STAY CONNECTED
Take charge of your health and put yourself on the path to wellness. Health and wellness means living life fully with vitality and meaning. Wellness looks different for each individual and evolves as our lifestyles change.

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month.
This newsletter will focus on mental health and what
that looks like as many adapt to a new normal. We
hope this content will provide you with tips on how to
practice self-care for your mental health!
LiveWELL
Do something nice for yourself
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is encouraging Arizonans to make a fresh start when it comes to caring for their mental well-being.

One important aspect of mental health awareness is remembering to do something nice for yourself. We are all busy, managing through difficult circumstances, being pulled in different directions, and taking care of the needs of others. The mental toll of all this “doing” can add up. It’s a heavy weight that needs to be lifted from time to time. Here are some ideas to help you show a little love – to yourself:

  1. Ask for help or delegate responsibilities at home. Those daily chores and errands don’t have to be yours alone.
  2. Phone a friend. Stay connected to the important people in your life.
  3. Go for a stroll instead of scrolling through social media.
  4. Take time to unwind before bed. Read a book, meditate, stretch, or work a crossword puzzle.
  5. Schedule a mental health checkup. Search for a provider (psychiatrist, psychologist, behavioral therapist, or counselor) online or using BCBSAZ’s find-a-doctor tool to get started.

Ready to think bigger? If you want to make some lasting changes to improve your mental health for the long term, consider these well-being boosters:

Creativity. Satisfy your artistic side. Is it music, art, movement, language, writing? Pick up an instrument, set up an art table or craft corner, take a virtual dance class, download that new language app, or start the novel (or journal) you’ve been thinking about.

Get outside. Living in Arizona provides unlimited possibilities – whether your idea of the great outdoors is floating in the pool or hiking the Grand Canyon. Make a regular dose of sunshine and fresh air a healthy new habit. Check out some Arizona adventures.

Exercise. Move your body to lift your mood, and do it safely. Resources abound for virtual classes, remote coaching, and online programs. Tap into technology and try something new!

Talk it out. Schedule a session with a counselor to address any mental health concerns, or as a preventive measure to build awareness and improve resiliency. Mental health care should be scheduled just like an annual physical, or vision or dental checkup – make it a part of your
overall wellness strategy. Search for a provider (psychiatrist, psychologist, behavioral therapist, or counselor) to take the first step.

Two go-tos for mental health support:
PlayWELL
Wellness AtoZ Day 2021
Let us know you are participating in these Wellness AtoZ Day activities by submitting a short form on our website with the activities you’re doing! Don’t forget to tag us on social media @GoWellnessAtoZ so that we can repost your pictures!

We encourage everyone to practice health and wellness virtually by participating in one or more activities to promote health and wellness. Check out the activities below you and/or your family can do on Wellness AtoZ Day!

Hydration Challenge – Drinking water is essential to our health and wellness! Stay hydrated by drinking at least 32 fl oz of water or half of the number of ounces of your body weight.

Fuel with a healthy meal – Get creative and bring your family together to try a new healthy recipe for a meal or a snack! Don’t forget to take a picture of your new meal and tag us @GoWellnessAtoZ.

Take the Healthy AZ Pledge – Help keep our community safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 by taking the #HealthyAZPledge at wellnessatoz.com/healthyazpledge

Explore Arizona Outdoors – Take a stroll, hike, or bike ride outdoors while practicing social distancing. The weather is perfect to explore some of Arizona’s natural wonders such as hiking trails, canals, parks, and mountains.

Practice Mindfulness Moments – Mindfulness is important for our overall well-being. Find a few minutes throughout your day to practice by reading a book, journaling, or meditating.
EatWELL
Savory oatmeal for any time of day

Let’s mix it up (literally). Usually, oatmeal is known to be sweet, but this recipe gives us an idea to create a savory bowl. This oat recipe can be eaten for lunch and/or dinner.
INGREDIENTS:
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats or multigrain hot cereal
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed, drained, and warmed
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
  • Optional: Pitted ripe olives, sour cream, and chopped cilantro
Directions:
In a large saucepan, bring water and taco seasoning to a boil. Stir in oats; cook 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Divide oatmeal among 4 bowls. Top with beans, salsa, cheese, avocado, and toppings as desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe adapted from the recipe blog at tasteofhome.com
WorkWELL
Health and Wellness Webinars
Our WorkWELL Forums transitioned to an online platform as webinars to continue providing resourceful information and the chance for Wellness AtoZ employers to connect as a community. We have invited local and national experts to talk about the most relevant topics that are affecting our workplaces and region. If you have missed any of the WorkWELL Webinars, you can access them at wellnessatoz.org.

We also launched the Spanish series of our webinars, TrabajarBIEN. We partnered with local leaders and experts to bring forth education around health and wellness in the workplace to the Spanish-speaking
community. These can also be accessed at wellnessatoz.org.

Please feel free to revisit these webinars and share them with your team, your networks, and the community. If you share them on social media, don’t forget to tag us @GoWellnessAtoZ!
The Healthy AZ Pledge encourages the community and businesses to follow local, state, and federal safety measures designed to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19, restoring the health and vitality of our community and our economy.

Take the #HealthyAZPledge today and get access to your free digital toolkit!
WELLCommunity
Spring hope for children and families
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is an organization focused on supporting families whose children have cancer. They provide resources and support that include family counseling, financial assistance, and care packages to support children through their treatment. All the resources provided to the families are free and made possible by volunteers and grants. If you are interested in being a part of the work this organization does, please visit amandahope.org.
Health & Wellness
Share with us how your team is practicing health and wellness
Many of our Wellness AtoZ employers have taken steps to implement health and safety efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we encourage you to share with us!

Email us at info@wellnessatoz.org and let us know the innovative ways your company has supported your wellbeing. Look for us to highlight your efforts on our social sites!