Find the Positive in Self-Care Series for Employees

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 18, 2019) —  In an effort to create a space on campus for employees to engage with some relatable self-care techniques, University of Kentucky Human Resources' Work-Life will offer 10 free drop-in workshops.

Beginning Feb. 21, the Self-Care Series will be presented every third Thursday of every month through November as an open house. Each session runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Breckinridge Hall. 

From positivity and personal strengths to impostor syndrome and difficult feelings, workshops span a range of topics and each offers an engaging activity — think playing with puppies and creating handwritten notes of compassion. All employees are invited to attend.

“We chose topics that are relatable and meaningful to many people,” said Ann Bassoni, licensed clinical social worker and therapist for UK HR Work+Life Connections.

Bassoni sees clients with and without clinical diagnoses. She says each of these 10 workshops speaks to the common themes she’s heard over the 10 years since she launched the university’s free confidential counseling service for employees in 2009.

“We hear about stress and feelings of loneliness; many people don’t feel like they have time for self-care,” Bassoni said. “These workshops are low-key. They’re about bringing people together and sharing ways to simply feel better that don’t get enough attention.”

Each workshop also offers attendees something tangible to take away from the experience, usually something they make. “These creative activities are light, fun and engaging.” said Rhonda Henry, also a therapist for UK HR Work+Life Connections. “They're activities both of us are personally excited about, too.”

Citing a study that showed 45 minutes of creative activity improves well-being, Henry also highlights the science-backed impact. She emphasizes this study showed that artists, in the traditional sense, aren’t the only ones to receive these benefits.

“Another way of thinking about creative activities is they’re outlets for mindful presence and expression,” Henry said. “Many of us need more opportunities to tap into our imagination and approach things differently. Whether you had these outlets before and you’re missing them, or you’re open to tapping into your natural creativity for what feels like the first time, you’ll get something out of this.”

To view all 10 workshop dates and more details, please visit the Self-Care Series webpage.