Health, happiness, and high performance are grounded in how we manage our energy. The happiest and most productive people can fully engage in the challenge at hand, disengage and seek renewal. Energy is the key to all aspects of our lives: it is up to us to manage our time, money, and energy!

How do we become fully engaged? We must be physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused, and spiritually aligned to be the happiest, highest performing, and healthiest people.

Healthier 901, a three-year initiative led by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, encourages Mid-Southerners to come together to lose a collective million pounds.

But Healthier 901 focuses on more than just weight loss. It’s a challenge focusing on improving the overall health and well-being of our community – including our mental health: mind, body and spirit.

Fueling Your Energy: Tips for a Healthier, Happier You

Physical Needs

Exercise – The American Heart Association recommends getting 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. Try adding 30 minutes of exercise to your daily routine. During MLH’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment, we learned heart disease and cancer are the top two causes of death in our community. By exercising just 30 minutes a day, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sleep - The American Heart Association recommends getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Try turning off electronics one hour before bedtime.

Water – Staying hydrated is good for our body and brain. Try adding fruit for a different taste.

Emotional Needs

Part of leading a healthy lifestyle includes a focus on self-care and mental health. Below are some ways you can maintain your mental and emotional health as we start our journey toward a Healthier 901.

Positive self-talk – Surround yourself with positive people and speak kindly to yourself.

Counseling – Contact Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or another mental health professional to begin your counseling journey.

Compassion – Try showing small acts of kindness to yourself and others.

Spiritual Needs

Belonging – Our connections with family, friends, faith community, and faith practices shape our sense of self and understanding of others.

Meaning – Spend time considering what brings meaning and purpose to your life and develop practices to keep moving in that direction.

Service – Giving back and helping others boosts our sense of connection and well-being. Try serving your community at least once a month.

Recharge Your Life: Methodist EAP and Healthier 901

If your energy is low, ask yourself, are your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs being met? Be intentional with implementing some of the tips suggested above, and remember EAP as a resource for assistance. An EAP counselor can help you create a plan to renew your health, happiness, and performance as you become fully energized.

The Employee Assistance Program is a benefit to you and your household members. EAP provides confidential, professional assessment, referral and brief counseling services to you and your dependents. It is paid for by your employer. The EAP is now offering in-person visits and the continued option of telehealth. Contact Methodist EAP at 901-683-5658 to schedule a session to discuss your energy!

To join the Healthier 901 challenge, visit Healthier901.com.