Wellness: Not A Destination, A Journey

December 14, 2022 / Get Well

And what an amazing journey, NOVA! Thank you to each person who has contributed to the success of the launch of the NOVA Employee Wellness Office. Much has been accomplished since the August announcement establishing the office, and so many more ideas and plans are in development. 

Your requests and suggestions shaped the fall offerings and will be utilized to continue the momentum into and beyond the spring semester. Your voice is needed so that our NOVA Wellness Champions can collaboratively provide the wellness/wellbeing experiences that suit your preferences. So please take some time to complete the Faculty/ Staff Fitness and Wellness Sessions Interest Form. Thank you so much to those who have already shared your thoughts.

I also invite you to take a moment to reflect and set your intentions. How will you end 2022 and move into 2023 in a manner that builds your health and wellbeing? During the winter break, consider using the Check-In (Check In– December) to help you;

  • Develop and recommit to your wellness goals;
  • Reflect on your progress; and  
  • Consider how you will work with a Push Palto remain motivated and to get the most effective results from your wellness experiences.

As we close this year and anticipate the next, I leave you with a promise: I will keep paying attention. I will keep showing up. I will keep listening. I ask that you be good to yourself and each other and get help when needed.

Be Good to Yourself and Each Other

Feel free to borrow and modify a few of my Favorite Health and Wellness Practices.

  • Celebrate the Day Ones- Join me this season to connect with and celebrate your family, friends, and colleagues. Also, consider logging into NOVAnet to use NOVAfy (our e-card recognition program) to send a note of acknowledgement, appreciation and good cheer to NOVA colleagues.
  • Move, Move, Move– Take a peek at the NOVA Walk Week Celebration Wall and the NOVA Moving Outdoors Celebration Wall to see some of the outdoor movement activities enjoyed during the semester. Keep an eye out for the announcement of the Spring outings that are already being planned.
  • Practice Intentionality- New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, which means it’s once again time to commit (or recommit) to your wellness goals. Traditionally, when it comes to resolutions, it’s the first day of January that gets all the attention, but these few weeks before the start of the new year are just as important. Think of them as a warmup or a way to prepare yourself,  so you can hit the ground running when your alarm clock strikes midnight (or 8:00 a.m. for those still a little groggy from the night before). Also, look at these helpful tips on pushing through procrastination from our GMU colleagues.
  • Attitude Moderation– Practicing a growth mindset impacts how we perceive the world, how others see us and how we see ourselves. And positive self talk is fuel to success.
  • Meditation– Spend some time with these two articles, The Science of Gratitude and How Gratitude Changes Your Brain. Also, click here for a list of mindful practices that contribute to personal wellbeing.
  • Curiosity– Lifelong learning is integral to my personal and professional makeup.  Whew, if only I dared to share the courses, webinars, books, and articles on my list of to-dos. I am excited to  add to that list some of the books curated by Dr. Kress (2022 Updated Book List–Daily Flyer 12/13/2022). And from the work of our colleagues, Drs. Cheri Lemieux Spiegel (English) and Paul Fitzgerald (Biology) from the Annandale Center for Contemplative Practice (ACCP), I have added My Year of Living Mindfully.
  • Joy Sprinkles– I actively seek out joy-bringing resources that support my wellness efforts and that I can share with others. Who knew that AARP had so many offerings!? Join me in upcoming events such as cooking classes, concerts and fitness classes. And yes, we are all welcome since there are no age restrictions on the free offerings from AARP’s Virtual Community Center.
  • Invest in Others– Thank you thank you to those who have joined me this semester. Because of the excellent contributions of wonderful colleagues and “fantabulous” 🙂 volunteers, our fall offerings included:

Get Help When Needed

As we sign off on this calendar year, please take care of yourself. Just because school is on break doesn’t mean your health takes a break too. Whether you stay home or go on a trip this winter break, NOVA will continue to be available to offer support through the Employee Wellness Resources–TimelyCare for Employees and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

TimelyCare– Revisit the announcement in the Daily Flyer announcing the launch of this valuable new resource now available to all NOVA employees. TimelyCare goes with you. No matter what life (or the holidays) throws at you, TimelyCare’s 24/7 virtual health and well-being services are there for you. So, there’s no need to stress when support is available — on or off campus.

EAP–  All health plans offered to state employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs) available 24/7. Your EAP provides a wide range of support and resources, available at no extra cost:

  • Grief Counseling 
  • Tips for balancing work and family commitments
  • Guidance for addressing stress and anxiety
  • Tools and resources to help keep your life in balance
  • Articles on staying healthy during the holidays
  • Your Employee Assistance Program also includes access to Emotional Well-being Resources, a set of digital tools you can use to help improve your emotional well-being. 

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, HR-Chief Wellness Officer, DHTett@nvcc.edu