As we enter the new decade, we’re taking the month of January to focus on wellness and how we can all live healthier, more fulfilling lives. However, in our busy lives, making wellness a priority can be a challenge. Additionally, the concept of wellness is very different for every individual, so it may be difficult to identify your personal wellness needs. Read on to hear Cascadia employees’ wellness tips and insight on how they stay well in their own lives.

Shara: Pursue Intellectual and Personal Growth

“My diagnosis is Bulimia Nervosa and depression. Education through school, treatment, life experience and therapy I learned what contributed to my symptoms, I was able to take what I learned and apply it to myself in a new understanding. I learned what triggers me and what keeps me down, from that I learned mindfulness and how to cope when I do feel triggered, stressed or anxious. The greatest thing I have learned is that I am not alone and I have found communities of people who understand my struggle and keep me going. I am able to understand my emotions, communicate my needs and advocate for myself. Learning about myself has helped build my confidence and my voice.”

CJ: Take Care of Your Body and Physical Wellness

“Experts recommend getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat 6 days a week. Research indicates that low-intensity exercise may reduce cortisol levels (one of our stress hormones) while increasing endorphins (some of our pleasure hormones). Personally, I play Ringfit Adventure on the Nintendo Switch since it provides an easy and fun way to get daily exercise in my own home.”

Brenna: Make Time for Your Support System

“Because I have been able to reach out to my coworkers, friends, and family in the past when I have needed help, they are now often able to recognize when I need support.  They know me well.  Between my ability to ask for help when I need it and others’ ability to see that there might be something going on behind my get-through-the-day face and offer help, I feel well-cared for by those around me.  Occasionally it can be difficult to ask for help, so it’s especially meaningful to me that my friends sometimes speak up first when they can tell something is bothering me.  And this goes both ways – I do my best to be there for others and speak up when I sense they may need support.  It makes it a lot easier to cope with life’s difficulties when I know I have people to help me, even if I don’t need their help in every difficult moment that I face.”

Karrie: Use Tools That Help You Prioritize Wellness

“Journaling on my phone is fast and simple. It helps me in stressful moments and situations to get my feelings out in a healthy and productive way. I use meditation apps to help maintain mental health wellness by quieting and centering myself. This helps with controlling things like anxiety. It is a practice. It is a disciple but thanks to technology, guided meditations can be downloaded on any smartphone. Being able to actively do something in stressful and nonstressful situations is key for me to maintain wellness. These, of course, are paired with ongoing nutrition, sleep & sleep hygiene, medication management, socialization, exercise, and doctor check-ups.  Taking care of oneself is an ongoing and continuous practice. Every day it is necessary to put into practice the many things that keep us well.”