Healthy Tips for Productive Living

Studies have consistently shown a strong connection between healthy living and productivity for students and professionals. Check back for monthly updates on healthy, productive living!

Physical Health

Physical health is crucial for overall well-being. It involves maintaining a healthy body through exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest.

Did you know...
Eating whole, single-ingredient foods can help you naturally control your weight and improve your health. These foods are rich in nutrients, low in added sugars and unhealthy fats, and help you feel fuller longer, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Healthy Recipe of the Month

Quinoa and Veggie Salad
Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and avocado, grate the carrot, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.
• Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrot, red onion, avocado, and parsley.

Studies have consistently shown a strong connection between healthy living and productivity for both students and professionals.

• Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables and toss to combine.
• Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld. This salad can be served as a main dish or side.

This recipe is packed with whole foods and is both nutritious and delicious!

Emotional/Mental Health

Emotional and mental health are essential for a balanced life. They involve understanding and managing your emotions, coping with stress, and maintaining positive relationships.

Did you know...
Did you know laughter can improve your mood and reduce stress? It releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Healthy Activity of the Month

• Watch a funny comedian. I recommend checking out "Dry Bar Comedy."
• Laughter has immediate and long-term health benefits. It stimulates organs, increases oxygen intake, and releases endorphins, reducing stress and relaxed feeling. Over time, laughter can boost the immune system, relieve pain, enhance mood, and improve overall well-being.

Spiritual Health

Spiritual health is about finding meaning and purpose in life. It involves connecting with your inner self, values, and beliefs, which can provide a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Did you know...
Studies have shown that people who engage in regular spiritual practices, such as meditation or prayer, tend to experience lower levels of stress and anxiety and have a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life. 

Healthy Contemplation of the Month

• Guided Meditation
• Meditation is a way to contemplate while quieting your mind.
• Ways to begin with meditation are with BrainTap in our Wellness Lab, or you can try it at home with an app. I use "Insight Timer." It has thousands of guided meditations for everyone, from the beginner to the experienced meditator. Give it a try this month. 

References

• Health & Productivity
• Mindfulness and Interconnectedness
•  Meditation & Spiritual Wellbeing
  
  

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