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.
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
Episode 54: Hack Your Brain Chemicals to Boost Happiness
I’d love to bottle the feeling of being happy. You know that feeling when everything is easy, your mood is light, and you're full of energy. Unfortunately, life often gets in the way of those happy feelings, and we can find ourselves in a slump. But did you know how...
Episode 53:Emotional Baggage Drop Off
When it comes to your overall happiness, few forces are more destructive than emotional baggage. It can affect everything from how you show and express love to what you accept as fair pay for work. Emotional baggage is all the little insecurities that manifest over...
Episode 52: Dating Smart and Keeping Your Confidence Online
Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is a challenge for all of us. But if you’re of a certain age and trying to date online, it can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Everything from getting ghosted to feeling objectified can take a toll on your...
Episode 51: Are You Considering Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know
Making the decision to seek therapy can feel overwhelming and even a little scary. Everything from "How much will it cost?" to "How do I find the right therapist?" are questions that may run through your mind. There are a lot of unknowns and many decisions to make....
Episode 50:Let’s Do Your Couch Time Check In
If you’ve listened to my podcast for any length of time, you know one of my main objectives is to change the way we look at mental health. Traditionally, we have all been taught to ONLY seek mental health treatment after things have gone really wrong. But what...
Episode 48: Getting Good at Co-Parenting
Having children is one of the most exciting things that can happen in your life. From the joy of seeing their first smile to the nerve-racking day they start to drive a car, parenting can be a wonderful ride. But when the relationship between parents goes south, the...
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