April Wellness

It's #wellnesswednesday and this month we are taking a moment to reflect on ways we can reduce stress, take a digital detox, meal prep a healthy breakfast and plan for a guest speaker in May!

We are excited to take the month of April to settle into spring, reset some routines, and plan for those May flowers - and the big Staff Appreciation Raffle 😄

While some stress is a normal part of life, prolonged stress can contribute to more serious health concerns such as anxiety, depression, heart disease, and burnout. That’s why awareness, and action, are so important. This month is an opportunity to reflect on how stress affects us individually and to explore ways to better manage it. Simple strategies can make a meaningful difference, such as:

• Taking short breaks throughout the day to reset

• Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing exercises

• Staying physically active

• Connecting with friends, family, or colleagues

• Setting realistic goals and boundaries

• Creating a supportive environment also plays a key role.

Whether at home or in the workplace, fostering open conversations about stress and mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. Take time to check in with yourself and others. Prioritizing well-being isn’t just beneficial in the moment, it helps build resilience for the future.

Utilize our Resource Advisor Program to explore no-cost resources for employees.

Sometimes daily life can make us feel overwhelmed or stressed. Chronic stress isn't good for our long term physical and mental health. Take action, small moments add up.

Take a listen on your next car ride or walk around the neighborhood.

Overcoming Stress with Gratitude Podcast

Signs you may need a digital detox:

You wake up and immediately reach for your phone.

1. You find yourself bored so you scroll on social media.
2. You feel you will miss out if you don’t check your phone or social media.
3. Your sleep is affected by staying up on your phone.
4. You begin to miss out on in-person interactions.
5. You feel sad or anxious after scrolling through social media.

Benefits of a digital detox:

Reduces stress. Being on your phone 24/7 can induce “popcorn brain,” which is when your brain becomes stressed out by being online. By putting your phone down, you can provide your body the rest you didn’t know it needed.

1. Improves overall health. Many of us sit and scroll for long periods. Studies suggest “sitting is the new smoking,” leading to greater risk of heart conditions and poor health. By getting off our devices, we can allow our bodies to regroup and get going.
2. Improves productivity. When we get off our phone, our day can free up. When you don’t feel the need to scroll, you’d be surprised how much you can get done during the day.
3. Improves sleep. Screens emit blue light, which trick our brain into thinking it’s daytime. This makes going to sleep even harder. When you put your phone down an hour to 30 minutes before bed, you’ll be able to get a better night’s sleep.
4. More time for the things you enjoy. When you replace your screentime with either exploring new things or enjoying things you already love, you’ll be amazed at how much richer your life can feel.

Challenge: Start with an hour a day, then gradually increase your time unplugged!

Board Member, Dr. Lenora Williams, OBGYN, has graciously offered to host a talk about Perimenopause and Menopause for staff in May and we need your input to plan! We are thrilled to offer an opportunity like this to staff. Every staff member knows someone who has, is or will be affected by Menopause so this talk is for you!

Will be either a Google Meet or In-Person based on your votes and Dr. Williams will answer your questions submitted anonymously through the form.

Please complete this Google Form for more information!

Protein-packed omelet muffins, or baked mini omelets, are a perfect breakfast for busy mornings. Make a batch ahead and freeze for the days when you're short on time!

Get the recipe here 👉 Easy Loaded Baked Omelet Muffins

Need an ice pack for your lunch bag to keep those omelet muffins chilled? Email Tracey (tdeptula@ellingtonschools.net) to have one sent to you (limited quantity)!

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

–Henry Ford

Take a moment to ponder how this quote can relate to your life - either personally or professionally!

Do you you like creating newsletters? Do you have a knack for creative giveaways and raffles?

Contact Pat O'Neill to join the committee and plan wellness events for the 2026-2027 school year!