CommonHealth Wellnote

October 2, 2024 / Get Well

How can your Virginia State Employee Wellness Program help? The CommonHealth programs and campaigns cover a variety of health topics and are available in a range of formats to meet the needs of different workplaces. Highly skilled wellness consultants provide the latest on stress, sleep, nutrition, exercise and more for faculty/staff meetings, special events, conferences, benefit fairs, safety meetings, lunch and learns, etc. They provide traditional, in-person presentations and displays as well as virtual presentations, on-demand videos, and seasonal health-related challenges that are fun and engaging. Visit the website to see how CommonHealth can help you. If you’re looking to book an event in November, connect sooner rather than later to ensure you get a date that works for you. Click here to view this week’s CommonHealth Wellnote. Check out this week’s highlights below.

Get Ready for World Mental Health Day
Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day, a time to raise awareness of mental health challenges and support mental health causes.

Spotlight on Mental Health: Care for the Whole You
Physical, mental and emotional wellness are important parts of your total health and well-being. With rates of reported mental conditions on the rise, it’s important to take care of your mind as well as your body. Pay attention to how you feel and do simple things to improve your well-being.

Speaking up if you’re struggling can often be a difficult first step. The people in your life care about you and are there for you, but they can’t help unless they know you need their support. In addition, your doctor can connect you with support and help you access care.

It can also be helpful to seek out a culturally aware counselor. A counselor who is aware of factors like culture, identity or spiritual beliefs may help you feel safer. They may also help you deal with stigma and learn how to more effectively discuss your needs with friends and family. Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Get a referral
  • Search online – Directories such as the American Psychological Association can help you get started. Search key terms online to find a counselor with your cultural background.
  • Ask friends and family – Word of mouth is a great way to find someone trusted by those closest to you.

For access that is available to you 24/7/365, contact EAP if you are a benefited employee. Additionally, ALL NOVA employees are eligible for our tele-health provider TimelyCare. Both resources connect you to free counseling sessions and resources for additional help.

Try It This Week: Check in on Your Mental Health

Option A
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has outlined 10 ways you can tend to your mental wellbeing — one for each day from Oct. 1-10. Check back each day to try one of these ideas! 

Option B
Five Questions to Ask Yourself Every Day

  1. How Am I Feeling Today?
  2. What’s Been Worrying Me Lately?
  3. Am I Providing My Body With Its Basic Needs?
  4. What Am I Doing to Bring Myself Joy?
  5. Who Do I Have In My Corner?

Make checking in on your mental health a regular activity. It takes time to form a habit. At first, purposefully asking yourself questions about your mental health might feel strange. But over time, it will become a natural part of your routine.

Benefits Buzz: CommonHealth’s YouTube Channel
CommonHealth’s YouTube channel is a great resource for finding information, videos, and activities on taking care of the whole you. In honor of World Mental Health Day, check out the relaxation videos featured in our MIND playlist. Relax and reduce stress with short videos on mindfulness, meditation, resilience and stress management.

For questions regarding this week’s communication or the CommonHealth program, please reach out to your respective campus coordinator below:

Image: Diverse group of hands stacked on top of each other in solidarity. Text: CommonHealth Wellnote.

Submitted by:
Faith Redd-Walker, Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing, employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu