Now that the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared an end to the COVID global health emergency, we should continue to be concerned about one another. Remember to check on your colleagues, your neighbors, your family, and friends. Don’t stop being genuinely concerned about them ─their physical and mental well-being. If you notice something might not be quite right “or off” with someone you know, ask how you can help. Employers too, should also continue to find ways to
Category Archives: Work/Life
24 Ways Employers Can Help Manage Stress at Work
This article is from the April 2023 issue.
Now that we are near the end of the critical phases of the pandemic, you might be tempted to think that stress is no longer a problem. You would be wrong. I have been in numerous meetings lately where people have been talking about how overwhelmed they are with work and caregiving responsibilities. It is evident that stress has not disappeared. It is still a growing concern for employees. According to research conducted by the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, … Read the rest
A Different Kind of Spring Cleaning
This article is from the March 2023 issue.
For those who work in academic or school libraries, it may be spring break. When I was in school (many moons ago) spring break meant spring cleaning. We did all the deep cleaning that didn’t get done on a daily basis, things like washing windows and walls, cleaning closets and getting rid of clothes that no longer fit, or pulling everything out of the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator and using soapy towels to wipe off the shelves, etc. Now that … Read the rest
No Time for Self-Care? Try Micropractices
This article is from the March 2023 issue.
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you what you should do to take good care of yourself ─things such as exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, cultivating healthy relationships, managing stress effectively, etc. Most of us know what’s required to be healthy. That is not the problem. The problem is that we tell ourselves that we don’t have the time. When we consider all the things that we must contend with on a … Read the rest
It’s Heart Health Month: Show Yourself Some Love
This article is from the February 2023 issue.
By Beatrice Calvin
Anyone who knows me well knows that I love eating sweets. Before the pandemic began, when I went out to lunch with co-workers, I would be the one to ask for the dessert menu before the appetizers arrived. Even now, there are days when I would rather eat a piece of cake for lunch or dinner and skip the meal altogether. However, given the serious health issues in my family, I have learned to temper my desire … Read the rest
Toxic Positivity at Work: Examples and Ways to Manage It
This article is from the January 2023 issue.
Have you ever felt a little down, and someone came along, said something positive that encouraged you, and helped you to feel better? Did you appreciate what was said? More than likely, you did. It can be good to have optimistic people who can help you get out of a bad mood. Most of us know the value of an encouraging word when feeling down. However, sometimes people want to help others get rid of their “negative” emotions so much … Read the rest
How to Take a Mental Health Day that Will Actually Benefit You
This article is from the December 2022 issue.
It is normal to need breaks to rest and recharge periodically. If you find yourself developing a pattern of low mood or irritability at work, if you find yourself more distracted than usual with an inability to concentrate, or if you have consecutive days where you just can’t get motivated to get much done, it may be time to request some time off —a mental health day. In the same way, you might take a sick day if you are … Read the rest
Managing Mental Health Around the Holidays
This article is from the December 2022 issue.
I have a co-worker who lives in Chicago, while her parents and siblings live in another state. She can’t travel to see them, so she feels lonely and lost this holiday season. I have another friend who lost a loved one during the pandemic. She is on a grieving journey, working through a process. The holidays are not joyous for her. These are just a couple of examples of why the holidays might not be merry and bright for everyone. … Read the rest
Need Mental Health Help But You Aren’t In Crisis? Try A ‘Warmline’
This article is from the November 2022 issue.
You may have read our article about the designation of 988 as the three-digit dialing code to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Using this number gives callers access to trained counselors who can help if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use disturbances, or other mental health crises. Through the hotline, assistance is always available, 24/7 from anywhere in the U.S. But what would you do if you’re not in crises? You may not feel suicidal and therefore … Read the rest
How to be Prepared and Less Stressed for the Coming Holidays
This article is from the November 2022 issue.
What does the start of November mean to you? Is it the ending of daylight savings time? Is it that winter is coming? Is it that elections will be occurring? Is it a time to honor and remember those who have served in the military? For many of us, it can be all those things. But the one thing that it conjures up for most people is the idea that the holidays will soon be upon us. It’s a time … Read the rest
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