Work & Well-beingMaking Great CompaniesBetter Places to Work

It’s Get Moving Month: Try Micro Workouts

Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. But that doesn’t have to require long sessions at the gym; research shows getting your minutes in “micro workouts” – even as short as five minutes – can have real benefits. Try these ideas for

sneaking in some exercise throughout the day:

• Do several sets of 20 “step ups” on a stair or curb • Try squats or lunges while you brush your teeth • Do 30-second intervals of squats, pushups and planks for five minutes • Try pushups against the counter while you wait for the coffee to brew

Work & Well-beinga monthly publication for clients of The Solutions Group

EAP: 505.254.3555 | 866.254.3555 Wellness: 505.923.54291240 Pennsylvania NE Albuquerque, NM 87119www.solutionsbiz.com

Fruits & Veggies—More Matters Month

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

National Cholesterol Education Month

National Recovery Month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

National Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 9-18

World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10

HealthObservances SEPTEMBER

Health Fact _______________________________Companies with happier employees outperform their competitors by an average of 20%

In Pursuit of Eudaimonic Happiness

This is the second article in a three-part series on happiness.

The term “eudaimonic happiness” may be unfamiliar to many of us, but the meaning – “a sense of well-being that arises from meaningful, challenging activities that cause us to grow as people” – is something

everyone can benefit from. Eudaimonic happiness takes into account how we spend our free time. Whether we choose casual or serious leisure activities can affect our level of happiness when we are working.

Casual relaxation activities focus on instant gratification, and might include things like social media, partying, online shopping or watching sports. Serious leisure activities focus on more challenging, growth-based pursuits that promote emotional wellbeing. Some examples include social stimulation with peers, volunteering, household or creative projects and playful activities like daydreaming. Experts who study eudaimonic happiness suggest that when we spend our leisure time pursuing these types of meaningful activities, we are more likely to be content with our lives throughout the week.

Try being as vigilant about the quality of your free time as you are about the quality of your work, and see how you feel.

Source: IntroVentions

September 2017

Work & Well-being

Summertime Backyard Bash? Keep it Simple!

Hosting an outdoor get-together with family and friends? By keeping it simple and cost-effective, you’ll be more likely to enjoy your role as host, which encourages your guests to relax and have fun.

• Send paperless invitations viaemail so you don’t have to worryabout purchasing paper cards andpostage.

• Use seasonal produce. Fresh fruitsand vegetables are plentiful duringsummer, and, as a result, oftencheaper.

• Stick with simple, colorfuldécor. Think paper bunting andhomemade lanterns. Check out thedollar store for supplies and get

creative or better yet, pool together leftover party supplies from previous occasions. You might even string up holiday lights for evening shindigs.

• Throw a potluck. Provide the maindish and drinks and invite yourguests to bring the sides, saladsand desserts.

Suicide Prevention: Know the SignsSuicide prevention begins with an understanding that mental health is a very real and important aspect of one’s overall health. Suicide most often takes place when stressors exceed the coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition. When you pay attention to the risk factors and warning signs that can lead to suicide, take time to have a conversation with someone you’re worried about, and know that help is always available, you have the tools to save a life. Here are some signs to watch for.

• Change in behavior or entirely newbehaviors

• Talk of being a burden to others, feelingtrapped, experiencing unbearablepain, having no reason to live, or killingthemselves

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs • Looking for ways to commit suicide,

such as searching online for materials ormeans

• Acting recklessly • Withdrawing from activities

• Withdrawing from family and friends • Sleeping too much or too little • Visiting or calling people to say

goodbye • Giving away prized possessions • Aggression • Depression • Rage • Irritability • Humiliation • Anxiety

Wellness Coordinator Shane Schumann talks about the importance of moderation for long-term health in this month’s blog, “My Journey to 100.”

Where to find helpFortunately, most people who actively manage their mental health

conditions lead fulfilling lives. But if you or someone you care about is in crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to the Crisis Text Line at

741-741.

For more information, visit The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.