Sarah S. is the Administrative Specialist for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology within the College of Medicine, who sees the Wellness Partner program as a way to keep work interesting for herself and her peers.
What do you enjoy about being a Wellness Partner?
I really enjoy being a wellness partner because I believe to the core that being well – mind AND body – creates the most productive, happy life. We all have to work, it’s part of being a “grown up” – we might as well make it fun. The coffee chats (cutesie stuff), motivational weekly newsletters, exercise techniques at your desk, suggested walking trails and collaborating with people across campus are so much fun and so uplifting when your routine, everyday job gets dull!
What wellness activities/initiatives does your department like to participate in?
The Department of OBGYN shares all of the wellness newsletters with all administrative staff and residents. The administrative staff participate in challenges such as the Spring Walking Challenge. We also have quarterly seminars, starting Feb, 2018, that focus on different topics (accountability, having difficult conversations, etc.). One hot requested topic was wellness – so we will be reaching out to a guest speaker to come present in August!
What would you tell someone who is on the fence about becoming a Wellness Partner?
DO IT! You will not regret it. There is nothing but good that comes from being a wellness partner. Who knows – you could save someone’s life just by sharing a mental health/mindfulness technique, or by encouraging them to get up from their stagnant desk and take a 15 minute walk in the beautiful sunny outdoors!