The Stress-Relieving Power of Nature
Work/LIfe Connections
There’s nothing like warmer weather and longer days to put a smile on your face! Summer is getting closer, and more people will start getting outside to soak up the sun. Being in nature decreases feelings of negative emotions. Work/Life Connections-EAP offers a few ways in which you can take advantage of the warmer weather to improve your mental health.
Stop and Smell the Flowers
Work/LIfe Connections
The adage “April showers bring May flowers” reminds us that there can be growth and beauty even in difficult times. Our mental well-being has also been especially challenged the past few years, but we have learned to be patient and resilient. Work/Life Connections-EAP Manager Jim Kendall, LCSW, CEAP, shares ways to help find comfort in stormy times.
Processing Senseless Tragedy from a Mom's Perspective
Work/LIfe Connections
I was working from home just down the street from my first grader’s school and 3 miles from my 5-year-old’s preschool. I started throwing on my shoes as I called my daughters’ dad in a panic for more information – Google couldn’t move fast enough for me. When he confirmed it was NOT one of our schools, a wave of emotion washed over me so swiftly that I bent over double at the waist, let my head hang between my knees, and sobbed. Those tears held so much, a mixture of feelings I have struggled to put into words.
COVID-19: The Impact Continues - 9 Tips for Well-Being
Work/LIfe Connections
Three years ago, on March 5,2020, the Tennessee Department of Health received its first positive test results for a case of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Tennessee. It was a time of fear and anxiety for many, especially our front-line healthcare professionals. Though we have made many strides in combating the disease, we still feel the effects. Work/Life Connections-EAP offers tips on how to enhance your well-being in our current stage of COVID-19.
Establishing Boundaries for Better Relationships
Work/LIfe Connections
What do successful relationships look like? One quality of long-lasting relationships is the presence of good boundaries. Even people who know about the importance of setting boundaries get caught up in the excitement of new relationships and forget to set limits. Work/Life Connections-EAP offers some helpful tips on creating healthy boundaries.
Catching Zs for a More Balanced Life
Work/LIfe Connections
Sleep is one of the most fundamental aspects of health and well-being, but it’s often the most neglected. Between work demands, family demands, and social interactions, sleep takes a back seat to other priorities. Natalie Dodd, LCSW, of Work/Life Connections-EAP offers helpful tips to better your sleep.
Going Dry: A Great Habit to Keep Year-Round
Work/LIfe Connections
The phenomenon of “Dry January” helps people “reset” their use of alcohol and evaluate the role it plays in their lives by taking a month vacation from the use of alcohol. Work/Life Connections-EAP gives information regarding the effects of alcohol abuse.
"I Thought I Could": From Self-Doubt to Self-Efficacy
Work/LIfe Connections
Impostor Syndrome (IS) is described as the struggle to accept one’s own success. Someone who experiences IS will think their success is undeserved, despite their effort and skills. Dr. Adriana Kipper-Smith of Work/Life Connections-EAP offers advice on how to reframe your thinking to combat IS.
Prioritizing the "Well" in your Personal and Professional Being
Work/LIfe Connections
January is known for fresh starts and setting new goals for the new year. It’s a great time to start figuring out how to balance your personal and professional life. Work/Life Connections-EAP gives a few things to consider for VUMC faculty and staff members seeking a more balanced life.
Balance Your Routine
Work/LIfe Connections
A new year is a great time to reflect on health, wellness, and establishing balance in our routine. To help keep you motivated, Work/Life Connections-EAP offers a few tips to tilt the wellness scale in a positive direction.