How to Stay Healthy in the Workplace
Written By: Adam Eader, Associate
Director/Admissions Counselor
When people ask me
what I do for a living, I usually tell them the truth. Sometimes, straight
faced, I unleash a story that I tame lions in the circus or I am a professional
Frisbee golfer (which is actually a dream I still hold). After they look at me
with wide eyes for a few moments I go into an elaborate description of the
dangers encountered while working with frustrated lions. Eventually, I get
serious and tell people that I work for a wilderness therapy company, which
leaves them equally intrigued and in disbelief. "Wilderness therapy, what
is that? Is that where you go into the woods and hug a bunch of trees?" I
enjoy hearing what people think wilderness therapy is, especially when they
don't know at all. "No, I don't counsel bears and I don't resolve
conflicts between squirrels," I often have to explain to avoid confusion.
When I do finally get to the point of explaining what wilderness therapy is, I
feel myself putting the record on the turntable and giving them the same
repetitive description of my job that I always do. However, whenever they start
throwing questions at me and begin showing sincere interest in my occupation, I
begin giving them fresh and sincere answers, which help to capture the
excitement that I had the very first time I ever explained what I do. Nowadays,
my understanding of what I do is more in depth, and I no longer stumble over my
words as I try to paint them a picture. One of the last responses I usually get
from people is, "Your job must be so rewarding," which I respond,
"Yeah, it definitely can be."
It is very fortunate
to possess a rewarding job, and so many times the rewards we receive from our
occupations are dictated by our actions and perceptions. In order to lead
healthy and fulfilling professional lives, we should live healthy and
fulfilling personal lives. My job, like so many others, can be very fast paced
and stressful. If I allow that stress to linger in my mind and body, I will
continue building my stress levels up, which will eventually make me feel
unhealthy and unmotivated. For the past seven years, just under five with NVW, I’ve
been able to reflect on this issue and find multiple ways to combat stress in
order to maintain a healthy and passionate lifestyle in and out of work. While stresses
have gotten the best of me at times, it has always been up to me to assess
where that stress is coming from and put a plan into action that will help me
to address it and move on. In no particular order, here are some of my own
tools, which I've used in the past to help stay passionate and healthy about working
in a fast paced company.
Physical Activity
I've learned that
one of the best ways to combat stress is by physical exercise. Knowing that,
I've always made it a point to structure in exercise during my off time. I do many
solo exercises like biking and running, but I've also played in sports leagues
and on teams. I also like to sign up for events such as the Birkebiener or 5k -
10k runs so I keep goals in front of me that help keep a consistent exercise
regimen. Breathing and mindfulness exercises can help with focus as well as a
good way to cool down.
Minimizing the Impact of Off-Shift Activities
We all measure the
impact of our own activities differently, so while you are running two
marathons or traveling to Europe during an off shift, which would be pretty
impressive, keep in mind the impact that activities you choose are going to
have on your well-being. Be reflective and realistic about how much activity
your mind and body can handle during your off time.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
When leaving a
shift or taking the weekend off, I would often think about the people who mean
the most to me and have had the biggest positive impacts on my life. I would
think about what they've done to help me become who I am. I would call them to
find out when I could talk to or see them during my off shift. Not only does
this help a person disconnect from their job, but it will also help you
surround yourself with positivity. Additionally, these are the people who have
shown a vested interest in your life, so it feels good to return the favor and
show your appreciation. Negativity breeds Negativity.
Having a Sense of Humor
Both in the field
and out, I have always appreciated people's sense of humor. There are times to
be serious and there are times to be goofy. Using some humor is a great way to
keep you and the people around you motivated and can help build a sharing and
safe community.
Speak Up!
Tell people what
you need. This can mean a lot of different things. Make sure you're telling
your co-workers and supervisors what you need and tell yourself what you need.
If something doesn’t sit right with you, make sure you get it figured out. Just
like other parts of your life, if you don't bring it to the light, it will
fester in the depths.
Take Time Off
Give your all to
your one job. However, take time off. Don't work other jobs when you get out of
the field if you can help it. Reward yourself. Read something you want to read.
Study up on new skills. Take a vacation…I know sometimes people work multiple
jobs, but it is my belief that everyone deserves and needs adequate time to get
away from job related responsibilities.
Spiritual Practices
For those who
partake in spiritual practices, it is important to maintain those practices
during your off time. I generally find a spot by myself and do some reflection
exercises. It’s a good way to positively recharge my mind and body and helps me
set some positive goals for my personal life, which will transfer into my
professional life.
Give Yourself Credit
Constantly remind
yourself of what you’re doing well. This will help you focus on the positives
and utilize your strengths to build upon your weaknesses. I always remind
myself about my goals, which are to positively impact youth so that they
achieve positive personal growth. I re-read thank you letters from past
clients; look at old pictures of clients’ projects that they built; and think
about the great places, both mentally and physically, that past clients are
currently in. This reminds me about why I have worked so hard and sacrificed
what I have.
There are other
ways to help you stay fresh as an instructor, and I suggest that you share what
works for you with one another.
