May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and Creative Benefits acknowledged this by distributing helpful information on mental health to improve mood, self-esteem, morale, and relationships. Each of the five weeks in May contained themed activities to highlight mental wellness.
Week 1
During the first week, a survey and drop-box were placed in the kitchen to encourage anonymous submissions. The short survey requested employees provide coping strategies and stress management techniques with the goal of sharing them company-wide at the end of the month.
Employees also submitted their favorite feel-good songs to be drafted into a Spotify playlist. Music simultaneously boosts brain function and disposition.
Week 2
The theme of the second week was building healthy practices. A mental health checklist was distributed to motivate employees to maintain daily, weekly, and monthly wellness goals. Employees created affirmations to help brighten daily outlooks.
Brain teasers were used to spark alternative thought patterns. Employees found this exercise exciting and used the diploids as a way to take purposeful breaks and return re-energized.
Week 3
The third week was dedicated to relaxing and emptying the mind by mindfully moving the body. Creative Benefits recommended employees find time to go for a walk. Exercising the body allows the mind to decompress and release stress. Walking outside stimulates the mind through a distinct change of scenery while providing a serotonin boost simply by being outdoors in the sun.
Additionally, coloring pages were placed in the kitchen for employees to utilize on their breaks. Similar to walking, coloring relaxes the mind by focusing on color and movement. Once completed, a finished product gives us the feeling of accomplishment.
Week 4
On the fourth week of Mental Health Awareness Month, employees were gifted pocket-sized notebooks with motivational phrases on the cover. Employees could write to-do lists, doodle, complete stream of consciousness exercises, and so much more.
Week 5
To wrap up the last days of the mental health initiative, Creative Benefits sent out a video, reminding employees to take advantage of their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program provides access to counselors and resources, helping employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
While Mental Health Awareness Month has ended, the goal of spreading education and mindful practices shouldn’t be limited to one month. Creative Benefits strives to uphold positive practices year-round.