We all know that prioritising our health and wellbeing is essential to living happy and healthy lives. And, there are lots of things we can be doing each day to take care of our physical and mental health and wellbeing…

 

Small steps can make big changes, that’s why we’ve shared our 4 favourite top tips to support you, your family and friends in staying happy and healthy. Take a read and don’t forget to share them! 😃

 

 

💤 Sleep Routine

It is suggested that we need a minimum of 7 hours of sleep for us to properly function at our best the following day. Sleep is a great way to refocus from stress and feel calm. If we are sleep deprived, it can result in us feeling anxious, agitated and hungry. If you are struggling to sleep, try meditation, counting sheep, (yes – you heard us right!) or try to read for an hour before bed and putting down your devices, to help switch off any emotions. Check out more of our Sleep Tips: https://www.paycare.org/paycare-blog-for-you/are-you-getting-enough-zzz/

 

🏃️ Exercise and Movement

 

We should aim to take a 5-10 minute break from our computer or workspace every 50 minutes, not only to give our eyes and brain a break – but to keep us moving. Aside from outside sports and regular trips to the gym, there are also many ways that we can stay active from the comfort of our own home – whether it’s jogging on the spot, doing squats in front of the TV, star-jumps whilst you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, getting outdoors, or even going up and down the stairs 10 times! It’s a well-known fact that exercise releases a biochemical mixture of brilliance, serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and adrenaline – all of which can help us feel more positive, uplifted, and generally lift mood. Check out our exercise to boost mind, body and soul blog: https://www.paycare.org/paycare-blog-for-you/3252/

 

🍏 Healthy Eating and Nutrition

 

Eating healthy, nutritious, and wholesome foods every day can increase our performance, enable us to work sharper and help feel less lethargic and frustrated. Unexpected changes to our lifestyle or routine can sometimes see our diet shuffle down our list of priorities, but it’s important that we fuel our bodies with the nutrients needed to perform well by maintaining healthy eating habits. Fruits, vegetables, and proteins are all great sources of vitamins and minerals. Maintaining a healthy diet will lift our mood and energy levels – and is invaluable to helping us feel less tired, emotionally well and more satisfied. Here’s how to avoid stress eating: https://www.paycare.org/paycare-blog-for-you/how-to-avoid-stress-eating/, and practice mindful eating: https://www.paycare.org/paycare-blog-for-you/guest-blog-top-tips-to-practice-mindful-eating/

 

🧡 Connecting with Others

 

It’s important to regularly reach out to family, friends and colleagues to feel connected with others. A positive mindset, such as expressing an attitude of gratitude and acknowledging thanks for the simple things in life, connects the heart to the brain – helping to reduce needless negativity. Plan a time of the day, suitable with others, to meet up, video call, phone or drop a text to those who mean the most, no matter how near or far they may live. Reassure those that may be lonely that you’re there for them – it’ll make both you and them happy! Here’s how helping others can help our wellbeing: https://www.paycare.org/paycare-blog-for-you/kindness-as-a-chemical-how-helping-others-helps-our-wellbeing/

 

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Where possible, it’s important we all continue to implement healthy, and happy habits in our lives – whether that’s a bit of self-care, taking the stairs instead of the lift, cooking a healthy meal, making time for an evening walk or introducing simple changes to your lifestyle.

At Paycare, we want to encourage our Policyholders to continue seeking advice and guidance about any concerning health issue they have.

 

We truly believe that ‘prevention is better than cure’ and we want to ensure that as a Policyholder, you continue to take advantage of the wide range of wellbeing services available as part of your plan – whether that be reaching out to someone to talk about any worries you may have via your Confidential Counselling Helpline, seeking medical support via your MyPocketGP app, or grabbing some fantastic discounts and offers on a range of products and services via your Paycare Perks 😊

 

Simply log into your MyPaycare area today and take care of your health and wellbeing.

 

If you aren’t an existing Paycare Policyholder and would like to know more about our Health Cash Plans and what they cover – learn more today: https://www.paycare.org/health-cash-plans/private/direct-plan/ 🧡