With autumn quickly approaching, it can be helpful to have a variety of fall wellness ideas to share with your staff through the employee app. Consider providing the tips below throughout the upcoming months to promote the health and well-being of your employees.
Time to Get Your Annual Flu Shot
As we head into fall, it is time to make an appointment to get your annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all individuals ages 6 months and older get the flu shot. The flu shot can help reduce your risk of catching the flu virus as well as lessen the severity of illness if you do get sick. Getting the flu shot is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from catching the flu this season.
Schedule Your Wellness Exams
This fall make preventative health a priority for you and your family. Before the busyness of the holiday season, take time to schedule your annual wellness physical, dental cleaning, and eye exams. Many health and wellness benefits must be utilized before the end of the calendar year. Review your wellness plan and schedule your preventative health appointments so you can take full advantage of the health benefits you are provided.
Support Your Immune System
With flu season approaching, it is important to take steps to support the health of your immune system. Three easy steps everyone can take this fall to help reduce the risk of getting sick include:
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Wash Your Hands - Regular hand washing can help prevent the spread of germs and help keep you and your family healthy throughout the fall season. When you wash your hands, make sure to use soap and running water, and thoroughly scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to remove germs.
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Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables - Fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which provide numerous health benefits, including promoting a healthy immune system. This fall, enjoy a variety of seasonal produce, including: apples, grapes, leafy greens, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and winter squash.
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Get Adequate Sleep - An important way you can support your immune system this fall is by ensuring you get adequate sleep each night. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommends that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night to support optimal health. If you are not regularly getting 7 hours of quality sleep each night, make it a priority to take steps to improve your sleep hygiene this fall.
Make Time for Physical Activity
Making time for physical activity this fall is important for both your physical and mental health and wellness. Regular physical activity can help improve sleep, boost your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve your overall quality of life.
It is recommended that adults aim for 150 minutes of physical activity throughout the week. Find ways to add activity to your everyday routine, such as taking the stairs, taking a 10-minute walk on your lunch break, or enjoying a hike at a local park on the weekend.
When possible, find ways to be active outdoors in nature. Being physically active outdoors may lead to further boosts in mental well-being beyond those seen with indoor exercise. With the changing of the seasons, it is the perfect time to enjoy a family nature hike and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.
Take Care of Your Mental Wellness
Throughout the fall months, make sure to take time to rest, recharge, and take care of your mental wellness. Consider what daily strategies you can adopt to help stay centered and reduce stress, especially as the holiday season approaches. Journaling, deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness exercises, and progressive relaxation are all techniques you can use to support your mental and emotional well-being.
Perform Safety Checks Around the House
During November, daylight savings time occurs, in which the clocks fall back one hour. The American Red Cross recommends using the time change as a helpful reminder to check the smoke alarms in your house as well as the carbon monoxide detectors.
In addition to testing the alarms, talk to your children about what to do if a fire or other emergency occurs. Similar to a fire drill at school, take time to practice how you would escape from each room of the house during a fire. Although it can be frightening to consider, being prepared for how to respond to a house fire can save lives.
Focus on Financial Wellness
Use the fall months to focus on your financial wellness. This can be a good time to meet with a financial advisor and set goals for the upcoming year. In addition, before the holiday season can be an opportune time to create a budget to follow in the months ahead. If you do not have an emergency fund, consider creating one now, as this can help reduce feelings of stress when the unexpected occurs.
Tips for Employee Health and Well-Being
You now have a variety of ideas for fall wellness tips you can share with your employees in the upcoming months. Providing employees with regular wellness reminders through the employee app will help keep wellness top of mind throughout the fall season.
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