In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are taking advantage of this important opportunity to address health and wellness in the workplace. For event industry professionals, signs and symptoms of burnout are present all too often due to the high-stress nature of the job. Burnout is defined as a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion as the result of prolonged stress. What does it feel like? 

• Loss of Motivation

• Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment

• Feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated

• Feelings of loneliness

• Difficulty in concentration

• Lack of sleep

• Change in eating habits

If you’ve ever felt this way, you are not alone! Wellness is no longer a fad, it’s a way of life, and it’s time to put you and your health first. In this blog, we share our favorite ways we address our “Wellness at Work Initiative” in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and how we prioritize wellness at work year-round by giving you the tools to improve your mind, body, and soul. 

MAKE TIME FOR MOVEMENT

Did you know that moving your body not only gives you the physical advantages of exercise but mental benefits too? That’s why this month, Wizard Studios is sponsoring a “steps contest” for our team. We put so much value on the work we do and our clients, and as we continue to create incredible events together, we don’t want to lose focus on who gets it done, because most of all, we value our team. 

Research has shown that walking on a daily basis can help lessen symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Try to sponsor a “steps contest” at your company and incentivize with cash prizes that will be sure to entice your team. Walking meetings are another great way to get some exercise and improve mental health while still being productive. Suggest your team discuss work matters while taking their meetings outside and walking. If your organization has the means, why not bring your team to a group exercise class or start an intramural softball team? One of our favorite ways to bring wellness to our employees is by offering yoga classes! Find out what forms of exercise your team enjoys and incorporate them into the work week.

WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

With the increased support of the “Wellness at Work Initiative”, there are a number of health and wellness companies that can meet with your team and teach a series of strategies that will help to improve mental health and your overall well-being. One of our goals for this year is to increase wellness for our employees. With that in mind, we are hosting a monthly wellness session, led by a trained health and wellness expert. For just one hour a month, this class provides a variety of breathing, posture, and movement activities. These methods will work together to:

• Remove limiting beliefs

• Boost energy and productivity

• Reduce stress and physical pain

• Increase attention span and mental focus

• Stabilize mood 

• Improve overall well-being

Wellness and mental health workshops can also cover a range of topics, from understanding common mental health disorders to stress management techniques and mindfulness practices. By committing to these sessions, we’re working hard to reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage open communication. Our employees are learning to develop skills and strategies to better manage stress, improve resilience, and enhance overall well-being. One of the added benefits of these classes is that they help build a sense of community and support within the workplace, by fostering a sense of connection within our team.

GET OUTSIDE

Being outdoors in nature has been demonstrated to alleviate stress and anxiety while also promoting emotions of relaxation and tranquility. That sounds like a win to us! There are a number of ways to get your team outside and feeling better. The easiest way is to create an outdoor space for folks to take a break, eat lunch, or have a meeting. You will discover how much your mood can change with just a little fresh air and sunshine. Go for group bike rides or guided nature hikes, instead of heading to your local Equinox. Hiking is an excellent method to unplug from technology and work-related stressors and reconnect with nature and oneself. Is there a local garden that you can contribute to? Gardening is another popular way to get fresh air, exercise, and vitamin D. At Wizard Studios, we like to take our team on fishing trips and yoga retreats and walk the Brooklyn Bridge together. It not only contributes to our individual health and wellness but brings us closer together and improves our performance at work.

NURTURE MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is a technique that entails paying attention to the present moment without judgment or distraction, and it is frequently used to reduce stress and improve focus and general well-being. One of the best ways to nurture mindfulness is through meditation. There are a variety of mindfulness meditation techniques to choose from, including guided meditations, body scans, and walking meditations, which can be accomplished individually or in a group. Mindful breathing exercises also help reduce stress and improve productivity. Share simple techniques, such as counting breaths or focusing on the sensations of breathing by closing both eyes and placing one hand on your heart and another on your stomach. These are great tools to have in your back pocket when you only have a moment to destress and keep calm. 

PROVIDE RESOURCES

You can present a list of mental health options available to employees for Mental Health Awareness Month, including employee assistance programs (EAPs), online counseling services, and mental health hotlines. Share tools like mental health apps, websites, and instructional materials with employees to assist them in better understanding mental health and how to maintain their mental well-being. It’s important that the resources you provide are evidence-based, accurate, and relevant to the needs of your employees. The materials you provide will help your team feel supported and empowered, ultimately leading to a happier and healthier workplace environment!

Mental health awareness is an important issue in the workplace, and it’s essential that we take the steps to support our wellness. By implementing these ideas, you can help to create an atmosphere that prioritizes mental health and wellness both at work and beyond. Join Wizard Studios on our “Wellness at Work Initiative” and support your team’s efforts to feel empowered to be their best selves! If you want to work with the event experts at Wizard Studios, reach out to us today!