The “Holiday Spirit”

What do the holidays mean for your employees and organization? Well, for some it means taking time off, family and friends coming in and out of town, donating to charities, end of year deadlines and the list continues! What can your organization do to support your employees during this time of the year? Get them into “the holiday spirit!”

Here are some quotes that may embrace your impression of the holiday spirit:

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas. — W. C. Jones

This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays” — D.M. Dellinger

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Wishing you happiness. — Helen Keller

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. — Harlan Miller

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, The Winter Solstice or nothing at all, you may be familiar with some of the themes in these quotes. These themes found and promoted as the “holiday spirit” can be found year round in your organization!

Since I am especially thankful and proud of my organization’s approach to the holidays, I’d like to take a few moments and describe why being in HR at MINES has jumpstarted my holiday spirit! This year, we have had incredible interest and proactive initiatives in making the MINES culture something to be proud of. Employees from all over the organization, in numerous departments and of varying tenure have informally stepped up and offered ideas and proactive approaches to making MINES a fun and enjoyable place to work. This holiday season has been no exception!

What began as a simple holiday party planning committee grew into a committee that wanted to ensure a memorable experience for not only our employees but also our clients. We first brainstormed a completely different approach to our holiday party… how did this happen? We had a newer employee who was not boggled down by assumptions of the “way things have been done” do some homework and elect a different flavor for the party. The committee also wanted to ensure that the other members of the staff had input in components of the party and they did partake!  Above and beyond the holiday party, other great ideas became reality including two drives incentivized by a spirit week and raffle as well as a card signing potluck lunch. The reason that this brightened my holiday spirit is not necessarily the activities themselves; it was seeing the enthusiasm and these great initiatives by our brilliant staff becoming a reality. What was most impressive was the decision by our committee to make it a goal to continue this proactive morale-boosting initiative throughout the year. Of course, we could not have implemented reality without our executive team being on-board!

This year, be proactive about making your holiday season special for yourself, your colleagues, your organization, your community, and for everyone that you touch. Let THIS holiday season be a springboard for the rest of the year! Be the one who helps to spark your organization’s “holiday spirit” and keep it burning all year long! Giving, caring, spending time with family and friends, easing others’ loads, generosity, appreciation, and sharing your contagious smile and energy can make a difference in the morale of your organization all year! This difference and spirit spreads and benefits everyone who you touch whether it is clients, family, colleagues, customers, or friends! I believe that this is why MINES makes such a tremendous difference in our clients’ lives.

Happy Holidays!
Dani Kimlinger, MHA, PHR, Human Resources

Psychology of Performance – 34: Spark!

The book, Spark, by John J. Ratey, M.D. is the holy grail of research applications related to the interaction of exercise, neuroplasticity, and performance. The information on brain chemistry changes in the areas of learning, addictions, anxiety, depression, women’s issues, ADHD, and aging is priceless. The essence of the book is that the data indicated the brain is able to create new neuronal connections, grow new nerve cells throughout life, manage major psychological conditions, pain conditions, and learning is significantly enhanced through exercise. Ratey stated that “exercise is the single most powerful tool you have to optimize your brain function”- based on hundreds of research studies (p.245). Ratey suggested that the more fit you get (regardless of where you start), the “ more resilient your brain becomes and the better it functions both cognitively and psychologically. If you get your body in shape, your mind will follow” (p. 247).

How much is enough? Ratey stated that walking is enough. Low-intensity exercise is at 55 to 65% of maximum heart rate, moderate is 65-75% and high intensity is 75-90%. “The process of getting fit is all about building up your aerobic base” (p.251). Ratey goes on to discuss the role of strength training and flexibility as important elements of optimizing your brain chemistry and hormone levels.

What does this have to do with optimizing your performance at work and in all areas of your life? Everything! Get started today and stick with it.

Have a day filled with optimal brain chemistry,

Robert A. Mines, Ph.D.
CEO & Psychologist

Health inSite: Community is the Key to Health

Alternate title: Your friend’s friend makes you fat.

When it comes to your health, it’s important to realize that the decisions you make do not exist in a vacuum.  In fact, it may be even more the decision of your peer group than yourself as to what you eat, how you exercise, and what other habits and behaviors you engage in.  Recent studies have shown that your social network (and we’re not talking about facebook here, although that may be one depiction and/or part of your social network) has a greater impact on our overall health and well-being than we knew (or, in some cases, would like to think!).

An excellent, recent article posted by Mark Hyman, MD on the Huffington Post explains: “Much can be done with a little help from your friends.”  Creating a community around health topics, especially related to health behavior changes, can be critical to instituting new or better habits that have an impact on your total well-being.

At MINES, there are a couple of us that get together for lunch every day.  In the course of the meal, we may talk about the Broncos, the latest political debate, technology, and so on.  But one thing that we do every meal is discuss what we are eating.  We come together and discuss new recipes we’ve discovered and why we’ve chosen to eat as we have.  I recently (and at the time of this posting, currently) tried to eat only whole foods for a month.  This meant no salt, no sugar, no cheese, sweetening my coffee with honey, and very little pasta / bread.  It has been difficult to fully 180 turn around on a diet that had previously heavily relied on enriched cereal grains and pre-processed foods.  But, the reason I was able to make the shift, I believe, was that I was positively influenced by this group that was interested in, shared similar views on, and regularly engaged (daily) in the topic.  In behavioral health, we would say this created a support resource for treatment adherence.

Healthy behavior is not dependent on what payment models, medical technology, or other innovations come about in the healthcare debate.  We know that your friend’s friend has a great impact on what you do – and vice versa.

Today, you could:

• Discover new friends
• Decide to impact your friends
• Ask for support from your friends
• Be influenced by your friends

Today, make a decision about one habit that you want to change and find someone who wants to make that change with you (or even better, a group of people) and you’ll find yourself much more likely to achieve it.  If you’re not sure how to decide what changes to make or need some ideas on creating your own wellness plan, one of our Affiliates, Cecelia Keelin, recently hosted a ChooseWell webinar for MINES that might help.

To our health,

Ryan
Marketing

How to Reduce Kids’ Holiday Stress

How to Reduce Kids’ Holiday Stress December 19, 2011  When I first read the title of this week’s communication, I laughed with skepticism. I can’t imagine a child feeling stressed at the holidays. Every child I know counts down to Christmas, as if it’s the greatest day of the year. Reading further into the article, I realized what they meant by “stress.” Stress for me during the holidays is all the planning and preparation that goes into it. As a child, I remember feeling unsettled and I guess you could say “stressed” if we went to bed and forgot to read The Night before Christmas or hadn’t followed any tradition that we had in the years before. After all, it was all of those traditions that I was counting down to. As a child, I spent Christmas in several different household; each of my grandparents, my Mother’s home, my Father’s home, and many of my Aunt’s and Uncle’s homes. Yet, no matter where I was it was those little traditions; making the cookies for Santa, sitting at dinner with family, writing Santa a note, reading The Night before Christmas, that made wherever I was feel like home. And that’s what made me happy.   Read more on this topic here…   Britney Kirsch Account Manager

Make a List, Check it Twice

Visit our Website Past Newsletters Make a List, Check it Twice December 13, 2011   Every year at Christmas, I promise myself to not spend money on presents like I did the year before. I have the best intentions and I put a limit on the amount I will spend on each person. And just as sure as I make the promise, every year my intentions go out the window. This year I have finally decided why this happens. I wait too long to shop. By the time I make it to the mall, I have only a few weeks to shop, wrap, and deliver. So I am always in a panic and I get to the point that I don’t care what it costs, I will buy anything if I can just mark Dad off my list. In fact, I think I have this problem with birthdays too. Okay, I am serious this time; I will not make this mistake next year. I promise to plan ahead. I promise to not overspend. I promise to relax and focus on what the holidays are all about – overeating and family! Read more on this topic here… Britney Kirsch Account Manager

Caregiving in Four Stages

Visit our Website Past Newsletters Caregiving in Four Stages November 14, 2011   When my husband and I were dating, I loved our late night talks. During one of our “what will the future look like” conversations we talked about the kind of house we wanted to own when we started to build our family. My primary thoughts were focused on how many children we would bring into our family and decide how many rooms we would need based on that. I found his responses to be incredibly telling of the man he is and surprising for a man of his age. His first thought was making sure we had enough room for his parents, should they ever need to live with us. Here I was, thinking about people that didn’t even exist, and he was looking out for the people who raised him in his very first house, that he still calls home. My husband is being realistic and likely addressing something that I don’t want to. It’s so easy to forget that your parents aren’t superhuman. I still think my Mom is so strong and tall, just as I did when I was a little girl, even though I tower over her by 5 inches. And even though I am getting older and have a partner to rely on, I still need her all the time. It’s hard to think that one day, hopefully 40 years from now, she will need me. On a separate note, MINES is preparing for the 2012 HR Webinar Series and we’re looking for some feedback. Please take a moment and follow this link to our 5 question survey to help us better serve your needs. Read more on this topic here… Britney Kirsch Account Manager

Assuming the Role of Caregiver

Visit our Website Past Newsletters Assuming the Role of Caregiver November 7, 2011   This past weekend I flew to surprise my best friend for her 30th birthday. It seemed fitting that on the plane ride there I sat next to two women in their sixties who were best friends. They were both precious, finishing each other’s sentences, as they talked about the trip they were flying back from. They had both just been in Vegas together, seeing all the sights and giggling that they regretfully didn’t go see “Thunder Down Under.” As usual, I was so curious to know all about them. How did they become such great friends? Where are they originally from? Why Vegas? After I asked a few questions, the conversation seemed to spiral into all parts of their lives. Ruth had 3 children, 6 grandsons, and not one granddaughter. She’s hoping to have a great-grandchild soon and crosses her fingers it’s a girl. Mary was never married and never had children but is really close with her 83 year-old mother who is “sharp as a tack.” They both live in Florida; Mary moved there to take care of her father who was ill and recently passed away. A strong sense of pride echoed in her voice as she discussed moving into the independent living facility to be closer to her mother. She wanted to make sure she didn’t fall, remembered to take her medicine and helped her drive around. Mary rolled her eyes as she talked about her mother throwing tantrums because she can’t drive anymore. Just as I am sure her mother rolled her eyes at her daughter’s tantrums years ago. I often think ahead to the days when I will take care of the people who took care of me for so many years. My sibling are so much younger than I am so I have always felt like it was my responsibility; which led me to my final question. It seemed like Mary didn’t have any help from anyone so I asked, “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” “I do, a brother, he lives in California so he can’t help out much. But he bought my ticket to Vegas!” I guess there’s no place like Vegas to reward your sister for all of her loving caretaking! Read more on this topic here… Britney Kirsch Account Manager

Saving for Your Child’s Education

Visit our Website Past Newsletters Saving for Your Child’s Education September 6, 2011   This Labor Day weekend one of my best friends was surprised with the arrival of her first child. My husband and I had been on vacation in Pennsylvania when the baby arrived, but as soon as the plane landed yesterday we drove straight to the hospital to welcome him into the world. As we were walking down to her room, I found myself getting choked up and as soon as I saw him I began to cry. Later that night, I finally pinpointed why I was so emotional. Looking at my friend and her new miracle, I could see how much her world had changed in one day. My friend and I experienced it all together: college, break-ups, new jobs, and all of the joys and regrets that your 20’s can offer. We are so much alike and in a second her world became all about this 6lb. 14 oz. human being. I wasn’t crying because I felt like I lost her as a friend, I cried because I saw how much her life was about to change as a mother. It was a beautiful moment. Maybe I am more affected by these moments because having a child is closer to becoming a reality in my life, but in that moment at the hospital, I felt the magnitude of the decision to start a family. I am not even sure we could afford all the hospital bills, diapers, and formula, let alone putting money away for his or her college tuition. This week’s communication is a quick guide to all those parents who have experienced the miracle of parenthood and are ready to start saving for their future! Please join us this September for our monthly theme, Education Excellence. Read more on this topic here… Britney Kirsch Account Manager

Give Immunizations Your Best Shot

Visit our Website Past Newsletters Give Immunizations Your Best Shot August 2, 2011   The memories that we tend to hold on to are often tied to a strong emotion; fear, excitement, shock, and so on. This particular memory will never fade due to complete and utter shame. In fact, I probably shouldn’t even admit this story to my close friends let alone hundreds of people. I have always been terrified of needles. Although, I can’t imagine anyone truly likes needles but I must say that it’s a blessing that I have little memory of the first few years of my life when I started getting vaccinations. I can’t even see a needle on television; I just close my eyes in horror. The shameful incident took place several years ago. My little sister and I both shared a doctor’s appointment for our vaccinations. I was so in love with my little sister, Lexie. I dressed her, bathed her, fed her, and even tolerated hours upon hours of Barney just to see her happy. I was incredibly proud to be her big sister but when the doctor came through the door he pointed to me, insinuating I was first. I felt nauseous and my eyes started tearing up – I couldn’t go first! I was supposed to be the brave one and show Lexie that it would be okay. But no, I made a four-year old go first. Did I mention I was 14? Cringe. I know, I know – I am still completely ashamed. Good thing she doesn’t remember her first few years either! A Health Booster, is our theme for August. Please join us this month while we aim to cover the basics of immunizations, from infants and children to the elderly. Read more on this topic here… Britney Kirsch Account Manager

Blending Families: Hints for Successful Transition

Visit our Website Past Newsletters Blending Families: Hints for Successful Transition July 27, 2011   All the chaos is over and I’m officially married! The first few nights of our honeymoon, we couldn’t stop talking about how incredible our wedding was but we both had one looming question; “Why did the ceremony start so late?” Everyone thought it was me, which would be the logical answer because I am chronically late to everything, but I was ready to go and impatiently waiting for 20 minutes. I finally got the answer today from our wedding planner; they couldn’t figure out who the grandparents were to pin on their boutonnieres and corsages. And then I felt terrible. I should have made some sort of diagram of my confusing family dynamics. Excluding my husband’s side of the family, I alone have 4 sets of grandparents. I also had 2 sets of parents and 7 siblings in my wedding party. Nobody could figure out why there were so many remaining corsages and boutonnieres that needed to be pinned. Yes, I definitely should have made some sort of chart with pictures. As overwhelming as a blended family can be, I always felt that my parents decision to divorce and remarry was the best decision they made for both themselves and my siblings and I. It wasn’t easy moving every year when I was growing up or deciding how both my Dads would walk me down the aisle – but on my wedding day, I looked around at all of my family and felt so blessed by all the love and support I have in my life because of my parents’ decision. Like my Dad says, “there is no such thing as a normal family.” You have to work with what you have and make the best of it. I wouldn’t change what I have for anything. Read more on this topic here… Britney Kirsch Account Manager