Nurturing Wellness
Resources to Support Educator Well-Being
February 2024
Employee Wellness Spotlight
Showcasing CPS leaders and champions who personally model healthy behaviors and truly believe in creating opportunities for school employees to take better care of themselves!
Karin Beach-Pond, PE Teacher - Benton Elementary
Per Karin's coworkers "Coach is always encouraging us to stay healthy. She initiated a walking club for our teachers and staff and then offers to work out with you one on one if you need it. She has assisted us with ankle braces, healthy food and drink choices, and is over all cares for our health and well being. What a great addition to our Benton staff!"
If you want to nominate an employee to be spotlighted for their wellness efforts, fill out this short Google Survey
Heart Health Month Employee Activity
This February, let's embark on a journey to prioritize our heart health! In honor of Heart Health Month, we are excited to offer a FREE rowing class through Rho Engine Room!
Engage in a heart-pumping, full-body workout that not only strengthens your cardiovascular system but also build endurance and promotes overall well-being. Laura Kitzi, owner of Rho Engine, aims to make fitness fun and accessible for everyone with this intro to rowing class for our employees.
If you are interested in joining us on February 20 at 6:30 PM, sign up! The first 26 employees to sign up will be guaranteed a spot. Let's row our way to a healthier, happier heart together!
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
For Wellness and Happiness, Study Shows that Conversation is Key
Well-being is a challenge. People are struggling with stress, suffering with unhappiness and wishing for greater health. But a new study demonstrates an amazingly simple way to boost your wellness and your happiness. Click the picture below to find out!
The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness
We're all familiar with the saying "it's better to give than receive". What might surprise you is that this is actually backed up by research!
Those of us who are kind and compassionate experience clear benefits to our well-being and happiness. We may even live longer! Here are a few ways kindness helps our mental health:
- kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging
- it helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships
- kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem
- kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism
So if you think about it, kindness is a win-win for all involved! Need ideas to help you begin? Start with the Random Acts of Kindness Bingo card I've included below. Performing small acts of kindness isn't difficult nor necessarily time consuming. Try a little harder each day to increase your acts of kindness. You will be astonished at how good it will make you feel!
Did you know that all elementary and middle schools have a Kindness Club? If you want to get involved in your school's kindness club, look up your school's advisor here!
Nervous System News with Dr. Chris Lawrence
Did you know that supporting your kidneys can be an easy way to help yourself if you struggle with feelings of overwhelm or anxiety? Our kidneys help process adrenaline and cortisol. If we have a lot of stress in our lives, they can become worn out and depleted, so supporting them is an essential component of building resilience in the face of stress.
Hot water bottles are what our grandparents used before there were heating pads. First fill the hot water bottle 2/3 of the way with warm water and squeeze the extra air out. Add the stopper and while lying down, place it under your back where your kidneys are (just below the bottom of your ribcage). Let yourself relax and feel the warmth of the water for about 10 minutes. Then switch to the other kidney (you can use two bottles at a time on each kidney as well) . Try not to read or scroll on your phone while doing this. Notice if it helps the rest of your body relax. You can do this any time but it can be especially helpful in bed before sleep. Note: I am often asked if a heating pad works as well and the answer is No, it does not. The water helps your body to settle into a more fluid state through the kidneys. Overwhelm and stress = constriction in the body; relaxation and settling = fluidity. Hence, the warm water is an essential component. You can find hot water bottles at Walgreens, Target or Amazon. Questions or suggestions? Email me at chris@clacounseling.com.
PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Couch to 5k with CPS
Have you ever wanted to complete a 5k but didn't know where to start? Are you interested in running or walking a 5k with some of your coworkers? Do you want to meet up regularly to walk or run with some fun people? Then this Be Well Program is for you!
We are excited to announce we will be partnering with Boone Health to complete a Couch to 5k program with the end goal of completing the Molly's Miles 5k on April 27! Molly's Miles is an annual family-friendly walk/run that honors the surviving families and affected co-workers of Missouri law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The event is named in honor of Columbia police office Molly Bowden who was killed in the line of duty in 2005.
To register for the race, click here! CPS Employees will receive $10 off registration fees for the Molly's Miles 5k. When checking our use the coupon code: CPS
Our 8 week Couch to 5k training starts March 2 so stay tuned!
OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS
CPS First Aid Training
Did you know that Columbia Public Schools offers FREE first aid training to all employees?
First aid training in the workplace is a critical asset that goes beyond mere compliance. It transforms employees into capable first responders, ready to act swiftly in the face of emergencies. The immediate benefits include the potential to save lives and minimize injury severity. Beyond these crucial aspects, first aid training contributes to a positive and supportive workplace culture. Employees gain confidence, knowing they can make a difference in critical situations. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and responsibility among the workforce, creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone. In essence, first aid training is an investment that pays off in enhanced safety, employee well-being, and a cohesive workplace community!
If you're interesting in being training in first aid and CPR, sign up for the free training here!
NUTRITIONAL WELLNESS
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
ITEMS OF CONTINUED INTEREST
Upcoming Wellness Opportunities
Climb to the Top: It's not too late to embark on a virtual wellness adventure this February with our employee virtual race - "Climb to the Top." Throughout heart health month, we challenge all team members to not only get 8,000 steps a day, but also collectively cover a distance of 100 miles. Let's turn February into a month of active engagement, fostering a healthier and more connected workplace. Lace up those virtual sneakers, set your goals, and let's collectively conquer 100 miles of wellness by signing up here!
Financial Education Courses through Prosper U at Central Bank: ProsperU was created to help individuals and businesses learn more about how to build a successful financial life. Classes topics from setting financial goals to retirement. Classes change every month, so view the monthly calendar of classes here and register to begin your journey to financial well-being!
February 7 - WIN is encouraging women and girls in the Columbia area to find meaning in moving their bodies together by enjoying FREE attendance to our partnering gyms on February 7, 2024 in honor of National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Register and learn more here
February 5 - April 28, Anytime! Move Across Missouri is a statewide challenge to encourage Missourians to improve the amount of time spent doing physical activity. Any activity where you are moving your body counts! Register online and get more information
February 14 @3pm - Health on Wheels Outreach Van from the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services will be at Southern Boone County Public Library for free health services! Stop in while the van is in the Southern Boone County Library parking lot.
February 17 @ 10am - Runnin' Against Multiple Sclerosis 5k (RAMS) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for people with Multiple Sclerosis. One hundred percent of proceeds go to the MS Institute here in Columbia to prove supplies and equipment that help MS clients and their families lead a better life. Register for this 5k running or walking event.
February 21, 2024 @ 6pm - Trauma Informed Teaching Strategies for Self-Regulation and Resilience. This insightful session is tailored to empower educators with practical approaches aimed at fostering resilience and self-regulation in your classroom. Delve into the intricate impact of trauma on both students and teachers, with a specific focus on the dynamics of the brain and nervous system. Register for this webinar here.
Local Gym Discounts
Below are local gyms that offer educator discounts to CPS Staff. I am working to increase this list, so if you have a gym you would like me to reach out to, please let me know! To download the PDFs, you must open this newsletter in the internet browser by clicking "view in browser" at the top.
Free Counseling Services
Employees who are benefit eligible (working 30 hours or more per week), their spouses, and children age 13 and over are eligible to receive services at the EAP free of charge.
For more information click on the brochure on the right, or to schedule an appointment, contact the EAP at 573-815-6034 or at eap@boone.health.
Boone Health Employee Assistance Program is located at 1605 E. Broadway, Boone Medical Plaza 2, Suite 200, Columbia, MO 65201.
This newsletter is brought to you in collaboration between the following CPS departments:
- Nutrition Services
- Occupational Health
- Physical and Health Education
- Psychological Services (Outreach Counseling & School Psychology)
- School Counseling
- School Nursing