“Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
In today’s fast-paced work environment, prioritizing self-care is no longer optional; it’s essential for maintaining productivity, health, and well-being. On International Self-Care Day 2025, the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI) proudly highlights the efforts of the Workplace Well-being Committee, whose mission is to create a healthier, more balanced environment for all staff.
Building a Balanced Work Culture
The Workplace Well-being Committee, led by Molecular Phenotyping Core Manager Beth Whalen, is dedicated to enhancing both the professional and personal well-being of HLI employees. Their focus is on encouraging a work culture that prioritizes physical, emotional, and mental wellness. Whether through movement breaks, creative activities, or mental health support, the committee’s initiatives encourage us all to reflect on and invest in our well-being.
Promoting Workplace Wellness
Beth Whalen, a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, leads the committee with a clear vision – making wellness a priority. According to a recent 2024 report from Forbes, which surveyed over 12,000 participants, 82% of the workforce is at risk of burnout, highlighting the urgency of initiatives like those at HLI. The Workplace Well-being Committee strives to turn these stats around by offering actionable solutions to combat stress, improve mental health, and build stronger community ties among staff.
Actionable Recommendations for Staff Self-Care
The committee encourages daily self-care practices that are simple yet powerful. Beth emphasizes the importance of taking short breaks to check in with yourself. “A quick pause throughout the day can help you gauge how you’re feeling, allowing you to catch stress or fatigue before it becomes overwhelming,” she explains.
- Daily check-ins: Take a few moments to reflect on how you are feeling. Are you stressed or tired? Taking this time helps prevent burnout.
- Take quick breaks: Whether it’s a 5-minute stretch, a walk around the block, or chatting with a colleague, short breaks recharge your mind and body.
- Mindful movement: Activities like stretching, origami, or scavenger hunts during breaks not only reduce physical strain but also promote creativity and fun.
- Be aware of your mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Beth recommends making use of UBC’s self-paced learning through Workplace Learning as well as the GreenShield app. Both places offer tools and resources for managing both personal and professional well-being.
- Engage in creative and social activities: Join in on workplace activities that allow for creativity and connection. Whether it’s crafting a ceramic “desk buddy” or engaging in a team scavenger hunt, these moments build community and enhance workplace morale.
- Prioritize balance: It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work, but remember to make time for activities outside of work that help you unwind, like enjoying time outdoors or connecting with loved ones.
Creating a Culture of Care: Past Events and Upcoming Activities
The Workplace Well-being Committee has hosted numerous successful initiatives to promote self-care, such as biweekly 15-minute movement breaks that combined stretching and games. In collaboration with the UBC Thrive campaign, HLI offered creative sessions where staff sculpted and painted their own “desk buddies,” promoting stress relief through artistic expression.
Looking forward, the committee plans to continue its involvement in UBC’s annual Thrive Month in November, offering new opportunities for staff to engage in meaningful wellness activities. Although upcoming events have not been fully discussed yet, one potential initiative is a pet therapy visit during the fall and winter mid-term exams, in collaboration with TAHLI.
In addition, the committee is likely to host an icebreaker/game session to build social connections, a crafty activity to encourage relaxation and creativity, and a nutrition-focused event, such as a trail mix tasting where staff can bring and share their favorite blends. These initiatives are still in the planning stages, but the committee remains committed to creating opportunities for staff to reflect, connect, and rejuvenate.
Join the Movement!
On International Self-Care Day, we reflect on the importance of taking care of ourselves—both in and out of the workplace. Remember, self-care isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous practice. Take a moment today to check in with yourself, consider your well-being, and take action to ensure you are supporting your mental, physical, and emotional health. As the Workplace Well-being Committee shows us, even small actions can have a big impact on our overall wellness.
This post was contributed by Rosh Pel, Administrative Assistant to HLI Director Dr. Don Sin and Grants Team member.