Well Wisconsin Radio: Let’s Talk Winter Movement, Plus a Bonus Episode

Well Wisconsin Radio podcast discusses topics of health and well-being from experts around the State of Wisconsin

New Episode: Moving Outdoors this Winter

Janet Hutchens, expert from the Department of Natural Resources shares ideas for movement and education this winter in Wisconsin State Parks, including candlelight hikes the OutWiGo snow event and much more. Discover how you can get free entry to state parks, try out equipment like snowshoes and access to adaptive equipment.

Bonus Episode: Managing Anxiety with Exercise and Active Living

In this bonus episode two experts from UW-Whitewater – Logan Edwards, PhD., Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Jen Kaina, Assistant Director for Fitness and Aquatics – who share mental health benefits associated with exercise, activities to reduce anxiety, and tips for staying active at every age.

Listen HERE!

 

Well Wisconsin Radio: Let’s Talk Reducing Holidays Stress with Aromatherapy

Well Wisconsin Radio podcast discusses topics of health and well-being from experts around the State of Wisconsin.

New Episode: Reducing Holiday Stress with Aromatherapy

Join this episode for an interview with Robin Kourakis, a board-certified aromatherapist and trauma-informed sensory consultant, to discover the science behind aromas and their ability to bring up good or bad memories. The expert shares ideas for using aromatherapy to reduce stress this holiday season and discusses emotional rebalancing. You don’t want to miss this conversation that covers how to safely and effectively use essential oils and holiday aromas to find balance.

Listen HERE!

Wellness Committee: Winter Mindful Challenge

This time of year can be known to be stressful, and chaotic for people as we turn our focus on giving and making sure others needs are met. The Wellness Committee wants you to focus on yourself and reduce your stress. From November 26th to December 23rd be mindful/meditate for at least 10 minutes for at least 3 days a week, during the 4 week span. Use the form below to check off each day you are mindful/meditate, email your completed forms to wellness@uwgb.edu by January 10th to be put in a prize drawing.

Winter Meditation Challenge

Being Mindful/Meditation can help by releasing physical tension held in our bodies, which can help release worries buried in our minds, ease anxiety, stress and low mood. Meditation can even help have a more restful sleep.

Not sure where to begin we got you covered! Here are some resources and helpful tips on how to meditate.

UWGB has a subscription to YOU.uwgb which is sponsored by UW System and available not only for students but faculty and staff as well. You.uwgb has mindful/meditation examples that may help you.

One way to start would be to find a comfortable place to sit, typically cross legged with good posture and closing your eyes and just focus on your breathing.

Some other ways that the Mayo Clinic recommends is:

Walk and Meditate – Can do this when walking anywhere whether it be a path or on busy sidewalks. Have a slow walking pace and focus on each movement with your legs or feet. Focus on sights, sounds, and smells around you.

Read and Reflect – Read poems and take a few moments to reflect on their meaning. You can journal and write your reflections down.

Scan your body – Focus attention on different parts of your body, be being aware of various sensations such as pain, tension, warmth or relaxation.

Meditation apps are available. A free option is Insight Timer

How to meditate for beginners – Mental wellbeing tips – Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Meditation: Take a stress-reduction break wherever you are – Mayo Clinic

Well-Being Resources for Employees

In line with Chancellor Alexander’s email on Tuesday, October 17th, we recognize that this has been difficult few weeks for UW-Green Bay employees and those in higher education across the State of Wisconsin. We acknowledge that this has likely caused stress and uneasiness and would like to provide a reminder that UW-Green Bay has extensive well-being resources available for employees.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is administered through Kepro. Our EAP is a free, confidential service to you, dependents, spouse, and anyone living in your household. Kepro is available 24 hours, 7 days a week with counseling and online services.

Kepro provides up to six in person or virtual visits per person per issue per calendar year. All services are confidential and intended to help with mild to moderate symptoms for various mental health and well-being topics (including but not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and stress). Kepro also has recorded webinars/videos and other resources available to access.

To log in, visit the website at https://sowi.mylifeexpert.com/.

Company ID: SOWI

Phone number: 833-539-7285

State Group Health Insurance

Employees, spouses, and dependents who are enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance (depending on health insurance plan design) can receive services. Depending on providers and plan there may be out-of-pocket costs for using mental health services through this program.

Using State Group Health Insurance, Kepro provides confidential mental health services directly by your primary care physician or specialist. Services are intended to provide treatment for mild to severe symptoms for various mental health and well-being topics (including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and stress).

Services are covered by the health insurance carrier you selected when you enrolled. Contact your primary care physician for additional information or contact your health insurance carrier to help you locate in-network providers that can assist with mental health services.

Well Wisconsin Program

Employees who are enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance and covered spouses are able to use this program. Services are employer-paid/ there is no cost for using mental health services through this program.

WebMD has certified health coaches who are available for confidential one-on-one conversations to support mild symptoms for various mental health and well-being topics (including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and stress).

Contact WebMD at 800-821-6591

Website: WebMD ONE – Login (webmdhealth.com)

Mental Health

YWCA Week Without Violence

Week without Violence is part of a global movement to end violence against women and girls. Join YWCA the Week of October 16th – 21st.

YWCA Greater Green Bay is committed to prevent gender-based violence in our community. This year they will educate our community and raise awareness that centers around tech-facilitated gender-based violence, such as the use of social media in online harassment and stalking. Learn more about what YWCA does every day and help take action.

Well Wisconsin Radio: Let’s Talk Mental Health

Well Wisconsin Radio podcast discusses topics of health and well-being from experts around the State of Wisconsin.

New Episode: Mental Health with Derek Bell

Listen in as Well Wisconsin Radio observes World Mental Health Day with an interview full of tips for starting conversations around this important topic. They will explore the importance of purpose in mental health and how it contributes to experiencing joy and meaning in our lives. Don’t miss this interview with Derek Bell, Vice President of Solutions and Clinical Operations at VITAL WorkLife. As a nationally recognized expert in the health and well-being field, Derek shares examples of his work experiences enhancing cultures of well-being through promoting gratitude, resilience and joy.

Listen HERE!

Exercise is Medicine-On Campus: Lunch and Learn Series

On Campus is offering a free Lunch & Learn Series for all UW-Green Bay staff and faculty. Staff and faculty are welcome to bring their lunch to learn about exercise and health psychological skills that can be used in everyday life. The series is offered in-person or via Zoom.

The dates are:

September 25: Movement & Physical Activity into Work Day 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

October 30: Building Confidence in Physical Activity 12:00pm – 1:00 pm

November 27: Motivation and Time Management 12:00pm – 1:00 pm

December 11: Stress Management 12:00pm – 1:00 pm

The Series will be held in the University Union 1965 Room or interested staff and facutly can join via Zoom: https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/j/4894327536?pwd=RTlyZGpUMlVpQWJsd0RRVG5CK3NXZz09

Meeting ID: 489 432 7536

Passcode: 236782

Wellness Committee Fall Challenge

Have fun this fall with the newest Wellness Committee Fall Challenge!

Take time each day of the week to focus on a different area of your wellness. From October 1 to 28, 2023, complete an activity at least 3 days each week to be entered in a prize drawing! There are some ideas on the second page, but feel free to get creative! Just write a short note about what you did on the day you completed it and check the last column if you completed activities at least 3 days that week.

Please email your completed sheet to wellness@uwgb.edu by November 8, 2023.

Fall Wellness Challenge

Kognito Simulation Training Wellness Challenge

UW-Green Bay has added an additional Kognito Simulation to our portfolio this year, Cultivating Inclusive Communities Training. This simulation enables students, faculty, and staff to have courageous conversations which foster an inclusive campus community. It will help participants to be prepared to lead conversations that contribute to a safe, supportive, respectful, and welcoming community.

The training takes about 30 minutes to complete. It can be paused at any time and will be able to resume where you left off in the simulation.

The Wellness Committee will be awarding 20 employees who complete the training by December 31st. If you have already completed the training, your participation will be included. Winners will be announced in January.

Please visit https://uwgb.kognito.com to complete the training!

If you have any questions, please email wellness@uwgb.edu.