Cultivating Wellness
February 2022
Tips, Encouragement, and Support for Parents and Educators
Sunshine and Fresh Air: Winter Wellness Boosters
Fresh air does wonders for boosting our immune system and aids in digestive health. Fresh air can increase focus and keep our minds sharp as well as improve overall heart and blood functioning. An added bonus of fresh air is improved mood. Much of this is tied to the fact that fresh air allows an increased flow of oxygen throughout the blood stream. As a result of this increase in oxygen, our bodies are able to improve functioning that impacts our overall mood and level of performance in all domains.
An increase in exposure to sunlight also provides our bodies with a host of benefits. Melatonin is a hormone that impacts our daily functions in many ways. Exposure to sunlight during the day helps to keep our bodies in rhythm and as a result, can reduce our stress levels and improve our ability to fall (and remain) asleep at ideal intervals. Exposure to sunlight strengthens our bones and improves immune system function by increasing vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight is also linked to weight loss and improved mood. For more on the benefits of sunlight exposure, check this article out.
The month of February, while short on the calendar, can often feel much longer due to its place in the middle of a winter season that is often rife with unpredictable and frustrating weather-related challenges.
To maximize your opportunities for fresh air and sunlight, check out these suggestions:
- Motivate yourself to get outside by learning about the benefits.
- Reinterpret the weather as an opportunity to experience a different season.
- Schedule time to go for a walk or jog as soon as you get home from work and invite the family along.
- When preparing for the next day, put out layers of clothing so that they are ready to go, and you are less likely to skip going outside because you have to spend time getting ready.
- Give yourself challenges that are tied to rewards, such as 15 minutes of outdoors time earns 15 minutes of TV time.
- Make a mug of coffee or tea to take along your walk.
- Invest in a new hobby, such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
- When going to get the mail, walk around the block first.
- Find a buddy and make it a social event.
- If you are at work from "dark until dark", use natural lighting in your office/room when possible.
- Pack warm clothes for work and be ready to take any opportunity to get outside, even if it's for just a few minutes.
Michigan Winters can be brutal and can increase stress levels, feelings of depression, and illness. Taking care of ourselves during this season is often an ongoing struggle and as a result, our ability to support others is compromised. With this in mind, consider the importance of keeping your cups full. Good luck and this month remember:
"Keep your face to the sunshine"- Walt Whitman
Resources for Your Mind, Body, and Family
- National Alliance on Mental Illness-Genesee County Chapter
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
- The State of Michigan has created a Stay Well program that encourages individuals to Be Kind to Your Mind, providing access to support groups, help lines, webinars, behavioral health guides, and video resources. This Mindfulness and Stress Resilience Guide is one tool provided. Check the link to learn more.
- Michigan 211 helps to connect individuals to a variety of services, including mental health providers.
Community Resource Spotlight: Flint Registry
Cultivating Staff Wellness: A Holistic Approach
Supporting the whole child starts with supporting all the adults involved in the educational process. From direct providers, such as teachers and paraprofessionals, to those indirectly involved with student success (business, transportation, operations, human resources, etc.), a need for optimal self-care is shared to bring our best self to work each day.
The GISD has taken steps to develop a customizable wellness toolkit available to staff throughout Genesee County schools, programs, and GISD departments. This toolkit has been created to help administrators and managers implement and create sustainable staff wellness initiatives. While resources are often spread thin and opportunities for added programs may be far and few between, one key for programs and departments is to start where they are and commit to intentional moves toward creating and sustaining a culture of wellness.
The Cultivating Staff Wellness (CSW) Toolkit is based on SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness: emotional, physical, spiritual, environmental, occupational, financial, intellectual, and social. Complete the Cultivating Staff Wellness Registration Form so that your school, program, or department can access the CSW Toolkit.
GISD 31n Mental Health Team
To learn more about health and wellness for teachers, students, and families, check out our page on the GISD website.