work, play, live - pasco county schools · there are so many benefits to laughter. ... for help...

44.22.905.1-PAS (05/12)

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Work, Play, Live

Play: It’s more than fun and games The importance of play in our lives

Most of us think play is something that kids do to keep busy. Yet play is a critical part

of childhood development — and it’s also important for adults! More...

Making time for child’s play Special playtimes help build parent-child bonds

As a working parent, you may find it hard to make time to be alone with your kids.

Yet just 30 minutes a week of special playtime can make a big difference for you and

your child. Find out more…

The real value of hobbies Hobbies make you happy…and more!

Are you thinking: “Who has time for hobbies?” Then this could be a very important

article for you to read. More...

e-Thoughts

Have you laughed today?

There are so many benefits to laughter.

Find out more…

May 2012 Monthly Bulletin

44.22.905.1-PAS A (05/12)

Getting Help

Confidential support, information and For help with personal or workplace issues, contact your behavioral health and convenience services. These confidential services are available 24/7 to employees, their eligible household members and adult children under age 26, whether they live at home or not.



Play is underrated. Most of us think of it as something that kids do to keep busy. Yet play is a critical part of childhood development — and it’s also important for adults!

Play teaches life’s lessons

For kids, play is a chance for creativity, freedom and trying out new things. It’s a time for laughter and movement. Play also teaches kids cooperation, sharing and the challenges and rewards of group efforts. Even the smallest tots are learning a lot when they play.

Adults gain from play too

But play isn’t just for the younger set! When adults play, we feel free. When we feel free, we’re more relaxed. When we’re relaxed, we’re often at our most creative. At those times, we tend to be most productive and open to learning new things.

Make your 9-to-5 time more playful

Do you have a job that entails sitting or standing in one place most of the day? If so, it can actually work against your ability to learn new things and accomplish your tasks.

Why? When we’re at work, there’s pressure to achieve. Yet our bodies and minds need to move. Added together, these circumstances work against being productive.

The answer? Add some play to your day. Here are some ideas:

� Keep some play things at your desk. Yo-yos are great. They provide a good distraction and they don’t make noise so they won’t bother your coworkers. You may have other ideas too.

� Go outside. Take breaks out in the fresh air. Bring your sneakers to work so you can dress for some fun. Is there a nearby basketball court where you can shoot a few baskets? Can you bring a ball and play catch with a coworker? How about jumping rope?

� Build friendships at work. Play is more fun when you have people to play with. Have lunch with one or more coworkers. Share a joke. Take a walk together. When you make connections, you increase your level of pleasure and enjoyment.

The importance of play in our lives


Play: It’s more than fun and games

44.22.905.1-PAS A (05/12)

Getting Help

For help with personal or workplace issues, contact your behavioral health and convenience services. These confidential services are available 24/7 to employees, their eligible household members and adult children under age 26, whether they live at home or not.



Making time for child’s play

What’s one of the best gifts you can give your child? Your undivided attention.¹As a working parent, you may find it hard to make time to be alone with your kids. Yet just 30 minutes a week of special playtime can make a big difference for you and your child.

What does special playtime say?When you put aside time for one-on-one play with your child, you are really saying: � I care about you. � I’m interested in what you’re saying and doing. � I like being with you.

These messages come through as you participate in the simplest activity together. The point is that you’re alone, together and interacting.

How to plan special play times — here are some tips:1. Set up a 30-minute block of uninterrupted playtime for yourself and one child. 2. Schedule it ahead of time so both of you can plan for it and look forward to it.3. Try to set up a 30-minute playtime once a week (or more if possible). 4. Cut out all distractions. No TV, computer or phone calls for either parent or child during this

block of time.5. If you have other children, have someone else watch them during this time.6. Let your child lead the way in how you’ll spend the time. You follow. Dos and don’ts for special playtimesDuring special playtime, focus your attention on your child. Remember: This is a time to be together. It’s not a time to correct, criticize or judge. It’s also not a time to ask too many questions or interrogate.

What are the benefits of special playtime? Special playtimes can strengthen the connection between you and your child. When parents and children feel close, children are more likely to want to please and may tend to behave better. They’ll also feel freer to come to you when they have a problem. It’s a win-win for all!

¹Information taken from kathyeugster.com

Special playtimes help build parent-child bonds


Getting Help


44.22.905.1-PAS A (05/12)



April 2012 Monthly Bulletin

The real value of hobbies

Are you thinking: “Who has time for hobbies?” Then this could be a very important article for you to read.

During today’s challenging times, it can be easy to deny your need for hobbies. Yes, that’s right: your need!

You see, we all need hobbies — leisure pursuits that help us relax, express our passions, change up routines and give us opportunities for fun. In fact, in challenging times, hobbies may be more important than ever.

Hobbies: They’re far from trivialSome people think hobbies are selfish or a waste of time. However, if you deprive yourself of doing what you enjoy — or even love — you block a path to better health, attitude, outlook and energy.

Experts say it’s critical in hard times to make time for hobbies.¹ Doing things you love helps clear your head of worries. It can help you feel happy and more prepared for problem-solving. When you’re having fun, you often use your imagination. That opens your mind to solutions and actions you might not think of when you’re worried and restricting your activities to just the “must dos.”

So while you’re skiing, cooking or running, you might come up with some creative solutions to your money, job or relationship problems — or at least some ways to cope better.

Ways to discover new hobbiesMany adults have trouble identifying something they’d like to do as a hobby. Here are some steps that might help.1. Search out your inner child. Often the things we loved to do as a child are activities

that could bring us joy as adults. What were the activities you enjoyed as a child? Singing? Acting? Tennis? Bowling? Nature? Magic?

2. Don’t try for perfection. The need for perfection can ruin a perfectly good time! 3. If at first you don’t succeed… You may have to try a few things in order to identify those

you like most. And you probably don’t have as much time to devote to a hobby as you did as a child. That’s okay. You can still get relaxation from ten minutes of playing the piano, doing crosswords or singing in the shower. Give yourself permission to enjoy!

¹redbookmag.com

Hobbies make you happy…and more!


Getting Help


44.22.905.1-PAS A (05/12)



There are some people who laugh at just about everything. They have a natural response to life which makes laughter easy and quick. I’ve always envied those types of people. There are so many benefits to laughter. It makes you feel good, decreases stress levels and may even help your immune system fight off viruses! *

Did you know that research has shown children who are not stressed laugh about 300 to 400 times a day whereas most adults laugh only 10 to 15 times each day? I have to say, I’m not sure that most adults hit even the 10 times daily. Not laughing enough? Try some of the following to lighten up your life:

� Read the comics

� Watch funny movies or shows

� Be around people who make you laugh or who bring out your inner comedian

� Hang out with children — they are sure to bring a smile to your face

� Get your daily dose of laughter by visiting web sites such as Laugh-of-the-day.com or AhaJokes.com which offer daily, clean jokes

Make laughter a growing part of your daily life. It’s fun, doesn’t cost anything and can make each day so much brighter.

*positivelypositive.com

Have you laughed today?

e-Thoughts

Our e-Thoughts feature provides close-up views on topics and areas of interest from everyday life.

Aetna Resources for LivingSM is the brand name used for products and services offered through the Aetna group of subsidiary companies. Your behavioral health and convenience services are administered by Aetna Behavioral Health, LLC and Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna)

All calls are confidential, except as required by law (i.e., when a person’s emotional condition is a threat to himself/herself or others, or there is suspected abuse of a minor child, and in some areas, spousal or elder abuse).

Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to www.aetna.com.

©2012 Aetna Inc.44.22.905.1-PAS A (05/12)

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Real SOLUTIONS for Real LIFE

Work, Play, LiveMay 2012 Monthly Bulletin

work, play, live - pasco county schools · there are so many benefits to laughter. ... for help...

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