Everyday Wellness

Feeling connected to other people is at the heart of happiness - theirs and ours.

• February 7th Opportunities- Sign Up Here
• Disney Trivia Night Coming in March
• Wellness Wednesday Reflections
• Insurance Benefit Program and OEBB Wellness Webinars
• Benefits of Sleep
• Reflections
• Delicious Soup Recipes
• Heart Coherence Meditation- What is it and what are the benefits?
• February Wellness Calendar

Dear SSD Staff,

As fellow educators, we understand the relentless nature of our profession and the toll it can take on our minds and bodies. Amidst the stress and list of to dos, we want to encourage you to take a step back and prioritize yourself. Your well-being matters as much as the incredible work you do in shaping young minds.

In the spirit of finding balance, we invite you to embrace a wellness activity that resonates with you. Whether it's; a nice walk with a colleague, a cooking class, laser tag, some gentle yoga, a crafting project, or a moment of solitude for personal reflection, these moments are essential for recharging your spirit.

Connecting with colleagues, even in small ways, can be a powerful antidote to stress. Share your experiences, swap stories, and let the camaraderie be a source of strength. As you take this pause, know that you're not alone in navigating the challenges of our shared profession.

In the grand tapestry of education, each of us plays a vital role. By caring for ourselves, we strengthen the entire fabric of our educational community. Your well-being is a gift to both yourself and those you inspire daily.

Take a breath, take a break, and take care.

Sincerely,

Your Wellness Committee

"Wherever you are, be there totally."- Eckhart Tolle

Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition this March. We are thrilled to offer a family friendly Disney Trivia night complete with food and a friendly costume party!

Don't miss this chance to strengthen bonds with your colleagues outside of the school setting. We guarantee an evening full of camaraderie, excitement, and a few surprises along the way, along with fun activities for kids!

So, begin assembling your dream team and look out for the official sign up email coming your way soon.

SIGN UP HERE

Homemade Pasta with Chelsea

Join us for the fun of making fresh pasta where you can learn the techniques of kneading, shaping and cutting noodles. You'll get to make pasta dough the traditional way with just eggs, flour and salt. Try out a pasta rolling machine and take home your delicious fresh noodles. (24)

Cricut Tutorial with Debbie, Grace, and Christina at PRE

Bring your cricut, mat, and laptop and we will make a Valentine's Banner! This is a session if you want to learn how to use your cricut or have some creative fun with your cricut! (10)

Restorative Yoga at Living Fit Yoga (15)

Enjoy gentle yoga stretches with a sound bath.

Candy Workshop with Brian Taylor

Come enjoy a sweet candy making experience at Bruce's Candy Kitchen. (16)

Laser Tag at Seaside Carasel (15)

Have fun chasing down your colleagues at Laser Tag!

Strength Training with James Massa (10)

Break a sweat and boost your energy levels with group fitness sessions tailored to all fitness levels under the guidance of a certified personal trainer.

Lego Sunflowers with Becky (11)

Come build your own LEGO sunflowers! Everyone will get their own kit that builds 2 flowers.

OEBB Wellness Webinars

Get inspiration for your journey to better health. Check out these educational wellness webinars and workshops!

Walk On Your Own

Take a break and walk on your own- in nature, on the beach, in your neighborhood, or around the school. Get your steps in and let the tension go!

Join a health club for just $28 a month! As a Moda Health or Delta Dental member, you have access to the Active&Fit DirectTM program. For just $28 a month, you can choose from over 9,000 participating health clubs and YMCAs nationwide. They are currently running a promotion for no enrollment fees until 2/29/2024. Normally the enrollment fee would be $84. We have attached the pdf informational page from Moda and this link to the Active & Fit Direct program to sign up.

Get inspiration for your journey to better health. Check out these educational wellness webinars and workshops!

• 2024 Be well webinar calendar

Recorded webinars

• Home Burnout
• A deeper dive into Moda's wellness programs and resources for OEBB members
• Work Burnout
• Social Burnout
• Work Burnout
• Inflammation 101 Webinar
• Building a Better Immune System for Lifelong Health
• Heart Health: Supporting Your Cardiovascular System
• Real Food on a Real Budget: How to Save Money by Eating Healthy
• Tools for Managing Stress & Creating a Healthier Mindset

Pottery

"It was awesome. i have to go pick up my mug I made still!"- Doug Mitchell

Strength Training with James

"Strength Training was very informative. Everything went fine in the class. There was a small turnout so we received individualized training. But, my oh my did I feel "it" the next day. I thought I was in pretty good shape being that my job is so physical. Advil to the rescue !!! I did sign up with Sunset Empire Parks Dept. I will continue with my conditioning for 3 months and see how I feel. Wish me luck !!!"- Jessica Smith

"James Massa's personalized strength training class was a dynamic and engaging fitness experience. He tailored the workout to our fitness levels and provided options for differentiating the exercises and movement. We felt supported and motivated throughout the class. He also shared a calendar of classes available at Sunset Empire Park and Recreation. With our insurance, we pay only $28 per month to have access to all of the classes and use of the swimming pool and weight room."- Karma Herd

Seaside Coffee House

"I enjoyed connecting and listening to others from different buildings. It was a delight to have a chance to be and hang out. I would love to do it again."- Jane Crater

Cooking with Jeff

"Yes! Great simple meal that I will be able to many times! Got to spend time with some of my favorite people too :)"- Grace Bruncke

"I did my first cooking class with Jeff and loved the easy, yummy ricotta past dish!"- Joyce Balint

Walk on Your Own

"I always enjoy walking in nature, but the weather was wonky, so I had to do it later. I should have adjusted and gone to Seaside Coffee House!"- Erin Meyer

"Sometimes my brain really attaches itself to knowing I am off an hour early on the first Wednesday of the month. When this happens, I really enjoy the nature walks. It's an hour of unplanned life and I can feel free and easy for an hour of "me" time and fresh air to reset."- Lynn Addis

The benefits of sleep are many. Sleep plays a crucial role in tissue repair, hormone regulation, and overall health.

Getting enough sleep boosts brain power, improves weight management, and reduces stress and inflammation.

Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per day. Getting less than six or seven hours of sleep can affect you the next day. Chronically missing out on sleep increases your risk of disease.

This article discusses 10 benefits of sleep. It explains how sleep is important for good health.

1. Strenthens your heart

2. Regulates Blood Sugar

3. Reduces Stress Levels

4. Decreases Inflammation

5. Helps you maintain a healthy weight

6. Improves your balance

7. Increases your energy and alertness

8. Improves your memory

9. Boosts your executive functioning

10. Repairs your tissues

Key Takeaways

• Herbal Teas for Sleep: Herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, valerian root, passionflower, lemon balm, ashwagandha, tulsi, ginger, and mint have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. These teas contain compounds that can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.
• Timing and Temperature Matter: To get the most benefit from bedtime tea, it’s best to drink it at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Drinking tea that is mildly warm or at room temperature is generally recommended, as hot or cold tea can have stimulating effects or disrupt sleep by increasing the need to use the restroom.
• Customizing Your Tea Blend: If you prefer, you can create your own personalized sleep-inducing tea blend by combining various herbs and spices. Common ingredients for a DIY blend include lavender, chamomile, ginger, lemon balm, passionflower, ashwagandha, tulsi, and mint

What’s something you can try to help your mind switch off and sleep?

"I love to drink a cup of tea, journal gratitude for the day and then listen to a sleep meditation or read my book for 15 minutes."- Wendy Crozier

"1. A staff member who had never submitted a Student Spotlight DID submit a Student Spotlight in January! 2. The feeling of sunshine on our faces after the ice days. 3. After feeling defeated because something didn't work out the way I had hoped it would to support students, I received news that it was going to happen just through a different source! 4. A friend gave me a thoughtful, intentional, "just because" gift. 5. A friend brought me a large Chai "just because". 6. My favorite skincare company issued me a FREE re-shipment of some product I had purchased and shipped to the wrong address. That one made me tear up. 7. A lost dog was found. 8. The feeling of a clean kitchen. 9. Toes on the sand... at the beach that's a minute from my home. 10. I received a sweet text message from an old friend." - Shelby Gagnon

"Many PRES staff made my birthday extra bright this year with their kind words and actions! Thank you :)"- Grace Bruncke

"Shelby Gagnon creates smiles and glimmers wherever she goes. I so appreciate how many ways she creates smiles, opportunities ,and positive shout outs for students and staff."- Wendy Crozier

"Nature walks with friends and morning yoga sessions have definately filled my cup this month several times and I feel so grateful to work alongside so many amazing humans everyday!"- Jenn Gooch

"Glimmers: our office aides! The laughter and joy they bring to our office on a daily basis is wonderful."- Kelli Brenden

"I am overwhelmed and so excited that this is my community and I get to be a part of it!"- Ethan Guzman

"Another glimmer: Stacie Gilligan & her Booster crew. Always feeding staff for conferences-thanks so much! Stacie takes the time and energy to make sure staff are fed and cared for. I hope she knows how appreciated she is! "- Kelli Brenden

If there's one thing I love about cold weather, it's soup! Click here to find over 30 easy soup recipes I'll be making all fall and winter long.

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 4 cups vegetable broth, store bought or homemade
• 1½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, about 5, chopped
• 1½ cups cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Freshly ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Scallions or chives
• Coconut bacon
• Greek yogurt, optional
• Cheddar cheese, optional

Instructions

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Sauté 6 to 8 minutes, until softened.

• Add the garlic, stir, and cook 2 more minutes. Stir in the white wine vinegar and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, and then add the broth, potatoes, and white beans. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer 30 minutes.

• Let cool slightly, then transfer half of the soup to a blender with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the mustard, lemon juice, and paprika. Blend until smooth and return the pureed soup back to the pot.

• Use a potato masher to gently smash the potato chunks and beans. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and serve with desired toppings.

When we are in a state of heart and brain coherence, we are honest with ourselves, we accept the facts and our feelings in response to the facts wholeheartedly, and we take aligned action from the bottom of our hearts.

Heart and brain coherence is the unity and integration of mind, body, and spirit. It is when our thoughts, intentions, and actions seamlessly align. It not only has powerful effects on our mental and emotional health, stability and resilience but also on our physical health. It can affect heart rate, immune system, sleep quality, and overall energy levels. In this post, we will examine 12 major benefits of living in a state of coherence from mental, emotional, and physical perspectives.

Wellness Coordinators

Jenn Gooch (SMS)

Kathryn Zacher (PRE)

Business Manager

Toni Vandershule

Pacific Ridge Elementary School Building Leader

Chuck Albright, Debbie Hillman

Seaside Middle School Building Leaders

Natalie Dyroff, Wendy Crozier, Shelby Gagnon, Karma Herd

Seaside High School Building Leaders

Julie Greene, Vinh Pham, Katharine Parker, Chelsea Archibald

District Office

Amy Santilli

Bus Barn Building Leader

Tonya Wilson

Contact us at wellness@seasidek12.org

Follow us on Instagram @ssdeverydaywellness

Join us on our SSD Facebook group