WELLNESS

YEAR-END plans

STEPS FOR BETTER FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH IN 2022

BY DAVID BUICE

nother challenging year is winding down, and while the concerns of the pandemic aren’t over, we’ve at least managed to return to a degree of normality. With hopes for a healthier New Year ahead, this is a great time to think about things you might do now and in the coming months to promote and safeguard your personal health in 2022.

HEALTH INSURANCE

If you have health insurance through your employer, spend time examining your plan’s benefits during open enrollment to determine if an alternate plan might better serve your needs. Also, check with your human resources department about any wellness incentives your company may offer. About 75% of employers offer wellness programs, and once you know the incentives offered, you can make plans to earn some cash rewards in 2022.

SPECIAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

If you haven’t done so, consider establishing a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account to help meet medical expenses in 2022. Both reduce your taxable income, but unlike an HSA, funds in an FSA don’t roll over into the next year. So, if you currently have unspent funds in an FSA, order some new glasses or contact lenses, or you might schedule that dental appointment you’ve been putting off.

HEALTH ADVICE FROM THE CDC

Beyond these health-related financial steps, here are some recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote your good health in 2022 and beyond. FLU SHOT

There’s still time to get your annual flu shot which is the best way to protect against this perennial threat.

SLEEP

Adults need at least seven hours of sleep a night, and for healthier sleep, be consistent. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time, even on weekends. Unfortunately, about one in three adults don’t get enough sleep, which is linked to several serious diseases and conditions. These include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. One tip for better sleep: Stop using your electronic devices for an hour before going to bed.

EAT HEALTHILY

Try to improve your diet by eating more healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, certain types of fish, and avocado. Limit daily salt consumption to 2,300 mg (one teaspoon), and consume more fiber, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and peas.

MOVE MORE

Adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly. That’s 30 minutes, five days a week. You can break the 30 minutes into shorter daily segments, always remembering that some movement is better than none at all.

With these words, we wish you a prosperous and healthy 2022.

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HAVE A HAPPY holiday

SEVEN WAYS TO COMBAT SEASONAL STRESS

BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

he holidays are about tradition, family, and celebrating life. Unfortunately, they’re also about commercialism, time crunch, money concerns, competitiveness, unrealistic expectations, and stressinducing family gatherings. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Start by reexamining your expectations.

1. THINGS DON’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT

Nobody’s perfect. Whether it’s finding an on-the-nose gift for each person on your Christmas list, coming up with the perfect conversation starters at the holiday

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office party, or decorating your house top to bottom and back again, give yourself a break. Instead, make the holidays about time with the ones you love. And forgive yourself for anything that isn’t Norman Rockwell perfect. 2. DON’T PLAN EVERYTHING

Sure, you’re making a list and checking it twice, but try not to over-plan your holidays. Instead, leave some a little room for spontaneity. The moments that happen organically are often the most memorable.

3. LEARN TO DELEGATE

Don’t try to be a one-person show. Ask friends or family members to share in the holiday cooking. If they make a dish you love, they’ll probably be thrilled if you request it. And there’s no shame in your game if you pay someone to do your holiday decorating or have some meals or some elements of meals catered.

4. JUST SAY “NO!”

Saying “no” to some things can help make your holidays more enjoyable and less stressful. You can’t attend every party and head up every committee. Overbooking and overspending are two huge holiday stressors. Decide ahead of time on a reasonable number of parties to attend and a reasonable amount to spend on gift-giving. 5. FIND A LITTLE ME TIME

It’s easy to feel pulled in a dozen different directions during the holidays. Practicing some mindful self-care can get you through the season with less stress. This includes getting enough rest, staying hydrated, exercising, and eating healthily. Taking care of yourself will make it easier to keep up with all those shopping trips, holiday parties, and traveling with a spring in your step. 6. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

The holidays are a time when our loved ones show us how much we mean to them. Be grateful, not just for the gifts you receive but also for the time people spend with you during a season that’s busy for them, as well. When you’re with someone, don’t check your phone. Tune in and be present and grateful for your time together. 7. SEIZE SOME FAMILY TIME

Carve out time to enjoy the holidays together. Have a meal. See a holiday movie. Drive the little ones around oohing and aahing at Christmas lights. And be sure to find time to spend with senior friends and family members for whom the holidays can be a lonely season. This is a time to enjoy getting out of your normal routine and reconnecting with family, friends, and other loved ones. Don’t allow stress to rob you of what can be a beautiful time of year.

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