March 2025 Newsletter

March Benefits Newsletter: Spring Into Wellness

As the days get longer and flowers begin to bloom, March is the perfect time to refresh your wellness routine. This month, we’re celebrating National Nutrition Month and launching an exciting 8-Week Step Challenge to help you embrace a healthier lifestyle. From boosting your nutrition to getting active, we’ve got tips, benefits updates, and incentives to support your journey toward well-being. Let’s step into spring feeling our best!

Quick Links:

• Fuel Your Body: National Nutrition Month

• Step Into Spring: Join the 8-Week Step Challenge

• Spring Clean Your Benefits

• Spring Forward with Better Sleep

• Renew Your Mind & Body

• Seasonal Allergy Survival Guide

Fuel Your Body:
National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, making it a great time to focus on fueling your body with the right foods. A well-balanced diet can boost energy, improve focus, and support long-term health. Take advantage of your health benefits to make smarter choices about nutrition.

Quick Nutrition Tips:

• Incorporate more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals.

• Stay hydrated—aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.

• Use your wellness benefits to schedule a consultation with a registered dietitian.

• Take advantage of any discounts on healthy meal delivery services available through your benefits portal.

Take Action: Visit Our Health Plan Provider's website to explore nutrition counseling services and healthy eating resources, or check out public services like the USDA's MyPlate (www.myplate.gov) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (www.eatright.org) for additional guidance and meal planning tools.

Step Into Spring:
Join the 8-Week Step Challenge

Get ready to move! Starting on March 20 (the first day of spring), our 8-Week Step Challenge encourages you to stay active and enjoy the season. Walking is one of the simplest ways to boost your health, reduce stress, and improve overall fitness. Plus, participants will have a chance to win 4 free sessions with a nutritionist to help create a personalized meal plan tailored to their lifestyle.

How It Works:

• Sign up through our Wellness Platform by March 19.

• Track your daily steps using your preferred device or app.

• Stay consistent for 8 weeks and hit your personal step goals.

• All participants will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win nutritionist sessions.

Take Action: Sign up by March 18 and start stepping toward better health! Visit the Wellness Portal for details.

Spring Clean Your Benefits

A new season is a great opportunity to refresh and optimize your benefits. Take a moment to check in on your available health, wellness, and financial benefits.

Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Health Benefits: Schedule overdue preventive screenings or wellness visits.

• Financial Wellness: Reassess retirement contributions and explore budgeting resources.

• Employee Discounts: Look for new discounts on fitness programs, wellness apps, and nutrition plans.

• Mental Health Resources: Spring can bring a renewed focus on self-care—access EAP services for support.

Take Action: Schedule time to complete your spring cleaning tasks, ensuring you maximize your available perks and benefits.

Spring Forward with Better Sleep

With Daylight Saving Time beginning in March, adjusting your sleep routine is key to feeling your best. The time change can disrupt your internal clock, but small adjustments can help you maintain quality rest.

Tips for Better Sleep:

• Start adjusting your bedtime by 15-minute increments a few days before the time change.

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or deep breathing exercises.

• Limit screen time at least 30 minutes before bed to improve sleep quality.

• Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask to create a dark, restful environment.

• If you struggle with sleep issues, check your EAP resources for guidance.

Take Action: Explore EAP offerings for sleep management tools and expert advice to improve your sleep habits.

Renew Your Mind & Body

Spring is a time of renewal, making it the perfect season to prioritize both physical and mental well-being. Small changes can lead to big results!

Spring Wellness Tips:

• Spend time outdoors to soak up natural light and improve your mood.

• Try a new fitness activity, like yoga or strength training, to switch up your routine.

• Practice mindfulness—start or end your day with deep breathing or meditation.

• Get enough sleep! Aim for 7-9 hours per night to support overall health.

Take Action: Check out Wellness Program Offerings and sign up for activities that support your well-being.

Seasonal Allergy Survival Guide

Spring is beautiful, but for many, it also means dealing with seasonal allergies. Pollen and other allergens can make this season challenging, but there are ways to minimize symptoms and stay healthy.

Allergy Relief Tips:

• Check daily pollen forecasts and limit outdoor time when levels are high.

• Keep windows closed and use an air purifier to reduce indoor allergens.

• Wash your hands and change clothes after spending time outside.

• Use over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays as needed—check your health benefits to see if allergy medications are covered.

• Schedule an appointment with an allergist if symptoms become severe.

Take Action: Visit Our Health Plan Provider’s website to review allergy-related health benefits and find a provider.

We appreciate your commitment to your health and well-being. This spring, take advantage of the great resources available to help you feel your best. If you have any questions about benefits, wellness programs, or how to participate in our Step Challenge, please reach out to the Benefits Team or visit the Benefits Portal. Here’s to a healthier, happier spring season!