The Driven to Quit Challenge is starting December 15 - Spread the Word!

Work-Life Balance over the Holiday Season? Here’s how.

1. Set realistic goals – Now is the time to focus on getting done what is within your control and put off what you realistically cannot do.
2. Plan, plan, plan – You can’t go wrong with a good old “to-do list.” Take some time to write down all the things you need and want to accomplish during the holidays for the personal and professional areas of your life. 
3. Ask for help – Enlist the support and resources of others to help you manage tasks, errands and projects where appropriate.
4. Recharge your battery – Whether it’s meditation or exercise, figure out a way to wind down. Take a walk away from the cubicle!
   
   And, remember …
    
5. Breathe – On your way home from work, do some deep breathing in the car to help relieve any work-related stress and don’t bring your job home with you.

Planning your Holiday Dinner?

• Asparagus and Brie Wonton Tartlets
• Roast Turkey Breast
• Parsnips with Pears and Wild Rice
• Brussel Sprouts and Fingerling Potato Hash
• Pumpkin Cranberry Muffin Squares

Stay Alert, Slow Down & Stay in Control - The 3 Key Elements of Safe Winter Driving

• Drive according to highway and weather conditions.
• Get your vehicle winter-ready with a maintenance check-up.
• Have your tires checked before winter begins. Remember to check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather.

Winter Driving Survival Kit

• Ice scraper/snowbrush      
• Flashlight and batteries
• Shovel                
• Tow rope or chain
• Sand or other traction aid      
• Booster cables
• Road flares or warning lights  
• Fuel line antifreeze
• First aid kit              

• Fire extinguisher
• Extra clothing and footwear      
• Small tool kit
• Blanket              
• Candle
• Non-perishable energy foods – e.g., chocolate or granola bars, juice, soup, bottled water
• Matches or lighter

Keeping Active on These Cold Snowy Days

1. Body weight exercises – Since many of us work 20-40 hours a week, it can be hard to find the time or motivation to get out before or after work to exercise, especially as the temperature drops. But with a little bit of planning you can try a variety of different heart-pumping, adrenaline flowing, low cost activities in your worksite. Some of these activities include: 
    
2. Make your own equipment –If you find you need more of a challenge than just using body weight, you don’t need to spend a fortune on equipment like dumbbells. Simply grabbing some canned goods or filling a water jug or bottle to your desired weight can create a surprisingly challenging workout.
    

   

3. Stretching and meditation – If you are looking for a more relaxing, energy recharging activity during lunch, ask your employer about hiring a certified professional to provide yoga classes at work during lunch break. Yoga is a great way to connect our minds and bodies, while improving our flexibility, strength and balance. All you need is some open space and a soft surface. Or check out the videos Yoga @ Your Desk
    
4. Playing exergames – Have you ever tried a gaming console which has games that require physical activity and movement such as tennis and bowling? Organize a work fundraiser to purchase one for the break room and get moving during coffee time! It is fun for all ages and levels of fitness. 
    
5. Walking – If it’s too cold to walk outside try indoor walking. Do some laps around the office building during break time, walk to the farthest bathroom or make a point of walking to a colleague’s desk instead of emailing or phoning them. Pedometers are a great way to count the number of steps you take in a day and can create a fun contest between colleagues to see who takes the most steps in a day. For more information about the 10,000 Step Workplace Pedometer Challenge contact Kiersten Pettersen @ 807-625-5979, or Kiersten.Pettersen@tbdhu.com. 
    
6. Stepping up your walk – Taking the stairs is a great lower body exercise and is often faster than taking an elevator or escalator. If your office is on a top floor of a tall building, try taking the elevator to a few floors below your office and take the stairs the rest of the way.
    
7. Playing retro games -Plastic bowling sets, hacky-sacks, hoola-hoops, scrap paper basketball (use the scrap paper from your recycling bin to make paper balls and have competitions of who can score in the recycling container from the farthest distance or backwards) are all fun activities. Try nerf darts, charades (have employees submit activities or actions to go along with the weekly or daily theme i.e. things you do at a theme park, summer activities), or some card games (Speed Game: loose a round = 10 jumping jacks, win a round = 5 jumping jacks).
   
   We spend a great amount of time at work. Why not commit to being active for part of that time. We will all benefit.