WELLNESS WAVE NEWSLETTER

SPRING EDITION 2026

"REFRESH YOUR MIND, BODY AND PLATE"

Important Announcement regarding the use of the Give Me Five Personal Training Benefit:



Effective immediately, the benefit of using Crunch personal trainers will no longer be available. Please note that this change applies only to the personal training benefit at Crunch Fitness. Adult members of the Manatee YourChoice medical plan will continue to have access to Crunch’s Peak Results Membership.

 

If you have already received an email confirming that you have used one of your five sessions at Crunch, you may still complete your remaining sessions there.

 

Going forward, all adult members on the YourChoice medical plan will have access to our in-house contracted trainers. These trainers are available at a variety of locations and are part of our ongoing commitment to support your health and wellness goals.


To learn more about the personal training options:Click Here


We appreciate your understanding as we continue to enhance our well-being offerings. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at benefits@mymanatee.org

Movement with Dan Trongone, Worksite Wellness Coordinator

How Exercise Calms the Mind

Exercise isn’t just good for your body - it’s great for your mind, too. Regular movement helps lower stress hormones and boosts endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. The result? More calm, better mood, and greater resilience to daily stress.


The Mind–Body Connection

Practices that link the mind and body—such as meditation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—help quiet the stress response and activate the body’s relaxation response. With practice, you can use this connection to feel more balanced and at ease.


Try These Mind–Body Activities

These activities combine movement with mindfulness for double the benefit:


  • Rhythmic movement

Walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling can be calming when you match your breathing to your movement and gently bring your focus back when your mind wanders.


  • A mindful walk

Walk at an easy pace and notice your breath, how your body feels, and the sights and sounds around you. Even a few minutes can help reset your mood.


  • Qigong/Meditation

Gentle movements, breathing, and meditation that can promote relaxation, balance, and flexibility.


Small steps count: A short daily walk or a few minutes of mindful movement can make a noticeable difference in how you handle stress.


Click Here to check out our Manatee YourChoice YouTube page.


Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety-through-movement-and-mindfulness


Nutrition with Marcus Harris, Manatee YourChoice RD

Meal Prep Made Simple

Meal prepping is an easy way to stay consistent with healthy eating while saving time and reducing stress during the week. With a little planning, you can make nutritious choices more convenient and support your long-term wellness goals.


Plan Ahead

Creating a simple meal plan at the start of the week helps reduce last-minute decisions that often lead to unhealthy fast-food choices. It also makes grocery shopping quicker and more organized.


Cook Once, Eat Multiple Times

Batch cooking saves time and effort. Prepare large portions of meals like soups, pasta, or grilled chicken so you can enjoy quick, ready-to-heat meals throughout the week.


Prep Healthy Snacks

Having snacks ready makes it easier to choose nutritious options when you’re busy or on the go. Prepare items like fruit, nuts, yogurt, or boiled eggs to prevent reaching for less healthy choices.


Label and Date Meals

Labeling your meals helps keep your refrigerator organized and ensures you eat foods while they are still fresh, helping reduce food waste.


Add Variety

Mixing up your meals keeps things interesting and helps provide a range of nutrients. Preparing different proteins, vegetables, and grains can make healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable. With a little preparation, meal prepping can make healthy eating simpler, more convenient, and easier to maintain throughout the week.


Click Here for 5 recipes to avoid take-out.

Mental Health with Claribel Gill, LAMP Counselor

Stress Less, Live More:

Simple Habits for Better Emotional Wellbeing

April’s Stress Awareness Month and May’s Mental Health Awareness Month are great reminders to prioritize emotional well-being. Taking small, intentional steps, each day can help reduce stress, improve mood, and build resilience.


Everyday Habits That Support Emotional Wellness



  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation. Try deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or stretching to calm your mind and body.


  • Prioritize physical health. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and move your body regularly, even a 30-minute walk can boost mood.


  • Stay connected. Talking with friends, family, or support groups can help you feel supported and reduce stress.


  • Set healthy boundaries. Manage your time, focus on priorities, and learn to say “no” when needed.


  • Practice gratitude and self-compassion. Reflect on what’s going well and consider keeping a gratitude journal.


  • Make time for hobbies. Activities you enjoy—like reading, music, or time in nature—can help recharge your mind.


  • Limit information overload. Taking breaks from news and social media can help reduce anxiety and mental fatigue.


Source: https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-well-being/improve-your-emotional-well-being/index.html

 

Quick Stress Relievers for Busy Days

When stress hits, try these simple techniques:



Deep breathing

Slow, deep breaths lower blood pressure and heart rate in minutes


Progressive muscle relaxation

Tense and release muscle groups to achieve calm

        

Cold water therapy

Apply cold water to wrists and behind earlobes to cool major arteries

        

Five-minute meditation

Brief silent meditation can relieve stress and depression

        

Physical movement

A quick walk or desk stretches release tension immediately

    

Chewing gum

Just a few minutes reduces anxiety and lowers cortisol levels

 

Social connection

Talking to a friend or family member provides instant support

 

Everyone experiences stress differently. Finding the right combination of healthy habits that work for you can


Source: https://centerforspecialtycare.com/how-to-relieve/#:~:text=Deep breathing %E2%80%93 Slow%2C deep breaths,neck%2C shoulders%2C and back.

 

Give Me Five

Upcoming Wellness Events

April:

  • 21-Day Sugar Elimination Challenge
  • April 1 - 22


  • Fabulous Forever - All About Women Workshop
  • April 7 - 28


  • Project COURAGE - Ovarian Cancer and Genetics Workshop
  • April 8


  • Financial Workshop - Are You on Track for Retirement?
  • April 9


May:


  • Mindfulness for Busy People Workshop
  • May 1


  • Health Takes Guts! Nutrition 4-Week Workshop
  • May 6 - 27


  • Skeletal Fitness Workshop
  • May 7 or May 21


  • Lower the Pressure: Caring for Your Heart and Nervous System
  • May 8


  • Lose to Win, 4-Week Workshop
  • May 12 - June 2


  • Stress Relief Self-Care Happy Hour
  • May 14