Hi team,
Thanks for those of you who pioneered Whacky Shirt Wednesday! I only saw a few but WOW! Thanks for the smiles! 😊
Warning: There is a sameness to my message again this week. The busier than usual mode across our facilities continues. It’s a very challenging time for those directly involved and people are understandably tired. I know it can be hard to feel like you’re making progress when it feels like things are coming at you quicker than you can respond.
The unintended impact can be: Kindness. Compassion. Teamwork… decrease.
So, at the risk of repetition but with the intent to continue the encouragement to offer kindness to yourself when it might feel like life is not being kind to you, please read on!
If you’re physically tired, even a 5% improvement in your diet, exercise or sleep will help you recover and top up your resilience reservoir. It doesn’t have to be a fully structured fitness plan. Even getting off the bus one stop early once a week and walking the rest of the way will give you a boost. Set an alarm for bed time and practice some good sleep hygiene to help you wake up feeling more refreshed. When I’m really tired, I tend to make unhealthy diet choices (read also indulge or punish my body) and I love to eat KFC Wicked Wings. My 5% is to only eat two NOT the three that come in the standard serve! 😊
Similarly, if you’re feeling emotionally or psychologically spent, finding 5% more enjoyment can make a huge difference. Drew Craker our staff psychologist describes it better as a pleasurable meaningful activity. Anything that brings you some joy, whether it’s a hobby, catching up with friends, or maybe quality time with family. Just a little bit more purposeful fun can make a huge difference to your personal resilience and emotional wellbeing.
If you’re getting stuck trying to find that 5%, please reach out to someone:
- Staff psychologists – MNStaffPsychology@health.qld.gov.au or 3647 9673
- Employee assistance program – 1300 360 364 (available 24 hours a day)
- Find a peer responder
- Talk to a friend.
And if you are going well and want to be a listening ear and help create a friendly safe workplace, consider becoming a peer responder when the program is rolled out in your area, or complete the RUOK? training.
It matters to us that you’re ok.
We are getting better at caring for each other. Kindness. Compassion. Teamwork. We all play a part.
We truly want Metro North to be the biggest, best and NICEST. A great place to work! It will never be perfect because in my personal experience as soon as I find the perfect team and I join it… it won’t be perfect anymore because I’m in it! 😊
Kind regards,
Bruce Sullivan
Chief Wellbeing Officer