Special Edition

This newsletter is brought to you in partnership with Prisma Health.

3 positive habits to add to your morning routine

A moving sunrise. — Pro tip: Set a consistent, reasonable time to wake up each day.
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GIF by the COLAtoday team

The way you rise can help you shine. Your morning routine sets the tone for your day — and it can have a lasting impact on your mental health. Studies show that having a morning routine can increase energy, productivity, and positivity.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, here are three activities to help you create your own morning routine:

Start the day with direct sunlight

Exposure to sunlight is said to increase the brain’s release of serotonin, a hormone associated with boosting mood, providing a sense of calm, and improving focus.

It’s also a natural way to increase vitamin D. Did you know? About 70% of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D helps keep our bones strong and is known to help heart health and regulate blood sugar — so spending time in the sun not only benefits your mental health, but your physical health, too. (Remember to wear sunscreen, of course.)

A photo of the sun rising at the river. — Small daily habits can go a long way when it comes to creating a routine you love.
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Photo by the COLAtoday team

Add movement to your routine

Whether it’s taking a walk around the neighborhood, hitting the gym for a morning workout, or finding your zen at a local yoga studio, starting the day with movement not only stimulates the body — there’s also a host of benefits for emotional wellness.

“Physical exercise is strongly linked to a healthy mind. A little bit of daily exercise can go a long way,” said Dr. R. Shea Fontana with Prisma Health’s Psychiatry department.

Benefits include sharpened memory and improved mood and self-esteem. We’ll take it.

Set aside time for meditation

In our fast-paced world, it’s important to make time to be still and just be. Adding meditation to your routine is the perfect way to channel mindfulness, a state of being aware and fully in the present moment.

“Mindfulness meditation has been shown in research to change neuroplasticity, or brain connectivity, to enhance one’s ability to be more resilient in the face of stress,” says Prisma Health Psychiatrist, Shilpa Srinivasan, MD.

Pro tip: Need help getting started? Check out a few meditation strategies.

Asked

Which activity are you adding to your routine?

A. Direct sunlight
B. Regular exercise
C. Daily meditation
D. Other

Let us know

Health

4 ways to recognize when stress is impacting your mental health

A sad woman sitting on the couch. — It’s important to recognize when stress, anxiety, or other mood changes are negatively affecting your daily life so you can take action.
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Photo by Pexels

Take a moment to inhale calm and exhale stress. Here are four signs that stress is impacting your mental health.

A decrease in overall sleep quality
Changes in appetite and what you’re eating
Prolonged, uncomfortable bouts with anxiety, sadness, and irritability
Finding yourself in relationships that are emotionally draining, argumentative, or pose a risk to your safety

Check out ways to manage stress

News Notes

Health

While certain levels of stress can be unavoidable, the way we cope with stress can improve the way it affects us. Check out five ways to cope with prolonged stress and anxiety.

Open

This will float your boat. Float therapy is now at Shvaas Spa. Also known as sensory deprivation tank therapy, this service has many benefits, like decreasing stress, promoting relaxation, and more.

Wellness

You’re never too busy for a mindful moment. Finding time for mindfulness meditation might be easier (and more beneficial) than you think. Here’s how you can add mindfulness meditation into everyday tasks.

Community

Direct sunlight, movement, and active meditation all in one — now that’s a win. Head to Rosewood Market on Sundays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for free Yoga on the Deck hosted by Rooted Yoga.

Featured Deal

Looking for a new way to stay active? Rise Fitness + Wellness, a local pilates studio, is offering a summer special for students and teachers. The special includes two months of unlimited classes for $275 (regularly $199 per month). Call or text 803-881-1983 for details + to sign up.

Active

It’s time to put your best foot forward, COLA. Check out these tips for finding the perfect athletic shoe, so you can step, stride, and move with comfort + ease.

Try This

Ready to rev up your athletic performance, COLA? We caught up with SC State football player Patrick Godbolt at Apex Athletic Performance and tried his tailored workout ourselves. Check out our experience.

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