Employee Well-Being: Summer Wellness
Summer Wellness
During the COVID-19 pandemic, your summer plans may look a little bit different. However, with the warm weather of the summer months now fully upon us, there are so many ways to have fun and stay healthy with family and friends. Whether it’s spending time outside, cooking healthy meals on the barbecue, or catching some rays with a good book, there are plenty of fun summer activities you can still do. Are you already keeping busy with your own summer wellness activities? Check out some of the opportunities for sharing your tips and tricks below! .
Summer Photo Challenge
The Healthy Workplace Committee challenges the McMaster community to show how you’re staying healthy and engaged during the summer months. Each day, we encourage you to post a photo to Twitter or Instagram, tagging @McMasterOD with your healthy photos, using the hashtag, #HealthyWorkplaceMcMaster. You can also submit all photos via email to healthyworkplace@mcmaster.ca. Not sure what to post? Not to worry, we’ve provided a theme for each day this week!
- Monday: Your favourite flower or plant in your garden. Earlier in the spring, we provided some great tips on Starting Your Garden from Seed. We are excited to see what you have come up with! Have a beautiful plant, but are unsure what it is? Use the McMaster iNaturalist webpage to help identify.
- Tuesday: Highlights from a summer walk. Do you have a favourite walking route that you like to take in your neighbourhood? Are there spots that your family cannot get enough of? Be sure to pack some healthy, hydrating snacks and show off your favourite landmarks!
- Wednesday: Dinner Time! Send us a photo of your favourite healthy summertime meal. Bonus points if you include the secret, or not-so-secret recipe. Need some motivation? We’ve included some ideas below.
- Thursday: What are you reading? Share the cover of what you are currently reading, or your favourite book you’veread so far this summer. Keep your eyes peeled on Twitter, @McMasterOD for a community reading list!
- Friday: Architecture. Our local community is full of incredible architecture. Is there a building that is your favourite? If you are unsure where to start, check out this free, self-guided Hamilton Architecture Tour
Summer Wellness Resources
- Taking Breaks Onsite. It’s important to stay sun-safe while taking breaks, particularly for those who are working onsite. With increasing activity on campus related to research and other groups permitted to campus, the university recognizes the need to provide spaces that individuals can use for lunches and breaks. Please visit the comprehensive list and interactive map of current available break spaces and safety measures on campus.
- Practise Sun Safety. With the sunny warm weather, it’s important to practise sun safety, including drinking lots of water, checking out the UV index, or seeking shade when possible. A comprehensive list of Sun Safety Tips can be found here
- Healthy Summer Meals. If you are looking for new recipes to try at home, check out these 31 summer recipes that are quick, easy, and healthy!
- Staying Healthy in the Heat. Hot enough out there for you? In addition to staying hydrated, there are a number of Community Resources in the City of Hamilton to keep residents cool and safe during COVID-19, including cooling locations, and how to prepare for the heat.