Good to Know

Employee wellness support available for the holiday season

Holiday stress can be challenging, but university resources offer numerous ways to stay healthy during the final days of the year

Holidays, stress, employee wellness, health, support, resources

icon of a calendarDecember 21, 2020

Share this story

Coping with holiday stress continues to be a challenge for many, but there are numerous ways to stay healthy during the final days of the year. Faculty and staff are encouraged to remember that it is more important than ever before to take time for oneself and to check in on coworkers, friends, family and neighbors.

The following are additional tips and resources for managing personal health and wellness this holiday season:

  1. Wellness 1Mentally prepare for the holidays – Manage your expectations and be realistic with yourself regarding what you and your family can take on. Consider choices that will keep your family safe and be ok with those choices once you've made them. Learn how to respond when things don't go as planned or others disagree with your decisions. Try 5-9 breathing from the iPause workshop to help you with mindfulness during challenging times.

  2. Keep yourself moving – Exercise and physical activity is important no matter how much or how little. A simple walk around the block, for example, provides both fresh air and steps that are good for you. You can also try virtual group exercise provided by OU Rec Well. Check out the free library of virtual group fitness classes at facebook.com/ourecwell. Click on the video link at the top for a scrolling list of options. Benefits-eligible employees can also use the Carrot Wellness app on their phone to earn rewards while walking. Directions on downloading the app can be found on the University Recreation and Well-Being web section. Click on the Carrot Wellness tab.

  3. Look on the bright side – Find one or two small things happening in your life that you can celebrate. And if you're struggling with the actual bright side because it's dark much earlier every day, try bright light therapy. Lots of inexpensive light boxes can be found on sites like Amazon. For more information on light therapy, check out this article from the Mayo Clinic.

  4. Take time for yourself – Breathe, relax, and try to focus on yourself every day. A few minutes of quiet meditation or visualization can do wonders for your mental well-being. Check out the variety of visualization techniques available on the Healthline website.

Other opportunities for staying engaged and taking charge of your health as we close out 2020 include the following:

  • Plan to participate in the free AP Assembly virtual session titled "Laughter During the Pandemic" starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 6.

  • Participate in the OU Rec Well Instagram Winter Bucket List Challenge! Participate in our weekly challenges and share your photos. Tag @OURECWELL and use the#michiganwinter. Weekly challenges will be posted each Monday, December 14, through Sunday, January 10.

  • Wellness 2Videos produced by OU Counseling Center staff also provide helpful information related to staying motivated, depression and anxiety, self-care, grief and loss, and general counseling center services.

  • Download the Suicide Crisis Resource Card for use in cases of emergency.

Share this story