Special Edition

This newsletter is brought to you in partnership with Erlanger.

3 positive habits to add to your morning routine

A moving sunrise. — Pro tip: Set a consistent, reasonable time to wake up each day.
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GIF by the NOOGAtoday team

The way you rise can help you shine. Your morning routine sets the tone for your day — and it can have a lasting impact on your mental health. Studies show that having a morning routine can increase energy, productivity, and positivity.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, here are three activities to help you create your own morning routine:

Start the day with direct sunlight

Exposure to sunlight is said to increase the brain’s release of serotonin, a hormone associated with boosting mood, providing a sense of calm, and improving focus.

It’s also a natural way to increase vitamin D. Did you know? Vitamin D is essential to bone health as it helps with calcium absorption. Remember to wear sunscreen, of course, and check out these tips before heading outdoors.

NOOGA Wellness May — Small daily habits can go a long way when it comes to creating a routine you love.
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Photo by @emily_k_lester

Add movement to your routine

Whether it’s taking a walk around the neighborhood, hitting the gym for a morning workout, or finding your flow at a local yoga studio, starting the day with movement not only stimulates the body — there’s also a host of benefits for emotional well-being.

Plus, exercise releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that can reduce stress almost instantaneously. We’ll take it.

Set aside time for relaxation

In our fast-paced world, it’s important to make time to be still and just be. Relaxing your body sets off a chain of events that reduce stress, slow your heart rate, and decrease production of stress hormones.

There are also other benefits, like boosting creativity, reducing stress, allowing your brain to reset + restore, and more.

Events

Community

Chattanooga Market at Erlanger | Wednesdays, year-round | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Erlanger Medical Mall, 979 East 3rd St. | Shop a smaller version of the popular downtown Chattanooga Market.

Family

Sports physicals for the 2024-2025 school year | Saturday, May 11 | 8-11:30 a.m. | Erlanger Primary Care - South, 60 Erlanger South Dr., Ste. A., Ringgold, GA | The Erlanger Sports Medicine team physicians are offering pre-participation — no appointment necessary.

Active

Tai Chi for Health class series | May 7-30 | 10-11 a.m. | Harrison Community Center, 5637 Highway 58, Harrison | Free | This fun fitness program builds strength, balance, and coordination — happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays for four weeks.

Wellness

Men’s Mental Health Matters | Saturday, May 11 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Miller Park, East Martin Luther King Blvd. | Free | This event showcases organizations committed to supporting men and their families while removing the stigmas associated with speaking about men’s mental health.

Outdoors

Community Yoga with Outshine Adventures | Tuesday, May 14 | 7-8 p.m. | Reflection Riding, 400 Garden Rd. | $10 | Stretch your mind and body in nature during this community yoga class — 50% of proceeds are donated to local nonprofits.

Health

Erlanger Cancer Support Group | Tuesday, May 21 | 4:30 p.m. | Erlanger Baroness Hospital Oncology Conference Room, 975 E. 3rd St. | Free, registration requested | Individuals impacted by cancer can share about their cancer journey in a safe space + receive helpful education and resources from specialists.

Sports

Strike Out Stroke at Chattanooga Lookouts | Friday, May 24 | 7:15 p.m. (Gates open at 6 p.m.) | $8-11 per ticket | Lookouts Stadium, 201 Power Alley | A stroke survivor will throw the first pitch in this partnership between Erlanger and the Lookouts to help educate the community and Strike Out Stroke.

Explore more NOOGA events

Health

3 reasons to add brain teasers to your routine for mental fitness

A woman writing in a notebook. — Small daily habits can go a long way when it comes to creating a routine you love.
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Photo by the NOOGAtoday team

Like your other muscles, your brain benefits from a good workout. Enter: Brain teasers, entertaining puzzles that serve as exercise for your brain.

There are many benefits to brain teasers, like:

Memory enhancement: Brain teasers that recall sequences, patterns, or details help increase memory retention.
Stress relief: Shifting your focus and immersing yourself in a puzzle allows your mind to relax and rejuvenate.
Increased productivity: Taking short breaks during your day serves as a reset for your brain, bringing enhanced focus and a fresh perspective.

Check out two more benefits

News Notes

Health

While certain levels of stress can be unavoidable, the way we cope with stress can improve the way it affects us. Here are a few natural ways to relieve stress.

Wellness

Journaling is often called mindfulness in motion. Want to kickstart your journal journey? Check out this 30 Day Mindful Moments Journal from local fitness studio Southern Soul Yoga + Pilates.

Outdoors

Sun’s out and so are we. Try one of these dog-friendly parks to find the perfect place to spend time outside with your four-legged friend.

Fact of Fiction

Doing a monthly skin self-exam improves your chances of finding skin cancer early. Fact or fiction? Find out.

Active

Lace up those boots, NOOGA — we’re heading out for a hike. Explore three hiking trails for all levels + the benefits of getting direct sunlight.

Sports

If golf is more your cup of tee when it comes to outdoor exercise, check out one of these local golf courses.

Health

When spotting stroke symptoms, the key is to B.E. F.A.S.T. Did you know? The Erlanger Stroke Center is one of the largest and most accomplished stroke centers in the nation. Learn more.

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