Day to Day Wellness - Keeping it Simple

This post is by guest blogger, Marisa Ellis.

Because safety is so much more than just hard helmets and work boots - we thought it would be important to address the important issues surrounding wellness in our writing.  So over the next few days and then in regular installments look for Marisa's wellness blogs.  You might just feel better after reading them! 

Sometimes the easiest way for us to get bogged down is to let things pile up... Now that the autumn season is inches away, our families are relearning old routines and and introducing new activities onto the schedule, while at work we are faced with the approaching holiday crunch and year-end assignments.

Just as we start to feel like we on top of it - something gets added to the pile and it all comes crashing down around us. Forget the plans we made in the summer months to stay fit and eat right as a family - it’s hard enough just remember to eat and get to the next appointment!

As simple as it sounds we’ve got to remember two important things if we want to be effective in our families and in our workplace. Rest & Organization.

More Relaxation + More Sleep = More Productivity!

All of us lead busy lives and some us even thrive on a jam-packed schedule, but studies suggest that to every given week, we take one day where we absolutely unwind. No errands, no appointments, no commitments. One holiday per week.

Sounds too good to be true? It’s actually Canada’s minimum Labour Standard - “One full day of rest in a week, on the Sunday wherever practicable”.

However, most North Americans use their day off to get the things done that they didn’t have time for in the week. Forty-eight percent of those who will take vacation time this year will use those not to relax but to run errands. In fact, most studies confirm that most of us are so busy we don't even have enough time to sleep.

Company-paid nap time

Less time sleeping might seem like a recipe for productivity - but this pace can actually cause serious consequences to our health. “Lack of sleep can be expensive: The National Commission on Sleep Disorders estimates that sleep deprivation costs $150 billion a year in higher stress and reduced workplace productivity.”

Some employers, such as the Union Pacific (UNP) railroad, are so concerned that they're now allowing workers to nap on the job!

Employees also say it's a significant issue, causing them to drive drowsy or even fall asleep at their desks. Science suggests that on average we give 8 hours per 24 hour cycle to sleep. Some factors that might significantly affect this number may include; how many cups of coffee you drink throughout the day, if you exercise, if you had any alcohol, and your general diet.

Organize, organize, organize 

Quite often, it takes putting it on the calendar to make it happen. One practice that really helps families stay organized and connected is to have a large family calendar.

Kids and parents can have their own family planning meeting. Make it a family affair with pizza, kid friendly drinks and get everyone involved by having color coded stickers and markers. Ask each family member to bring everything with a date on it; school calendars, assignment schedules, doctor appointments, activity schedules, birthday parties etc. Get everyone to submit their activities and place them on the calendar so everyone is aware of the tight schedule that the family is under.

Schedule days or nights for family time only and be strict about keeping to the schedule. It’s easier to say no to the extra work load when you know someone else is counting on you to be available at home. Allow kids to choose their extra curricular activity for a 4-6 month period and then assess whether or not the program benefits your child and your family as a whole.

Finally when, the family calendar is complete get everyone to sync up (make sure their own planners, blackberries, or schedules reflect the same dates). Scheduling these family planning nights every other month ensures everyone gets a chance to connect and get back on track if routine is lost in the daily shuffle.

Making rest and organization a group effort gets everyone on the same page and allows everyone to see what kind of load other family members are carrying. Support in your efforts to stay rested and organized is all apart of your day to day wellness.