Workplace Well-Being: Recharging Your Energy
Recharging Your Energy
Entering into a new season brings with it all kinds of changes; changes in weather and changes in routine, especially as we continue to navigate new realities. It can be difficult to adjust to these changes, and sometimes we come away feeling fatigued and disconnected. Incorporating ways to energize and recharge into our daily routines can help us stay focused and feel better. Whether it’s adjusting your sleep habits, moving your body, or practicing the Danish tradition “Hygge” (more on that below!), there are many ways to naturally boost your energy and keep up stamina throughout the day. What are some ways you like to re-energize? Check out some of our ideas and opportunities below for incorporating energy into your daily routine!
Resources for Recharging Your Energy
- Good Sleep Hygiene. By practicing strong sleep hygiene, we can make sure that we are rejuvenating our energy through sleep. Did you know that ensuring a good night’s sleep also has a lot to do with building healthy habits throughout our day? Here are some helpful tips on establishing a nighttime routine and other ways to support sleep hygiene.
- Eat for Energy. Our food is our fuel, and what we eat can either help or hinder our ability to feel alert and energized during the day. Try to start your day with a good breakfast, and include high-fibre foods and protein. What we drink also matters; stay hydrated to avoid feeling fatigued and limit your caffeine intake to earlier in the day, to help with that good night’s sleep!
- Move More. It may seem counterintuitive (because when we are low on energy, getting up and moving can feel like the last thing we want to do), but getting active can help stimulate “feel-good” chemicals that feed our brain and boost our energy. Athletics & Recreation is offering a variety of free weekly exercise classes you can participate in from the comfort of your own home. Learn more and see the class schedule.
- What is “Hygge”? As the cooler weather starts to set in, this Danish practice centered around getting comfortable and cozy could be an appealing way to rest and re-charge. Associated with relaxation, indulgence, and gratitude, hygge is a practical way to take pause, find comfort and restore your energy. To learn more about hygge, check out this article in the New Yorker that takes a deeper look into the long-standing Danish tradition.
Upcoming Free Virtual Wellness Sessions for McMaster Faculty and Staff
Learn more and register for upcoming sessions
Mindfulness Practice Sessions
September 24 from 9 – 9:45 a.m.
September 28 and October 5 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
These 45 minute virtual sessions with Hoame Meditation Studio will ensure you get through your day focused, calm, and energized. The sessions begins with a brief introduction on how to meditate, followed by 30 minutes of meditation practice that incorporates sounds, visualizations, breathing techniques and some light arm movements. You will have an opportunity to ask questions after the sessions, and talk about your experience. You will leave these sessions feeling lighter, brighter and ready to tackle the rest of your day! Wear comfortable clothing and sit in a comfortable spot!
Reducing Anxiety & Managing the Transition Back to Class – for Post-Secondary Educators
September 29, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. or September 30, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Presented by Dr. Sandra Primiano, Ph.D., Psy.D, this one hour webinar will explore strategies for navigating the changes that educators face with greater ease, while providing tips and tools to support their psychological well-being during these uncertain times.
October is Healthy Workplace Month!
Watch for details coming soon from our Healthy Workplace Committee about activities being planned in celebration of Canada’s annual Healthy Workplace Month.
LIVE: Online Yoga
Thursdays, October 1 – 22 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Back by popular demand! Join Jenn Stanley for all-levels intro to yoga. This class will feature movement and poses with extra instruction for those new to the practice of yoga. The session will
also include poses familiar to those with a regular practice. We will focus on intentional movement and breath with the goal of finishing the class feeling calm ready to continue your day.
Getting and Staying Active
October 7 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
This session will review the importance of maintaining physical activity to support long-term health and wellness goals and to combat some of the physical and mental stressors one might be faced with in daily life. Participants will also review strategies to increase participation in regular physical activity, discuss how to start a new activity routine, cover workplace strategies to increasing daily activity levels, and consider ways to balance work/life schedules with physical activity needs. Strategies for reducing barriers to increase or maintain activity levels will also be discussed.
Managing Your Time and Energy
October 28 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Time is a precious resource and individuals require balance in their work lives so that they can meet both their job requirements and personal needs. Is it possible to manage time at work to be both satisfied and successful? This session will explore answers to this question. After this session, participants will understand the key premise of time management, clarify priorities, reflect on strategies to improve personal effectiveness and efficiency, and discuss tips and techniques to manage time, energy and focus.
Learn more about these and other upcoming sessions and register on our HR Events page.
Need Help?
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – Homewood Health: If your stress is overwhelming, please reach out to your health care provider, or Homewood Health for support. Homewood Health continues to offer its telephonic counselling services. 1.800.663.1142
New Partnership Between Homewood Health and Kids Help Phone
Homewood Health, in collaboration with Kids Help Phone, is pleased to offer additional support for employees and their children who may be experiencing fear, anxiety, or difficulty related to the start of the new school year and the complexities raised by COVID-19. Learn more.
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