Taking advantage of workplace offered wellness programs

With Thanksgiving behind us and the chaos of the winter holidays upon us it’s very important to take a moment to give thanks to our selves.

We take for granted just how much energy and drive we put into everything we do. Whether it’s being a self-starter employee, running a business, being a loving and supportive parent or spouse, taking care of family members, helping neighbors, being involved in school and community, and even just managing the regular day to day events that life hands us. We become so busy that we forget we are just as worthy of being given special attention. We need to make sure to take a moment to breathe and reflect on everything that we accomplish in our lives. We need to appreciate the amazing human beings that we are!

If you don’t already have a ritual that treats your mind and body to some “you” time, try to find a little time in your day to meditate, quiet your mind, and thank yourself.

Yoga For The Mind and Body

Workplace based health initiatives can help contribute to your well-being

One of the most positive things I’ve been able to do to gain calm and de-stress my mind is to participate in an after work yoga class that is offered right in my workplace.

Everyone knows the basic benefits that yoga can provide—strengthening your core muscles, burning calories, improving your breathing, improving flexibility, etc. The benefits for a workplace Yoga class can make it almost impossible not to make the commitment to join a class and include:

• The convenience factor—no worries about racing off from work to make it to class. It only takes 5 minutes to change into yoga gear, grab a mat and make class. And if necessary, I can still go back to my desk in a much more relaxed state and take care of a few last minute work issues before calling it a day.
• It’s also a great way to socialize with your co-workers. There may be days that pass where I don’t see many of my co-workers due to our hectic workloads, but seeing some of them after hours and catching up is always fun.
• It’s an incredible way to de-stress after a busy workday. After class, I feel like a totally different person totally refreshed and relaxed knowing I did something great for myself.

In the past few years I have seen many of the large corporate companies I work with, such as the Kohl’s headquarters in Menomenee Falls, WI and Dress Barn’s new headquarters in Mahwah, NJ begin to implement more health and wellness initiatives for their employees. Their employees who take advantage of these offerings are thrilled to have such easy access to all types of wellness classes. Many companies are offering morning, lunchtime, and after work class schedules so that there is flexibility for everyone and their obligations.