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.
"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.
Work/Life Connections-EAP: We're Here for You
Work/LIfe Connections
When the stresses of every day life take their toll, you may find yourself searching for mental health support. In today's world, receiving in-person support from a licensed counselor can be the best solution. Thanks to Vanderbilt's Work/Life Connections-EAP (WLC) program, faculty and staff across the region have the unique benefit of both in-person and virtual counseling services.
Why Am I So Tired?
Work/LIfe Connections
We can all relate to feeling tired. However, knowing the difference between being tired and being burned out is critical to our well-being. Work/Life Connections-EAP lists ways in which we can regain your energy if you find yourself emotionally exhausted.
Check Up on Your Well-Being
Work/LIfe Connections
Ask yourself: how am I feeling today? Are you happy, anxious, excited, or nervous? Do you feel hopeful, stressed, optimistic, or filled with dread?
October is Depression Awareness, and is a good time to take a moment to examine your outlook on your life. Work/Life Connections-EAP lists ways to identify the symptoms of depression and ways to find help.
National Substance Abuse Disorders Recovery Month
Work/LIfe Connections
National Recovery Month is observed every September to remind Americans that there is hope for those struggling with a substance use disorder. Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP shares resources to help you learn, understand, and access support for your journey or a loved one's.
Make a Plan! 10 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies
Work/LIfe Connections
With all the natural and man-made disasters over the last several months, it reminds us how important it is to have a disaster plan. Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP shares 10 ways in which you can be better prepared in the event of an unexpected crisis.