We had an amazing time at the Investors in People Awards last night in London which celebrated excellence in business performance with an emphasis on people leadership, well-being, support and development. The awards recognised not just British companies but IiP organisations worldwide.
387 Vets were finalists in the UK Employer of the Year awards for platinum accredited organisations with 2-49 employees. Huge thanks to everyone who sent us messages of support. We didn’t win but felt proud to be shortlisted as one of the cream of the crop and privileged to spend the evening with high achieving organisations from a such a diverse range of business sectors.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Makerspaces in schools are a place where the normal rules of classroom learning are tossed aside in favor of just a couple — have fun, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
As schools continue to grapple with a student mental health crisis, could makerspaces also present an opportunity to support students’ well-being overall? And even a creative way for counselors to get their young patients to open up?
Absolutely, say a pair of researchers from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. A collaboration between professors Deborah Duenyas and Roseanne Perkins explores how makerspaces can be used by educators and counselors (in their own lanes) to help students deal with emotional distress. They published a research paper on the use of “makerspace therapy” by graduate counseling students in 2021.
Duenyas, an associate professor of counselor education, is a former teacher and certified counselor. Perkins, an associate professor of technology education, has a background in library science and art education.
What they found is that, as outlets for creativity and self-expression, makerspaces are already becoming informal places in schools where students can talk openly about negative emotions like sadness or grief. These are areas that encourage students to tinker and problem solve, sometimes with high-tech tools like 3D printers or low-tech materials like hot glue and construction paper. They can be stationary in a library or classroom, or they can be mobilized with carts that can be wheeled from room to room.
In formal counseling settings, the researchers discovered that integrating makerspace-style activities can get conversation flowing with clients who need encouragement to open up.
“Especially during COVID, it seemed like there was a real movement of people expressing themselves at all ages through making, creating and innovating,” Duenyas says, particularly on social media platforms like the video-focused YouTube. “This seemed like a really important and timely thing that we could be looking at. Creativity in counseling has been around, but makerspace has allowed for the art pieces to [incorporate] technology.”
A New Element for Counseling
Creativity in counseling has been around, but makerspace has allowed for the art pieces to [incorporate] technology.”Deborah Duenyas
As part of their study, Duenyas and Perkins introduced the concept of makerspaces to seven graduate counseling students — all taking part in clinical internships — at their university and had each student develop a creative activity to use with a client. Some students were specializing in clinical mental health counseling, while others were focused on marriage, couples and family counseling.
The first problem the researchers tackled was getting the students over the belief that they couldn’t devise their own maker therapy ideas because they weren’t creative.
Perkins says it’s a common problem, one that she watches her art therapy students overcome at the beginning of each semester.
“The nice thing about a makerspace is there are multiple entry points, high-tech or low-tech,” Perkins says. “I teach an undergrad class in makerspaces in education, and the first day, [students] are like, ‘I’m not touching anything.’”
Invariably, she says, students gravitate to whatever material in the class that they already know how to use. Sewers take to the sewing machines, while people who know how to draw use the button-making machine.
“Then they teach each other, and everybody almost gets this expertise. By the end of the semester, they’re doing all of it,” Perkins says. “I think that’s one of the things that the makerspace has to offer, it’s not just low-tech, not just art, [it has] entry points to things you didn’t know you were looking for.”
Among the group of graduate students who were part of their research, Duenyas says they designed activities like doodling, creating sock puppets, sewing a weighted blanket and making 3D-printed dice to use with their clients.
For the counseling student who used doodling with her patient, “they had a session they’d never had before,” Duenyas says. “The client really was able to explore what was happening for them in a very different way, to draw not with purpose or to make something, just to see what came up with them.”
When it comes to the ability for makerspaces to be part of a school’s overall mental health support system, there’s an anecdote that sticks with Perkins.
She learned of a school that used its makerspace as part of a grief project to help students work through their emotions after the death of a classmate. Students who participated found a place where they could talk openly about their feelings.
“It was a way for them to talk about the person and have a little bit of closure as a community, celebrate the person’s life, and also say goodbye,” Perkins says. “It was spontaneous — they didn’t intentionally create a maker-therapeutic environment, and it shows how much it lends itself to that. That it’s such a natural place for people to go and make things and have those kinds of human connections while they’re making.”
That tracks with what Canadian researchers found in an exploratory study on the use of makerspaces to teach mindfulness to fourth graders. Students learned about mindfulness techniques with crafting projects, then used those techniques — like taking deep breaths — when they became frustrated with the project or became annoyed with their classmates.
“The challenges inherent in making also deepened students’ experiential understanding of mindfulness by creating stressful situations that they learned to navigate using their newly acquired mindfulness tools,” according to the report.
Another reason why Perkins and Duenyas believe the solution might work in schools is that the barriers to creating a makerspace are lower than in the past, Duenyas says, with components like 3D printers more affordable than ever.
“Makerspaces are collaborative, and the school counselor, the librarian and the teacher can advocate for resources for a dedicated makerspace in a school setting that would be accessible to everybody,” Perkins says. “Then everyone can take a different path depending on their professional expertise as to how they use it, and collaborate on how it’s designed.”
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Exercise and physical activity has long been recognized as key contributors to physical health, but their effects on mental health are just as important. Exercise plays a role in managing stress and improving mood. Read on to learn how physical exercise can benefit your mental health and well-being.
How Exercise Affects the Brain: The Science Behind the Connection
Exercise is known to have a range of physical health benefits, but did you know that it can also have significant effects on your mental health?
Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and even lead to improved cognitive functioning. So, how does exercise improve mental health?
The science behind the connection is complex and still being studied, but there are some key factors that help explain the effects.
The release of hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine is key to understanding the relationship between exercise and mental health. Endorphins, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, are released during physical exercise and help to relieve stress, reduce pain, and give a sense of euphoria. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating many cognitive processes, including sleep and mood. Regular exercise can help increase the production of serotonin in the brain, leading to improved mood and better sleep quality. Lastly, dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward-seeking behavior; exercise has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain, giving us a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.
These hormones play a critical role in how exercise helps mental health; by releasing endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine during exercise, we experience a range of positive mental health benefits that extend past the duration of the workout. Exercise can also increase oxygen flow to the brain, leading to improved concentration and cognitive functioning. Additionally, it helps to reduce stress hormones like cortisol which can lead to decreased stress levels and improved mental well-being.
The answer to “does exercise improve mental health?”, is a resounding yes. Not only can moderate exercise help to improve our mood and reduce stress levels, but it can also lead to increased cognitive functioning and improved overall mental health. Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine is an easy way to promote your mental well-being.
Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health
Physical activity has long been suggested for physical health and wellness. However, exercise is also important for an individual’s mental health. It can help to improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Exercise also has the potential to improve mood, self-esteem, sleep, and concentration. But how does exercise improve mental health?
Physical activity helps to boost endorphins, the hormones that make us feel good. When it comes to mental health, exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activity can reduce cortisol levels, which in turn helps to decrease stress. Exercise can also be a form of distraction from troubling thoughts or stressful situations, allowing us to refocus our energy on something positive. Additionally, exercise can be an outlet for frustration or anger that may otherwise manifest itself in negative ways. Incorporating physical activity into daily life is a great way to start building healthier habits that can benefit us long-term.
Types of Exercises for Mental Wellness
From running to weightlifting, stretching to yoga, there are a variety of activities that can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
Cardiovascular activities: cardiovascular exercises, such as running or biking, can help you burn off stress and anxiety, as well as boost endorphin levels.
Strength training: Strength training, such as lifting weights, cluster sets, drop sets, or doing bodyweight exercises, can help increase serotonin levels and reduce symptoms of depression.
Yoga and meditation: Yoga is a great way to reduce stress levels and practice mindfulness, while stretching can help improve circulation and ease muscle tension.
No matter what kind of exercise you choose, it’s important to find something that works for you. Regular exercise can help you manage stress levels and feel better mentally, so find an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine.
Incorporating Exercise into Daily Life
Physical activity and moderate exercise are important parts of a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, increase endorphins, and promote relaxation. Exercise can also help combat symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve overall mood, and enhance cognitive functioning.
When it comes to incorporating exercise into daily life, the most important thing to keep in mind is that any physical activity is better than nothing. This can be as simple as going for a short walk or jog, playing with your dog in the park, or taking a yoga class. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, but even 10-15 minutes of exercise can have positive effects.
Exercise and Social Connection: How Physical Activity Fosters Positive Relationships
Exercise is not only beneficial for physical health, but it can also have a tremendous impact on mental health. As stated early, research has shown that regular physical activity has a positive effect on cognitive function, mood, and mental well-being…but it can also foster social connections and interactions.
Physical activity provides an opportunity for people to socialize with peers and form meaningful relationships. When we are socially connected to other people, our sense of self-worth increases, which can help alleviate depression and anxiety. Working out with a partner or fitness community also gives us something to look forward to, fitness accountability, and the support and encouragement of friends or family can be very beneficial in keeping us motivated.
Being active with friends or family can also provide a distraction from worrying thoughts and bring us into the present moment. It helps us break out of negative thought patterns and encourages self-care.
Furthermore, exercise encourages collaboration and competition, which can be beneficial for mental health. Working together with a team to reach a goal gives us a sense of purpose and accomplishment, while competing against others helps to develop a healthy sense of self-confidence.
In summary, moderate physical activity does more than just improve physical health; it is an effective way to create social connections and improve mental health. Exercise boosts self-confidence, releases endorphins, provides a distraction from negative thoughts, and encourages collaboration and competition. Regular physical activity can make a significant difference in how we feel, both mentally and physically.
Exercise with Chuze
Making physical activity a priority will benefit not only your physical and mental health but also your overall well-being. Whether you’re just starting out as a way to improve mental wellness or looking to take your workout to the next level, Chuze fitness has something for everyone. We offer a variety of IChuze classes and activities designed to help you get the most out of your workout. Whether you’re looking to build strength and endurance, de-stress after a long day, or just have fun while getting fit, our fitness classes are designed to keep you motivated and give you the tools you need to reach your fitness goals. Find a gym near you and experience the benefits of exercise for yourself!
Reviewed By:
Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the group fitness and team training departments. She’s had a 25+ year career in club management, personal training, group exercise and instructor training. Ani lives with her husband and son in San Diego, CA and loves hot yoga, snowboarding and all things wellness.
Sources:
Health. “Exercise and Mental Health.” Vic.gov.au, 2017, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health.
Sharma, Ashish. “Exercise for Mental Health.” The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, vol. 8, no. 2, Apr. 2006, https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
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Is the quality of your life really impacted by your attitude? And what do the professionals say about it? Yes, cultivating an attitude of gratitude can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, and can be worth the effort. In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, it’s easy to get caught up in negativity and forget to appreciate the good things in life. But taking a few minutes each day to cultivate an attitude of gratitude can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
How does an attitude of gratitude impact quality of life?
Better mental health: A positive attitude is associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Optimistic individuals tend to have better coping skills, resilience, and a more positive self-image. When you focus on the positive aspects of life, you’re less likely to get bogged down by negative thoughts and emotions.
Improved physical health: Positive attitudes have been linked to better physical health outcomes, including lower rates of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system. Individuals with positive attitudes may also be more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as exercise and eating a healthy diet. When you feel good about yourself and your life, you’re more motivated to take care of your body.
Better relationships: Positive attitudes can lead to more positive interactions with others and stronger social connections. Optimistic individuals tend to be more outgoing, friendly, and empathetic, which can lead to better interpersonal relationships and social support. When you appreciate the people in your life and express gratitude for their presence, you’re more likely to foster positive relationships.
Improved overall well-being: A positive attitude can lead to a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and satisfaction in life. Positive individuals tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges and have a greater sense of overall well-being. When you focus on the good things in your life and appreciate what you have, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by difficulties and more likely to find joy in everyday moments.
How can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude?
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude does not have to be a major effort – it can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the good things in life, keeping a gratitude journal, or expressing thanks to others. The more that gratitude becomes a habit or routine, the easier it may be to maintain an overall positive outlook on life. Here are some practical ways to cultivate an attitude of gratitude:
Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This can be as simple as a good cup of coffee, a sunny day, or a phone call from a friend. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you’re training your brain to look for the good.
Express gratitude to others: Take time to thank the people in your life who make a difference. This can be as simple as a thank-you note or a heartfelt conversation. When you express gratitude to others, you’re not only cultivating an attitude of gratitude in yourself but also spreading positivity to those around you.
Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. As you breathe in and out, think about the things in your life that you’re grateful for.
In summary, an attitude of gratitude can have numerous benefits for physical and mental health, and can be worth the effort. Whether through daily reflections or other practices, cultivating gratitude can help to promote a more positive outlook on life and may contribute to improved overall well-being.
Reviewed By:
