Working out can be a challenge, but working out alone even more of a challenge! Finding creative ways to stay connected and stay active can be difficult. The Healthy Workplace Committee would like to take some of the pressure of finding ways to stay active when exercising in person with others is not possible– whether it’s because of busy work schedules, family responsibilities, or self-isolation and physical distancing guidelines that we are currently experiencing.

At McMaster

Athletics and Recreation has launched a new website for all things active! Check out the Mac Moves website for access to live classes and resources to help keep you moving! McMaster’s very own Heidi O’Brien has also put together a stretch and move video for you to participate in from the comfort of your own home.

Click here to stretch and move

In the Community

GOODBODYFEEL is a pilates + yoga + mindfulness studio in Hamilton. They are offering Live Stream and On-Demand classes. Check out their website at goodbodyfeel.com for class schedules to sign up or email them at hello@goodbodyfeel.com to register.

Free online classical yoga and mindfulness meditation classes.

Sleep Crossword

RBG Nature Holiday Traditions Crossword

Hygge Comfort Crossword

Hygge Comfort Crossword ANSWERS

Hygge Themed (starting with C)

Indigenous Plants Crossword

Indigenous Plants Crossword ANSWERS

Working from Home with Children

Many McMaster employees have had to adjust to not only working from home, but working from home with children. This presents unique challenges to the McMaster community in how to structure a workday and maintain productivity while spending meaningful time with children.

Below are some resources staff and their children can access from a variety of local institutions directed to educating and engaging children online.

1. Art at home

• Weekly online workshops at the Art Gallery of Hamilton
• Classroom activities at the Royal Ontario Museum

2. Nature at home:

• Conservation Hamilton
• Grand River Conservation Authority
• David Suzuki: How to get kids into nature
• Royal Botanical Gardens

3. Education at home:

• Play and Learn is an online tool co-created by experts in child development at McMaster University, to support parents in challenging their children in engaging activities that can help them learn, grow, and thrive.

The Healthy Workplace Committee has put together simple changes you can make at home to help kick off a more sustainable-living lifestyle. Earth Day comes around once a year, but these lifestyle changes could be beneficial for the other 364 days, as well as years to come!

There is no planet B so let’s do what we can to take care of the one we have!

• Washing your hands is very important. However be sure to turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or washing your hands – you can save up to 8 gallons of water a day just by shutting off the tap!
• Unplug and power off appliances and devices when not in use – household appliances waste energy even when not turned on, make the small effort to unplug them when not in use.
• Try reusable batteries – when it comes time to replace your batteries, opt for reusable ones instead.
• Go Paperless – switch to getting your bills and bank statements sent electronically
• Compost your food waste – take advantage of your city’s Green Bin & Composting program, or even do your own backyard composting (which is a great way to get some nutrient-rich soil for your garden you’ve started)
• Use environmentally-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products – you can even make your own with simple ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda.
• Run your dishwasher only when it’s full to save water and energy. Or better yet hand wash your dishes!
• Buy energy-efficient light bulbs that could even save you a few dollars in the long run.
• Collect rainwater, there’s so much you can use this non-drinking water for — such as outdoor cleaning and watering your plants

Whether you are working on site or remotely, this is a stressful time for most of us and it’s normal to feel more anxious than usual.  This is an important time to prioritize your psychological well-being in order to cope with your personal and professional demands, and the uncertainty of the situation. Explore the links below and find out how you can support yourself and the well-being of others.

Mental Health Resources

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Psychological Well-Being during COVID-19

Supporting Faculty and Staff in Distress

The Healthy Workplace Committee is looking for people with a passion for wellness who are willing to role up their sleeves and volunteer! Volunteers have the opportunity to conceptualize, organize, and execute wellness resources and events in the areas of physical health, nutrition, psychological wellness, and healthy spaces. If you are interested in joining our team, please click on the recruitment window below.

Frequently asked questions about volunteering for Healthy Workplace can be found here.

For any additional questions, please contact the Program Coordinator, Engagement & Wellness at healthyworkplace@mcmaster.ca