When people think of wellness, they often think of simply the absence of illness or disease. True wellness, however, is much more complex and comprehensive than that. According to The Global Wellness Institute, wellness is defined as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”

In today’s society, meals are often eaten in a second-nature manner—in front of the couch while watching a TV show, from a bag while driving from one place to another, or at your desk while trying to do three things at once. This approach to eating, while common, creates a passive and mindless relationship with food and mealtime. 

If you’ve ever seen an advertisement in a health magazine or on TV, you’re familiar with some of the popular “fad” diets. Like the Atkins diet or the HCG diet, these diets promise noticeable results in a short period of time. And while these trendy diets may cause some people to shed pounds quickly, they do not help sustain long-term nutrition, don’t encourage healthy aging, and can sometimes be downright dangerous.

If you’re familiar at all with senior health and wellness, you’ll know that—in addition to a good diet—physical activity and mental stimulation are two of the top-recommended practices to enhance longevity and overall wellness. What you may not know, though, is that the two are heavily intertwined.

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s achievements in society, politics, culture, and economy. It’s a day to honor the advancements women have made and raise awareness to promote equality.

Spring marks the arrival of flowers, warmer weather, and longer days. It also marks the arrival of another annual tradition: spring cleaning. Over the years, spring cleaning has evolved from removing dust and soot from the winter to deep cleaning, decluttering, and organizing—with home tidying and organization even becoming a trend.

It’s natural to feel exhausted or tired now and again. We’re all familiar with the drowsy feeling we might get after a late-night flight, an exceptionally long day of work, or an overstimulating visit with family and friends.

When you’ve had a bad day, you’ve probably had someone tell you to “look on the bright side” or “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” While these talks can sometimes be unhelpful at the moment, the people giving them may have the right outlook: positivity.

Getting enough exercise can be hard enough, but during the winter—with colder temperatures, wind, and (depending on your location) snow—it can be even more challenging. When it comes to choosing between exercising or curling up on the couch with a cup of tea, we know the decision most people want to make.

Socialization is essential at every life stage. For young children, socialization is a crucial part of their development. It allows them to grasp the concept of communicating with others, understanding feelings, and learning appropriate interactions. For young adults, socialization can introduce them to people and perspectives different from what they’re used to, and often provide them with long-lasting friendships. For older adults, socialization can help prevent isolation, improve health, and create a feeling of community and belonging.