Wellness & Growth
The CTLE is proud to help promote the Leaves of Change Wellness Challenge, hosted by the GCC Employee Wellness Committee!
Autumn brings a natural shift in the world around us. As trees drop their leaves to prepare for new growth, we are invited to pause and reflect on our own daily routines. “Leaves of Change” provides a powerful natural metaphor for personal growth, seasonal transition, and continuous renewal. It encourages participants to turn over a new leaf by embracing positive habits. You will receive weekly encouragement emails to help keep you on track.
The metaphor of dropping leaves during a seasonal change gives us permission to let go of burnout, clutter, and outdated habits. It helps frame habit change as a positive opportunity for fresh growth. Building simple daily routines creates small wins that build confidence and keep us moving forward.
The 8-Week Wellness Journey
All GCC employees can participate in this 8-week wellness challenge. Over two months, the program focuses on four distinct areas of wellness, helping participants build healthy habits through simple steps:
- Weeks 1 and 2: Physical Wellness – Regular movement boosts daily energy, lowers stress, and clears mental clutter. Taking the stairs, stretching for 10 minutes, or taking a 30-minute walk creates strong anchors for building new habits.
- Weeks 3 and 4: Nutritional Wellness – Eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables stops blood sugar crashes, stabilizes mood, and boosts physical energy. Choosing healthy lunches and drinking water offers constant, daily practice to build self-discipline.
- Weeks 5 and 6: Social Wellness – Shared support keeps us motivated and group learning makes success easier. Eating lunch with a coworker, calling a family member, or writing a thank-you note helps build strong accountability and connection.
- Weeks 7 and 8: Environmental Wellness – Spending time in nature and caring for our surroundings reduces daily stress and boosts focus. Recycling, picking up litter outside, or using a reusable water bottle makes healthy choices easier while supporting physical health.
Our ABCs: Access, Belonging, and Community
This wellness initiative naturally connects to our campus framework of Access, Belonging, and Community:
- Access is about making intentional choices that create flexible options for everyone to participate and grow. The challenge provides clear options without high barriers, allowing participants to double up on activities or adjust goals as needed.
- Belonging is rooted in recognizing the dignity and value of every person, creating a supportive space where small wins are recognized.
- Community centers on shared determination, peer support, and active collaboration among colleagues working together toward better health.
Challenge Details & How to Participate
To participate, download the 8-week challenge form (PDF) and complete 8 challenges during each 2-week session over the 8 weeks. You can double up on the same challenges during a session by checking both boxes on your challenge sheet.
- Registration deadline: Friday, October 30
- Challenge dates: November 1 – December 26
- Submit challenge form by: Thursday, January 7
Prize: 5 winners will receive a pair of Harkins Movie Tickets or a GCC Wellness Shirt.
Additionally, all benefits-eligible employees who are enrolled in an MCCCD Medical Plan and registered with the Personify Health Platform can receive points toward their Wellness Incentive Credits for participating in the challenge.
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