GOVPH

DepEd Lucena City Boosts Employee Well-Being with Mental Health Seminar

 SDO Lucena City's School Governance and Operations Division - School Health and Nutrition Unit recently held a seminar focused on enhancing employees' mental health resilience and stress management. The program, designed to foster a supportive and productive work environment, featured key insights into navigating workplace pressures and building emotional well-being. Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Edenia O. Libranda offered opening remarks, followed by an inspirational message from Schools Division Superintendent Susan DL. Oribiana. Both emphasized the crucial role of mental health in employee performance and overall well-being, highlighting its impact on productivity and individual potential. The seminar's core presentation, delivered by Gino A. Cabrera, a faculty of Southern Luzon State University, addressed common workplace stressors stemming from various aspects of life, including work demands, family responsibilities, and personal relationships. Cabrera outlined a three-pronged approach to stress reduction: 1. Cultivating a Healthy Lifestyle: This includes prioritizing a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and regular physical activity to build a strong foundation for mental and emotional well-being. 2. Employing the 4As of Stress Management : Attendees learned practical coping strategies centered around the four A's: Avoid unnecessary stressors, Alter situations that contribute to stress, Adapt to unavoidable stressors, and Accept certain stressors while managing their impact. 3. Prioritizing Relaxation and Recreation: The importance of engaging in enjoyable activities to promote mental and emotional rejuvenation was stressed. Taking time for hobbies, social connections, and relaxation techniques was presented as essential for maintaining equilibrium. Concluding the seminar, Cabrera shared the insightful "carrot, egg, and coffee" parable, underscoring that our response to adversity is more significant than the challenges themselves. The message emphasized the power of personal resilience, adaptation, and growth in the face of difficult situations. The seminar served as a valuable resource for DepEd employees, equipping them with practical tools and strategies to navigate workplace pressures and prioritize their mental health.