Week 2: Emotional Wellness
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” - Tommy Lasorda
You made it through the first week of the challenge and you're ready to move on to Week 2! I encourage you to continue your efforts in maintaining your healthy new habit. Each day counts and maintaining your goal will bring you one step closer to a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle!
This week’s hint for staying on track
You may have good intentions of sticking to your wellness goal, but obstacles will come up that might block your path. Remember, excuses only get in the way if you allow them to. Follow this suggestion to get going and stay on track:
-Write down your three most disruptive obstacles to activity and find three realistic solutions.
This week’s focus: Emotional Health
Emotional wellness involves the awareness, understanding, and acceptance of our feelings. Emotional wellness is a key element in maintaining a healthy balance in our lives and our relationships. We are constantly changing and growing throughout the life span.
Strategies for developing and maintaining emotional wellness include:
- Being mindful of thoughts and feelings
- Expressing feelings effectively
- Managing emotions and reactions
- Staying optimistic and using a positive attitude
- Coping with stress in a healthy way
- Using relaxation and self-care
- Learning and growing from experiences
- Adjusting to change and enjoying life
- Obtaining support from family, friends, or the community
- Remembering to laugh ;-)
Take this quick Emotional Wellness Quiz by www.WorkSmartLiveSmart.com
- I have a sense of fun and am able to laugh at some of the situations I find myself in?
- I don’t judge others based on my expectations of them?
- I generally face problems directly?
- I cope with change effectively?
- I have a positive self-image?
- I can speak up for my needs?
- I do not hold grudges?
- I have several people in my life that I can count on for support?
- I am generally optimistic about my self and the future?
10. I can effectively express both my positive and negative emotions?
Total ______
If you answered yes to 8 or less. Keep working - there is room for improvement!
The Best Tweets of the Week:
- Boost Your Emotional Health: http://www.medicinenet.com/emotional_wellness/article.htm
- Laughter is the Best Medicine: http://www.wellnessarticles.net/Article/Laughter-Is-The-Best-Medicine/10203
- Stop Making Excuses!: http://www.wellnessarticles.net/Article/Stop-Making-Excuses-/8135
Useful online resources:
A very good website about improving one’s emotional health:
http://helpguide.org/mental/mental_emotional_health.htm
http://www.apa.org/topics/emotion/index.aspx
Upcoming wellness programs
Davis Campus:
Meditation Class
ASAP is offering its popular Meditation group, beginning on February 15th. This group is facilitated by the director of ASAP, Dr. Beth Cohen. Dr. Cohen is a licensed psychologist and certified meditation instructor with 20 + years of experience. The participants will learn breathing and mindfulness exercises, as well as techniques for deepening meditation practice. The group is open to all experience levels of meditation practitioners. Limited space remains in the class. For more information or to register, contact Sharon Ree, slree@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-2727.
Sacramento Campus:
ZUMBA
Monday, February 6, 12 – 1 p.m., Marriott – Ballroom, Sacramento
ZUMBA is an easy to follow Latin-based dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music. Slow and fast rhythms will be used to tone and sculpt the body in order to achieve a unique balance of cardio and muscle toning benefits, burn calories, and generate excitement! Participation is free.
Meditation
Monday, February 6, 1 – 2 p.m. , Marriott – Ballroom, Sacramento
This workshop series gives employees the opportunity to learn and practice a few basic tools of meditation to reduce stress and live a healthier life. Join the group for the whole series or plan to attend on a drop-in basis when your schedule allows. The closed-eye, guided meditation will be practiced in a chair. All levels welcome. Participation is free.
Strength
Wednesday, February 8, 12 – 1 p.m., PSSB G300, Sacramento 12 – 1 pm
All levels are welcome to participate in this full body strength and cardiovascular workout that will utilize your body weight and gravity as its tools. Variations of exercises are offered so that every participant can exercise at a level that meets their needs. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed toed athletic tennis shoes. Feel free to bring a towel to use as a mat during the abdominal exercises. Participation is free.
Academic & Staff Assistance Program
UC Davis Health System - Sacramento
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/hr/hrdepts/asap/
Academic & Staff Assistance Program
UC Davis – Davis
http://www.hr.ucdavis.edu/worklife-wellness/ASAP