We know you have a choice when it comes to reading wellness blogs.

We want you to know that we’re so thankful you’ve landed on ours.

At whatever point you started reading the Employee Wellness Blog, we’re grateful. You’re the reason we’ve kept putting up wellness blogs weekly throughout 2020, despite perhaps the most unpredictable year on record. As a wrap-up for this year, we wanted to share our most-read blogs with you.

That includes:

• 25 Quotes About Wellness Your Employees Need to Hear
• How to Avoid a Sore Arm After Your Workplace Flu Shot
• 6 Amazing Benefits of Morning Exercise
• 14 Creative Ways to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Work
• 5 Virtual Wellness Program Ideas to Engage Your Remote Employees
• 7 Tips for Promoting Positivity in Your Workplace
• 13 Tips on How to Stay Positive During Anxious Times
• Indoor or Outdoor Flu Shot Clinic: Which Should You Pick?
• Transform Your Walk into a Full-Body Workout
• 13 Health and Wellness Conferences You Won’t Want to Miss in 2020
  

In 2021, we look forward to inspiring even more leaders to create regular wellness routines in the workplace. Without further ado, here are our 10 most popular blogs of 2020:

Interested in what next year’s wellness trends will be?

Looking toward 2021, there’s no doubt wellness will look a lot different. Even with a COVID-19 vaccine rolling out, the general public will likely still be hesitant to do their usual self-care, fitness, and health routines. That includes heading to crowded gyms, visiting spas, and even simply going into the doctor’s office.

Some wellness trends like increased telehealth use and at-home fitness options will continue on and aren’t surprising. But other trends like wellness health beverage consumption and sobriety support are standing out as unique well-being opportunities.

Those are just a few of the projected 2021 wellness trends, too.

Below, you’ll find insight from wellness thought leaders and a recent wellness trends survey.

Keep these trends in mind as you plan upcoming wellness campaigns and look at new ways to engage your workers in wellness.

How are you providing employee support during these uncertain times?

As COVID-19 continues to spread and impact businesses, it’s important to remember that your team is being impacted, too. More than ever, employees need support and encouragement to keep going.

 That support is always best when it comes from leaders.

Whether you offer support through an open-door policy, flexible work options, or simply promote wellness resources, doing so shows your team you care about their well-being and success.

Offering appropriate employee support helps your employees stress less and stay healthy because they know you’ve got their back — through thick and thin.

Here’s a look at how you can provide employee support during these unique times.

Are you ready to let go of 2020?

One way to do so is to refresh your mental health to start with a clean slate, good intentions, and healthy habits.

Since everything starts with the mind, clearing it of this year’s mental clutter is one easy way to step into the new year without mental baggage.

 Below, we share 15 ways to mentally refresh. You’ll find activities from decluttering to connecting with others and everything in-between. The goal of each is to renew your mind and help you feel happier and less stressed.

As you reflect on this year and decide what to take forth with you into 2021, we hope you’ll add refreshing mental health to the top of your list.

Here’s a look at how to refresh mental health in 2021:

Ready to adjust your fitness routine for the new year?

If you’re tired of your gym being closed and outdoor exercise is not an option, it’s time to check out some free fitness resources to keep yourself in tip-top shape. Plus, if your wallet is on a budget, free is always an incentive to give a workout a try — even if it’s a trial run.

Whether you’re into yoga, no-equipment workouts, or intense cardio sessions, there’s an app or online resource for you.

Below, you’ll find fitness resources for:

• Workout variety
• Short-on-time workouts
• No-equipment workouts
• Gentle workout options

In this post, we’ll review free fitness resources anyone can use if their regular gym is closed. As we go into 2021, make it your best year yet — physically and mentally —by using these exciting fitness resources.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

The short answer: Yes.

On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older. 

Below, we cover when you can expect the vaccine, who will get it first, and facts about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In times of overwhelm, finding joy may feel like life’s best kept secret.

Or maybe even a chore. Perhaps you don’t notice joy is missing until life feels too stressful, and, well, joyless.

When a life crisis hits or a string of bad luck ensues, it’s normal to think, “I don’t have time for relaxing, sparking joy, or slowing down.” It can be tough to find joy when life keeps throwing curveballs (ahem, 2020).

But alas, that’s when it’s pertinent you set aside time for finding joy.

Plus, joy benefits your overall life by:

• Raising your mood
• Supporting longevity
• Boosting your immunity
• Promotes a healthier lifestyle

In this post, you’ll find nine simple ways to seek joy and bring it into your life during the roughest of times. Here’s how:

There’s no denying handwashing prevents the spread of germs.

Between the pandemic and flu season, National Handwashing Awareness Week — which is December 1 through the 7 — is the ideal time to discuss the importance of handwashing at work.

Intentional handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your employees from getting sick.  

This week, consider taking some time to share handwashing facts while letting your employees participate in fun handwashing awareness activities.

Below, you’ll find interesting facts and creative activities to share and get your employees excited about handwashing.

This season, you may get the flu.

It's that time of year and despite your best efforts, it happens. If it does, you’ll want to be prepared with the best home remedies for flu and cough. In doing so, you can ease your symptoms and stay more comfortable.

And if you have had the flu, you know how miserable it can be.

Flu symptoms range from aches, chills, fever, nasal congestion, cough, and fatigue.

While the flu shot can make symptoms more mild — as can prescribed antiviral drugs like Tamiflu — luckily rest and home remedies are all most people need for a mild flu case.

For those who are open to trying whatever helps the flu, this post is for you!

Quarantine pounds + holiday pounds = too much weight gain.

Being mindful of holiday healthy eating can ensure you enjoy the holidays without overdoing it and adding inches to your waistline.

This year, you’re probably looking forward to the holidays more than ever. It’s understandable to want to indulge in all of your favorite foods. Even a small, low-key Thanksgiving or Christmas event is going to have some temptation to enjoy all the good food. Because after a year like 2020, we all deserve some joy, right?

That’s why we’ve put this short holiday healthy eating guide together: To help you enjoy your food-centered holidays without getting too carried away.

Below you’ll find:

• Tips on how to avoid high-calorie fat traps
• How to make make your holiday meals healthier
• Advice for both hosts and guests on holiday healthy eating

Plus, you’ll get fun tips for “working off” that extra slice of pie if you do happen to go a little overboard.

Here’s to having a happy, healthy holiday with plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food and good company without guilt!