This newsletter will provide you with information on emotional, mental, physical and nutritional health. We will focus on how to help you be proactive about your health and well-being. The EWS Newsletter will also provide support & guidance resources that we hope will assist you in dealing with stressors and challenges.

Positive thinking, or an optimistic attitude, is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. It can have a big impact on your physical and mental health.

That doesn’t mean you ignore reality or make light of problems. It simply means you approach the good and the bad in life with the expectation that things will go well.

Many studies have looked at the role of optimism and positive thinking in mental and physical health. It’s not always clear which comes first: the mindset or these benefits. But there is no downside to staying upbeat.

Some physical benefits may include:

• Longer life span
• Lower chance of having a heart attack
• Better physical health
• Greater resistance to illness such as the common cold
• Lower blood pressure
• Better stress management
• Higher pain tolerance
  

The mental benefits may include:

• More creativity
• Greater problem-solving skills
• Clearer thinking
• Better mood
• Better coping skills
• Less depression

Source: WebMD

We've all heard the popular saying, "Laughter is the best medicine." But does that type of thinking apply to something as serious as a global pandemic? Most psychologists would say yes. Humor helps people take back their sense of power in a powerless situation and it helps them connect with others—two things we have lost during this pandemic. Although there is nothing particularly funny about what we're going through, science suggests that those funny memes, crazy TikTok videos, and snarky online quotes may be just what we need to ease the overwhelming fear, anxiety and grief many of us are dealing with on a daily basis.

Source: VeryWell Mind

• Laughter releases endorphins
  
• Strengthens the cardiovascular system
  
• Relieves pain
  
• Contributes to strengthening the immune system and preventing infections
  

Source: Step to Health

Most people who care for others in a selfless manner do so because of a genuine desire to help and improve the world around them. Nonetheless, modern psychological research has shown that caring has benefits for all involved; people who volunteer or care for others on a consistent basis tend to have better psychological well-being, including fewer depressive symptoms and higher life-satisfaction. Caring behavior even has physiological benefits, as current research shows that individuals who receive social support (a form of caring behavior) are more protected from disease and even death.

Source: The Pursuit of Happiness

Brain Breaks were created for our students by our own Elise Walker at the Outdoor Learning Center. They are excellent stretching exercises that will help relax you after sitting at your work station and computer for long periods of time. Anyone can use them. Check out the link below.

Brain Breaks

We may not be able to display our smiles in person at this time, but we continue to smile. We have opportunities to smile virtually during team meetings, virtual family gatherings, and even during virtual EWS courses. :)

Remember that the power of a smile is contagious. When we smile at someone, in a genuine way, it means acceptance, support, and "I like you." Smiles send a positive message.

As we text and email we also continue to use smiling emojis that describe how we feel. Smiles continue to mean happiness, which may be difficult to find at this time, but it is out there if we look for it.

The surprising power of a smile continues to spread joy. Even when wearing a mask, others can see our smiling eyes.

Let's spread the support of wellness by continuing to smile.

Nutritional Counseling

Yumlish

&

Healthy Bytes

Both work with our BCBS insurance as well as other insurance groups.

Cigna Life Assistance Program Offers 3 free Counseling Sessions

Cignalap.com | 800-538-3543

Avoid Being in The Dark About Your Health

About Us

Our Employee Wellness and Support Services provides opportunities and resources for employees to develop and maintain healthy emotional, mental, and physical well-being through support and guidance, as well as promoting personal and professional productivity through educational engagement.

For more information about Employee Wellness and Support Services visit our website:

Employee Wellness and Support Services or contact Jose Villasenor, EWS Coordinator:

jovillasenor@irvingisd.net | 972-600-5217 Office | 469-781-1843 Mobile

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Questions, Suggestions, Comments

Contact

Jose Villasenor

jovillasenor@irvingisd.net

972-600-5217 O | 469-781-1843 M

Employee Wellness Webpage