Published on 8 July 2022

We have reached the half way point in the year. It’s also the start of a new financial year.

Now is the perfect time to think about a refresh, it’s a great way to help keep any winter blues at bay.

We can start with something as simple as practising a new way of thinking. Eventually this new way of thinking will move across our neural pathways faster, forming a new habit.

Try these strategies to refresh your mindset and replace limiting beliefs with positive ones:

Microsteps to shift mindset

When you’re stuck in a negative mindset, it’s hard to show up as your best self. In fact, our brain is more than 30 per cent more productive in a positive state. Shifting from a negative to a positive mindset begins with uncovering limiting beliefs – beliefs that hold us back – and replacing them with positive ones. This might sound like a big shift, but with microsteps we can start the process and see immediate results.

Celebrate the wins

At the end of each day, acknowledge one thing you accomplished. Focussing on your wins, no matter how small, will pave the path towards a growth mindset

Schedule ‘worry time’

Set aside a specific time dedicated to worries.  Instead of dwelling on your worries throughout the day (and night), actually scheduling time to worry gives you more control over your stress and keeps it from becoming consuming

Reframe your thoughts

Reframing is a great way to clear away any negative thoughts.   The first step is awareness: identify your current perspective and ‘check’ yourself against any limiting beliefs that might be driving these thoughts. The second step is challenging your perspective. Ask yourself: what’s another way to view this situation? The third step is choosing to see what is positive in the moment. What can be seen as an opportunity rather than a problem?

 

Have your say in shaping our wellbeing program

What sort of wellbeing initiatives would you like to see at Western Health?  Have your say in shaping the supports available to staff by joining our new co-design project where you will work with us, and our partners at Deakin University, to design feasible and sustainable support strategies.

 

 

 

Five Minutes with... Sandy Schutte

Introducing Acting Executive Director of People, Culture and Communications, Sandy Schutte.

Discover her motivations, plans for the new role, and own personal reflections on wellbeing.

A winter warmer is coming your way

 

Even in winter, the outdoors is still our friend. Studies have shown that walking outside in the colder months can not only wake up your immune system but can decrease inflammation.  In addition, any time spent in nature and exercising is a great way to boost your mood.

To help staff  stay active in the outdoors, we’ll be giving away limited edition Western Health beanies to help you rug up while you enjoy your winter walks. You can also enjoy a delicious snowflake cookie.

We’ll share the details of our pop-up winter stalls at all sites next week.

Be inspired by images taken by the team. We’d love to see snaps of your adventures, you can share them on the virtual tea room pinboard.

If you’d like to find more practical information and resources to support you in taking care of yourself, visit the Westerly.

Kind regards,

Sandy Schutte

Executive Director (Acting) – People, Culture & Communications

Adjunct Professor (Victoria University)