I hope everyone had an amazing 4th of July! It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through the year. We all know July 4th is a federal holiday in the United States to commemorate the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This holiday is typically filled with fireworks, BBQ, and family and friends gathering to celebrate our great country. It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate our personal independence and autonomy.
Even though the 4th is behind us, there is still plenty of time in the month (and year) to honor and celebrate our independence!
Ways to Celebrate and Promote Independence:
- Functional Fitness Testing. Functional fitness testing is a great way to put a spotlight on your independence. Determining your baseline fitness level and making appropriate recommendations for exercise classes, programming, or additional support is a step towards continued independence.
- Look at Vocational Wellness. Vocational Wellness is one of the seven dimensions of wellness, and it is the ability to achieve personal satisfaction and fulfillment, maintain balance, and make a positive impact. Examples of vocational wellness can include mentoring or tutoring, volunteering, or even caregiving.
- Exercise! Participate in wellness classes, walking programs, or aquatics. Keep your body moving! The more you move, the stronger and healthier your bones, muscles, and brain will be! Healthy minds and bodies promote independence!
- Challenge Your Brain! Mental health and strength are a HUGE factor in maintaining independence. There are plenty of things you can do to exercise your brain, just like you would exercise your muscles. Things like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, trivia, board games, or even learning a new language or skill are all great examples. Are you regularly challenging your mind? If not, this is the perfect time to start!
As we continue to celebrate our nation’s independence, take a moment and celebrate your OWN independence – physically, mentally, spiritually. What things are you doing throughout the week, month, or even year, to spotlight your abilities and promote continued independence?