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.

You’ve packed the sunscreen, but have you prepped your kitchen? Check out these tips you can use before you leave on your next getaway.

These Michigan destinations will provide much need relaxation and reflection through a variety of wellness programs.

Hear from one of our A Healthier Michigan team members who decided to limit her cell phone use for a full work week. This is what she learned.

Make your boat dreams come true before summer ends!

Budgeting doesn’t have to be a painstaking process. Take control of your finances, stretch your dollar further and improve your health by sticking to a budget.

Consider some of these remedies to get yourself (or a loved one) through the loss of a pet.

Poetry helped Marcel Price process mental health diagnoses and trauma from his youth. As GR’s new poet laureate, he’s trying to help others find their voice.

Hammocks aren’t just for trees anymore. Enjoy hanging out in a new and improved way this summer.

Learn the four common symptoms of PTSD that may affect those recovering from a traumatic experience.

This workout is a hit! How boxing can give you a full body workout and reduce stress at the same time.

Take control of your stress and anxiety with these simple tips that you can do by yourself, or with the whole family.

Try these low-cost ideas to give yourself the ultimate spa day at home.

When you have a bad day, your "Happy Box" is there to make you smile with some of your favorite things.

Do you love Michigan's great outdoors? Got questions about camping, hiking, biking or more? Join the #MIBigGreenGym Twitter chat June 27 at 11 a.m.

Summer is here and fall tryouts will be approaching soon. Here are a few tips to help your child manage their stress during tryouts.

Learn how to relieve anxiety that comes with the end of a great vacation. You’re not the only one feeling blue!

Throw away some stress and get a low-impact workout in with a round of disc golf.

There are quick and easy ways to alleviate common stressors and help us focus on the task at hand.

Summer is the perfect time to re-connect to nature and to yourself.

Depression, anxiety and mood disorders are ranked number one among the top five health conditions in the U.S. Here are realistic ways to change that.

A key to managing everyday stress is setting realistic, manageable goals. Here are 10 tips to help manage stress.

Stress is a signal to the brain and body that can help us identify physiological and psychological issues. Here’s how to figure out what it’s saying.

Believe it or not a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Spring cleaning can increase productivity, save time and improve physical and mental health.

Ever wondered just how much having a furry friend improves your health? You might be surprised.

Get ideas for turning your yard into a sanctuary for the planet.

When patients believe they can rely on health care professionals to support them, even if they are not ready to change, they’re less likely to hide the truth.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has grown in popularity for both men and women. Learn more about some of the many benefits of practicing Jiu Jitsu!

Cooking can be a great way to spend time together as a couple, but watch for these common issues that might cause a relationship flare-up.

Looking for a new way to get outside with your dog during the winter months? Check out skijoring.

New guidelines for treating back pain may have patients reaching for yoga mats instead of pain medications.

If you do them right, naps can help you catch up on sleep and feel more energized. Here’s how to do it the right way.

Apped out? Try these alternatives to improve your health–no smart phone required.

If you’re a social butterfly bored by the gym, sport and social clubs in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo might be just what you’re looking for.

Make the most of your holiday season by learning how to handle common stressful situations–from packed malls to wacky relatives.

If you’ve got 12 seconds, you’ve got time to put your stress on notice. Here’s how to use deep breathing to relax.

Learn how to express yourself using the “assertiveness sandwich” technique.

Learn how mindfulness can help you regain focus on stressful days.

Getting lost in a good book can be good for your mental health, help you sleep better and more!

Adjustment disorder is a common condition that occurs when one struggles with the ability to cope with major experiences. These tips will help you cope.

Start off the school year on the right foot by learning how to effectively manage your anxiety, and succeed in and outside of the classroom.

The practice of Shinrin-Yoku, a.k.a. forest therapy, is a Japanese concept developed in the 1980s. Try it out and see how zen you start to feel.

Going back to college? Set yourself up for success and make it the best semester yet.

Read about how music can reduce your stress levels, and find a few new songs to add to your positive playlist.

These simple tweaks will transform the energy of your home, making you feel happier and more at peace.

Read about how setting smaller goals can help you achieve some big goals in both your personal and professional life

Group therapy is extremely similar to one-on-one therapy, just with others present. Many Americans are using it as a cheaper alternative to individual therapy.

Tragedy is inevitable and for parents it can be particularly rough explaining these sad events, however there are ways parents can be there for their kids.

Doesn’t a nice, long, bubble bath sound amazing right now? Learn how you can spice up your baths and improve your health all at once!

Free fitness event combining a 6-mile bike ride followed by a 45-minute yoga class.

A new way of exercising is taking Michigan by storm. Learn the benefits of drumming exercise and why you should get connected with a fitness center near you.

Some of our team spent their lunch trying outdoor yoga at the Renaissance Center. Here is what each of them thought about the experience!

Everyone has at least one minute in their day to improve their health. Learn the various benefits of one-minute meditation and how to do it.

Clutter can do a number on your stress and anxiety. Here are some simple steps you can take to create a peaceful, tidy home.

In honor of American Heart Month, vow to slow down a little bit and release the pressure on your mind and heart.

Random Act of Kindness Day comes around every February, but this doesn’t mean it’s the only day you need to perform acts of kindness.

Self-care can fall to the wayside when taking care of family, working overtime and handling other obligations. Here’s how to shift your focus back to yourself.

You breathe all day long, but with these four techniques you can turn the simple act of inhaling and exhaling into an amazing relaxation technique.

Children with autism typically require order and routine–two things the holidays don’t have much of. Here’s how to help them through the season.

We’ve all gotten along better with some co-workers than others. But what happens when a person’s attitude or behavior starts to drive you crazy?

Worrying and feeling stressed out doesn’t just impact your mental well-being, it also takes a toll on your heart health. This video explains how.

If you’ve never meditated before, going to a center is a great way to learn about the practice. Here are some great places in Michigan to try it out.

It can be hard to always walk on the sunny side of the street, but trying to think optimistically as much as possible can have huge health benefits.

If done with a budget and long-term vision, taking your next great Michigan vacation could be more achievable than you think. Here’s how to do it.

Find out why you should give aromatherapy a try, with information about Nurtured by Mother Nature, a Michigan company attending the Buy Michigan Now Festival.

Stressed? Find out why a little heavy lifting could help.

This post discusses the benefits of therapy and how it can help improve people’s lives.

This blog provides tai chi tips for beginners talks about free tai chi classes on the Detroit riverfront.

Carving out moments in your day when you aren’t on your phone or computer is key to being happy and having healthy relationships. Here’s how to do it.

Tai Chi is one of the most peaceful, relaxing activities you could try. But don’t assume that means it doesn’t have loads of health benefits.

Growing your own vegetables is a great way to eat well and save money. And these four steps will help you get your garden started.

Getting organized can help you stress less. We’ve got tips to help you get it together and relax!

Taking a mental health day is becoming more common in the modern workplace, because a stressed employee negatively impacts performance and morale.

Discover ways to manage stress by determining triggers.

You know you should exercise regularly and eat nutritious meals every day, but there’s one healthy routine you may not know you need in your life: one that

Yoga can help you stretch out muscles, reduce stress and strengthen your core. Here are five moves to get you started.

This new health trend will float you into a state of relaxation. Will you give it a try?

There are many ways to make a work environment comfortable, cozy and healthy all at once. Read this visual guide to see what a healthy work space looks like.

The benefits of dancing go way beyond the physical. Grooving to the music can also do quite the number on your brain power and mental well-being.

This DIY holiday craft is perfect for your own tree–or to give to your favorite Michigander.

Don’t let the holidays send you into a stress-filled frenzy. Here are some ways to keep things simple, so you actually enjoy the season.

Check out three helpful and natural ways to end a painful migraine.

If money is constantly stressing you out, you have more than the balance in your bank account to think about. Constant worry about your financial situation…

If you’re experiencing stress, there are some natural ways to fight the bad feelings. Try one of these foods to reduce stress or anxiety.

Much has been said about how working out is a great way to feel happier, but the focus is usually on endorphins. Whenever you exercise…

Gathering together at the holidays should be a time for joy, but for many the annual rituals can be anxiety-inducing. If you’re feeling more stressed than…

Cutting down on your stress levels have never been easier with these new high-tech gadgets.

10 easy holiday DIY crafts that the whole family can enjoy.

Sometimes the things you’re supposed to do to relieve stress—meditate, exercise, sleep more—can be stressful to incorporate into your day. Luckily there’s a new…

Stress can really do a number on all sorts of things: your immune system, your weight and even your sleep. Think about how impossible it is to wind down and…

Did you know that the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times in a lifetime? The heart is an impressive organ and we need to take care of it to avoid…

On average, Americans spend around 7.9 hours a day at work – with a lot of people putting in way more than that. This means that if you’re not happy at your…

Discover several simple actions you can add to your daily agenda to help your mind and body relax and improve your productivity.

While there are many ways to manage stress in your life, like exercise and meditation, the foods you eat can also play an important role in helping you stay…

Demanding bosses, tight finances, a recent fight with your sister—with all the things going on in your life, it’s no wonder you might feel a bit stressed out…

I love my job here at BCBSM. Every day is different and I often get out of the office to see and do some pretty cool stuff. It’s still a lot of work though.

Just like you can tell when your body has experienced a good workout, your mind usually exhibits symptoms when it needs a break. There are surefire signs to…

Overworking the brain can create a long list of problems. Help combat this issue with these tips.

Add these yoga poses to your pre-bed ritual to help achieve a more restful sleep.

S t r e s s. The word alone is irritating. Everyone has stress, but some people seem to manage it better than others. It’s important to understand and regularly…

We understand: Not every day is going to provide you with hours to go to the gym, cook a healthy meal from scratch, get a massage, meditate and spend quality…

Stress seems to find its way into everyone's lives. Whether it stems from work, finances or family, that feeling of worry and anxiety can rear its ugly head…

Times of transition–whether positive or negative–can be overwhelming. It's scary to go through a change like your kids leaving for college or losing your job.

We’ve all been there: the pressure to meet a deadline, finish the work that has been piling up on your desk and make it to all six meetings today. Oh…

Facing the occasional manic Monday is pretty normal, and even considered good for your health. A little amount of stress, like meeting a tight deadline at work…

Do you fall into bed at night and wonder where the day went? Have you ever sat down for lunch and finished your entire meal without tasting a single bite?

I am definitely the type of person who says ‘yes’ to everything and tends to overload her schedule. While this typically works out well and allows for me to…

Everyone experiences stress at one point or another in their jobs. Here are five ways to quickly go from riled up to relaxed in a flash.

Identifying what causes your stress is the first step in managing it. One helpful tool I recommend is starting a stress journal. Ask questions like: Once you…

It’s December…which means the holiday season is upon us. Are you excited about the holidays? We all know how we’re supposed to respond to that question – “Of…

It seems like the minute Halloween ends, Christmas begins with Thanksgiving disappearing somewhere in between.

We know stress can have a big impact on the body’s immune system, but can it cause breast cancer? While there isn't a direct link between stress and cancer…

I had a revelation yesterday while I was filling up my water bottle at work. I noticed while I was waiting I was tense, irritated, and furiously tapping my foot.

There are many different styles of yoga. Try one of these four to find a better life balance.

You wake up, shower, do your hair, get breakfast ready, get your kids to school, get a workout in, get to work, pick up kids from school, take kid #1 to soccer…

Holiday shopping can take a toll on your body. Many of us will find ourselves exhausted from last-minute holiday shopping which tends to create stress that…

Excited about the holidays? We all know how we’re supposed to respond to that question – “Of course!” But the fact is, as much as we love spending time with…

Christmas is coming but so are finals for college students around Michigan. The holiday season can be more overwhelming than fun. I was studying for college…

Today I have one goal in mind: to help keep your stress level at a minimum. Sounds good doesn’t it? I don’t know about you, but music helps me keep my stress…

If it was possible, I’d find a way to write a prescription for every person out there who feels as though they need medicine to feel better.

A few months ago I was walking down the hallway at work and passed two co-workers. We smiled and exchanged pleasantries. As they passed me, I heard one remark…

I was 6 years old when I got caught in a terrible lie. I had not only stolen a small figurine of a dog that belonged to someone else, I had lied about doing it.

To build a culture of wellness at the workplace, you have to start slowly but surely with healthier habits.

Sitting can be hazardous to health, but don't underestimate the power of a good walk during your workday.

It’s hardly news to anyone that work can create stress and that stress and weight gain are connected. Some days work isn't so stressful, other days it’s…

Have you ever heard that being stressed out can lead to weight gain? Unfortunately, it's true. Cortisol is commonly known as a stress hormone…

Although most Americans can relate to being somewhat out of balance between work and life, it is possible to achieve balance. I must warn you, it will take work…

Traffic, loud noise, workload, too many commitments, not enough time in the day — these are examples of stressors or things that cause us stress.

It’s about that time, the time when I must decide what I’m going to wear to weekend Christmas celebrations! It’s not a big deal to many people, but for me it is.

The holiday season can cause quite a bit of stress but with these tips you'll be able to get to the new year stress-free.

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s often the most stressful time of the year as well. Gift buying, party after party…

Being a pregnant, full-time working mom of almost two now, I know what it can feel like to be overwhelmed and exhausted. I also wish I could term myself a…

So here I am writing this blog – feeling a little grumpy and overwhelmed, but it is up to me if I want to feel this way the whole day, or if I want to really…