There are so many reasons why celebrating your well-being throughout the year is good for you. Recognizing positive moments and accomplishments and reaching goals triggers the release of dopamine. This is a feel-good chemical in the brain that enhances both your mood and motivation. Taking time for yourself can provide a mental break from daily stressors so you can relax and recharge – even the small wins make it more likely that you’ll continue working toward larger goals, creating a cycle of positive reinforcement.
Simple ways to celebrate well-being
- Express gratitude. Simply saying “I appreciate you!” can improve working relationships and create a more collaborative workplace. Gratitude not only benefits the recipient, but it also benefits you.
- Participate in mindful activities. Take a few moments throughout the day to focus on the present. Practice meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. Go on nature walks. Walk barefoot in the grass. Try journaling about how you’re feeling or what you’re doing.
- Be intentional. Be in the moment when celebrating your well-being every day, not just on good days. Treat yourself to a nice dinner. Buy yourself a gift. Take a mini vacation.
- Practice physical self-care. People with positive well-being have a lower risk of disease, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some cancers. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and exercising. Treat yourself to a spa day or massage.
- Be a source of social support. Be present, and engage in active listening with your colleagues, friends, and family. Provide emotional support. Model healthy mental well-being practices, and be a source of social support for those on your team. This will help create stronger relationships in your support circle.
- Pursue creative interests. Learn a new skill. Paint or draw. Write or journal. Play music. Take pictures. Your creative pursuits bring you joy, and that improves your well-being.
Hitachi benefits that can help
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24/7/365 at no cost to you – whenever you or your family members are facing emotional, financial, legal or other concerns. The EAP offers short-term confidential counseling sessions, work-life solutions, legal support, financial advice and more.
The WellPerk Reimbursement Program lets you take care of your physical and/or mental health and be reimbursed up to $650 each year for eligible expenses, such as exercise and wellness programs, and fitness equipment to help you stay healthy.
Get help and support with weight-loss programs that are designed for you! Hitachi will reimburse you 50% of the cost of an eligible weight-loss program, up to $100 each year. To be reimbursed, complete an online expense report through your respective expense system.
Quitting smoking is tough, but you’re not in this alone. Hitachi will support you by paying up to $300 each year for a qualified program. To be reimbursed, complete an online expense report through your respective expense system.
Our bad habits – hunching over desks, forgetting to stand and stretch during the day, or sitting too closely to computer screens – can take a toll on our bodies! Take advantage of our ergonomic resources to make sure you’re comfortable, productive and pain-free at work.
Questions?
Visit Health and Wellness (sharepoint.com) for additional support services, and learn more at benefits.hitachivantara.com.