Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.

It’s the last day of June 2021, and thus the last day of our first month of the Wellness program and the mental health stigma unit. I’ve finished the ICBA portion of this month’s learning, but there’s always more to discover – this time, it’s a link to Mental Health BC’s “BounceBack” series.

One of BounceBack’s videos is called Sleeping Better. I wrestle with insomnia from time to time – often because my mind is racing. I’ll try some calming techniques, meditation, or trying to list the entire 53-man Green Bay Packers roster, or coming up with a pro sports player wearing every number from 1 to 99. But these don’t always work.

When my thoughts get away from me, I try and chase them back. One piece of advice stood out from the video – if you’re still awake after 20 minutes, get up and go to a different room for a few minutes. If you’re feeling anxious, write down your worries, leave them there, and promise yourself you’ll deal with them tomorrow.

Next time I’m feeling anxious, I’m going to try this!

ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 50 companies, and thousands of construction professionals, better understand mental health. The program is free for ICBA members — see icba.ca/wellness.