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Nurturing Wellness
Resources to Support Educator Well-Being
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March 2024
Thank you to Rho Engine!
CPS employees enjoyed a free class with Coaches David and Nicole at Rho Engine. Thank you to everyone who joined in on the fun! Stay tuned for future employee wellness activities!
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!
This month, I wanted to recognize two employees at Shepard Elementary! Maddie Wattanasirakul and Hannah McCray wanted to explore ways to reduce stress and promote health among staff members at Shepard. So they came up with Wellness Wednesdays! Every Wednesdays, they hold different stress relieving activities for any and all employees at Shepard Elementary. They aim to improve stress levels, encourage comradery among staff, and provide an activity for staff to get some self-care in mid-week!
If you want to nominate an employee to be spotlighted for their wellness efforts, fill out this short Google Survey.
Couch to 5k for Molly's Miles
We are excited to introduce a new initiative aimed at promoting health and well-being within our CPS community - the Employee Couch to 5K Plan! As we strive to create a workplace that prioritizes the holistic wellness of our employees, this program is designed to encourage everyone, regardless of fitness level, to lace up their sneakers and embark on a journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle
What is Couch to 5K?
Couch to 5K is a beginner-friendly running program that guides participants from a sedentary lifestyle to completing a 5K run in just a matter of weeks. The beauty of this plan lies in its gradual progression, making it accessible to everyone, even those who have never considered themselves runners before.
Why Participate?
1. Improved Physical Health: Engage in a fun and effective way to enhance cardiovascular fitness, boost endurance, and manage weight.
2. Team Building: Joining forces with colleagues fosters camaraderie, mutual support, and encourages a sense of community within the workplace.
3. Stress Reduction: Running is not just great for the body; it's a proven stress-reliever, contributing to improved mental well-being and increased focus.
4. Personal Achievement: Whether you're a seasoned runner or a complete novice, completing a 5K is a tangible and rewarding goal that promotes a sense of accomplishment.
How does it work?
Our program is pictured just to the left and starts on Monday, March 4. It includes a combination of walking and running sessions, starting at a suitable place for beginners. Participants will gradually increase their running intervals until they comfortably reach the 5K goal. And if you are not planning to run, don't worry, walking is absolutely acceptable!
Getting Started:
1. Sign Up: Sign up for Molly's Miles as the program completer here. Don't forget to use the CPS employee code CPS and use your CPS email for verification.
2. Support System: We will meet every Monday at 4:30 at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden trailhead at 800 W Stadium Blvd for a group run/walk. Sign up here for our group training sessions so we know how many to expect!
3. Celebrate: Mark the completion of the program and Molly's Miles with a group celebration!
Embark on this journey with us and let's make strides towards a healthier, happier workplace. Get ready to witness the transformation - from the couch to the finish line!
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Nourishing Bonds: The Mental Health Benefits of Shared Meals
March is National Nutrition Month, a time when we celebrate the importance of making informed food choices and cultivating healthy eating habits. Beyond the nutritional aspect, let's delve into the often overlooked but equally vital realm of mental health, exploring how sharing a good meal with family and friends can contribute to our well-being.
In a fast-paced world, where schedules can be hectic and life's demands overwhelming, sitting down to share a meal created a precious opportunity for connection. Research consistently shows that communal dining enhances emotional bonds, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing the feeling of isolation.
The act of breaking bread together isn't just about the food on the table; it's a shared experience that can alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Conversations flow more easily in a relaxed setting, offering a chance to unwind and connect on a deeper level with loved ones.
Moreover, a well-balanced meal provides essential nutrients that support cognitive function and mood regulation. The shared experience of savoring nutritious food contributes to overall mental well-being, positively impacting our emotional resilience and ability to cope with daily challenges.
This National Nutrition Month, let's not only focus on the nutrients our bodies need but also celebrate the mental health benefits that come with the simple act of sharing a good meal. Whether it's a homemade dinner, a picnic in the park, or a brunch gathering, the bonds formed around the table are as essential to our health as the food we consume. So, let's savor these moments, nourish our connections, and embrace the holistic benefits of a shared meal with loved ones.
PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Understanding the Connections between Sleep and Nutrition
OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS
See Well, Work Well: Nurturing Vision for a Productive Tomorrow
Prioritizing the well-being of your eyes in the workplace is more important than you might think. Think about it - from staring at screens, reading documents, our eyes are constantly at work. Neglecting eye health can lead to discomfort and fatigue, affecting your overall job performance. That's why it's crucial for all of us to take steps to care for our eyes.
Remember to take short breaks, adjust your workstation for comfort, and speak up if you need better lighting. Employers are here to help too - they can provide ergonomic setups and encourage the use of protective eyewear when necessary. Let's all make a conscious effort to prioritize our eye wellness in the workplace. It's not just about today; it's an investment in our long-term vision health, ensuring we can perform at our best for years to come.
NUTRITIONAL WELLNESS
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
ITEMS OF CONTINUED INTEREST
Upcoming Wellness Opportunities
NutriZou Nutrition Coaching: Do you want to address a nutrition concern, but not really sure where to start? NutriZou is a FREE nutrition coaching clinic, run by MU Dietetics students under supervision by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), for anyone in the Columbia community. If you want to learn more, click here to fill out an interest form and see available dates!
Resilient Teacher Podcast: This podcast will give overwhelmed educators the support, tools, and mindset to reduce teacher burnout and keep teaching sustainable. Each week, Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed. & her guests will share inspiration and actionable steps to avoid or recover from the dreaded teacher burnout. You'll be inspired to individualize self-care and learn to prioritize your well-being and mental health, all while making a bigger impact on your classrooms and community. Each episode is about 20-25 minutes in length, so perfect for your commute or other time to jump start your wellness journey. Click here for more information!
Free Financial Wellness Webinars: As life and finances transition from one stage to the next, there's always more to learn. Take Chare America webinars cover everything from basic to more complex personal finance topics to keep you engaged and informed at every phase of your journey. Click here to look through their library of options!
Polar Plunge Columbia, March 9 @ 12pm - 2pm: This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity to show your bravery as you support local Special Olympics Missouri athletes by walking, running, or crawling into the frigid winter waters. This one-of-a-kind even promises a fun atmosphere complete with music, funny costumes and lasting memories for everyone! Sign up to Plunge here!
St. Paddy's Day Goat Yoga, March 17 @ 1pm - 2:30pm: Immerse yourself in the serene practice of yoga while adorable goats roam around, adding a touch of playfulness to your wellness routine. Join for a unique blend of relaxation and joy in the company of these lovable furry friends! Visit Eventbrite for more information.
Self-care & Wellness Webinar March 28 @ 9am: This training will help participants develop an understanding of how stress and trauma affect our state of well-being. We will explore wellness and self-care practices and tools that help promote emotional regulation, compassion, empathy, and calm in our environments, In addition, we will examine ways to create healthy boundaries to establish safe and positive relationships with self and with others. Sign up 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