Any time of year is a great time to commit to your goals when it comes to health and wellness
Here is our list of resources to support overall wellness, mind and body, in Champaign-Urbana
Navigating the healthcare system is challenging in and of itself. But when you define health more broadly — including mindfulness or physical fitness — the options really can become overwhelming. Fortunately, we have a number of great resources for wellness, mental health, fitness and more in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Focus on wellness
Wellness means different things to different people in various stages of life, but one thing mostly everyone can agree on is that leading a lifestyle with (some) balance among work, home and leisure time is a consistent yet ever-evolving goal. When things shift too far out of balance, our mental and physical health can suffer and cause stress in a number of areas when it comes to daily life. Fortunately, we have a bevy of resources in Champaign-Urbana to support us throughout this process.
Managing stress through mindfulness and more
There are a number of ways you can incorporate mindful rhythms into your days to help manage stress. Meditation, yoga, massage therapy, taking a walk, curling up with a good book and prioritizing sleep health all make the list, depending on your own priorities. For some general tips on stress management, check out this resource from the American Heart Association. If you’d like to try massage therapy, our readers have recommended their favorite therapists in the area.
The health benefits of spending time in nature are numerous, so if you want to head outdoors (no matter what time of year it is), here is our list of the six top places to spend time in nature near Champaign-Urbana.
Be active
Any day, any time of year, in any season of your family’s life is a great time to go find something to do together that involves moving your body. Not only will you experience physical benefits but the mental well-being that comes from active play is tremendously valuable for kids and adults alike. Here are places you can be active together as a family in Champaign-Urbana; we know there are a plethora of other options especially for adults or especially for kids.
Looking for gyms or recreational facilities that offer childcare as part of their membership? We have a list of those, too. Throughout the year, you will find a number of offers to try what many of our local fitness centers have to offer. We usually update this list every New Year’s — it can be useful whether you are just beginning your search, or wanting to try something new.
Mental health supports
Knowing that it’s time to seek professional help is half the battle. We recommend starting the process as soon as you are able, as sometimes the process can take longer than you might imagine. Remember, finding the provider or service that fits you the best can sometimes take multiple tries.
If you have health insurance and aren’t sure of your benefits or resources, call the health insurance company and/or explore its online resources. The health insurance provider should be able to tell you what your plan covers when it comes to mental health, and which area (or virtual) health care providers participate in your plan. That will be critical for determining what resources are available to your family.
Please read this if you are looking for a therapist or counselor for your child (including teens). If you are searching for yourself or another adult, we have this article for you. If you’ve got a friend who needs support and feels overwhelmed, consider doing some of this research for them, setting up some appointments for them, or even helping them keep a meeting.
Medical, dental and more
What about medical care? We have two hospitals in Champaign-Urbana: Carle and OSF. Individual physicians may have privileges at either or both hospitals. When it comes to finding a physician, many people go through one of the following three organizations: Carle, Christie Clinic and OSF.
Start with your health insurance provider to find out what local physicians (or what convenient care locations) are considered part of your network — there may be private practice doctors outside of these groups that you can access as well. Community resources for healthcare, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, include the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District as well as Promise Healthcare.
On our website we have general resources on women’s health, your child’s health and everything baby (fertility, pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding).
During the past several years, our readers have provided a wealth of information about their favorite medical providers in Champaign-Urbana and beyond. See our most recent articles on pediatricians, doctors for teens, obstetricians/gynecologists, doctors for grownups, and eye doctors. We also maintain roundups of dentists and orthodontists in the C-U area.
