Stretches for Standing Workers

For those essential Canadian Blood Services employees and volunteers who are currently working on the frontlines, in blood donor centres and other parts of our organization, the days are likely feeling longer and more challenging than ever.  

While many of us in the organization have been fortunate enough to work from the comfort of our homes for the past month, frontline workers are still out in the field day after day, doing critical work to help ensure that lifesaving blood continues to be there for patients.  

On top of the personal and professional stressors that the COVID-19 pandemic can bring, many of our frontline workers must also contend with the physical toll resulting from long days spent on their feet.  

That’s why this week’s Wellness Wednesday is dedicated specifically to our standing workers across the organization.  

In the video below, Sherry Beaudry, a certified yoga instructor and Administrator, Shared Services, is back to demonstrate more yoga poses and rejuvenating stretches. This time, she is sharing a practice focused on stretches that will help work out tired muscles, release the lower back, stretch the spine and melt away soreness in the feet and legs.  

This practice includes stretches you can easily do during the day if you’re looking for quick relief, along with several deeper, longer stretches that can help you decompress once you get home.   

Note: All you need to do these stretches is a yoga mat (or beach towel), a chair and a ball with a bit of give (i.e. a yoga tune-up ball, a tennis ball, or a lacrosse ball).  

Don’t forget – an important part of wellness is connectivity and community.  

During this difficult time, we encourage you to go on Yammer and connect with your team mates and other staff across the organization, using the hashtag #WellnessWednesday.  

Share your own videos, photos or tips about what you’re doing to stay well while working from home – or bravely working on the frontlines – and help inspire and motivate others.  

You can also email communications@blood.ca with your ideas for future Wellness Wednesday videos.