February 15, 2012  

Beat the Blues @ Work

Beat the Blues @ Work
By: Laura Fujita

Ahh, February.  It’s cold, it’s grey, and it’s a time when everyone seems to be experiencing the “winter blues”. According to a recent news report by the Canadian Mental Health Association, 15% of Canadians tend to experience the winter blues around this time. This can result in poorer job performance, strained relationships, and greater incidence of absenteeism.  If you find you’re feeling a little down in the dumps, here are some great suggestions to help you beat the blues at work:

  1. Let there be light! Exposure to natural light, or even bright indoor lighting, can help improve your mood and energy levels. Looking to add more sunshine and fresh air to your day? Why not join the UHN Run Club?  The group meets every Tuesday at 5 pm and is open to all fitness levels. Another suggestion is to set a new goal to go for a 15 minute walk outside every day during your lunch break.   
  2. Be ACTIVE. Exercise has been proven to boost endorphins – those “feel-good” chemicals in the brain that help reduce the negative effects of stress. Here are some great ways to incorporate physical activity into your day at work.

– Join the UHN Run Club or go for walks during your breaks.  Encourage a friend to join you so you can help one another stay motivated.   

– Join one of the many fitness classes available through the Wellness Centre. We offer everything from yoga, to low impact exercise, to bootcamp classes!

– Send us an email to request a stretch break during your next meeting.  One of our staff members will be happy to stop by and lead everyone through a 10-15 minute stretch period. 

– Try doing some office yoga. Check out this website for some excellent stretches you can do in your workspace: http://www.hrs.ualberta.ca/HealthPromotion/OfficeYoga/Routines.aspx.

      3. Eat well & drink lots of water. Choose healthy, nutrient-dense foods that pack an energy punch! Aim for things like whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Sign up now for some of the FREE cooking classes being offered in March at the Wellness Centre. Our Registered Dietician is available as well for nutritional counselling.

Click here to read the full news report:

http://www.cmha.bc.ca/get-informed/news/media/01-12-12.

Read more posts from Laura at: http://inspiringhealthyliving.wordpress.com/

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About Jav Girl

1) Background: - Originally from Guelph, ONT, - Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University, - Workplace Wellness & Health Promotion (WWHP) Post-Graduate Certificate from Centennial College - Completed my WWHP placement at UHN - Hired at UHN August 2008 2) Passions: - I love to run! Nothing beats a runner's high! =) 3) Achievements: - Competed at the National Track & Field Champions for Javelin [I named my javelin 'Orville' after the Wright brothers who invited the airplane - as I wanted my javelin to 'fly'] 4) "I love what I do because . . . it allows me to help others incorporate aspects of a healthy lifestyle into their lives. I've always wanted to help people get active and live better lives; I just never knew it could be my day job.' 5) Book Recommendation: 'Mindless Eating' by Brian Wansink and 'The Happiness Project' by Gretchen Rubin

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