| | | CommonHealth’s Weekly Wellnote
| Simple, science backed guidance for a healthy workforce
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| | Beat the Heat: A Summer State of Mind
| If you feel like the heat is messing with your mood, you may be right. Research shows we tend to feel more anxious, agitated, and irritable in the heat, and extreme heat tends to worsen symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions.
| Even small temperature increases—especially on long, humid summer days—can:
| | • | Make sleep more challenging, resulting in fatigue and mood changes.
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| | • | Speed up dehydration, affecting energy and focus.
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| | • | Disrupt routines that support emotional balance, such as exercise or time outdoors.
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| | • | Increase physical discomfort, which can lead to grumpiness and less patience.
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| A cooler mindset starts with awareness. Knowing the connection between heat and mood empowers us to slow down and cool off both physically and mentally. It isn’t just about comfort—it’s a key part of supporting our overall wellness.
| Sources: Cleveland Clinic and APA
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| | | Tips for a Cooler Mindset
| | • | Protect sleep with fans and lighter bedding.
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| | • | Hydrate early and often.
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| | • | Eat foods with high water content, like fruits and veggies.
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| | • | Exercise during cooler times of day or indoors.
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| | • | Seek short breaks in the shade or A/C.
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| | • | Pause for a few deep breaths when patience runs thin.
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| Chillax with Pursed Lip Breathing
| We tend to take faster, more shallow breaths when we feel anxious, agitated, or under stress. Pursed lip breathing can help us create more calm by slowing down our breaths and making each one more effective.
| See our video to learn more about pursed lip breathing and follow along with a guided practice.
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| UPCOMING
| EVENTS
| Guided Meditation for Summer Bliss Webinar
Monday, July 6 | 12:00pm
Visualization meditation is a technique that involves creating positive images in your mind. Discover how this practice can enhance your feelings of relaxation, peace, and calmness. While this webinar is hosted by Kaiser Permanente, it is available to ALL employees. Register now.
| Aromatherapy: Does it Pass the Sniff Test? Webinar
Wednesday, July 15 | 12:00pm
Explore the science behind essential oils, their potential benefits, and common misconceptions. Learn what the research says, how aromatherapy can be used safely, and whether it truly makes a difference for your health and well-being. While this webinar is hosted by Sentara, it is available to ALL employees. Register now.
| Summer Safety Webinar
Wednesday, July 22 | 12:00pm
Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses and tips to protect yourself and others during the summer. While this webinar is hosted by Kaiser Permanente, it is available to ALL employees. Register now.
| Gut Check Webinar
Wednesday, July 29 | 11:30am
Learn why gut health is crucial for overall well-being and how it plays an important role in managing blood sugar, preventing diseases, regulating mood, and more. This webinar is hosted by CommonHealth in partnership with OnTheSquareVA and is available to ALL employees. Register now.
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