August 2005: Striving for Balance

This may not be what you expect the Director of Wellness to pick as a first topic to highlight, but R&R is an important component of any wellness program. Inadequate rest will cause stress, both mentally as well as physically.

Before you can begin to successfully and permanently change your physical health habits, you must ensure you are in a relaxed state-at a fairly low level of stress. That you are enjoying your life! August is the perfect month to be mindful of social, interpersonal, spiritual, and emotional well-being to reduce stress as a process to begin your personal wellness journey.

August provides an amazing sensory banquet for your body, mind and spirit.

Stop, breathe, and smell the flowers and barbecue aromas that pass through your neighborhood, listen to children playing or the sound of the ocean, watch a sunset or gardens bursting with color, taste the sweetness of locally-grown fruits and veggies, feel the texture of a rose peddle. Get reacquainted with your 5 senses. Become a child again and rediscover the wonder of nature’s glory!

I remember the moment when my son Kyle’s feet first touched the sand as a toddler. He was fascinated by the warm, grainy feel of the sand, something I had taken for granted as I grew older. Now, I love the feeling of burying my feet in the hot sand, mindful of the calming effects nature has on my body as well as my mind. Such mindfulness can provide immediate stress relief and mini-escapes. But you have to stop and pay attention to these sensory experiences in order to benefit from them. While we can’t get away for long vacations, take advantage of mini-escapes throughout your day.

Things you can do at work this month:

On your break or at lunch

• Take a 5 minute walk and observe the natural surroundings of your workplace—birds, trees, flowers.
• Find your favorite spot: at URI I have a favorite tree that I like to sit under and read. It is old, fragrant and a perfect getaway while at work.
• Lay on a beach towel, look up at the sky and breath/meditate for 5 minutes.
• Sit on a bench and put your face to the sun for a minute.

In your office

• Bring in cut fresh flowers for natural aromatherapy.
• Get a small decorative bowl and replenish with fresh fruit daily.
• Shut off your air conditioner and open a window to hear the sounds of summer.

---

Anne Marie Connolly
Director of Wellness, Get Fit RI!