“You’ve got to believe in yourself, or no one will believe in you. Imagination is like a bird on the wing, flying free for you to use.”
Ozzy Osbourne, Believer
Mental Wellness at Work: 3 Facts Employers Should Think About
Each January we participate in the annual Bell Let’s Talk Day, a campaign to raise awareness and funds to reduce the stigma around mental illness and to help promote awareness and understanding. This campaign has been at the forefront of promoting awareness about mental health, and with the majority of Canadian adults spending most of their waking hours at work, it is begs consideration of mental health in the workplace.
Here are some quick facts about mental illness and its impact on Canadian workers:
- Approximately 21.4 % of the working population in Canada currently experience mental health problems and illnesses (Mental Health Commission of Canada).
- On any given week, more than 500 000 Canadians will not go to work due to mental illness (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
- Mental health issues are the number one cause of both short-term and long-term disability leave in Canada (The Conference Board of Canada).
A strong link can be drawn between an unhealthy workplace, work-related stress and unhealthy lifestyles. If left unaddressed, mental health issues can have a significant impact on work outcomes. This can include increases in presenteeism and absenteeism, decreased productivity and a slew of other financial implications. The good news is that evidence suggests investing in effective programs can make a difference to improve mental health problems and illness, and can reduce the associated costs and burdens on people, businesses and the economy.
Occupational Therapists are optimally positioned to help employers develop and implement programs to address mental health at work. Stay tuned for another upcoming blog with more information about strategies for employers to help promote mental health in the workplace.
Resources
Inspired
The Black Dog: Depression
The black dog analogy in the following video by the World Health Organization provides a fantastic description of what living with depression is like. Watch. Understand. Help break down the stigma of mental illness.
Inspired
“Family, like branches in a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.”
Unknown
Happy Family Day!
Today is Family Day in Ontario. A day to celebrate family.
Check out our Top 10 Ways to Enjoy The Day together as a family:
1. Take It Outside: Though the weather outside is frightful… bundle up and enjoy some outdoor time together. Take a walk, go snowshoeing, hit an outdoor rink or build a snowman. Take time with your kids to connect with nature.
2. Get Competitive: Playing games is always a great way to spend quality family time together.
3. Bake Something: Kids love creating a yummy treat they’ve made themselves and can enjoy. Check out some recipes from our Food For Thought page or take out a favourite family recipe book.
4. Re-connect with Relatives: Sit down together and write a letter, an email or skype with family or friends you haven’t seen in a while.
5. Get Creative: Get out your crafts and art supplies and get in touch with your creative side!
6. Put on a Play: Dramatic play is great for kids and can be fun for parents too! Together write a script, put on some dress-up clothes and be dramatic! You could even video yourselves and share with others.
7. Dance Dance Dance!: What kid doesn’t love a good dance party. Turn up the music and get moving! Dancing provides great cardio exercise and is fun for the whole family.
8. Get Cultural: Many museums and art galleries are open and hosting special events for families on Family Day. Check with your local museum for special hours and events and enjoy some time as a family learning about something new.
9. Cuddle Up: After spending some time outside or being active, curl up with a snack, warm drink and a nice family flick!
10. Talk to Each Other: Family day is a great day for conversation around the dinner table. Most days schedules can be too hectic to actually enjoy time for catching up on each other’s lives. Make sure to make time to reconnect!
However you decide to spend your Family day, enjoy!
Laughter Therapy
Weekly Mind Bender
Name any word that becomes shorter even when you add 2 more letters to it?
Short.
Inspired
Check out this beautiful moment when a blind mother sees her baby for the first time thanks to some new and amazing technology.
Hugs For Good Health
With Saturday being Valentine’s Day we thought it was a good time to share with you a helpful tip for your physical and mental health, and also a great way to warm up this winter—cuddling. Human touch and affection, including hugs and cuddles is known to boost your mood, but check out more of the health benefits of a cuddle in the following article from Health.com.
Health: The Scientific Reason You Should Spend More Time Cuddling