July 2022 Lunch & Learn Bulletin
Each month Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment offers a number of one hour sessions devoted to the dimensions of health and well-being. This month, we will explore mental health and how we are affected by stress, compassion and social media; as well as how to avoid burnout.
All sessions will run from 12:00 – 1:00 pm unless noted otherwise and will be delivered online. Register through the LearnCentre by clicking register and then using the “enroll” button on the top right. New to LearnCentre? Access LearnCentre and scroll down to view this event under available sessions.
Stress Busters
Glen Matadeen, EFAP
Virtual
Thursday, July 7
When stressors overwhelm us, effective techniques can help to bring us back to equilibrium. This session will explore all aspects of the stress response, focusing on practical tips and tools to bring us to optimal stress levels, thereby helping us to maximize our energy and performance. Participants will gain additional stress management strategies and have opportunities to discuss how these skills can be applied in their daily lives.
The Compassion Prescription: How Compassion can Improve your Well-being
Jessica Van Vliet, Educational Psychology
Hybrid - Enrol in either In-Person session OR Virtual session
Thursday, July 14
Compassion is part of a “flow” that includes compassion toward others, compassion from others, and compassion toward oneself (self-compassion). This session will discuss the evidence-based benefits of compassion on mental health and well-being. Along with exploring the science of compassion, we will focus on practical strategies that may be helpful in harnessing the power of compassion in your everyday life. You will also receive a list of resources for furthering your learning and practice
Social Media Impact on Mental Health
Ronaye Coulson, EFAP
Virtual
Wednesday, July 20
These days, almost everyone is using social media in one way or another. Online platforms offer a quick and convenient way to connect with others across the world; share photos, accomplishments and opinions; market ourselves and our businesses; and see what our friends, family, colleagues and competitors are up to. With such pervasiveness, it is important to be aware of the impact social media can have on our mental health. This session will introduce participants to both the positive and negative effects of social media on mental health and review some key strategies to promote healthy boundaries when it comes to using social media.
Understanding and Preventing Burnout
Baljinder Sull, EFAP
Virtual
Wednesday, July 27
For many individuals, work demands have increased on top of dealing with the personal impact of the pandemic. These added levels of stress and uncertainty can begin to take a toll on one’s mental health and in some cases, lead to burnout. Participants will increase their understanding of burnout, recognize personal and workplace risk factors and provide self-care and resiliency strategies to mitigate the impact on employees and workplaces.
For information about the Lunch & Learn program, contact our office at workplace.wellbeing@ualberta.ca.