National Wellness Month

National Wellness Month, observed every August, is a dedicated time to focus on self-care, stress management, and the pursuit of healthy routines. It encourages individuals and communities to prioritise their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The importance of wellness has never been more apparent, as people navigate the complexities of modern life. National Wellness Month serves as a timely reminder to take a step back and embrace practices that promote a holistic sense of health.

During National Wellness Month, a variety of activities and initiatives are organised to inspire individuals to take proactive steps towards better health. From yoga classes and meditation sessions to workshops on nutrition and mental health, the month is filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Many workplaces participate by offering wellness programs that include fitness challenges, seminars on work-life balance, and even mental health resources.

Maintaining wellbeing in the workplace is mutually beneficial to people, organisations, wider communities and the economy overall. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), “Promoting wellbeing can help prevent stress and create positive working environments where individuals and organisations can thrive. Good health and wellbeing can be a core enabler of employee engagement and organisational performance”. Although there is wider understanding about the benefits of taking a holistic approach to workplace wellbeing, the CIPD report that there is an implementation gap with many organisations not fully embracing the health and wellbeing agenda. Employee wellbeing cannot be an add-on activity, it should be embedded in organisational culture, leadership and people management. (Wellbeing at Work | Factsheets | CIPD).

Research carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers, commissioned by the Health Work Wellbeing Executive, found evidence suggesting a positive link between the introduction of wellness programs in the workplace and improved business key performance indicators. PwC evaluated the evidence from 55 organisations in the UK that had implemented a variety of wellness programmes and initiatives and submitted this information to the Health Work Wellbeing Executive (Building the case for wellness). The below chart illustrates the benefits attributed to their wellness programmes in the UK:

Embracing wellness is not just about physical health; it encompasses mental and emotional well-being as well. Simple changes like adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing mindfulness can have profound impacts on one's overall health. According to a report from the National Alliance for Arts, Health and Wellbeing, having a creative hobby can benefit our mental and emotional health. Whether it’s drawing, writing, baking, dancing, singing or gardening, having a creative outlet can work wonders for your mind (The health benefits of creativity - bupa.co.uk) and some of the benefits include:

• Increased happiness – engaging in creative activity can lead to an increase in positive emotions and reduced anxiety. Repetitive activities like drawing, knitting and painting can boost dopamine (the feel-good chemical in our brains).

• Improved mood and mental health – engaging in hobbies can help people deal with different kinds of trauma and negative feelings, by having a calming effect on the brain and body. These activities can also connect people. Certain hobbies or activities have a social element i.e. exercise class, sports team, art class, music ensemble.

• Increased cognitive function – research shows that people who play an instrument have better connectivity between the left and right part of their brain. In a 2011 study reported in National Geographic, people who spent at least 10 years playing an instrument scored highest compared to those with no musical training.

National Wellness Month is an invitation to explore new habits, discard unhealthy ones, and find joy in the journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether it's through taking a daily walk, trying out a new hobby, or simply ensuring you get enough rest, the emphasis is on making small, sustainable changes that contribute to long-term wellness. By the end of August, the goal is not just to have a healthier body, but also a more peaceful mind and a happier spirit.

Lizzy Turek

Client Research Associate