The modern world is fast paced and demanding. In order to take care of our community, families and patients we must take care of ourselves. When we are happy and healthy, we are engaged, productive, more creative and innovative - key attributes to wellbeing. This has been a difficult and uncertain year, balancing work demands and self-care has been challenging for many. This pandemic has exceled rates of excessive stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use, now more than ever is the time to reduce mental health stigma, which is often what gets in the way of individuals seeking help. Be sure to access key tools and resources on the WOW! webpage to support you as we transition through this pandemic.

Wellbeing is different for everyone − whether its practicing meditation, becoming more active, focusing on work/life balance, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, working towards a balanced eating pattern, or spending time with family − making wellbeing a priority is the first step to living your best life at home and at work. Our WOW! mission is to support MaineHealth employees on their wellness journey by implementing tools and programs designed to be flexible to meet employees at different points in their life.

The ability to recognize that behaviors have a significant impact on our wellbeing and aim to adapt healthful habits (adequate sleep, balanced diet, movement, etc.) and working to avoid destructive habits (tobacco, drugs, alcohol, etc.) leads to optimal wellbeing. Check out a library of 2021 WOW! recorded sessions and handouts that provide simple tips on building resiliency, increase healthy sleep habits, mindful eating, exploring the MaineHealth Employee Assistance Program, the power of movement, and more. Learn more about these additional resources.

Upcoming Live Learning Opportunities

‘Get Healthy in the Garden 2021 Series’ - back by popular demand! 

Did you know that planting and tending a garden is a great way to boost morale, relieve stress/anxiety and reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone)? In addition, between walking, moving bags of soil, weeding and raking, gardening can also provide a nice workout! New to gardening? Not sure where to start? Looking for advice on your garden? Join WOW! in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension horticulture professionals and educators to provide you with the right tools to get your garden growing this year.

WOW! will host three Get Healthy in the Garden series in 2021:

• 4/26/21 at 6pm - Spring garden planning (review pre-record episodes: 1, 2, 3 and 4)
• 6/29/21 at 6pm, register for the June 29 session. Best practice summer garden tips: weeding, watering and identify potential plant disease. Submit your questions prior to the session. (Please review pre-recorded episodes: 5, 6 and 7)
• 8/31/21 at 6pm, register for the August 31 session. Discover how to reap your harvest: preserving produce, proper garden ergonomics, prepare for winter. Submit your questions prior to the session. (Please review pre-recorded episodes: 8, 9 and 10)

Prior to the discussion, please review the pre-recorded episodes.

During the panel discussion, we will discuss content from the pre-recorded episodes and have a robust question & answer session. Learn tips and tricks as you tend to your garden this year even if you have a small patio and create a small container garden or if you have a large back yard garden, there is a way to nurture nature as a fantastic stress reliever.

Employees who attend the full session will be entered into a raffle for:

• 4/26/21 - one of three garden tool sets
• 6/29/21 - one of four composting kits
• 8/31/21 - one of four vacuum food sealer machine or canning kit

Employees that attend will also receive Virgin Pulse points for participating. 

Additional Resources

Check out the 2021 WOW! “Refocusing on You” recorded sessions and handouts that provide simple tips on building resiliency, increase healthy sleep habits, mindful eating, exploring the MaineHealth Employee Assistance Program, the power of movement, and more. Learn more about these additional resources.

Reach Out for Help

If you or a loved one feels overwhelmed with sadness, depression or anxiety, or if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others call 911. Other resources at your fingertips include:

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline: free, 24/7 support by calling 800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255
• Text Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor
• HealthAdvocate Employee Assistance Program - 866-799-2485 or visit members.healthadvocate.com (Enter: “MaineHealth”)
• 24/7 Statewide Crisis Line 888-568-1112
• 24/7 Peer Support Warm line 866-771-9276
• 24/7 Suicide Hotline 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
• Maine Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 866-83-4HELP (866-843-4357)
• Teen Text Support Line 207-515-8398 (TEXT)
• 211 and 211maine.org
• Free, confidential Frontline Warmline for health care workers and first responders: support 8am-8pm 7 days a week call 207-221-8196.