Well-Being Newsletter

You don't have to wait until your next birthday or major holiday to throw a big bash.

There are big celebrations you always mark in pen on your calendar—Thanksgiving, birthdays, big milestones like weddings and graduations. But sometimes, those must-celebrate days feel like they're a little too few and far between—and you end up with a too-full calendar in December, and long, empty stretches without a thing to do.

All you need is a little creativity to find something special to celebrate, pretty much every day of the year. These 10 ideas may just inspire you to gather the gang soon—whether you want to plan an epic party for the last day of school or an ice cream social.

1. Half-Birthdays (or even quarter!)
2. Changing of the Seasons
3. Meeting a Goal
4. Pumped-Up Minor Holidays (Groundhog Day, Sweetest Day, Arbor Day)
5. Other Countries' Celebrations
6. Anniversaries & Milestones (work-iversaries, home purchase, first date)
7. Fun Dates (Pi Day, Star Wars Day)
8. National Food Days
9. Pet Birthdays or Adoption Days
10. Good News

Or, how about you just make up your own day - such as a yes day, self-care day, spa day, nature day!

Source & Learn More: Real Simple

Is it your birthday month? If so, August's birth flowers are the Gladiolus & Poppy.

Source & Learn More: Almanac

The Gladiolus

• The gladiolus is known as the "sword lily"
• It represents remembrance, calm, and integrity

The Poppy

• The other August flower is the poppy
• A red poppy signifies remembrance and love 
• A white poppy is given for consolation
• A yellow poppy wishes wealth and success

Scamfluencers

You never really know someone…especially online. These are the stories of the world’s most insidious Scamfluencers. Join co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi as they unpack epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness. Each season will take the listener along the twists and turns, the impact on victims, and what’s left when the facade falls away.

• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts

Creating Your Own Path

Each week Jennifer E. Newman interviews inspirational people from a variety of creative industries to find out how they forged their own paths. Episodes cover a broad range of topics, from the importance of confronting stereotypes to building up your own support network.

• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts

Mindful Listening

When we are listening mindfully, we are fully present with what we’re hearing without trying to control it or judge it. We let go of our inner clamoring and our usual assumptions, and we listen with respect to precisely what is being said. We listen to our own minds and hearts and, as the Quakers say, to the “still, small voice within.” We listen to sounds, to music, to lectures, to conversations, and, in a sense, to the written word.

For all of these kinds of listening to be effective, so we understand and remember what is being heard, we need a mind that is open, fresh, alert, attentive, calm, and receptive. We often do not have a clear concept of listening as an active process that we can control, but, in fact, mindful listening can be cultivated through practice.

Here are some mindful listening practices:

1. Wake Up Listening: Early morning is especially good for listening. Try this: As you wake up, instead of turning on the TV, your iPhone, or your computer, be still and just listen. In a rural setting, the sounds may be birds and animals waking up. In a city, sounds of outside action begin: garbage collection, building construction, traffic. On campus, the sounds of opening doors, feet walking in the hallways, other students talking. Listen for the soft sounds: a cat purring, leaves rustling. Rest your full attention on one sound until it fades away, then let another come to you. As thoughts come into your mind, gently let them go and return to the sound. Then get out of bed and enjoy the sound of the water in the shower.
2. In the Groove: Put on some music, maybe classical or slow tempo. Notice the sound and vibration of the notes, the sensations in your body as you listen, and the feelings the music brings up in you. When you notice thoughts arising, gently bring your attention back to the music. Breathe.

Source: Mindful.org

This month we are sharing "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck.

Overview:

Dr. Carol Dweck is a psychologist who, after decades of research, has discovered just how powerful and affecting our mindset can be in every aspect of our lives. In this book, she demonstrates how we can influence our success by adopting a growth mindset — and how changing the mindset of a community or organization can inspire incredible success.

Here are some fun sports-themed jokes to refresh your practice's joke jar.

• What is a golfer's favorite letter? Tee!
• What animal is best at hitting a baseball? A bat!

Ready for summer already? While it’s a glorious time of year, there are some health hazards to keep in mind, too. Don’t let the carefree, dog-days of summer get the best of you. Play it smart and you can have fun while also staying healthy, too. Here are 5 tips:

Eat Summer Foods

• Not only does eating seasonally mean you’re enjoying the best nutrients produce has to offer, but it also can be purchased directly from a local farm — an economic and environmental perk. Enjoy foods like garlic, radishes, arugula, carrots, bell peppers, and beets in the summer.

Stay Out of Intense Heat

• Arizona is hot, let's face it! So if you’re planning to spend time outdoors, ensure you’re staying hydrated and in the shade, if possible. Heat-related illnesses, known as hyperthermia, can cause issues like muscle cramps, nausea, confusion, slurred speech, rashes, dizziness, and worse. Heat illnesses can range from mild to deadly. Knowing the signs and staying inside in the heat of midday can help you avoid serious heat-related issues.

Wear Sunglasses

• Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement; they actually are useful in preventing serious eye conditions. Wear UV sunglasses to protect your eyes from excessive UV radiation, which can cause issues like cataracts and macular degeneration, according to eye experts.

Skip Dehydrating Drinks

• Dehydration can happen to the body any time, but it’s much more common in summer when you’re more likely to be outdoors enjoying different activities. It happens when we sweat and lose fluids and those fluids aren’t replaced. Drink plenty of water; for optimal hydration, skip caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

Spend Time Relaxing

• On heat advisory warning days, make some fun plans to let loose and relax. You’ll do your health a favor: research shows those who relax have lower heart rates, less stress, and reduced symptoms of issues like anxiety and depression.

Source: Total Wellness

TED Talk: Celebrate Every Day

by Marlo Anderson, Talk Show Host

4 minutes