In May, we took a step back to recognise and honour a vital part of our lives: holistic health. Under the banner of #MindFulMay, we highlighted the priority of taking small, intentional steps to help ourselves and our loved ones lead stronger, healthier lives.
As we approach the end of this month, here is a quick recap of the global health awareness pursuits we emphasised upon and how we can continue to enhance our well-being with momentum.
Prioritising physical health
Health is more than being illness-free—it’s the freedom and energy to live life to the fullest. We can all do our part as a community to commit to achieving good health, including raising awareness, adopting preventive health measures, performing regular health checkups, and being mindful of warning signs of unexpected or chronic conditions like asthma, hypertension, and stroke.
When it comes to stroke, it is important to act FAST by recognising symptoms like face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties, and seeking help immediately.
Similarly, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms associated with other health conditions like cancer and performing regular self checkups like screening for painless lumps, unexplained anaemia, non-healing ulcers, and taking medical consultation to avoid any complications.
Early detection plays a crucial role in saving lives. Programs like DHA’s Basmah initiative offer early screening for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers, and are covered in the basic health plan. Additionally, there are other initiatives by DHA like the Hepatitis Program that can support those in need.
This is the moment to equip ourselves with knowledge and act when it matters most to protect our well-being.
Turning mental health awareness into action
Mental health, like physical health, is a key component of holistic well-being. It focuses on our emotional, psychological, and social well-being that shapes how we think, feel and act.
This May brings us the opportunity to challenge misconceptions associated with mental health, take charge, and encourage ourselves to make concrete yet mindful changes in our lives.
This can be bite-sized initiatives like practising mindful eating, focusing on relaxation and recharging, engaging in creative activities like writing, art, journaling, setting boundaries, and reaching out for help when needed.
Being mindful of our well-being also means looking out for those around us, such as our loved ones, colleagues, or the people who help us every day.
Empowering family’s holistic well-being
Well-being begins at home. There are many simple yet effective ways to enhance the health and holistic well-being of our loved ones. One way is to incorporate fun yet healthy habits within our families. This could be cooking a healthy meal together, engaging in outdoor activities like cycling, or having game nights. These joyful activities don’t just improve well-being but also be a great way to bring families together.
And beyond these habits, it is beneficial to ensure that the right health insurance cover is in place to ensure they receive the protection they deserve. Timely access to medical care can prevent small issues from escalating to major concerns and provide peace of mind.
Fostering well-being at work
Since May is also Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, it provides us with the opportunity to foster fitness and prioritise well-being at work. This can range from taking part in short breaks to creating a space for open mental health conversations.
As employees, we can always take active measures like staying hydrated, going on short walks, conversing with colleagues, stretching and performing desk-based exercises. Find out what our employees at Salama have to say about well-being here.
Workplaces that focus on improving employee health by providing the right employee health benefits coverage and resources have seen increased employee retention and engagement rates.
Learn more about practical, everyday steps to improve well-being at work from our blog here.
As #MindfulMay comes to a close, it’s clear that prioritising our holistic well-being through small, positive actions can lead to significant long-term impacts. Whether it’s spending quality time outdoors with family, practising mental relaxation, implementing small wellness measures at work, or ensuring timely access to medical care with the right insurance coverage—every effort counts for our overall health and happiness in the long run.
Discover more on how to support your family with the right health insurance over here.
