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Welcome to the FCNY/NCCI workplace wellness program
In the fast-paced world of work, maintaining well-being is crucial. As we navigate deadlines, meetings, and tasks, it's essential to prioritize our mental and physical health. That’s why we launched the FCNY/NCCI Wellness program. This new initiative aims to provide resources and support to help individuals manage stress, foster work-life balance, and promote overall wellness in the workplace.
Below you will find helpful articles, resources, and events.
Three Ways to Care for Your Body and Mind
Self-care is about taking small, realistic steps to prioritize your body and mind for long-term health. It’s not about indulgence, but consistent actions like getting yearly checkups or improving sleep. Starting a daily routine might take effort, but it leads to better physical and mental well-being.
Nurture Your Body
Nurture Your Body
Your body constantly works to keep you healthy and safe, often without you noticing. Taking care of it is essential, as we usually realize its importance only when something goes wrong. Self-care ideas to support your physical health include:
Regular checkups: Even if you feel healthy, an annual physical gives your doctor the chance to catch health problems early, before they become more serious. They can also help you stay on track with good habits that will keep you feeling your best.
Physical activity: Exercise is one of those self-care items that’s easy to put off — yet it’s vital to strong physical and mental health. It can boost your mood, kickstart your immune system, aid digestion, and help you sleep.
Healthy eating: When it comes to taking care of yourself, what you eat, and drink play a critical role. Food is your fuel — and your medicine. It affects how you feel, how well your body moves, and how well your brain works. Drinking enough water every day is also vital for health.
Good sleep: Sleep restores your body and brain. Strive for around seven to nine hours of quality sleep. To help, try turning off electronic devices an hour before bed and going to sleep at the same time each night. A few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can help you relax.
Make Time for Mental Health
Make Time for Mental Health
Commitments and responsibilities in your daily life might make you feel overwhelmed or stressed at times. If stress becomes chronic, it isn’t good for your long-term physical and mental health.
Self-care tips for mental health include:
Talking to a mental health professional: If you’re not sure how to start counseling or where to find a therapist, your health plan can help connect you with mental health support.
Getting outside: Being around nature can improve focus, lower stress, and boost your mood. If you’re feeling angry or stressed, step outside for a few minutes. Enjoy the breeze and sunshine. Even small things like having a houseplant bring a touch of nature indoors.
Practicing gratitude: Take a few minutes every day to be thankful for what you have by meditating or writing in a journal.
Also, remember to tell those who matter most to you how much you appreciate them.
Connect With Others
Connect With Others
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, connecting with others has a positive impact on our minds, bodies, and overall health. So going to dinner with friends is good for you!
Here are three self-care techniques for social connections:
1. Practice being more social: People who regularly engage with others, and even with pets, recover faster from illness and are sick less often. Say “hi” to your neighbor and “yes” to a night out. If you are feeling down, reach out to a trusted friend. A good laugh or heart-to-heart talk is healing for both mind and body.
2. Get involved: Volunteering is good for your mental health and your community. Find something that meets your interests and fits your schedule, whether it’s once a week or once a month.
3. Take a break from social media: social media might seem like a good way to connect with others, but it also can take a toll on your quality of life, self-esteem, sleep, and mood. Take a break from your phone, starting with not checking your phone during meals, before bedtime, or right when you wake up.
5 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
5 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
While the words “healthy food” may make you think of high grocery bills, enjoying delicious food and well-rounded meals packed with nutrients doesn’t have to break the bank.
With some creativity and planning, you can enjoy healthy and affordable meals. Here are five tips for how to eat healthy on a budget.
1. Plan: Eating healthy meals on a budget is easier when you plan. The 10 minutes you spend planning meals can help you save time and money all week.
Check your store’s website or app for coupons and to see what’s on sale.
Plan meals before you shop. Knowing what you can get on sale and what’s already in your pantry will help you stay on track. Check out MyPlate Kitchen or eatright.org for recipe ideas.
Make a list. This will help you avoid impulse purchases at the store.
Think about how to use leftovers. For example, use extra veggies and rice in soups, salads, and stir-fries.
2. Be A Smart Shopper: The first rule of grocery shopping on a budget is don’t go to the store when you’re hungry. All the junk food will be too hard to resist. Then, stick to your shopping list and:
Buy big bags of dried beans, lentils, oats, and rice. These staple items are generally cheaper in large amounts.
Choose frozen fruits and vegetables most of the year. They’re cheaper, last longer, and are just as nutritious as fresh.
Watch for deals on seasonal fruits and veggies. Enjoying peak-of-the-season berries, melons, squash, and corn can be a low-cost treat.
Explore generic or store brands. They’re usually the same quality as name-brand items but less expensive.
3. Try New Foods: Variety is the spice of life — and grocery shopping on a budget.
Eat different proteins. Eggs, canned fish like tuna or salmon, tofu, beans, and legumes are easier on your wallet than meat. If you still want meat, look for sales on lean meat like chicken and turkey.
Cook your meals and make extra. Cooking at home is cheaper and healthier. Plus, you know what’s in your meal and can control the portion sizes. Leftovers from a home-cooked meal are a great alternative to take-out on a busy night.
Grow a garden. It may take extra effort, but seeds are inexpensive, and you’ll always know your produce is fresh.
4. Avoid Convenience Foods: It’s hard to resist the lure of easy meals and snacks, especially when you’re hungry, tired, or it’s on sale. · Buy fewer processed foods, such as hot dogs, frozen pizza, and chips. These are generally high in fat, sugar, and sodium.
Avoid single-serving convenience foods, like cereal bars, sugary yogurts, and lunch snacks. They tend to be more expensive and less filling per serving.
Steer clear of fast food. While pulling into the drive-thru may seem easy and cheap, it’s generally less healthy and more expensive.
5. Remember The Benefits of Eating Healthy: It’s important to remember the cost of a bad diet. Eating nutritious foods can help you save money over the long term by keeping your body strong.
Medical News Today reports that the benefits of eating healthy include:
Reduced risk of diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Better memory.
Healthy skin, teeth, and eyes.
Improved mood.
More energy and better sleep.
Stronger immune system.
Make your workouts work for you with Anthem Gym Reimbursement program
Make your workouts work for you with Anthem Gym Reimbursement program
Maximize the value of your fitness routine with the Gym Reimbursement program.
This program offers reimbursement of up to $400 annually for fitness memberships. To participate:
Complete at least 35 workouts every six months at a qualifying fitness center or through an online class.
Track your workouts and submit the required Reimbursement Form.
Receive up to $200 in reimbursement every six months, for a total of $400 per benefit plan year.
For more details, to find an eligible gym, and to access the reimbursement forms, please log in to empireblue.com or the Sydney Health app. Navigate to My Health Dashboard, select Programs, and go to the Gym Reimbursement section.
To learn more about the program, find an eligible gym, and download the reimbursement forms, Please click here for additional information or call 877-809-2746.
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