Employee Wellness Newsletter

The EWS newsletter brings you insights into mental & emotional, physical, nutritional, and financial wellness. We take a proactive approach to health and well-being, offering resources, guidance, and tips designed to help ease stress and promote peace of mind."

October is a key month for promoting both mental and physical wellness, with several important health observances. From Breast Cancer Awareness Month to Mental Health Awareness and National Bullying Prevention Month, October emphasizes the importance of taking care of our minds and bodies. It's a time to prioritize early detection, seek support, and raise awareness about key issues that impact our overall well-being. Let’s use this month to focus on education, prevention, and self-care for a healthier, more balanced life.

As we hit the midpoint of October, there’s no better time to jumpstart some healthy habits and boost your overall wellness. Whether it’s mental clarity, physical vitality, or emotional balance you’re after, small daily actions can make a big difference. Here’s a fresh lineup of wellness activities to carry you through the rest of the month and help you feel your best as we head into the final stretch of the year!

For more information about wellness and self-care click on calendar.

If you are intrigued by the seasonal effects on well-being, we have a few a tips from the LifeSkills team to guide you through the fall and winter months.

1. Stay Warm
If the weather is getting colder or you’re feeling chilly, this can affect the way you feel. It can impact how well you sleep and how much you drink, and it can exacerbate symptoms of other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Staying warmer can help your body to feel like it is closer to another season, which, in turn, could make you feel happier or healthier.

2. Sleep Well
Lack of sleep can impact many mental health conditions, including depression and seasonal affective disorder. Most people need to sleep for 7-9 hours per night to feel refreshed and happy the next morning. Create a sleeping routine that encourages you to get enough sleep every night. Playing some relaxing music to help yourself wind down.

3. Maintain a Routine
Darker evenings or brighter mornings can cause you to feel like you’re lacking your normal routine, so taking steps to maintain this could help to improve your mental health during difficult times. Your routine should include regular meal times, regular exercise, and a continuation of any essential activities that you normally take part in.

4. Talk to People
If you’re struggling, don’t hold too much inside. Talk to friends and trusted relatives when you’re feeling down, or consider seeing a professional counselor to help you. Speaking to people might also help you to discover that many other people feel the same as you do. Since it is very common to struggle with changing mental health as the seasons change, it’s likely that you already know other people who are experiencing similar things to you.

5. Find Things that Make You Happy
During any time of the year, finding things that make you happy can improve your mental health and make you feel happier and healthier. Making an effort to include these things in your daily routine can ensure you can find some joy every day. The things that make you happy might vary from hobbies and sports to talking on the phone to your friends or watching your favorite movie. Exercise, music, arts, and other creative activities can also help you to get through a difficult season or period.

Source: LifeSkills – Premium Healthcare Services

The Pencil's Tale

Click on the pencil to hear an inspirational parable, illustrating life lessons through the metaphor of a pencil. The story highlights five key teachings:

1. Everything you do leaves a mark

2. You can always correct mistakes

3. What matters is what's inside

4. Sharpening is painful but necessary

5. Stay grounded in your purpose

This simple tale provides a thoughtful reminder to focus on personal growth, resilience, and staying true to one’s values.

Source: Dare to Do. Motivation

by

Uliser Salmeron

Wellbeing and Fitness Coordinator

Plan Your Workouts: Schedule and stick to your exercise sessions in advance. Even short workouts can be effective, so don't let time constraints be an excuse.

Moderation is Key: Enjoy holiday treats in moderation. Savor your favorite dishes without overindulging, and balance your meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking.

2. Accountability and Support: Share your fitness and nutrition goals with a friend or family member who can help keep you accountable.

3. Mindful Eating: Pay attention to hunger cues and avoid mindless snacking. Eat slowly, savor each bite, and stop when you're satisfied.

4. Alternative Activities: Find fun and active ways to celebrate with loved ones, such as hiking, ice skating, or dancing.

5. Do you have a coach to help?: Accountability is key. Having someone in your corner, helping you stay consistent, and ensuring you take the necessary steps to reach your goals is vital.

Uliser Salmeron

usalmeron@irvingisd.net | o: 972.600.4617 | c: 469.371.9747

Exploring the Causes and Finding Solutions

by

Sara Saubert

Wellbeing and Fitness Coordinator

It's a well-known fact that many individuals tend to gain weight during the holiday season. On average, people gain 4-8 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. While this may not seem like much, these seemingly innocent pounds can accumulate over the years and contribute to long-term health issues. But why do we gain weight during the holidays?

Here are some solutions for each of the common concerns related to holiday weight gain:

Here are the shortened solutions for each concern:

1. Overindulgence

• Practice Portion Control: Use smaller plates and fill them with veggies and lean proteins first.
• Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and savor each bite to better recognize fullness.
• Healthier Alternatives: Bring or suggest lighter dishes at gatherings.

2. Reduced Physical Activity

• Incorporate Short Workouts: 10-15 min workouts at home or short activities like dancing
• Stay Active with Family: Plan fun activities like walks or games together.
• Set Realistic Goals: Aim for consistent exercise a few times a week.

3. Stress and Emotional Eating

• Identify Triggers: Keep a journal to recognize emotional eating patterns.
• Practice Stress-Relief Techniques: Use yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to manage stress.
• Healthy Snacking: Stock healthy snacks like fruits and nuts to curb cravings.

Sources: Foundation Health and YES! Magazine

Sara Saubert

saraubert@irvingisd.net @irvingisd.net | 972.600.6113 (o) | 469.439.8857 (m)

by

Meaningful Eats

Check out our new EAP. The registration process will ask you for a Web ID. Please enter: NYLGBS.

You can also call 800-344-9752. When you call you will be speaking with a specialist who can help you find resources including counselors and therapists in your area, information on health care, child care, elder care, financial planning, legal advice, and other work/life services. The specialist will explain the details.

Our TeleHealth with Behavioral Health option is called MDLIVE. If you are enrolled for our insurance benefits, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, you have access to MDLive, which includes free virtual counseling. Click on the picture to get to the website. Then click on “ACTIVATE NOW” to register. You can also call the MDLIVE to register by phone or if you have any questions: (888) 365-1663. Our Benefits Department can also help with any questions you may have about the TeleHealth and MDLIVE free virtual counseling and how the benefits work: 972-600-5241.

A chill is in the air, costumes are filling the stores, and Halloween is right around the corner. That means spooky season is upon us! Celebrate the season with these fun and creative Halloween activities and games. You’ll find party games perfect for a class Halloween celebration as well as more educational finds like writing prompts and STEM and math challenges. There are enough Halloween activities on this list to do something different every day in October and then some!

Source: We Are Teachers

About Us

Our Employee Wellness and Support Services provides opportunities and resources for employees to develop and maintain healthy mental, emotional, physical, nutritional, and financial health through support and guidance, as well as promoting personal and professional productivity through educational engagement.

Reach out to us via email: iisdewsresources@irvingisd.net or by phone 972-600-5249

Newsletter

Questions, Suggestions, Comments

Contact

Jose Villasenor

jovillasenor@irvingisd.net

972-600-5217 O | 469-781-1843 M