Resource Articles

Many folks think mindfulness requires a dedicated meditation practice, but there are many alternatives you can weave into your day to boost your well-being. Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, of Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP shares some ways to raise your mental resilience that you can do at the workplace.

How many of us have been asked, “how has your week been?” and realize we have no idea how our week has been going? If that sounds like you, Natalie Dodd, LCSW, of Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP shares a deceptively simple way to reflect and see the positive in your day.

There is no shock in calling out the fast-paced lifestyle VUMC staff members may experience within the workplace. Natalie Dodd, LCSW, of Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP shares question to help ground yourself and increases resiliency.

Although technological advances such as telehealth and online meeting platforms have added efficiency and immediacy to our lives in many realms– the experience of loneliness has grown as the disparities in access widen. Heather Kamper, LCSW, of Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP shares ways to help combat loneliness and stay connected.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could flip a switch and shut our brains off! Unfortunately, it can be difficult to challenge negative, ruminating thoughts. Natalie Dodd, LCSW, of Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP shares simple ways to help when anxiety starts to spiral.

Re-entry back into the workplace after parental leave is challenging. Natalie Dodd, LCSW, of Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP share her personal post-partum experience with returning to work and support for others going through the same situation.

Uncertain times and disagreements on many hot topics can become very polarizing, which leads to a negative impact on our mental health and well-being. Work/Life Connections-EAP offers ways in which we can commit to being more civil in our interactions with others to create a more beneficial environment.

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.

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.

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.