February 2011 Employee Wellness Ideas

Employee Wellness Moments Physical Environment Be your own delivery person instead of using campus mail Limit distractions during work Smile once every hour (laughter is better) Get all of your tools up front before beginning a job Get up and stretch Take breaks before you are too tired Start spring cleaning early; dusting burns approx. 170 calories/hr. Try not to rush in a job beyond your comfort level Washing your car burns; 204 calories/hr. Give praise and positive feedback to others Social Spiritual Feb 8th is Boy Scout Day! Encourage a scouting group. Discover what makes you curious Have a Valentine's Day dessert carry-in Discover what makes you a "human being" Celebrate the Chinese New Year! What is your spiritual core Pick a president to celebrate on Feb 15th Be receptive to quiet moments Invite someone new to your lunch bunch Take at least two "half minute breath" breaks a day with slow even breaths to reconnect Nutritional Occupational Find one more healthy recipe for chocolate (February is chocolate lover's month) Make a list of how your job responsibilities are consistent with your values February is American Heart Month try to cut back on salt/sodium Check your balance between work and leisure time Oranges and the star fruit are February's fruit of the month Volunteer or give back at least one a month Ash Wednesday is February 9th (plan for your diet change wisely) Take steps to be a good listener Mardi Gras is February 8th try a new recipe for King Cake Identify and anticipate good solutions to problem areas Intellectual Emotional Look for free classes Online Take time to watch a sunset once a month Start a blog Find healthy ways to vent your anger or frustrations Take a do-it-yourself class Consider a yearly medical exam to make sure that you are informed on the healthiest choices for you Add another member to your book club When you are happy…tell someone Learn more about interest, debt, and the bottom line Celebrate life often The employee wellness ideas listed above are low cost/no cost activities that you and your employees can mix or match with previously submitted monthly wellness ideas. The ideas can be used to create wellness moments that focus on the eight dimensions of wellness to enhance your Vital Life Community!