Wellness 360
As an institution, we value the overall health and wellness of all members of our campus community. Research shows that having a Workplace Wellness program for employees provides multiple benefits including building upon the human need for connection and community. The Wellness 360 program for Employees was created to provide tips, resources, and programming that is designed to offer guidance and support in a variety of health and wellness areas while fostering a culture of value and pride in our community. For more information, please contact Wellness360@newhaven.edu.
November is National Gratitude Month
What is gratitude? According to the American Psychological Association, gratitude can be defined as a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to a fortunate happenstance or tangible gift. It can be considered a complex emotion and attitude that involves recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, often in relation to others. It can enhance well-being, foster positive relationships, and promote emotional resilience. As we experience gratitude, it often can be broken down into multiple stages.
- Recognition: Recognizing the good things in life, no matter how big or small. This may include acts of kindness from others, personal achievements, or simple pleasures.
- Appreciation: The sense of value or worth for what one has received or experienced.
- Expression: Expressing gratitude through words, actions, or both to acknowledge the source of positivity and how it makes you feel.
- Internalization: Gratitude becomes a deeper part of one’s mindset and can lead to a more positive outlook on life and may even lead to an increased capacity for recognizing and valuing future kindnesses.
- Integration: After experiencing the previous stages, one is now able to integrate a greater sense of gratitude into one’s day-to-day life. This will influence behavior, decisions, and overall perspective on life.
Various ways one can practice gratitude:
- Keep a gratitude journal.
- Practice mindfulness in their everyday life to appreciate being present.
- Express gratitude to others.
- Reflect on challenges they’ve experienced.
- Surround oneself with positive influences.
- Celebrate “wins” – no matter how small!
For more information about practicing gratitude, CLICK HERE.
Free Class @ ChargerREC – Yoga, Thursday, November 7th from 4:30-5:30pm
Bring your University ID to the Rec Center any time before class to set up a FREE Class Pass profile for our monthly Faculty Staff class. Space is limited, we recommend arriving 10 minutes before class. Questions? Email chargerREC@newhaven.edu
Get creative in in the Makerspace – Wednesday, November 13th from 12-1pm BCST, Room 101
Join us in the Schaub Makerspace to create a special Gratitude Month object of your own! We will have the option to learn how to use the 3D printer, vinyl cutter, or laser cutter to make a gift, a memento, or special object that can be gifted to a loved one, friend, co-worker, or kept for yourself as a simple act of kindness to practice gratitude. There is a $5 fee to cover the cost of supplies and space is limited so register early! Click HERE to register to the Eventbrite registration page.
The scheduled mindfulness minutes session has been postponed due to presenter availability. Please look for this event to be rescheduled in the new year.
Research has shown that people who are more mindful are generally happier and report less anxiety, less symptoms of depression, anger, and worries. A higher degree of mindfulness is associated with reduced stress and increased gratitude, hope and vitality. It can improve attention, resilience, situational awareness, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence. The Mindfulness Minutes session with Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) Becky Snow can be a start to learning how to adopt your own effective mindfulness practice.
Friday FunDay – Join the Pickleball Craze! – Friday, November 22nd 12:00-1:00 @ Charger REC
Our next Friday FunDay event as part of the Social Wellness series is the opportunity to play some Pickleball! Grab your sneakers and a colleague and head over to the Beckerman Center for some fun. Check in with your University ID starting at 11:30 am and you don’t have to be a REC member to play. Non-Rec Center members will need to sign a quick waiver at the welcome desk then can head to the courts! All levels are welcome, and we’ll have some staff on hand to give some basic tips to those who need it! Sport specific required equipment will be available, although players are welcome to bring their own.
*In recognition of National Gratitude Month (November) and ahead of National Giving Month (December) we have a Toys for Tots donation box on site. Participants are welcome to bring a new unwrapped toy.
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| Did you know that a ChargerREC membership is only $12 per month? Please click here for more information or email ChargerREC@newhaven.edu for membership inquiries. | Visit the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) page to connect with a counselor or for additional resources. |
Did you know…
According to Mental Health First Aid USA, a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness, and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms. These effects disappeared within three to six months, which reminds us to practice gratitude over and over.
Did you know…
There are actually many health benefits to practicing gratitude! Some of those include:
- Depression Reduction
- Lessening Anxiety/Stress Reduction
- Support of Heart Health
- Improved Sleep Quality
Check out this New York Times article: “Gratitude Really Is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows.”
Campus Walking Routes
NOTE: As you consider participating in the Walk This Way program or other University Wellness Initiatives, please remember it is always best to consult your physician prior to beginning any exercise program. We want everyone to have a safe, positive, and beneficial experience. Physical exercise carries an inherent risk including , but not limited to, muscle strains, sprains, the risk of falling, and other potential issues.
West Haven Campus Walking:
0.75 Mile Loop | 1.0 Mile Loop | 1.25 Mile Loop
Orange Campus Walking:
Tips and Resources
Some ideas or suggestions to improve your social wellness….
- Volunteer – being active in your community can not only improve your social wellness but also contribute to societal wellness.
- Join a club – gathering with other people with similar interests can make the connection easier and more long-lasting.
- Become a mentor – sharing one’s experience with others can provide a meaningful connection for you and another person.
When building healthy relationships, remember to…
- Listen without judgement or blame, be caring and empathetic.
- Share honestly.
- Disagree respectfully. Look for ways to compromise finding a way to an agreement that works for all parties.
- Set boundaries.
Recurring Programs
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training: November 5th and 14th
Click CAPS website for more details and to register.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training: November 13th and 15th
Click CAPS website for more details and to register.
Walk this Way – see link below for preset routes or make one of your own!
Step away from your desk, give your eyes a break from your computer, and get some fresh air by joining campus colleagues for a walk around campus. Sample campus walking routes of various distances can be found via this link on the interactive campus map.
POWER-ON movement break
Utilize a brief YouTube video (or two) to provide a mini movement session right at your desk to combat office fatigue and re-energize your day! No equipment needed. Click on the video links below:
5 Minute Refresh (5 minutes standing)
5 Minute Posture Refresh (5 minutes seated)
Workday Full Body Stretch (6 minutes seated and standing)