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4 Ways to Boost Your Social Wellness

photo credit: Help via photopin (license)

photo credit: Help via photopin (license)

What does wellness mean to you? Often, we think about it in terms of physical health—getting enough exercise, proper nutrition, and of course a good night’s sleep. But there’s a lot more to wellness and even happiness than just those key ingredients. July is Social Wellness Month: an opportunity to focus on social relationships and how they make a difference in the way we enjoy our lives. Our connectedness with others plays a huge role in our health and productivity, so it’s worth taking some steps to better promote that closeness.

In honor of Social Wellness Month, here are some ideas for enjoying better social wellbeing:

  • Really listen to your friends. One of the best ways to show a friend or loved one we care is to listen, really listen, to what they are saying—whether it’s something that they’re excited about or something that’s bothering them. It’s an act of kindness that draws people closer together.
  • Spend quality time with a pet. As avid pet parents know, pets can bring a lot of joy into our lives. In fact, pet parents typically experience less stress than folks who do not have pets in their home. If you have a dog, taking him or her for a walk is also a great way to meet some other people who share a common interest—fellow pet parents. Or, if you have a brick-and-mortar business, you can be more pet-friendly to the community by putting out a pet bowl full of water or give out pet goodies to the friendly dogs that wander by. Their humans will surely appreciate it and remember your thoughtfulness!
  • Join a local community group. If you’re feeling disconnected from others, one way to bridge the gap is by joining a local group where you can meet people who share your interests and values. This could be anything from a volunteer organization through which you tutor kids to a community historical association. People feel a sense of harmony when working together toward a common goal. If you pitch in, you’ll likely feel a sense of connectedness and accomplishment.
  • Join an exercise group. This one offers twice the usual wellness benefits: by joining a running group, for example, you can meet some great new friends (or even business networking contacts—that’s always a possibility as well) while taking care of your body and enjoying the thrill of a good run (don’t forget your sunscreen and exercise accessories!).

Are you thinking of offering a campaign or giveaway that focuses on wellness or social wellbeing? There are a lot of ways branded promotional items can play a strong supporting role. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

It’s National Sun Safety Week!

Summer is right around the corner, with beaches and pools getting ready to welcome sun worshipers and vacationers alike. We’re also looking forward to soaking up some rays, but safely—that’s why we’re paying special attention to National Sun Safety Week, which is this week (June 5-June 11). Here are 5 tips on how to make the most of the summer months while protecting yourself from harmful UV rays and sun damage that can lead to skin cancer.

5 summer sun safety tips*:

  1. Don’t skimp on the sunscreen. When heading out for some summer fun, make sure to load up on sunscreen first—SPF 30 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection is best. Re-apply sunscreen after you’ve been out for two hours or after you’ve been swimming. Also check the expiration date to make it’s still effective; otherwise it may not give you the full protection you need.
  2. Wear protective clothing. To protect your skin from exposure to the sun, consider wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves or long pant legs. A good hat is also a smart idea, as it guards your scalp from sun exposure. A hat with a wide brim is an especially good choice since it gives your face, neck, and ears full coverage. If you prefer to wear a ballcap instead, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to those areas.
  3. When going out, try to avoid peak hours. The sun is at is most potent between the hours of 10am-4pm, so if you can, try to avoid standing outside in the direct sunlight during those hours. If you must be out then, seek the shade.
  4. Stay cool in the shade. Not only is it often more comfortable sitting in the shade than it is sitting out directly in the beating sun, but it’s better for you, keeping you safe from harmful sun damage. When resting and relaxing, seek a shady spot under an umbrella (particularly a UV umbrella, which can give you extra protection) or a tree. This applies even on cool or cloudy days, too.
  5. D46E92C3-D211-48F2-9D46-FFE8F6434A55Keep your sun safety accessories handy. Do you like to head out on your bike at a moment’s notice? Then make your life easier by having all your accessories, including sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat ready to go in a bag. A sun kit is another convenient way to keep everything you know on hand.

Planning a summer gathering? We have protective branded items for summer corporate outings, summer camps, company retreats and picnics. Looking for some ideas for promotional products that might be a good fit for your business this summer? Check out our Fun Promotional Summer Gifts board on Pinterest! Or get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

* These tips were sourced from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They do not constitute professional medical advice. For guidance specific to your own personal health needs, be sure to consult your medical care provider.

Tip #8: Avoid and Sooth Nasty Sunburns

Calendula blossomToday is the third post in our outdoor series matching Lifehacker’s Top 10 Outdoor Tips for a More Pleasant Summer list with some suggestions of our own for how to increase the summer pleasure quotient of clients, customers or hard-working staff.
Today we have some suggestions for protecting your skin as well as a recipe for a soothing balm in case you do get burned.
The Environmental Working Group has a mission to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. They have an action fund that advocates on Capitol Hill for “health protective and subsidy-shifting policies.” They also have a great set of resources on their website, including the 2011 Sunscreen Safety Guide (also available for iphone) to help you find a sunscreen which will protect you from the sun without exposing you to chemicals that are dangerous. To make your own soothing Calendula salve, and learn a few culinary uses of the fiery orange blossom, check out WNYC’s Last Chance Foods: Herbal Flower Power .