Well You – why not! A series of activities and advice to support your wellbeing.
When there’s a lot going on – as is the case in our workplace currently – a natural response is to feel anxious, overwhelmed or angry. We can feel powerless when confronted with difficult situations. The good news is that even in these tough moments, there are things we can do.
Over the coming weeks, a Well You series will bring individual wellbeing exercises and group-facilitated sessions to help you boost your mental and physical resilience in the workplace.
Here is the first of a series of practical offerings.
Well You – winter comforts and your wellbeing
As the autumn leaves fall and the colder weather starts to bite, we put away our summer gear and reach for warm socks, comfy jumpers and rainproof jackets. Likewise, as the season changes it’s a great time to switch out a few unhelpful habits for healthier and happier ones.
Small changes made over time can really add up. The trick to achieving significant change is to be kind to ourselves– setting realistic goals and incorporating new habits into our existing routines. By doing so, we take what steps we can to ensure our mind, bodies and spirits stay robust.
1. Te Whare Tapa Whā workshop
Enjoy this workshop in our beautiful wharenui, Ngākau Māhaki, exploring health through Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model. Learn how an inter-connected approach to four key aspects of life can lead to healthier, happier ways of living.
- Thursday 17 June, 3pm – 4pm
- Ngākau Māhaki (wharenui)
- Email connect@unitec.ac.nz to register.
2. Anticipate the positive
Schedule some short- and long-term rewards. Research confirms that the anticipation of future positive events leads to enhanced brain activation in BPFC (bilateral medial prefrontal cortex) and that this is associated with higher levels of wellbeing. You can help yourself be future-oriented by giving yourself things to look forward to. Here are some simple ideas to try:
- Is there a time in the week when you can relax? Consider what you enjoy and get the most from these moments by allowing yourself to be fully present.
- Book some advance annual leave and spend time planning (or daydreaming!) as to how you might spend the break.
Three circles
3. Healthy Thinking Bites
A set of seven 10-minute mind exercises to help you better understand your personal stress responses and ways to manage them.
Email connect@unitec.ac.nz to register for details and weekly reminders. See here for more
4. Three circles – taking control of changes around you
Three circles is a 20-minute mapping exercise facilitated by the Health and Safety and Wellbeing teams to help you and your team identify things you have control over.
Email connect@unitec.ac.nz to book a team session. See here for more