easy addition to your daily health routine.

Stay Hydrated

Did you know that becoming even slightly dehydrated can lead to lowered mood and decreased concentration? Keep water or other low-sugar drinks on hand to sip throughout the day, especially if you’re sweating more than usual due to activities such as exercise or sauna use. If you need to, set an alarm every hour to drink water until it becomes a natural part of your healthy daily routine.

Take Supplements and Vitamins

Sometimes, what you eat isn’t enough to get your daily needed vitamins and nutrients. Include daily supplements and vitamins into your routine after speaking to your doctor to see what is best for you. Consume your nutrient essentials, such as a high-quality multivitamin, a vitamin D supplement, and capsules of omega-3 fish oils. This combo will help to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, lower blood pressure, and ensure optimal health.

Wellness Routine for Mental Health

Decrease Your Screen Time

Our phones, tablets, and televisions are our windows to the world. But every once in a while, taking a break is a good thing. There are lots of studies to support limiting the screentime of children and young adults, and adult studies are trending in the same direction. Excessive screen time has been linked to a reduction in gray matter in the adult brain. When this happens in your frontal lobe, it can lead to problems with impulse control. 

Eat Brain-Friendly Foods

Food can help improve your mood. Not the treats you may be thinking, like a cookie for a job well done. Try foods rich in vitamin B-12 and folate if you’re looking for ways to fight depression. Vitamin D from dairy products is linked to an increase in dopamine, which helps with mood regulation. Avoid sugar and carbohydrates when stressed, as they can cause spikes in blood sugar and hormones, which can leave you feeling even more off-balance.

Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a technique that helps reduce stress by slowing down your thoughts. This helps you move your focus away from negative emotions. Mindfulness meditation is rooted in breathing exercises that keep you focused on the present moment. Studies have shown that meditation makes you less distractible and improves your resilience to stress. You can get started by dedicating as little as five minutes a day to developing your practice.

Prepare the Night Before

A successful morning starts the night before. Set clear intentions for the next day, acknowledge the present day, and express gratitude for what happened. Reflect on your day by remembering what went well and what could have gone better by writing in a journal. You can also physically prepare for the next day by doing something like planning your outfit or packing your meals to help reduce stress the next day.

Set Weekly Goals

On top of preparing the night before, setting goals at the start of the week can be a great addition to your mental health routine. If you make a schedule and set goals for yourself for the week, you’ll be more on top of your days, and when you’re more on top of your days, you’re more on top of your life. As you cross off the tasks on your to-do list, you will feel a sense of accomplishment which will help reduce stress.

Stick to a Routine

Especially when you run a business or a household, a schedule or routine can be an excellent tool for organizing your busy mind. That’s because it limits the number of decisions you have to make each day. Routine prevents decision fatigue where you tire yourself out by getting bogged down by a bunch of small repetitive decisions. When you plan things like what you’ll wear, or what you’ll have for lunch, you’re less likely to experience decision fatigue.

Setting a daily routine for a healthy body and mind can set you on the path toward a healthier and more efficient lifestyle. Incorporate as many of the above tips for good daily routines into your life as you can and start to form healthy habits that will have lasting benefits on your wellbeing. Good habits take some time to form, and bad habits can be difficult to break, but the end result is well worth it for your total body wellness!

Working from home has become the norm for many in the last year, and was a major shift in how we all work. In fact, 7 in 10 white-collar workers are still working remotely after all this time. Separating work from home has been easy for some and difficult for others, but the difficulties can be lessened with a bit of self-care and structure. If working from home has become part of your work schedule either recently or for the last few months, these tips will help you stay energized throughout the day when your home and office are in the same space!

How to Stay Healthy While Working from Home

Go for a Walk

Adjusting to working from home means adjusting to a calmer environment, which also could mean adjusting to a more sedentary work style. You might not have noticed it in the office, but once you don’t have coworkers’ desks to visit, conference rooms to rush to, or the printer to check, you’ll realize the lack of movement at home. Go for a walk every couple of hours or so to get your blood pumping and your body moving. Walking can help you stretch your legs, burn some calories, and get you out of uncomfortably sitting in a chair all day.

Use a Sauna

If you have access to an infrared sauna while working from home, it can be one of the most helpful health tools. Since sauna sessions can be as long or short as you need them to be, it can be a great way to break up your day. Start off with a mini session before, during, or after work to help you feel energized and have mental clarity – you can even use essential oils to awaken the senses or to help you feel relaxed. And if you had to, the dry heat of saunas allows you to bring in electronics, which means you can even answer work emails or take a call while in it (though we recommend you have some time for yourself!).

Your sauna is also a great place to meditate when you do get that time to yourself. Even a 10-minute meditation and some stretching in your sauna can help. And with working from home typically being sedentary, sauna use can help you burn more calories than just simply sitting at your desk.

Stretch Often

If you don’t have a sauna at home, still make it a point to get up out of your chair and move your body from time to time. Stretching is so important, especially when working from home when many don’t have the same desk setup as when they did back in the office with ergonomic chairs and keyboards. Set a timer to stretch at least every two hours. Stand up, touch your toes, roll your neck, stretch your wrists and fingers. This helps your body increase circulation and can also help prevent you from forming poor posture.

Meal Prep

When you work from home, you don’t have access to your company’s office kitchen stocked with snacks at all times. And you likely don’t have company-sponsored lunches. This means you and your pantry are fully responsible for those midday work snack attacks! Meal prepping at the start of every week can help combat the issue of not having anything in the fridge to snack on when you need a little boost. Making your own meals also helps you stay on track with eating healthy, which in turn can help you focus better and have more energy.

Drink Water

Staying hydrated while working from home is something that is easily forgotten. If you’re used to the easy-access office water cooler at the office, you might find it harder to keep track of your water intake when you have to make a trek to the kitchen. Either set water reminders throughout the day to fill up your cup or get a big water bottle and set timers to encourage you to finish the water by the end of the day. Staying hydrated will help you feel better and sharper throughout the workday.

Talk with Someone

This one is for your mental health. In the office, you probably talked to multiple people throughout the day. That face-to-face contact and direct conversation is something that is lost when working from home. Over time, the lack of physical presence of other people can make you feel isolated and alone. Make it a goal to hear someone’s voice every day, whether that means scheduling a meeting with your coworker, calling a friend, or even simply going to the grocery store and saying hi to the cashier. Speaking to someone can really make a difference!

Work from Home Motivation Tips

Stick to a Schedule

One big difference between working in an office and working from home is the change in structure. In the office, there is a social expectation to be somewhere at a certain time and looking a certain way. At home, things might not be so rigid. While the increase in freedom may sound nice, it is also important to stick to somewhat of a schedule and a routine to keep you from losing motivation. It doesn’t have to be anything too involved, simply get up at the same time every morning, put on an outfit other than PJs, and set work hours that don’t blend with home hours.

Reward Yourself

Working from home can start to feel a bit monotonous – if you let it. Monotony definitely has an impact on your motivation, so it’s best to keep things interesting in your home office. Break up the day and boost your motivation to complete tasks by rewarding yourself from time to time. For example, reward yourself for finishing a presentation by getting a fancy coffee from the coffee shop. Or reward yourself for getting through that long call with 15 minutes of you-time in your infrared sauna. Make your reward anything you’ll look forward to after a task.

Go for a Walk (again)

Yes, a second recommendation to go for a walk! But this time, it’s for motivation while working from home. Sometimes all you need is a break from your desk and some fresh air to get you back into the right mindset to knock out your next task or project. Dedicate some time every day to walk around the block a few times and leave your work at home. Use your walk as a time to connect with yourself and take a break from your computer. If the weather isn’t great, try replacing your walk with some yoga or meditation inside to give your mind a break.

Whether you are recently starting a new work-from-home position or have been working remotely for months, these tips can help you feel more structured, organized, energized, and motivated in your home office. The switch from office to home is definitely a learning experience that can be handled by putting extra effort into taking care of yourself. Movement, mental health breaks, and schedules will hopefully make your work-from-home experience a bit more enjoyable!