Move your body
Being active can help improve your mood and lower your stress. It can also help you get better sleep. Regular movement supports both physical and mental health, lowering risk for serious health problems. That includes lowering your risk for anxiety and depression. Even a short daily walk can make a big difference.
Eat well
Mindful eating habits are vital for good health and nutrition. It can lower your risk for many chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. And it can also help:
Give you nutrients you need for growth and repair
Boost your immunity and prevent diet-related illness
Keep your skin, teeth and eyes healthy
Give you the energy you need to keep active throughout the day
Eating different kinds of foods and using less salt, sugars and saturated fats can support better health.
Making big changes to your eating habits can seem overwhelming. It may be better to start with a few smaller ones instead. Even the smallest changes to your food choices can make a big difference for your health over time.
Get regular health screenings
Health screenings can find problems early, when they’re easier to treat. This includes screenings for long‑term health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as cancer screenings. Getting these tests regularly can help prevent or delay serious health problems and keep you healthier over time.
Depending on your age, your primary care provider (PCP) and/or gynecologist may recommend one or more of these screenings at your checkup:
Blood pressure screening
Pelvic exam
Pap test and/or human papilloma virus (HPV) test (cervical cancer screening)
Mammogram (breast cancer screening)
Bone density screening
Colon cancer screening
Don’t smoke
Not smoking is one of the best things you can do to protect your health and the health of those around you. If you smoke, quitting can help you feel better and live longer. Even if you’ve smoked for many years, stopping now can still make a big difference. With all the strong benefits of quitting, it’s worth thinking about taking that first step.
How to quit if you smoke
Whether you smoke, vape or use other forms of nicotine, you can get help with quitting. Quitting isn't easy, but with the right plan and support, you can reach your goal.
Take a look at some of these resources that can help you get started:
We cover counseling services to help you quit smoking. Call Member Services for help finding a care manager. Need help finding your health plan’s contact info? Visit our Contact us page.
Check in with your mental and emotional health
Mental health is a big part of your overall health. It affects how you think, feel and handle your day-to-day life. Good mental health is about more than just “not being sick.” It helps you enjoy life, stay connected to others and handle everyday challenges. When your mental health is strong, it’s easier to learn new things, solve problems and cope with stress.
Self-care can play a role in managing your mental health. It can also help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness. Check your plan’s coverage to see if it includes any behavioral health benefits you can use.
Learn more about how women can manage mental health