Stress Relief

It’s tempting to romanticize childhood as a time where the biggest concerns are who to sit with in the cafeteria, what your summer plans are, and what to spend your allowance on. Reality during childhood can often be a lot different than the ideal.

National Walk at Lunch Day is the perfect excuse to get outside after lunch and rack up some steps. Do it every day and the health benefits will rack up, too.

Relaxation is key to combating high stress levels. Spa treatments are a great way to reduce stress levels and achieve a level of relaxation.

Adopting a mindful mindset can help you have a holiday that’s more relaxed, intentional and joyful. These tips can help you do just that.

Here are some common factors to look for to see if your body is reacting to stress.

Setting aside time to do good things for yourself is the gift that keeps giving all season long.

If you are heading off to college, read these tips about prioritizing your physical and mental health while away.

Using a journal can help you solve problems effectively, reduce stress and anxiety and cope with emotional traumas, including grief and loss.

Have a lot of feelings dealing with the election? Here’s how to handle those emotions in a healthy way.

Overwhelming news stories and stats can quickly put us in a funk. Finding joy in the everyday can help.

Manage your stress better with these 5 tips on how to unwind and relax.

Use your senses of sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste to center your mind when you're feeling anxious. Try this mindfulness technique to overcome worries.

People with mental health issues often stay silent due to feelings of shame. Here’s how to help overcome that stigma.

Yoga is a great way to improve your strength, flexibility and mental clarity. Add some of these moves into your day for an easy way to improve your practice.

Those who believe in the science of grounding support connecting individual bioelectromagnetic fields with the earth’s electromagnetic field.

Stress is usually part of your daily routine. However, incorporating yoga and different types of breathing into your daily routine can help lower your stress.

Therapy can be beneficial for anyone who feels they need a listening ear while they work through something going on in their lives.

Is your social scrolling bringing you down? Add some positivity to your feed with these fun and positive accounts to follow.

There are many different types of meditation and the key is to explore the various styles until you find one that suits you best.

Professional athlete Kevin Love shares his mental health struggles, here’s why it’s important to be vocal about your own experiences

From creative outlets to health and wellness changes, there are plenty of ways to work on yourself. Here are our favorite ideas.

If you’ve recently had to shift to working from home, you might be feeling confused or overwhelmed with your new work environment. These tips can help.

Sumi Mehta was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 59. Her husband KC, remembers it as “the saddest day of our lives.”

Beyond the mere satisfaction you may receive from helping select the next president, voting also has some surprising health benefits.

The drive to succeed academically may be good to an extent, but it can also lead to an insatiable desire for perfection where a B can be devastating.

Some pieces of advice tend to resonate with us more than others. Here are some of the best pieces of advice members of our team have received:

More than half of Americans consider the holidays stressful. Here are some tips on how to navigate the season and avoid the holiday blues.

The holidays are especially fraught with challenges to remaining cool, calm and collected. These seven tips can help you get through the season.

Online shopping lacks some of the health, social and environmental benefits of shopping in-store.

As fall transitions to winter, the decrease in sunlight may have a deep impact on your mental wellbeing.

Sometimes even the slightest action can make someone happy. Here are some of the ways we participate in random acts of kindness during the holidays:

Caregiving can be stressful, but there are small ways to embrace the journey. Read about Breeda Miller's experience and what she learned from it.

When you’re dealing with a crisis, there’s no “right” way to react. However, there are some helpful dos and don’ts that can help you navigate the unexpected.

If you’ve tried yoga and didn’t like it, it’s possible the studio just wasn’t the right fit. Read on for tips you can use in your quest to find a yoga home.

Mental illness can impact everything from work to social lives. It is often viewed differently because it can not be physically seen.

You may feel obligated to say yes all the time, but one of your greatest tools is the word “no.”

Going to college is a huge step in your life, and there is a lot to do before moving in. Read here to find out more!

Sometimes you need a little pick-me-up to get through the work week. Read up on some fun, inexpensive ideas.

Simplification looks different for everyone and each person has their own method that works for them. Here are some of our tips on how we keep things simple.

Being perfect isn't always a good thing. Perfectionism can negatively impact your life. Make sure you know the signs and how to cope.

If you’re caring for a loved one, there could be aspects of caregiving that will surprise you. Read on for what to expect and how to cope.

Other than being much harder than it looks, golf is a great source of exercise for all ages. It might be time to pick up that driver and hit the links.

Dealing with changes due to a new job, moving, losing a loved one, getting married or having a baby can be difficult. Here are coping tips to help you adjust.

Did you know that there are some pretty great apps that focus on your mental health?

For this writer, talking openly about her depression and anxiety is a way to let others know they’re not alone and that seeking treatment is important.

Many people overlook the benefits of a simple walk every day. Read about how walking each day is great for your health!

Angela Hernandez, social media team leader at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan sat down with local caregivers and aging experts to discuss caregiving.

When you sleep your body transitions through different cycles. Learn about what happens at each stage and how each cycle affects your health.

About one third of adults report getting less than the recommended amount of sleep. Can sleep trackers help?

Though we know the benefits of a good night’s sleep, that doesn’t always mean we have the ability to catch the proper amount of Zzz’s. These tips can help.

One in seven Americans is affected by sleep “drunkenness”. Find out what causes this condition and why you should get it checked out if you think you have it.

Just because you’re in love doesn’t mean you won’t sometimes disagree. Learn how to keep the lines of communication open without saying something you’ll regret.

Weighted blankets look and feel like a normal blanket, but are far heavier. The weight is evenly distributed across them.

Learn more about how creative outlets can have a positive impact on your life.

There's a connection between creative pursuits and your mental and physical health. Find out why you should take up a creative hobby today.

Here’s your quick-start guide to using essential oils, including what they are, popular varieties and whether they pose any risks.

The new year is a great time to renew your commitment to a healthy mind, body and spirit. Here are little tweaks to do just that.

Why connecting with nature is as vital to good health as wellness visits, preventive screenings and daily vitamins.

Revamp your exercise routine with these 8 boredom-busting workouts…

Food, wrapping paper, gifts and decorations all can take a toll on your bank account – but they don’t have to.

Families can be a source of comfort, but also emotional pain. Learn how to navigate potential pitfalls before you gather for the holidays.

Staying on top of fridge organization and meal prepping can sometimes fall to the bottom of your to-do list. Here are some kitchen hacks to make life easier.

Going through your college years and saving money can be hard, but here's why it is so important for your future.

Wear earbuds at work, the gym or in your car? Here are some trustworthy answers to frequently asked earbud questions to keep your ears healthy.

Coming out can be an emotionally trying experience. Read on for tips about how to navigate your journey in a way that’s right for you.

Try these honey-infused DIY self-care recipes for head-to-toe glowing skin.

What really causes people to procrastinate? It might be a fear of failure or anxiety. Read on for tips to cope.

Here are some tips to help regain your independence once a relationship comes to an end.

Here are some of the healthiest spots on campus for students attending Western Michigan University.

It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine, but also stressful at times. Here are some on-campus resources for keeping your health in check while attending U of M.

Michigan State University offers a wide range of fun activities and ways to stay healthy on campus.

Here are some tips to make your staycation all about self-care and space reinvigoration.

Roller skiing provides a unique total-body workout. Strengthening 90 percent of your muscles, this low-impact sport can be enjoyed by many.

Self-compassion is treating yourself as you would a friend when you’re upset or disappointed. Use some of our tips to cultivate a happier mind and body.

ARTpath is a 3.5 mile stretch of the Lansing River Trail that features 10 thought-provoking art pieces made by various artists across Michigan.

Live a healthy life with the MI Blue Skill for Amazon Alexa.

There is something about “unplugging” from busy day-to-day lives and then recharging in the Michigan backcountry.

Post-graduation can be the most stressful time of your career, but here are some excellent tips to stay on track.

June might be the perfect month of the year in Michigan if you enjoy balmy temps and sunshine. Here are some ideas to make the most of it.

Homemade sugar scrub and avocado-honey face mask recipes will help you create a relaxing experience in the comfort of your own home.

Research shows that having a hobby may improve lots of different areas of your life. To get you going, here are some hobby ideas to check out:

It’s little secret that sitting on your butt for long periods of time is bad for your health.

Make the most of May with these 10 ways to get outside and explore.

Refresh your morning routine with these tips that will set you up to seize the day!

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is proud to partner with Tulip Time to bring the community a series of special yoga events this May.

Color therapy, or the use of different hues to change your mood, is more powerful than you may have thought. Here’s how to use colors to turn your day around.

Check out these ways you can use your smart speakers to get healthier.

Feel the love this February by stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new.

These quick and easy fixes will have you sleeping better at night and leave you feeling energized during the day.

Being a little selfish during the holidays doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s actually good for you!

Smartphone apps and “mental health days” are just two ways to get on the right track.

Work can sometimes get in the way of you being the healthiest version of yourself. Here are five ways you can make your workday habits healthier.

Have you ever considered going on a silent retreat? Learn more about what a silent retreat is and the associated benefits.

Did you know that being a sports fan can have major health benefits? Read on for reasons to cheer!

Plan to incorporate healthy habits into your ArtPrize visit this year.

The A Healthier Michigan team recently tried goat yoga. Find out why it’s a growing trend.

Sound therapy uses sound and vibrations to find a deeper sense of calm and relieve stressors in your life.

Next time you reach for the snooze button, think again. Learn why you may be losing out on healthy sleep.

Sometimes you can’t get along with everyone, but there are ways to deal with pesky co-workers.