by Grace | Feb 21, 2021 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
Raise funds for the Cancer Council for lifesaving research by participating in March Charge.
‘Join the charge and tell cancer where to go’ – Cancer Council (2021).
The March Charge is a fun 31 day fitness challenge that has an enormous impact on how cancer is researched and treated.
Just by walking or running for Cancer Council this March and raising funds, your workplace will be helping them ‘charge’ ahead with cancer research. It’s the perfect opportunity for your staff to get away from the screens, get active and improve overall health and wellbeing. You could organise lunch runs, walking meetings, or (social distancing) fitness sessions remotely with an online tally. It’s your ‘charge’ and your choice.
There are varying distances you can strive for (50km, 80km, 120km or pick your own distance) either solo or as a team. To check them out, register your team or donate, click here – https://www.themarchcharge.com.au/home.
by Grace | Feb 21, 2021 | Workplace Education
‘The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated’ – William James (Americian Philosopher and Psychologist 1842-1910).
As Monday 1st March is World Compliment Day, it won’t cost you anything to join the Global initiate to create the ‘Most Positive Day in the World’.
World Compliment Day simply addresses the basic human need for recognition and appreciation. Nobody wins commercially, but everyone gains emotionally. – World Compliment Day (2021).
Here’s some examples of compliments in the workplace:
- ‘You have a way of brightening up this office every day!’
- ‘Well done on that project. We were all blown away!’
- ‘Your new haircut looks great!’
- ‘I just wanted to say that I see how hard you’ve been working on X. I admire how dedicated you are to the work you do.’
- ‘I’m so impressed with how you handled that meeting today. I always admire how clearly you present your work.’
- ‘Congratulations on the promotion – no one deserves it more than you.’
- ‘I can’t wait to see what you do next.’
- ‘You are so positive – I really admire that about you and it brightens up my work day!’
- ‘You’re a great problem solver.’
- ‘Thank you for taking the time to work with me on this. It helped me get so much more out of this project’.
- ‘I appreciate you trusting me with this responsibility. It means a lot’
According to nbc News (2019, compliments benefit the giver, too. Being in the habit of giving compliments helps us notice and appreciate what’s good and what we like in those around us.
Share the love not only today, but every day 😊
by Grace | Jan 18, 2021 | Workplace Education
Feel good Feb was created to inspire people to initiate random acts of kindness to their fellow community.
Extensive research shows that ‘giving out good’ not only benefits the receiver but also increases the happiness of the giver (feelgoodfeb.org 2020).
Lift the vibe of your work colleagues today by performing at least one random act of kindness, you’ll FEEL GOOD – we promise 😊.
by Grace | Jan 18, 2021 | Workplace Education
Thursday 18th February is International Aspergers Day, which aims to highlight the significance of Asperger Syndrome for both society and individuals and also illustrates one of the many challenges to the newcomer trying to understand the autism spectrum.
Asperger’s Syndrome was the name given to a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aspergers-syndrome (2020).
According to the Asperger/Autism Network, some professionals currently surmise that at least one in every 250 people has an Asperger profile.
Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome:
According to Health Direct (2020), people with this diagnosis often have average or above average intelligence, and can be quite creative, but they often find life hard. In particular, they find it hard to communicate and interact with other people.
For example, they often:
- struggle to express themselves;
- find it hard to understand others;
- find it hard to make friends;
- find it hard to work out what others might be thinking;
- find it hard to use their imagination;
These difficulties can lead to anxiety, confusion and frustration for the person, and sometimes for their family and friends.
Asperger’s Syndrome is only diagnosed by a specialist.
If you know of somebody living with Asperger’s Syndrome in the workplace, be kind. With support and encouragement, people with Asperger’s Syndrome can often lead a full and independent life. According to Health Direct (2020), sometimes people in the workplace with Aspergers Syndrome may at times need time alone or a chance to get some exercise (like a walk around the block). Breathing techniques and relaxing music may also be helpful.
Amaze.org.au provide some helpful hints when working with someone with Asperger’s Syndrome:
- Keep instructions brief and precise;
- Give the person time to process the instruction;
- If practical, make use of visual cues and procedures;
- Break work into smaller steps;
by Grace | Jan 18, 2021 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
‘Smart Eating Week’ celebrates healthy eating and the benefits a nutritious diet brings to your body and well-being.
What are the benefits of eating a well-balanced diet both at work and at home?
- Reduced stress levels;
- Increased energy levels;
- An improved immune system, decreasing absentee days at work;
- Improved mood;
- Enhanced memory;
- Enhanced productivity;
- Improved gut health;
- Reduced cancer risk;
- Diabetes management;
- Heart health and stroke prevention;
- Strong bones and teeth;
- A better night’s sleep;
- Weight loss;
Not sure how healthy your diet is? Take this healthy eating quiz – https://daa.asn.au/smart-eating-for-you/smart-eating-fast-facts/healthy-eating/
As working adults, sometimes we find it hard juggling work, study, family time and relaxing. Find out what works for you, should it be packing your lunch the night before to ensure you cover your nutritious needs or writing a shopping list before you hit the supermarket!
What makes up a healthy lunch?
- Breads and cereals (preferably wholegrain);
- Fruits, vegetables, and legumes (lots of different colours and flavours);
- Low fat dairy, including milk, cheese and yoghurt;
Get some healthy lunchbox ideas from Better Health Vic – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/Lunch-at-work
by Grace | Jan 18, 2021 | Workplace Education
We are so lucky when our local communities offer free training.
If you looking to upskill, be able to recognise signs at work or simply be there for your family, The City of Greater Geelong is offering a FREE 2 day Older Person Mental Health and First Aid Training.
According to COGG, upon completion, participants have the knowledge to assist people 65 years and over who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing worsening of an existing mental health problem or who are experiencing a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
Bookings are essential and are held at 2 different locations (Grovedale and Newcomb) this February.
If you are interested, you can secure your spot here – https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events/calendar/item/8d88fc1460dcdbe.aspx