Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, crucial to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Yet, in today's fast-paced world, many need the recommended 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Here are a few strategies to maximize your rest to reap the full benefits of sleep.

As the seasons change, so too can our self-care routines. Each transition allows us to reevaluate our well-being and make mindful adjustments to support our physical and mental health. Let's explore how you can use the changes of the season to practice self-care, drawing inspiration from nature's cycles.

Serena Jain, from Princeton, NJ, was first introduced to yoga and meditation as a young child. But it wasn't until 2020 that Serena embarked on a transformational path to bring integrative health and well-being coaching to corporate leaders, women's groups, and individuals seeking to become more present in their lives. Serena shared her experience completing the Duke Health & Well-Being ...
Music, the universal language that transcends boundaries, has a powerful influence on our emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the therapeutic effects of music have been recognized and harnessed for their potential to enhance various aspects of health. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of music and its profound impact on human health, ...
Pain is a common human experience that can significantly impact our daily lives. While medication is often a go-to solution for pain management, numerous non-medication treatments offer effective relief without the potential side effects of pharmaceuticals. These natural alternatives encompass various approaches, from physical therapies to lifestyle modifications. They have gained popularity for their holistic and sustainable benefits. Learn more ...
In May 2022, Anna Batsakes, NBC-HWC, who lives in Chapel Hill, NC, completed the Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Training. Anna shared her program experience and the multiple benefits of pursuing a Health & Well-Being coach certification. Anna, now a Health Coach and Health Education Specialist at Live For Live, Employee Health & Wellness at Duke Health, ...
We've all been there – setting big goals, making promises to ourselves, or planning exciting projects, only to struggle to make them happen. This is known as the intention-action gap, a common challenge where our intentions don't always translate into actions. Understanding this gap is important because it affects our personal growth, productivity, and ability to achieve our dreams. Understanding the ...
Many eagerly anticipate soaking up the warmth and participating in summer outdoor activities. However, wearing swimsuits and showing more skin can be intimidating for some. But fear not! Summer is the perfect time to start a weight loss journey. In addition to the sunny appeal, there are several reasons why summer is an ideal time to lose those extra pounds.
By Deborah Ann Ballard MD, MPH, Duke Integrative Medicine As an integrative medicine physician, I appreciate the health benefits of activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit. Many people are familiar with the health benefits of yoga, Tai Chi, and qigong. When the world opened up after the social isolation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, I discovered ...
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a familiar and often overwhelming part of our daily lives. Fortunately, there are evidence-based techniques that can help manage stress and improve overall well-being. One such technique is the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, MBSR combines mindfulness meditation, yoga, and mind-body awareness to reduce stress and promote a ...