Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present, which helps you avoid being overwhelmed or overly reactive to what is going on around you.

Kindness
In today’s environment, expressing kindness is more important than ever.  Communication can often be misinterpreted, and sometimes we are unaware of how words come across. While it's easy to be reactive, you have a choice to slow down and respond with kindness. Many of us are experiencing difficulties of some sort, and perhaps taking the time to be kind will make a big difference in someone's life. You may already be practicing intentional acts of kindness; if so kudos. Keep building on that. If we all do our part, the world can be a better place. 

The power of kindness can be life-changing. Daily acts of kindness provide emotional and mental health benefits for both the giver and the receiver. Kindness can be shown in the smallest ways, and in the grandest.   A smile, a greeting, holding the door, or cooking a meal for someone, maybe helping a neighbor, friend, or family member pack and move.  When challenging moments arise, they may lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings that can set off a domino effect, making kindness feel out of reach.  Remember to remain calm and think of how you would like to be treated and act accordingly. Kindness leads to positivity, and it’s contagious!

CGI Animated Short Film: "Mr Indifferent" by Aryasb Feiz - CGMeetup | YouTube
Kindness Boomerang - "One Day" - Life Vest Inside | YouTube
Kindness in the workplace: 5 ways to spread some positivity – Work Psychology Group
The Science of Kindness – Random Acts of Kindness | YouTube
Mr. Rogers Greatest Advice - Impel Insight - YouTube

Meditation
Embodying Wonder - Kristen Blinne, PhD, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, Affiliate Faculty, Women's & Gender Studies, SUNY Oneonta
Meditation For Anxiety - Goodful
Meditation to Calm an Overactive Mind Guided Meditation - The Mindful Moment
Deep Sleep Meditation Surrender - The Mindful Movement

Stress
Fight Stress with Healthy Habits - AHA
Stop Stress In Its Tracks - AHA
Yoga Routine for Stress Relief - Well + Good

Caregiver Stress & Resources
Caregiver Stress and Burnout - HelpGuide
Caregiver Briefcase - APA
Help for Caregivers: Services and Resources - Aging.NY.Gov

Exercises*
Cardio
10 minutes
Equipment free - MadFit
Low impact, equipment free - MadFit

15 minutes
Fat burner circuit workout - Sarahs Day
Full body fat burn, jump free - MadFit

30 minutes
HIIT Cardio Workout with warm up - Self

Abs/Core
10 minute core
Standing Ab Workout - Heather Robertson

10 minute abs
Equipment free ab workout - Fraser Wilson

Arms

5 minutes
Chest & Arms - TheLeanMachines

10 minutes
Tone Your Biceps and Triceps - Tone and Tighten
Equipment free workout - MadFit
Weight-Free Arm Toning - Essentrics

Legs & Thighs
Thigh Thinners - Essentrics
Quad Stretch - Essentrics

Back & Shoulders
Core Strength: Physical Therapy for the Spine - Duke University
Shoulder Pain & Tension - Classical Stretch by Essentrics
Yoga for Low Back and Hamstrings - Yoga with Adriene

Yoga Practice
Hatha Flow Yoga For Beginners - Brett Larkin Yoga
Hip-Opening Yoga Stretches - Living Better
Yoga for Neck and Shoulder Relief - Yoga with Adriene

*DISCLAIMER:
 Consult your doctor before starting an exercise regimen and for modifications that best meet your individual needs. Employees who participate in these exercises do so at their own risk. FIT is not responsible for any injury that may occur to individuals participating in any exercise activity.

Mental Health
Did you know that suicide is one of the top causes of death in the U.S.? It's also preventable.  By starting the conversation about suicide, you can fight stigma.  Knowing the warning signs and what you can do may also help save a life. If you or someone you know needs help:  Call (800) 273-8255 or Text TALK to 741741.  Visit afsp.org/signs for more information.  You may also reach out to FIT's Employee Assistance ProgramIt is a free service designed to assist employees who may be experiencing personal problems which can affect their ability to function on the job.  Call (212) 217-5600, voicemail is connected 24 hours a day and messages are retrieved daily.

SUNY Perks at Work

SUNY Perks at Work offers free online classes every Thursday. They are hosting more than 100 sessions, taught live by world-class instructors. Classes cover a wide range of topics including fitness, kids' classes, personal development and learning, and more.

The schedule for Thursday's Community Online Academy (COA) is now live and you and your families can reserve your spots in as many classes as you'd like. If you do not yet have an account you can register for discounts and other perks.