Training Tools
Self-Care at Work
When you practice self-care, you feel better - and you do your job better! But it can be challenging to fit self-care into a busy workload.
Here are several ideas from Indeed.com for incorporating self-care into a busy workday that won’t take too much time.
Pack a nutritious and delicious lunch. Rather than ordering fast food, consider taking a few extra minutes each morning or the night before to pack yourself a lunch that you can look forward to. Choose ingredients that are going to make you feel energized. Of course, it's fun to add a little treat that you can savor at the end of your lunch hour.
Take your breaks outside. When you need a quick break from your work, consider going outside for some fresh air and light exercise. Going for a walk in nature or just around the block can help you clear your mind and rejuvenate your body. Even doing some light stretches outside your building can get your blood flowing and help you feel better.
Drink more water! This may seem like a basic one, but drinking more water throughout the day can help you feel more energized. If you need help remembering to drink water, consider getting a special water bottle for your desk.
Socialize with coworkers. If socializing with others brings you joy, make an effort to connect with your colleagues. When you notice something has a pause in their work, try to start a lighthearted conversation with them. You could even share a funny comment or joke to liven up the mood. By showing interest in your coworkers' lives, they may feel more inclined to chat with you. Along with building camaraderie in the workplace, this socialization can make the day go along faster.
Learn to be present. While at work, try to keep your mind on the current task you are doing rather than your other responsibilities. When you find yourself daydreaming about household chores and after-work errands, try to recenter your focus to the present moment. Being mindful can help you do more intentional work and help you manage stress levels. If you feel like you have a lot going on at once, take a moment to do some deep breathing exercises or even set aside ten minutes for meditation to help yourself feel refocused on the present.
To help members of the Asana Recovery team be the best employees - and all-around people - they can be, we’ve launched the Training Tools section in our weekly newsletter. We can only be helpful if we’re addressing issues Asana Recovery employees are facing. So, if there are topics you’d like us to cover related to your work, please let us know at HR@asanarecovery.com
New Employee Spotlight
Michael Yoder
Michael Yoder, program manager at Asana Recovery, grew up with alcoholism but felt powerless to help. “My mother was an alcoholic and I wanted to help but didn't know how,” he says. “I decided, when I was older, to get into the substance abuse field to help others.”
A graduate of Palomar College in addiction studies, Michael loves bodyboarding at Newport Beach, and skiing at Big Bear Mountain and Mammoth. Both his new wife and his 14-year-old son (who is a high school quarterback) are lucky because he is an avid cook and makes amazing seafood alfredo and fish tacos!
Sunshine, coffee and being kind make Michael happy.
Melissa Williams
“I never want anyone to feel like they are alone in the struggle of addiction. We recover together.” This is a powerful message to come from the new case manager at Asana Recovery, Melissa Williams.
Melissa says she joined the Asana Recovery team to “Spread the message of hope and living successfully one day at a time.” An approachable manner, an infectious smile, and the desire to “see the positive in other people,” make Melissa particularly effective at working with others in recovery.
A mother (of four kids and one dog), Melissa treasures her family relationships and stays connected with her sister and parents in Idaho. “I talk with them every day just to let them know I love them and always stay thankful for all the love and support they have provided,” she says.
As part of her own recovery from addiction, Melissa spends “a lot of time on off hours sponsoring other women in Alcoholics Anonymous and attending fellowship functions.” She is a sober living house manager and loves “speaking at meetings and sharing my experience strength and hope.”
For fun, Melissa enjoys camping, riding horses, and wakeboarding at the Colorado River. She recently enrolled to become a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) at Sober College School of Addiction Studies.
Marilyn Grandberry
Asana Recovery Behavioral Health Tech, Marilyn Grandberry, is also a certified substance abuse counselor. She studied at Los Angeles Southwest College and pursued this field because she loves helping people in recovery
For fun, Marilyn likes working out and braiding hair. Three things that make her happy are going to church, fellowshipping in recovery, and helping others.
Team Member Shout-Out
HR appreciates perfect attendance! Any employee who has perfect attendance for the month of May will be entered into our Speaker Surprise Giveaway!
Coming Up in May: Asana Softball Day
Get your gloves and bats ready -We will announce the date soon!
Trivia
Question: A softball isn’t actually “soft.” Where did the name come from?
Contact HR with your response for the chance to win a gift card!
The answer to last week’s trivia question: Tax Day in 2023 is April 18 because this year April 15 falls on a Saturday. Typically, that would push Tax Day to the following Monday, April 17. However, that is a local holiday in Washington, D.C. So, it was pushed back one more day.
Last week’s winner was: Jessica C.