Wellness Wednesday

As we embark on the summer months, it's the perfect time to focus on creating and resetting routines to enhance our well-being. Whether you're looking to establish new habits or refine existing ones, routines can help bring structure, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Read on to discover tips and resources to support your journey.

1. Stability and Structure

• Consistency: Regular routines provide a sense of stability and predictability, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Productivity: Well-structured days enhance productivity by ensuring that important tasks are prioritized and completed.

2. Improved Mental Health

• Mindfulness: Incorporating mindful practices such as meditation or journaling can enhance mental clarity and emotional well-being.
• Sleep: A consistent sleep schedule supports better rest and recovery, crucial for mental health.

3. Physical Health Benefits

• Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as daily walks or scheduled workouts, promotes physical fitness and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
• Nutrition: Planning and preparing healthy meals in advance can improve dietary habits and overall health.

Click here for a printable copy: Simple Steps to Boost Your Physical and Mental Well-being

Begin with small, manageable changes to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Gradually build on these changes to create lasting habits.

Birthdays are a time for joy, reflection, and gratitude, so let's take a moment to send our warmest wishes to our colleagues and friends.

🎉 Let's celebrate the following birthdays:

• June 5: April Willrich, Mike Moseley Elementary
• June 5: Sandra Tejeda Lopez, Education Center
• June 12: Tami Sanchez, Education Center
• June 21: Dr. Dana Jackson, Education Center
• June 27: Brandy Gifford, GPFAA, Social Worker

• July 1: Umeka Wright, Education Center
• July 3: Patience L. Baity, Education Center
• July 5: Monica Agnew, Education Center
• July 5: Brianna Chandler, Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy
• July 12: Edgar Chavez Saldana, Education Center

🎈 To all our June and July birthdays, may your special day be a reflection of the joy and positivity you bring to the lives of those you touch. Here's to celebrating you today and always! 🎈

If you would like to be included in the birthday shoutouts, simply fill out the Staff Birthday Recognition/Shoutout form linked below. We look forward to celebrating each of you and making your special day even brighter!

Staff Birthday Recognition/Shoutout Form

This summer, we’re excited to launch our Summer Walking Challenge, a simple and fun way to incorporate more activity into your day. No registration required—just set a goal, find an accountability partner, and get moving! Whether it’s a stroll around the parking lot or a brisk walk indoors on rainy days, this challenge is all about boosting your energy, improving your mood, and enjoying the benefits of regular walking.

How to Participate

Set Your Goal: Decide on a personal walking goal. It could be a daily step count, a certain number of walks per week, or a total distance for the month.

Find an Accountability Partner:

Partner up with a colleague who also wants to join the challenge. Having someone to walk with can make the experience more enjoyable and keep you motivated.

Choose Your Walking Route:

Outdoor Option: Walk around the parking lot or explore the outdoor areas around the office.

Indoor Option: If it’s raining or too hot, take your walks inside the building. Use the hallways or other spacious areas.

Track Your Progress: Use a pedometer, smartphone app, smartwatch or fitness tracker to log your steps and monitor your progress.

Share and Support: Share your progress and experiences with your colleagues. Post updates, photos and motivational tips on your social media and don't forget to tag @gpisdemployeewellness Facebook or @GPISDWellnessX page (formerly Twitter).

Monday to Thursday:

• Take a 10-15-minute walk around the parking lot or inside the building. Use this time to chat with your partner and enjoy a break from your desk.

• If you had a big breakfast and you are skipping lunch take a walk during your 30 minute lunch break.

• Another 10-15-minute walk to re-energize for the rest of the day. Use this walk to clear your mind and refresh your focus.

No Pressure, Just Walk!

Remember, the goal of the Summer Walking Challenge is to have fun and promote wellness. There’s no need for formal registration or strict rules. Just set a goal, find a buddy, and start walking! Let’s make the most of this summer by incorporating healthy walking breaks into our daily routines.

Let’s get moving and make this summer our healthiest one yet!

This cucumber mint lemonade is light, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. It's easy to make and can be customized by adjusting the sweetness and tartness to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the chopped cucumbers, mint leaves, lemon juice, and sugar.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the cucumber-mint mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any solids.
4. Add cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
5. Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
6. Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour to chill.
7. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled cucumber mint lemonade over the ice.
8. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs if desired.
9. Stir before drinking and enjoy this refreshing summer beverage!