In a powerful demonstration of commitment to staff well-being, the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), under the leadership of Professor Risikat Oladoyin S. Dauda, launched the maiden edition of its monthly seminar for the 2024/2025 academic session, prioritising mental health and holistic self-care.
The seminar, which gathered DLI staff and neighouring vendors such as Iya Moria Catering Services among others, signifies the second time the Institute will be taking proactive steps towards sensitizing its members of staff on ways to improve their quality of life at the begining of the session.
Click here to read about the first time ——> https://www.lagosedu.com/?p=29228
This year’s edition was an interactive and insightful session that focused on equipping members of staff with practical tools for achieving balance in an open-distance learning environment.
The highlight of the day was an engaging presentation by an esteemed Professor of Psychiatry and Consultant Psychiatrist from Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Professor Ayodele Olurotimi Coker.
Professor Coker, renowned for his expertise in behavioural medicine, explored the topic, “Enhancing Work-Life Balance and Self-Care in Open Distance Learning Environment.” His talk dissected the unique challenges of balancing personal and professional lives in today’s fast-paced, often stress-laden work culture and provided effective solutions staff could incorporate into their daily routines.
Professor Coker shared a wealth of strategies for maintaining a balanced lifestyle, emphasising the importance of self-care, stress management, and prioritizing personal fulfillment alongside professional obligations. To bring his insights to life, he introduced staff to practical stress-relief techniques,which he termed “specific stress and emotional resilience strategies of dealing with work life balance.”
Many of these strategies require little or no financial investment, they are:
- Write a letter to your stressor (ensure to never actually deliver the letter to them).
- Abuse your stressor (in your private space, and for your ears only).
- Walk away from your stress.
- Dance away your stress
- Dress your best daily.
- Physical work out thrice weekly.
- Laugh away your problems.
To demonstrate, Professor Coker engaged participants in some laughter therapy. The room lit up with laughter, creating a relaxed atmosphere that indicated the power of positive mental health practices.
The discussion deepened as staff posed questions reflecting broader concerns: How can one maintain this balance in a challenging economic climate? How do they cope with the ongoing migration of skilled professionals out of the country? Professor Coker fielded these questions with empathy and expertise, offering tailored responses and practical advice on staying resilient amidst change and uncertainty.
He concluded his presentation noting that the benefits of a healthy work-life balance are enormous. According to him, once this balance is considerably achieved, one will: be able to control one’s stress levels at work and home; have more free time to pursue personal goals and hobbies; have increased opportunity to participate more intentionally in their family and social life; and experience overall improved physical and mental health.
After this enlightening seminar, staff had the chance to actively take part in a spirited workout session led by a professional instructor, Miss Omolola Taiwo. The exercise brought a fresh wave of energy, releasing endorphins and encouraging camaraderie among colleagues. As they moved, stretched, danced, and even broke a sweat, the DLI community found a renewed sense of vitality. This served as a reminder of the transformative power of physical activity in relieving workplace tension.
The well-being initiative continued with a complimentary medical check-up offered by the University’s Medical Centre personnel. This initiative provided staff an invaluable opportunity to assess and address their health needs, reinforcing the message that well-being is not just a priority but an ongoing journey.
Addressing the gathering, the Director, Distance Learning Institute (DLI), UNILAG, Professor Risikat Dauda, expressed the Institute’s unwavering commitment to staff well-being. She emphasised that the first seminar of each academic session would now focus on staff health and wellbeing, making it clear that it was intentional having this implemented twice in a row.
She encouraged staff to put the seminar’s insights into actionand incorporate regular workouts and health checks as pillars of their work-life balance.
The first monthly seminar of DLI for 2024/2025 academic session signals the beginning of a proactive, health-centered approach at the Institute. The well-being of staff has been recognized as foundational to the success of the institution.
With inspiring initiatives like this, DLI is setting a precedent for nurturing a positive and productive work environment where staff can thrive both personally and professionally.
Let this be a call to all members of the university community and its publics: make your health a priority, just as DLI has. Embrace balance, invest in your well-being, and remember; our journey to success begins with a single step toward self-care.
