Overview
Use these ideas to engage your participants when you are not running an active challenge.
Keep your users engaged in between challenges by posting inspirational and fun announcements throughout the year! You can share messages and prompts, with the option to include a call to action, which allows you to link out to online articles and videos. You can even schedule announcements in advance for easy set up.
How often should I engage my users?
We recommend reaching out to your participants about once a month when you don't have an active challenge running. Create a balanced engagement strategy if you're using any other engagement resources (such as our Announcement Templates for User Stat Shoutouts or our Announcement Templates for Seasonal Events & Holidays).
This article offers general wellness engagement templates and themed ideas for days of the week. Note: We do not recommend posting these every week. Here are some ways we suggest using these ideas:
- Pick one day a month (such as the 1st of each month) to share announcements.
- Post themed announcements on a recurring schedule, such as the first or last week of every month. We don't suggest posting an announcement every day for more than 1 week.
- Designate one month of the year as "Wellness Month" and post an announcement once a week (every Wednesday, for example).
Ideas by wellness topic
Check out the suggestions we compiled based on common wellness topics. These include reminders and educational tips you can share with your users at any time to encourage them to maintain healthy habits. Feel free to use our templates, or come up with your own ideas based on these themes.
Sleep
Title: You Snooze, You Win ๐ด
Description: According to the CDC, 1 in 3 American adults don't get enough sleep. Many of us struggle to get the 7-9 hours of shut eye we need each night.
There are lots of reasons why we put off sleep or have trouble falling asleep, even if we're fatigued. We know the harm of sleep deprivation, but it can be hard to know what can help us improve our sleep quantity and quality.
So what can you do?
Check out the video below to learn 6 scientifically grounded tips that can help you get better sleep! ๐ค
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/t0kACis_dJE
Note: There's an entire Ted series about sleep. Check out the full series here.
Nutrition
Title: Hooked on Sugar? ๐ญ
Description: Cutting down on sugar consumption is way easier said than done. But why? If you're curious to learn why the brain chases a sugar high, check out the video below.
To keep your sweet tooth in check, try these tips: ๐ง Look at the ingredients on packaged goods before buying to avoid hidden added sugars. ๐ฌAvoid sugary drinks. Replace them with options like flavored sparking water. ๐ Swap out fruit for your desert. ๐ฉ Indulge, occasionally! Make desert something to anticipate, not to expect.
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/lEXBxijQREo
Hydration
Title: Water Power๐ง
Description: Have you had enough water to drink today? This is a reminder to fill up a glass!
Here's a fact that might have you reaching for your water bottle: A dehydrated brain temporarily shrinks due to the lack of water ๐ง ๐ฑ
We're pretty sure no one wants that, and yet it can be easy to forget to hydrate on a busy day. There is no one right answer on how much water to drink in a day, but check out the video below for some recommendations. Do your body a favor and drink up!๐ฐ
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/9iMGFqMmUFs
Environment
Title: Nature Makes You Happy ๐ฟ
Description: Looking for a pick-me-up? How about a dose of nature?
Spending time in nature has been shown to improve our mental and emotional wellbeing. There is also research, highlighted in the video below, that shows that simply spending time watching nature videos and documentaries can make us happier! Good news if you don't have time to get outside today or if the weather isn't cooperating ๐ง๏ธ
Check out the video for some beautiful and fun nature shots. We hope it puts a smile on your face ๐ฆ๐จ๐ธ๐ผ
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/1wkPMUZ9vX4
Fitness
Title: Got a minute? Stand up!
Description: Ever hunker down to work on a hard task only to find that your brain just won't cooperate? Try standing up, doing some jumping jacks, or going for a quick walk! ๐
We're all guilty of getting sucked into work and spending most of the day sitting. And you probably already know sitting for too long is bad for you. But do you know why?
Check out this video that explains the science of sitting, and why standing up and moving around can make you feel better and more energized ๐
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/wUEl8KrMz14
Ideas by day of the week
Check out the suggestions we compiled for each day of the week. We provide 2 different options for each day. Feel free to use our templates, or come up with your own! Note: We do not recommend posting these every week.
Motivation Monday
Title: Motivation Monday ๐ช
Description: We get it - Monday is not the most popular day of the week ๐ Try shifting your perspective and reclaim the day! Germany Kent, an American journalist said it best:
"Your Monday morning thoughts set the tone for your whole week. See yourself getting stronger, and living a fulfilling, happier, and healthier life."
Every Monday is a fresh startโจ Still in need of a boost? We think Sir Elton John might be able to get you movin' and groovin' on this Monday. Happy Stepping!
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/ZHwVBirqD2s
Mindful Monday
Title: Mindful Monday ๐
Description: As the week begins and we dive into work and busy to do lists, don't forget to take a moment to pause โธ and be mindful ๐ญ
Meditation can bring peace and calm to your day, and its benefits continue beyond your meditation session. What better way to set the tone for your week?
Pause and try out a 10 minute meditation today! If you want some guidance, check out the video below that leads you through a meditation session focused on being present and scanning your body.
Call to action button text: Meditate here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/ZToicYcHIOU
Tasty Tuesday
Title: Tasty Tuesday ๐
Description: Have you ever struggled with avoiding the office donut box? ๐
While there's a myriad of opinions out there surrounding diets & nutrition, there's two main things to always keep in mind: balance and moderation.
Finding balance between a healthy diet, while fitting in your favorite guilty pleasures (in moderation!) can be a sustainable way to stay on track.
Check out Harvard's tasty ways to stay healthy below.
Call to action button text: Learn more
Call to action button link: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/recipes-2/home-cooking/
Time-Out Tuesday
Title: Time-Out Tuesday โฐ
Description: Time-outs get a bad rap when you're a kid. But as adults? We can't think of anything better than getting a quiet break for ourselves ๐
It's key to build breaks into your workday. Put yourself in a "Time Out" today by stepping away from your desk, silencing notifications, and going on a 10 minute walk.
Looking for a bite-sized podcast you can listen to to make your walk even better? Check out the list below ๐ง
Call to action button text: Find a podcast here
Call to action button link: https://discoverpods.com/10-podcasts-you-can-listen-to-in-10-minutes-or-less/
Wellness Wednesday
Title: Wellness Wednesday ๐ฟ
Description: Happy hump day! ๐
Maintaining wellness doesn't mean you're always going to be perfect! Wellness is all about committing to healthy behaviors that you take on a life-long journey of inevitable ups and downs.
When things get stressful, it can be hard to stay focused on your health goals! Don't sweat it - we all lose steam sometimes. What matters most is gathering your strength and getting right back up again! ๐ช
Check out the video below to learn about the MAGIC of wellbeing. โจ
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/x6bz_ekkrYA
Walkman Wednesday
Title: Walkman Wednesday ๐ถ
Description: **Need a mid-week pick me up?
Jam out to a classic and dance, run, move, groove, or whatever else you're inspired to do as you listen along ๐บ๐ปโจ
Call to action button text: Jam out here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/I_izvAbhExY
Thankful Thursday
Title: Thankful Thursday ๐
Description: We all need a bit of gratitude in our lives. At times, we might be so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to stop and focus on what's going well, or what we're thankful for.
Try breaking out of autopilot by taking a moment to express some gratitude daily. It can be as simple as acknowledging something you're thankful for, or taking a moment to meditate or journal your thoughts.
Do you have 5 minutes? Try this gratitude mediation below to clear your mind. ๐
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhF8vLesRRc
Take Charge Thursday
Title: Take Charge Thursday ๐ฏ
Description: What's a small goal you want to achieve over the next week? ๐ค
It's easy to wait until a Monday, the 1st of a new month, or even New Years to decide to set goals, but why postpone working towards something you care about? You can set an intention anytime!
Maybe you want to drink more water, take a daily walk, or meditate for a few minutes. Watch the video below for guidance on setting an intention. Replace Thursday when they talk about Sunday...like we said, any day is a good day for goals! ๐
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/XTqforiHL7Q
Fun Friday
Title: Fun Friday ๐
Description: You've probably heard that laughter is the best medicine. But do you know why?
Scientists are still researching the benefits of laughter and the evolutionary reasons why we've adapted laughter as a form of communication, but we can all agree that regardless of why we laugh, laughing feels great. Watch the video below, featuring clips of laughter yoga, to learn more. See if you can keep a straight face while watching ๐
Call to action button text: Watch the video here
Call to action button link: https://youtu.be/LqR179VT8tk
Finance Friday
Title: Finance Friday ๐ค
Description: Raise your hand if you want to save money ๐
We figure that's pretty much everyone, but of course it's easier said than done!
We suggest having a savings goal in mind to work towards to help keep you on track, such as setting aside a little bit of money every day in a dedicated fund, or limiting how much take out you order for the month.
There are lots of ways to save money, so find the ones that work best for you! Check out the list linked below for 54 ways to save money ๐ธ
Call to action button text: Learn more here
Call to action button link: https://americasaves.org/resource-center/insights/54-ways-to-save-money/
Alternate ideas:
Looking for even more creative ideas? Want to write up your own announcements? Here's a list of some other suggestions!
- Meal Prep Monday: Share simple and healthy meal-prep recipes to encourage participants to cook for themselves for lunch and avoid relying on takeout.
- Move More Monday!: Share a movement goal for the day (ex: 30 active minutes) and reward participants who achieve it. You can even include a video workout users can complete to help them achieve the goal.
- Tranquil Tuesday or Thursday: Share self-care tips or meditation videos and prompts to encourage your participants to take a moment for themselves during the day.
- Walk-About Wednesday: Encourage participants to take a walk about their office space during the workday. Set a step goal for the day (ex: 5k steps) and reward users who achieve it.
- Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Interview employees and share their advice and ideas on motivation, staying healthy, and achieving their wellness goals.
- Thirsty Thursday: Share reminders about staying hydrated to encourage participants to drink enough water.
- Flexible Friday: Share a stretching or yoga video, and encourage everyone to take a stretch break at the same time at some point during the day (ex: Do desk yoga with your teammates at noon CST today!)