Secrets to Long-Lasting Habit Change

Secrets to Long-Lasting Habit Change - Wellstyles and Valley Schools

Humans by nature are often resistant to change. We are creatures of habit and comfort. We do not like to do things we know will make us uncomfortable, despite knowing and understanding the positive benefits that can come from these often temporary sacrifices. According to the CDC, a small percentage (only 6%) of Americans consistently engage in the top five … Read More

Back to Basics: Tips For Getting Your Health Back on Track

Back to Basics: Tips For Getting Your Health Back on Track - WellStyles - Valley Schools

The growing prevalence of chronic disease in the U.S. is staggering. Chronic disease is becoming the new norm, with 51.8% of U.S. adults living with at least one chronic condition and 27.2% with multiple chronic conditions (3). Some experts suggest this rise in chronic disease is due to a mismatch between human biology’s innate interdependence with nature and the disconnect … Read More

Self-Compassion: The Secret to Stress Reduction

Self-Compassion: The Secret to Stress Reduction - WellStyles - Valley Schools

Growing up, we learned our actions have consequences – “treat others the way you want to be treated.” While an important lesson, when did we learn how we should treat ourselves? Recent research shows that being kind to ourselves and addressing our mistakes with grace may be the key to stress reduction. What is Self-Compassion? Compassion is having a sense … Read More

The Healing Power of Nature – Get Outside Challenge

WellStyles Get Outside Challenge - Healing Power of Nature - Valley Schools Wellness Program

As we focus on lifestyle habits that promote health and wellness, research suggests that getting outdoors is an important part of reaching our goals. With the modern conveniences available today, it’s not uncommon for the average person to spend little time outdoors. So, what health benefits are we missing out on by not spending enough time in nature? Nature mixed … Read More

Can Hobbies Improve Our Mental Health?

can-hobbies-improve-our-mental-health-wellstyles-valley-schools

There is no doubt that the pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. In the last year, many individuals have understandably felt more anxious, lonely, and depressed than ever before. Organizations such as the CDC and the WHO have even issued guidance on how people can look after their mental health during this difficult time. While much of … Read More

Turns Out, Grandma Was Right – Eat Your Veggies!

Turns Out, Grandma Was Right – Eat Your Veggies!

Among the food controversies that surround us, the vast majority of health authorities and experts can agree on one thing – vegetables have an important place in our diet. If media is the primary supplier of the health information you consume, then you’re aware of the confusing claims made both for and against most foods. We’ve seen sugar, fat, meat, … Read More

Get Moving: Tips To Get In More Movement Throughout Your Day

Get Moving - Ideas to incorporate more physical activity into your day

Human life has evolved in a way that makes it very easy to avoid movement. We sit in cars on the way to work. At work, we sit at our desks for much of the day. Then we come home and sit down to relax. That’s not what our bodies are built for. We may move less but movement is … Read More

Recognize and Overcome ‘All or Nothing’ Thinking

Recognize and Overcome All or Nothing Thinking - Wellstyles - Valley Schools

You’ve set a goal for the new year to meditate every night before you go to bed. You do this every night for the first three weeks until you unexpectedly fall asleep watching a movie on Saturday night. The next day you wake up disappointed and think to yourself, “I didn’t keep my New Year’s goal, I fail at everything.” … Read More

Wellness Goals: Staying Accountable in the New Year

Goal setting is an opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for the year ahead. Take a look at what went well in 2020 – your wins, what you can work on, and goals for the upcoming year. Don’t confuse goal setting or setting intentions with the term “New Year’s resolution.” Now is the perfect time to reset but … Read More