Dodging Hibernation With Self Care
Making winter BEAR-able!
Knowing that winter can take a toll on the mental and physical health of their employees, Bill Kenney, CEO of Dermatology Consultants in Saint Paul, MN, and his Wellness Committee, decided to run a self-care program in February. Bill leads this company of 150 employees by supporting and encouraging the health and wellbeing of all. He regularly attends the Wellbeing Committee meetings and aligns the company’s goals, vision, and mission with the Thrive Wellbeing Program. Dermatology Consultants' wellness mission is to “support an environment where employees can thrive and grow.” Each year they set several goals that align with this mission. One of their goals was to enhance infrastructure to advance a culture of health that encompasses all areas of wellbeing (physical wellness, mental health, community involvement, financial wellbeing, and workplace engagement). Dodging Hibernation was one of Dermatology Consultants’ first company-wide programs.
Staying Active Physically, Mentally, and Socially
Dodging Hibernation targeted two pillars of wellbeing (physical wellness and mental health). During this four-week program, employees focused on staying active physically, mentally, and socially. They earned points for minutes of physical activity and for completing self-care activities each week.
The fun and engaging Wellbeing Committee, comprised of employees from five locations within the Twin Cities, shared photos of themselves doing winter self-care and physical activities to encourage employees to register. Employees were reminded of the importance of self-care and reported improved sleep, increased energy, and reduced stress. 70 employees joined the program — nearly 50% of employees!
Encourage Your Employees to Engage in Winter Self-Care
Move for Your Mood
After exercise, the brain releases “feel-good” chemicals, which can help to reduce anxiety and depression while boosting wellbeing. A daily workout can benefit your physical and mental wellbeing almost immediately.
Refuel with Self-Care
Incorporating self-care activities into your day is important to help replenish your emotional and physical energy and bring you back into balance with the right kind of fuel. If you are down, they bring you joy, if you are stressed, they bring you calm, if you are tired, they give you drive.
Physical Activity
- Try a new workout video or class at your gym or online.
- Power-clean the house.
- Find a new park or trail to explore.
- Turn on some music and dance.
- Enjoy playtime with your kids or pets.
- Go sledding, skiing, or ice skating
- Exercise during commercial breaks.
- Hit the mall with your walking shoes.
Self-Care Activity
- Relax in a bath, sauna, or hot tub.
- Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water today.
- Declutter a drawer, cupboard, vehicle, or closet.
- Try a new hobby (woodworking, painting, pottery, etc.).
- Call a friend or family member instead of texting.
- Journal, write a gratitude list, send thank you cards.
- Do a jigsaw or crossword puzzle or play Sudoku.
let us help
See how we can bring your wellness program to the next level with Wellness Program Management.
