Welcome to the New Year! At HemoCue, we’re going into 2021 with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. While we still face challenges from COVID-19, we know that we must maintain our own personal wellness in order to overcome those challenges. So, we’re kicking off the new year with a series of articles that are all about helping you achieve greater wellness.

What exactly does “wellness” mean? According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness is defined as: the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.¹

The key words in that definition are “active pursuit.” Promoting wellness in our lives means that we need to start some good habits in the different areas of our life. Don’t worry, pursuing wellness isn’t hard. It just takes time and a bit of practice. The benefits to your physical and mental well-being are well worth the effort. Think of wellness as caring for the whole you, not just one part of your life.

There are a number of areas in life where you can practice good habits for wellness. These areas include:

• Physical activity – Getting exercise, even 20 to 30 minutes a day, can have a positive impact on your wellness.

• Nutrition – You are what you eat! Try to have a balanced diet and eat wholesome foods with vitamins and minerals²

• Social connections – Studies show that social interactions and developing friendships have the potential for healing effects.³ Take time to reach out and connect with others.

• Sleep – Getting enough sleep is essential for wellness. Sleep helps us fight off infection, supports metabolism, and allows us to perform well in school and work.⁴

• Environment – Your surroundings at home, work, or in your neighborhood, and the resources you have access to affect your health.⁵

That list may seem like a lot to consider, but you can start making small changes, then add new habits as time goes on.

We hope this article helps you start thinking about improving wellness in your life. Every week this month, we’re going to post articles with ideas and resources for taking your wellness to the next level. Here’s a preview of what’s coming:

• Fitting in Fitness – Easy ways to get some exercise in while you work.

• How to Make Work Life More Organized and Productive – Tips to help you optimize your workflow and create a better working environment.

• How to Practice the Self-Care You Need... and Deserve – A look at self-care and simple ways to practice it in your life.

You give so much of yourself to your patients. Let’s make 2021 the year that you take better care of you!