The Wellness Trifecta
Exercise
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn, but any amount of activity is better than none at all.
Diet
A healthy diet may help to prevent certain long-term (chronic) diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It may also help to reduce your risk of developing some cancers and help you to keep a healthy weight.
Sleep
Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly.
Knowledge is Power
Checklists
Low Self-Esteem
Suicide
Depression
Anxiety
Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem Checklist
Uses negative “I am” statements
Sexually acting out online or in person
Constant self-doubt
Avoids trying new activities
Calls themselves names
Speaks too loudly and aggressive in tone
Avoids social situations
Symptoms of Being at Risk For Suicide
Disinterest in favorite extracurricular activities
Problems at work and losing interest in a job
Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug (illegal and legal drugs) use
Withdrawing from family and friends
Begins to neglect hygiene and other matters of personal appearance
Emotional distress brings on physical complaints (aches, fatigues, migraines)
Risk taking behaviors
Does not respond as before to praise
Symptoms of Depression
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or having little energy
Poor appetite, overeating, or considerable weight changes
Feeling bad about yourself – that you are a failure or having a lot of guilt
Difficulty concentrating on things or making decisions
Symptoms of Anxiety
Constantly feeling tense, worried, or on edge
Your anxiety interferes with your work, school, or family responsibilities?
You are plagued by fears that you know are irrational, but can’t shake?
You believe that something bad will happen if certain things aren’t done a certain way?
Avoiding everyday situations or activities because they cause you anxiety Sudden, unexpected attacks of heart-pounding panic
Feeling like danger and catastrophe are around every corner?
Low Self-Esteem
Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem Checklist
Uses negative “I am” statements
Sexually acting out online or in person
Constant self-doubt
Avoids trying new activities
Calls themselves names
Speaks too loudly and aggressive in tone
Avoids social situations
Suicide
Symptoms of Being at Risk For Suicide
Disinterest in favorite extracurricular activities
Problems at work and losing interest in a job
Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug (illegal and legal drugs) use
Withdrawing from family and friends
Begins to neglect hygiene and other matters of personal appearance
Emotional distress brings on physical complaints (aches, fatigues, migraines)
Risk taking behaviors
Does not respond as before to praise
Depression
Symptoms of Depression
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or having little energy
Poor appetite, overeating, or considerable weight changes
Feeling bad about yourself – that you are a failure or having a lot of guilt
Difficulty concentrating on things or making decisions
Anxiety
Symptoms of Anxiety
Constantly feeling tense, worried, or on edge
Your anxiety interferes with your work, school, or family responsibilities?
You are plagued by fears that you know are irrational, but can’t shake?
You believe that something bad will happen if certain things aren’t done a certain way?
Avoiding everyday situations or activities because they cause you anxiety Sudden, unexpected attacks of heart-pounding panic
Feeling like danger and catastrophe are around every corner?
Books We Recommend
This book is a classic in the world of relationship self-help. It will give you insight into how to communicate effectively with your loved one.
Do you struggle to shake the feeling that you’re not “good enough”? If so, you might want to give Wholehearted Living a try.
Growing up as a girl in today’s world is no easy task. Juggling family, friends, and life is stressful. This book helps teens learn new tools to girl up.
If you’ve been searching for that elusive work-life balance oasis, or if you’ve ever described yourself as “super-busy,” this book is for you.
Have You Done Your Couch Time Check-In?
Here’s the “real deal”: until we start taking our mental health as seriously as we do our physical health in this country, we will always be on the reactive, not proactive, side of the issue. We have physical check-ups, dental check-ups…heck, we even have our car and air conditioner checked regularly. But most people only seek mental health after things have really gone wrong. Regular check-ins will go a long way in detecting when someone is struggling and could prevent small problems from turning into significant issues. We call it getting a “Couch Time Check-In.”
As a Neely EAP member, you have access to a yearly Couch Time Check-In at no cost. Simply call or email our office to schedule your visit. Our mission is to create a national initiative to break the stigma associated with mental health through the use of annual mental health check-ins.
Drop the BS Wellness Podcast
73: Have You Been Easily Irritated Lately?
Why am I so easily irritated? Where does my irritability come from? These are some questions that may roll around your mind if you find yourself snapping at your loved ones, yelling at your dog, or experiencing road rage. Irritability is an instinctual reaction to...
72: Exploring Mindfulness, Meditation, and Manifestation w/Mahimia
In the last few years, meditation, mindfulness, and manifestation seem to be the buzzwords used to talk about mental wellness. Many have gravitated towards and practiced these concepts, but many others are still a bit skeptical. Emerging research, however, has shown...
71: Dealing with Boundary Breakers
It's inevitable that at some point in life, you will run into someone who is a boundary breaker. Boundaries can be created around various things, like time, space, money, and even energy. Without boundaries, you may feel like you are being taken advantage of or...
70: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff w/ Kristine Carlson
On today’s Drop the BS podcast episode, I am joined by New York Times Best-Selling Author Kristine Carlson, co-author of the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” series. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, and The Today Show. Her life story has recently been turned into a Lifetime movie, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story”.
69: What Lesson Is Life Trying To Teach You?
Have you ever felt like no matter how busy you are during the day, you never get as much done as you had hoped? It may feel like you’re running in place, and your destination keeps getting pushed further and further away. When we feel like this, life may...
68: Disrupting the Chronic Dieting and Shame Cycle w/ Camille Martin
Sweetbread, cakes, and ham with a side of hot pepper sauce were the smells that overwhelmed my West Indian home as a child during the holidays. I could indulge in these delicacies without a second thought. As an adult, however, holiday eating can be a real challenge...
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