Let’s be honest: the word “wellness” has been tossed around so much it’s practically lost all meaning. It’s the kale smoothie/coconut oil of vocabulary, you know, some people love it, some roll their eyes. But here’s the truth: wellness has its own MONTH. That’s right, August is officially National Wellness Month. That means it’s got to have some value, right? Absolutely! Even better, right here at The Wellness Center—where we’ve been helping the NEK celebrate it for over 43 years—we think it’s time to give “wellness” a well-deserved glow-up.

The tail-end of August is that sweet spot between enjoying the final glimmers of summer and the onset of fall. It’s when the back-to-school buzz begins, the air shifts just a little, and there’s a chance, yes, a real chance, to reset before the chaos of September and the end of year hits. We find at The Wellness Center, most people agree, there is no better time to kickstart small changes that lead to BIG shifts than right now.

Labor Day Weekend (hello, unofficial end of summer) is the perfect time to hit the refresh button and it’s just days away. Many of us think of this as our personal New Year’s Eve, but with fewer champagne headaches and more Vitamin D. Speaking of fresh starts, The Wellness Center kicks off its 43rd fall season on September 2nd! Anyone can join anytime, but this 15-week session is the most popular out of all our offerings, and we think it’s that fall reset that makes everyone feel motivated. In addition, when you join here, you’re not just working on your health and wellness, you’re supporting a local non-profit, our local hospital, and an incredible team of certified professionals who live and work right here in the NEK. These are your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members, who share their local talent committed to helping you thrive. All of this is supporting WELLNESS is many ways: social, financial, physical and more!

Before you panic, or think, “oh great, I have to change my life!” Wellness doesn’t mean quitting sugar forever or suddenly waking up at 5 AM to meditate while doing yoga in front of your neighbors in your pajamas each morning. It’s about small, doable actions that lead to feeling better, looking better, and—most importantly—living better. Who doesn’t want that?

Try this acronym to keep it simple: R.E.S.T.

  • R – Recharge with better sleep hygiene. Start by ditching screens 30 minutes before bed. Going to bed 30 minutes earlier. Something small to support better sleep.
  • E – Eat mindfully. One extra veggie a day counts! One extra fruit. Try eating in a way where you actually experience your food.
  • S – Stretch daily. Yes, stretch! It’s so easy – just pretend to reach and hold it. During  commercials, waiting for the microwave, on the phone hands free, you can find time if you want to.
  • T – Talk it out. Whether with a friend or a pro, your mental health deserves airtime. Schedule friend chats! Each of you gets 10 minutes and alternate who goes first to vent. Find online groups for sharing your stress. TALK, SHARE, RELEASE!

Fun Myth-Busting!

  • “You have to be skinny to be healthy.” Nope. Wellness is about balance, not rule or body shapes. Our staff at The Wellness Center is all shapes, sizes, ages and you name it!
  • “You need an expensive gym membership.” No way! A walk in the woods or riding your bike is free and just as great! The Wellness Center has and always has had the lowest prices in the region so that finances are never an obstacle to great access. However, there have never been more free options in communities and online for wellness options whether its fitness, arts, social groups, etc.
  • “You have to be perfect.” What? Progress > perfection every single time. There is no perfect! What works for one, or even some may not work for you. What is perfect for you is feeling great, having unlimited energy, a supportive social circle, and access to what you need. Now that sounds perfect!

This Labor Day weekend, while you’re grilling, relaxing, or catching up with friends, think about what small step you can take: signing up for a class, adding a stretch break, skipping one soda, or just breathing deeper intentionally. The Wellness Center is ready to welcome you back for another season of strength, balance, and community but you can also do it right now! Just by thinking, “I deserve to feel well and look for ways to embrace it.” You don’t have to do it all, to celebrate wellness or have the healthiest fall ever, just choose something small!