Published on 19 August 2022
With the hint of spring coming with a few warmer days and a little more sunshine, we may see our social calendars getting busier. Before we get caught up, we could take time to pause and recharge. While you may feel pressure to attend every gathering and ‘be on’ all the time, research shows that prioritising downtime can help you be more present when you’re with others.
Here are some ideas to recharge:
Spend time outside, find 10 minutes each day to connect with nature.
Designate a weekly ‘local day’ where you stay close to home, try not to drive more than five or ten minutes and take the time for personal space.
Reconnect with friends, reset and reconnect with family and friends in an elevated way. Make a call or have a get-together or mini celebration, honouring the successes of others.
Try a change of scenery, go into the city if you have had a quiet time, or head for the hills if you have been surrounded by the buzz of suburbia.
Take up gardening, spend at least 30 minutes outside in the garden this weekend.
Book in some annual leave, give yourself space to have fun, or do things you haven’t made time for.
Savour your small joy triggers, focus on the small good things that bring joy, like walking near the ocean, being in sunlight, and engaging with others.
Set a daily intention to be positive. You have got this far, you can do it, and whilst every day doesn’t have to be amazing, plan for it to be positive.
Be ready to welcome spring when it arrives.
Westie Wind Down
Read more about Olivia’s incredible career as a Western Health doctor and Flying Disc champion.
If you would like to share how you wind down, relax or destress when you are away from Western Health, please email whpublicaffairs@wh.org.au, or share them on the virtual tea room pinboard.
Wellbeing research
Read the Western Health story on the research evaluation of our wellbeing initiatives.
We are committed to supporting you and your colleagues and research helps us to understand what’s working well and how we can improve our services into the future.
Winter warmers
The winter warmers wellbeing initiative held earlier this month was well received by staff, who enjoyed delicious snowflake cookies, picked up a limited edition Western Health beanie and took time to connect with their colleagues.
View the staff photo gallery.
If you’d like more practical information and resources to support you, visit the Westerly.
2040 mini massages
We are delighted to report that our seated massage initiative has provided more than 200 hours of massages to staff. This represents 2040 staff receiving a 5 minute neck and shoulder massage.
There are a few sessions remaining in August, but they will be back again during September and October.
Bookings are not necessary. Just turn up at the times allocated to the site you work at. Find the details here.
Kind regards,
Sandy Schutte
Executive Director (Acting) – People, Culture & Communications
Adjunct Professor (Victoria University)