Create balance in your lifeLife can often seem like it’s on a teeter-totter. Achieving balance in your life is not something you find, but a way of life that you have to create over time. Here are some simple tips and tricks to live a more balanced life.

1. Choose your priorities. What is most important for you to do today?

2. Don’t say yes to everything. Consider your prior commitments and energy level before taking on new obligations.

3. Create a plan. Strategize the steps needed to complete a task.

4. Schedule events you enjoy. Plan vacations or events that will increase your happiness.

5. Do something for yourself every day. Make time to do something you enjoy.

6. Get sleep. Create a nightly routine to relax and promote rest.

7. Keep your space tidy. Keep a clean environment with less clutter to increase productivity.

8. Unplug. Set aside technology and be present when socializing.

9. Take regular breaks. Set stopping points in your work to take a short break and recharge.

10. Plan ahead. Prepare easy to grab meals ahead of time.

AUGUST 2016MEMBER NEWSLETTER

Inside this issue...BalanceConcentrationSummer produce processingLettuce wraps

MONTHLY OBSERVANCESBreast Feeding

Immunization Awareness

Find a complete list of observances at healthfinder.gov/NHO

WELLNESS ACTIVITIESBook Club: The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz

NDPERS Dakota Wellness Programat Sanford Health Plan

Place visual reminders of your priorities, values and goals. A favorite quote can be a helpful to see every day to remind you of what is most important.

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey

CONTACT US AT NDPERSWellness@sanfordhealthplan.com

(844) 742-0014

QUICK LINKS:sanfordhealthplan.com/ndpers/dakotawellnessprogram

SET-UP A mySanfordHealthPlan ONLINE ACCOUNT:sanfordhealthplan.com/memberlogin

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Give it a trySTRESS PROGRAM There are several stress programs available in the online wellness portal that offer features to help you create balance, restore your energy and relieve the stressors in your life. Go online to your secure mySanfordHealthPlan account and click on Wellness Portal in the drop down menu. Once inside the portal, select Programs, then Stress. You can learn about a variety of stress topics including:

• Introduction: Learn the sources of your stress and how it is affecting your daily life along with practices to reduce the impact stress has on you.

• Lack of Time: This route will help you learn to live in the moment and focus on the priorities in your life.

• Everyday Stressors: Learn time management skills to prioritize what is most important and reduce stress.

Enjoy seasonal produce all yearFreezing is a quick and easy way to preserve an abundance of summertime produce. You only need freezer bags or air tight containers. Check out your local farmer’s market for a variety of fresh foods to buy now and eat later.

TOMATOES: Simply wash your tomatoes and freeze whole or cut up. Frozen tomatoes are a great option to use in recipes that call for canned tomatoes, which often contain salt.

VEGETABLES: Prior to freezing, give your fresh veggies a quick 2 to 7 minute hot water bath to preserve nutrients and stop enzymes from breaking down the food.

HERBS: Combine herbs and olive oil in a food processor. Freeze small portions in an ice cube tray before transferring to a freezer bag.

FRUIT: Make your favorite applesauce recipe and store in the freezer instead of canning. Avoid adding spices before freezing as the flavor can change. Sliced peaches and whole berries can be frozen too.

No matter the container, it’s important to remove as much air as possible before freezing. If you have a large quantity, freeze on a baking sheet prior to storing in a bag or container.

sanfordhealthplan.com/ndpers/sanfordhealthplan.com/ndpers/

Tuna or chicken lettuce wrapsServes: 1 Total Time: 15 min | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min

Calories: 222 | Total Fat: 8g | Sodium: 234mg

Total Carbohydrates: 18g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Total Protein: 20g

Ingredients:

3/4 cup cooked chicken breast or low sodium canned tuna

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup fresh tomato, chopped

1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed

2 tsp garlic herb seasoning

3 tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

8 romaine lettuce leaves, washed

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except lettuce leaves and mix well. To eat, place equal amount of

salad mixture on each lettuce leaf. Roll from one end of the lettuce leaf to the middle. Fold in

the sides and continue to roll.

Copyright foodandhealth.com, reprinted with permission

Strategies for improving concentrationBe here now: When you feel your mind start to wander away from the task at hand, simply remind yourself to “Be here now.” This may happen numerous times over the course of only a few minutes. Continue using this strategy to focus as often as you need.

Spider technique: This technique refers to a vibrating tuning fork on a spider web. The spider will come looking for the source of the vibration. After the spider realizes what is causing the vibration, it will return to its regular business. This same technique can be used by humans. Train yourself to ignore vibrations like people walking around or opening and closing doors.

Make a list: Rather than dwell on things you need to do, write them down. This will prevent forgetfulness and ensure you are not distracted by them at the wrong time or place. If you still find yourself thinking about items on your list, set aside a certain time of every day to worry and think. Don’t let your list distract you from your daily duties.