Do you need a laugh?

Do you remember the last time you had a good, deep, belly laugh?? An article by the Mayo Clinic explains the many benefits of laughter, including relieving stress and tension, and improving immune system, mood and relationships. So we can improve our wellness TODAY with a simple laughter! It may feel forced at first, but your brain and body will catch on and reap the benefits. Not sure how to fit it into your workday? Check out these ideas:

· Find pictures or sayings that make you laugh and hang them around your office.

· Don’t laugh at the expense of others, but learn to laugh at yourself.

· Spend time with people who make you laugh.

· Look for books, videos, radio stations, and TV shows that make you laugh.

Read the full article here- http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456?pg=2


Reminder there is no Zumba today, 4/15 but join us for the, “Last Chance Zumba Dance Party” next week, 4/22!


“Keeping Stress at Bay” Lunch N’ Learn is next Friday, 4/24 from 12:05-12:50pm. Along with laughter, come get tips to help you reduce stress in your life!


Summer Weight Watchers & Open House- We’ve had a great group for Weight Watchers at Work this semester and it is time to start planning for the summer. If you are interested in joining Weight Watchers this summer (or in the Fall) attend our “Open House” meeting Friday, May 1st anytime between 7:45 and 8:30am (come and go).


As always, if you have any questions or ideas concerning YOUR wellness program, please don’t hesitate to contact me! kbrian@mclennan.edu

Wellness in Your Office

Are you looking for ways to strengthen your core, improve your posture and smile more? Swap in an exercise ball for your traditional office chair- try 20-minutes a few times throughout the day, until you’ve built the strength and endurance to ditch the chair completely. 

An NBC News article says the following about using an exercise ball in place of an office chair:

“Twenty minutes is good, 30 minutes is great… It makes me sit up straight… Activities that get people moving are also good for thinking and problem-solving… Exercise balls encourage fun — or a less stressful workplace” 

Read the full article and learn how to select and use an exercise ball here.

“I feel alert and well postured. And I smile a lot more now that I sit on an exercise ball!”

Gabriela Gatlin Colmán

Community Programs Coordinator

Continuing Education

“Besides reminding me to tighten my core, I use the ball to stay focused. When I start to get distracted I’ll make small bounces or shift side to side. The blood starts to flow and I can get back to work.”

Katie Brian

Wellness Coordinator

Walk Across Texas team- send me your total miles from last week. We were in 8th place in McLennan County last week- let’s see if we can pull ahead!

April 18th- Heart of Texas Walk for Children is an awareness fund raising event to benefit Prevent Child Abuse Texas. For more information contact Wendell Teltow at 519-250-8438 or 1-800-CHILDREN, PCATX@PREVENTCHILDABUSETEXAS.ORG, or www.PreventChildAbuseTexas.org