AFRICAN-AMERICAN Muslim minister and human rights activist, Malcolm X, once said, “When ‘I’ is replaced by ‘We’, even illness becomes wellness.”
This has been the driving force of Admission and Guidance Office of Pangasinan State University Lingayen Campus (PSU-LC) in developing a four-week program designed specifically to address well-being challenges of employees during this pandemic.
Starting this March 10 (Monday), the wellness activity named as ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ will run in a series of short breaks every Wednesday of March for teaching and non-teaching employees with specific, actionable goals to increase overall health and well-being.
“This program which focuses more on wellbeing and wellness, is very helpful to all employees who are stressed and burned out with the current situation at their work and home,” said by Ms. Beverly Fernandez, Campus Guidance Counselor.
She added that ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ will help direct individuals to live healthier lives by improving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health to create a more successful and balanced lifestyle.
Said program is guided by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 04, s. 2020 which tackles Mental Health Program in the Public Sector which mandates every public sector to develop guidelines and standards on appropriate and evidenced-based programs that promote mental health in the workplace.
In addition, this is also pursuant to Republic Act No. 11036 otherwise known as the Mental Health Act, with the main purpose– promoting over-all mental wellness and provide an inclusive, conducive and supportive work environment for all public servants to ensure healthy and productive workforce.
This Wednesday, Ms. Fernandez facilitated ‘Sound Bath Gong Meditation’, a sound therapy, with some participants.
“After the session, the participants are expected to feel relaxed, renewed, and refreshed,” she added.
Three exciting activities towards the wellness journey is still scheduled this March which include: March 17 (Breathing Exercise and Self Affirmation); March 24 (Christian Meditation); and March 31 (Mindfulness and Journaling).
“Go inside, before going outside. Show up for yourself before you show up to others. So, if you feel stressed or just want to get inside yourself, we are inviting everyone to join us here in the Wellness Wednesdays,” said by the Guidance Counselor.
For those who want to participate in the upcoming ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ activities which is held at De Venecia Information Technology Center (DVITC), do not forget to register on this link (tinyurl.com/psuwednesday); bring your mats and pillows; and prepare to experience sound mind, body, heart and soul.
Aside from the ‘Wellness Wednesdays’, an activity dubbed as ‘Tea-talks Tuesdays’ which focuses group discussion on work, interests, hobbies, and challenges is set to launch on April. /mmpd