Wellness Wednesday: Improve Social Wellness!

WHAT IS SOCIAL WELLNESS?

Social wellness refers to the relationships we have and how we interact with others. Our relationships can offer support during difficult times. Social wellness involves building healthy, nurturing and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you. Conscious actions are important in learning how to balance your social life with your academic and professional lives. Social wellness also includes balancing the unique needs of romantic relationships with other parts of your life.

WHY IS SOCIAL WELLNESS IMPORTANT?
Maintaining an optimal level of social wellness allows you to build healthy relationships with others. Having a supportive social network allows you to develop assertive skills and become comfortable with who you are in social situations. Surrounding yourself with a positive social network increases your self-esteem. Social wellness enables you to create boundaries that encourage communication, trust and conflict management. Having good social wellness is critical to building emotional resilience.

ROUTE TO SOCIAL WELLNESS:
As you begin your route to social wellness, you will discover that you have the power to enhance your personal relationships. Maintaining social wellness allows you to practice empathy and active listening. There are many ways you can begin your journey on the route to social wellness. Below are some suggestions on how to enhance your social wellness.

Reflect on yourself and your social needs.

**Comment Below: What aspects of your social life do you enjoy? What parts would you like to improve?**

Reference: https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/wellness/social/#.VqmS_kU76nM

Wellness Wednesday: Reduce your Stress!

An important factor of overall well-being is finding ways to reduce your stress levels!

**Comment below with how you find success reducing your stress**

The Five Pillars of Good Health

Here are Dr. Andrew Weil's five most fundamental pieces of health advice. In the true spirit of integrative medicine, these tips don’t cover only physical health - there is wisdom for the mind and spirit here, too!

Get Well Wednesday: Start Moving & Stay Active!

PHYSICAL HEALTH is an important aspect of OVERALL WELLNESS!

Let today be the day you being making lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy body! Set goals to stay active and get exercise!

**Comment below to share how you STAY ACTIVE!**

Get Well Wednesday: Drink More Water!

Why is WATER important?

Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells, and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

Health Benefits of WATER:
1. Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids
2. Water Can Help Control Calories
3. Water Helps Energize Muscles
4. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good
5. Water Helps Your Kidneys
6. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function

How much WATER should we drink?
Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual and depend on many factors: including your health, how active you are and where you live.

According to The Institute of Medicine, average water consumption is as follows:
Men = about 13 cups (3 liters)
Women = about 9 cups (2.2 liters)

OR THE EASY RULE:
"Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day"

Resources:
http://www.m.webmd.com/di…/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water
http://www.mayoclinic.org/…/nut…/in-depth/water/art-20044256
http://www.m.webmd.com/…/features/water-for-weight-loss-diet