Words of Wellness Wisdom
from Susan Greeley, MS, RDN,
National Director, Wellness Services

Spring has sprung, and we are heading into the brighter days of summer at last! It's a time for resetting and "cleaning house" in both a literal and figurative sense. Whether that means engaging in a new fitness routine to help manage stress, do a "detox" diet for weight loss, or decluttering your home, it's a time of renewal and re-energizing our lives. This spring newsletter is focused around two wellness pillars that may need some extra support right about now -- sleep and stress!

The month of May is National Mental Health Month and it is also National Strawberry Month! To say it's been a stressful year is an understatement, and many people are still trying to regain their footing since the pandemic. The stress of it has definitely taken a toll on sleep and mental/emotional health, not to mention many people's waistlines!
That's why I have worked to bring mental and physical support events and tools to you, our Members.

In this SENS Wellness Letter, I'm making sure you have access to supportive resources and even a "stress reducing" strawberry recipe! Please be sure to see below for the link to recordings of our recent wellness webinar events, including a desk/chair yoga and a great 30-minute workout.

As we look toward summer and farmer's markets abounding, I encourage everyone to buy and eat a variety of fresh, local, and seasonal foods! Strawberries and berry picking are the first thing that comes to mind for me, and I'm happy to share some nutrition tips and a recipe to enjoy this delicious summer fruit!

Finally, I want to remind our Members that the SENS Solution Wellness Program includes health coaching and access to our wellness platform, which has a library of resources including cognitive behavioral training (CBT) programs to help you make positive lifestyle and behavior change, whether for poor sleep, stress or weight loss. See below for more details.

As always, please keep reading for more specific tips, tools, and activities to do this month and ongoing to stay ahead of the game and proactively support your wellbeing. In addition, we'd love to hear your feedback about our Affinity Partners Program, as we're always striving to improve your experience and continue providing meaningful support. It will take only 3 minutes, and you will receive a book on self-care and wellness once you do -- it's a win-win!

Here's to a happier and safer summer than last year!

Yours in health,

Susan
SENS WELLNESS NEWS & UPDATES

Coping With Stress Starts with Mindfulness
Jon Kabat Zinn is the founder of MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction), and I like to call him the "Father of Mindfulness." According to Kabat Zinn, there are Seven Attitudes Of Mindfulness that can you help you develop and hone a daily practice, which can help your overall health and wellbeing.

That said, it is well documented that mindfulness practices can help you manage stress, anxiety, and even many ailments. Whether you are experiencing tension, life overwhelm, worry, or anxiety, mindfulness can help. Learn more about seven attitudes of mindfulness and strategies to practice them.

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FIVE Reasons Why Your Mental Health Depends on Refreshing Sleep
It's not a secret that sleep plays an important role in our emotional and physical wellbeing. Lack of sleep has also been linked to a number of health conditions. Whether you’re battling full-on anxiety and depression or feel like you’re starting to languish, you may want to prioritize refreshing sleep.

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We'd love to hear from you! Take our brief survey and receive a book on self-care & wellness!
Please take a few minutes to share your feedback about our Affinity Partners Program, which is designed to support Members’ health and wellness goals by offering exclusive discounts & offers to Members only. The survey is anonymous and has only 5 questions in it. We value your feedback and appreciate any and all comments that you are willing to share. We would like to make your experience even better!
To receive the book, just simply respond to this email and we'll be sure to send it to you.

Host Susan Greeley talks with wellness experts in the four areas of sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. Listen in and leave inspired and empowered
RECIPES
It's Strawberry Season!

You may not know that May is actually National Strawberry Month, and I am happy to highlight this amazing berry for its variety of health benefits, including potentially helping you sleep and manage stress better!

Strawberries are an excellent source of the mineral potassium, and most Americans need more potassium in their diets to offset typical high-sodium diets. Potassium helps to lower blood pressure and is calming -- hence these colorful gems are one of my favorite stress management foods! I have to also mention studies show that an antioxidant "phytonutrient" compound found in strawberries helps to improve insulin resistance (and can help prevent diabetes) and lower "bad" LDL-cholesterol. They're also a great source of the very important antioxidant vitamin C, as well as the B vitamin folate.

June is peak strawberry season, and I hope you go pick some or simply seek them out at farmers' markets! Here's a quick and easy "anti-inflammatory" recipe.
Note: Refined sugar promotes inflammation, so I made this with no added sugar. Add some as you like, however!

Summery Strawberry Chia Pudding
by Susan Greeley, MS, RDN

Ingredients:
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp monk fruit sweetener (optional)
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) chia seeds

Instructions:
Combine berries, milk, vanilla and cinnamon in a blender or food processor and blend together on high. This will still be slightly chunky from the strawberries. Pour into a glass or ceramic bowl and add chia seeds. Stir together well, then cover and refrigerate for about an hour. Stir and then recover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or more. Serve with more sliced strawberries on top.
SENS Wellness Program Reminders:
CBT programs to help you create new healthy habits
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Working on real behavior change is an individual journey, and it takes time and the commitment to want to change!

We have partnered with Avidon Health to bring you the "Engagement Rx" wellness portal that all CCPHP Members can utilize for self-directed wellness and health improvement. We have 8 online cognitive behavioral training programs for you!

Please contact Susan Greeley at sgreeley@ccphp.net to get started!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!
CHECK OUT RECENT SENS WEBINARS:
While many of us are still working from home, it’s essential to take stretch breaks, which can help you feel more energized and relieve stress. This desk/chair yoga class in collaboration with Namaste Wellness provides you with simple exercises you can do without leaving your workstation! 

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