One Source EAP Connections

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  Your 2025 Wellness Plan

  Happy New Year from the EAP Team! It is common for many of us to make “New Year’s Resolutions,” beginning January 1st. Unfortunately, many of us stick to those resolutions for only a few weeks or, best case, a few months. By creating wellness goals, as a result of a total Wellness Plan, you set a clear vision for your wellbeing journey. Wellness has seven dimensions: Physical, Mental/Intellectual/Emotional, Occupational, Social, Spiritual, Financial, and Environmental. If your resolution focuses on one dimension, that may conflict with the stability of another. For example, a very common weight loss goal could conflict with social goals of seeing friends and family more often. As a result, proper wellness planning seeks balance by looking at the big picture and ensuring that the goals you set are in alignment with each other, which will help you accomplish all your wellness goals. Remember that wellness is a journey, not a race. Lasting wellness involves creating healthy habits to live your best life. For how to start wellness planning, visit the newsletter.

  Jan 06, 2025
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  The Joy of Giving

  At this time of year we embrace the saying, “It is better to give than receive.” T’is the season of giving to friends, family and charities. While shopping and wrapping can be a chore, the joy we get when those gifts are opened is always gratifying. So is it really better to give? Science has also shown the benefits of giving, including greater self-esteem and satisfaction with life, with lower risk of depression. When you give, your brain releases “feel good” chemicals that help to improve your physical health, including lowering your blood pressure, cortisol levels and stress, contributing to a longer lifespan. “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

  Nov 27, 2024
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  Focus on Gratitude

  Many of us spend much of November preparing, shopping, cooking and spending Thanksgiving with friends and family - if we’re lucky. For others it can be the beginning of a lonely time of year. There is one thing that can make the holidays feel less hectic or less lonely is focusing on gratitude. We tend to think gratitude benefits the person who is thanked, but science has proven that by focusing on the good things in your life, you will improve your mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. You may even notice increased self-esteem and stronger relationships. Gratitude also has physical benefits like helping you sleep better, lowering blood pressure, boosting your immune system, and reducing your risk of disease and chronic pain. To read more about activities to increase gratitude, open link for newsletter.

  Nov 01, 2024
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  Crafting Your Path to A Longer, Healthier Life

  We all strive to live a long life, but quality of life is also critical. Think of how it would be to live into your 90’s and beyond with the energy and mental acuity of someone much younger. If this sounds like an impossibility, look no further than the “Blue Zones.” Blue Zones are five geographic areas where people have lower rates of chronic diseases and longer lifespans. Many residents live past 100 years old. The Blue Zones are located in Italy, Greece, Japan, Costa Rica and even the one Zone in the United States. There are two factors that determine our longevity: genetics, which accounts for 20 - 30% and lifestyle. This means our daily life choices make a big difference in how long we can live. The list at right gives some insight into Blue Zone habits that contribute to a long and healthy life. To read more about why people in Blue Zones live longer than the rest of the world, click here for an article from Healthline.com. Click on newsletter to see 7 Habits To Live a Longer, Happier Life.

  Sep 30, 2024
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  Connect to Help Prevent Suicide

  September is the month we set aside to discuss the difficult topic of suicide. Suicide is preventable if we pay attention to those around us and connect with a caring attitude toward those you suspect may be at risk. If you feel someone is in pain, connecting with them is the first step to protecting them. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) discusses warning signs of suicide to look for to try and connect with an individual who may be in crisis. Click on the link for the newsletter to read more.

  Aug 29, 2024
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  Laughter is the Best Medicine

  You may have heard the old adage, “Laughter is the best medicine.” The first reference is attributed to the Old Testament in the Book of Proverbs, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Research now shows it to be true. A hearty laugh relaxes the whole body, enhancing your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulating your heart, lungs and muscles, increasing blood flow, and boosting endorphins that are released by your brain. Physical tension and stress also melt away as a result. To read more about the benefits of laughter, click on the link for newsletter.

  Jul 31, 2024
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  Become Your Own Best Friend

  Of all the relationships and friendships we cultivate during our lives, the relationship that will endure the longest and needs the most cultivating, is the friendship we have with ourselves. It's important to treat ourselves with the same honesty, kindness, and care we generally reserve for others. Self-care, self-compassion and putting your needs on the same footing as the needs of others is a great place to start learning to be your own best friend. And once you learn to befriend yourself, odds are that you'll be an even better friends to others. 

  Jul 01, 2024
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  Find Joy in Slowing Down

  We feel pressure to be better, faster and more productive each day. But by taking some time away from the rush of everyday life we can find both greater effectiveness and joy. There is a lot of wisdom in the saying, "Stop and smell the roses." By slowing down and taking breaks, you give your brain a rest, resulting in better focus, efficiency and results. Start today and commit to at least one tip to slow down and enjoy life more. Take a minute to click on the link for the newsletter to read more about slowing down.

  May 31, 2024
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  Mental Health In a Changing World

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we turn our attention to addressing the challenges of maintaining good mental health in a rapidly changing world. As the American author, John Maxwell once said, "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." There are many ways we can grow in times of uncertainty. We can develop coping skills that help us process changes, prioritize our mental well-being, and accept the situations in life that we can't control. Please click on link for newsletter to read Tips for Nurturing Your Mental Health.

  Apr 30, 2024
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  The Power Behind the Power Nap

  We all have those nights, on occasion, when sleep is elusive. The next day you know the only things that will keep you going are coffee, sugar and energy drinks. But, what you probably really need is a nap! A nap has been shown to improve memory, cognition, and learning, enhances mood, productivity, creativity and job performance. It can also relieve stress and be good for your heart. Click on the link to read more about the traditions of naps.

  Apr 08, 2024
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  Unplug for Wellness

  Many of us are glued to our electronic devices - not just for work purposes, but for information, entertainment and social media. Taking time to unplug is great self-care. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase mindfulness and improve social relationships by connecting on deeper levels. During March, challenge yourself to unplug for one day. For reasons to unplug once a week, click on the link to read the March newsletter.

  Feb 29, 2024
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  The Importance of Being Selfless

  The National Day Calendar devotes several days in February to putting others first, including Send A Card to A Friend Day, No One Eats Alone Day, Shut-In Visitation Day, Do A Grouch A Favor Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day. All of these involve kindness and even selflessness towards others. Performing even a small act of selflessness may make a huge impact. Holding a door, letting someone go before you in a line or even a warm smile and a cheery "hello," could turn another's day around. Learn more about how to cultivate selflessness by clicking on link for newsletter.

  Jan 31, 2024
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  Get Organized for 2024

  Happy 2024! Many of us made a resolution or two before the clock struck midnight. Now is the time to take action to fulfill them. A very popular resolution is to get organized. One Source EAP is here to help! National Clean Off Your Desk Day celebrates starting 2024 with a clean and organized work area. It’s amazing what a cluttered environment does to your mind and body. Our brains need order! Research shows that mess causes the body to release cortisol throughout the day, potentially causing weight gain. The longer you wait to get organized, the harder it may become. To see how being organized can reduce stress levels, click on the newsletter.

  Jan 02, 2024
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  Decision-Making

  During the holidays, we are presented with many decisions - from what gifts to buy, to holiday menus, to what to wear and where to go to celebrate the season. Decision-making is especially difficult when we are under stress. Sometimes we all get stuck making big decisions. Try the tips in the newsletter for making up your mind for life's big choices.

  Dec 01, 2023
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  Care for Caregivers

  We are all caregivers in one way or another. About 1 in 3 adults in the United States is an informal or family caregiver. Caregiving is rewarding; giving a sense of satisfaction and deepening relationships. However, caregiving also comes with a healthy does of stress. For tips to help manage caregiver stress, click on the newsletter.

  Oct 31, 2023
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  Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella

  While an umbrella protects you from the rain or the sun, a smile can protect you as well. When we smile, we know it can make someone's day. What isn't as obvious is that when you smile, your brain releases chemicals that have powerful effects on your health and well being - even if you are forcing that smile. Click on the link to newsletter to read more about the benefits of smiling.

  Sep 29, 2023
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  September is Self-Improvement Month

  September brings with it changes, the start of school alters summer schedules and the Autumnal equinox brings on Fall. It is fitting then, to focus on making changes to self-improvement. September is a month of transformation. Read this month's newsletter to find out tips to keep it simple on following through with self-improvement plans.

  Sep 01, 2023
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  Friends Improve Mental Health

  Research shows that friends actually affect our physical and mental health in powerful ways. The Mayo Clinic found that “adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). To have good friends, you need to be a good friend. Because, as Carole King wrote, “aint it good to know, you’ve got a friend.”

  Aug 03, 2023
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  The Importance of Self-Care

  If you've ever flown on an airplane, you've heard the flight attendant describe what to do in case of an emergency - put on your oxygen mask first, then help others. The message is that we can't possibly care for others if we don't first take care of ourselves. This is guidance for our daily lives as well. Read more to find out about 5 Steps For Enhancing Self-Care.

  Jun 29, 2023
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  Men's Health Month

  Since 1992, June has been celebrated as National Men's Health Awareness Month. Men have been raised to be strong for their families. They don't have an easy path to ask for help. They may not know avenues that exist when they're struggling to be strong for those around them. The good news is that our society is creating more pathways for men to get the support they need. Read more to find out about our call to action this month to raise awareness for prevention and early treatment of health problems experienced by men.

  Jun 01, 2023
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  Mental Health Month: "Look Around, Look Within"

  Since 1949, Mental Health America has sponsored Mental Health Month during May. This year's focus is on taking time to look at your surroundings and within to see how they might be affecting you. From your home to your neighborhood to the beautiful spaces in nature, many factors come into play when it comes to your mental wellness. Click on the link for the newsletter to read about 10 Feng Shui Rules For a Peaceful Home.

  May 01, 2023
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  Humor: Good For Your Health and Work

  Humor in the workplace seems like a funny way of improving business performance. However, humor can go a long way to help employees bring their authentic selves to work, building relationships, and more creatively solve problems. Click on link for newsletter to read about 10 benefits of humor at work.

  Apr 03, 2023
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  Choosing to Be Happy

  There are days when happiness seems pretty hard to find. Stress at home, at work and negative news stories can sometimes make it difficult to find the silver lining in the clouds. It turns out that our positive connections and healthy relationships with others are what make us truly happy.  

  Mar 01, 2023
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  Random Acts of Kindness

  Big acts of kindness are not required to help make someone's day or bring a smile to someone's face. Holding the door for the person behind you, letting someone go in front of you at the store, letting another driver out of a parking lot or just a friendly smile can help bring joy to someone else.

  Feb 02, 2023
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  The Power of Compliments

  Happy 2023 from One Source EAP! Many of us are in resolution-making mode, so consider one that will improve the year for both you and those around you - resolve to give at least one compliment every day. Compliments are very powerful, as they: Motivate, Increase Happiness, and Improve the Workplace.

  Jan 03, 2023
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  Happy Holidays

  One Source EAP can help with tools, strategies and one-on-one support to help you find the joyfulness you deserve. If difficult emotions during the Holidays become impediments to your enjoyment of the season, One Source EAP offers free and confidential help to sort through challenges before they become crises. 

  Dec 01, 2022
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  Communication Essential: Listening

  Most people do not listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply. Listening skills are an essential component to being an excellent communicator.

  Nov 01, 2022
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  Managing Conflict

  Conflict is a normal part of healthy relationships and of life. Whether it is at work, at home or in the community, we all experience conflict on a somewhat regular basis. Conflict started on the playground and continues throughout our lives. How we manage or de-escalate conflict makes all the difference in the outcome.

  Oct 03, 2022
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  Suicide Prevention Awareness Teaches Hope

  We tend to think of September as a month to begin learning. In this context, it seems fitting that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, when we are encouraged to learn about the things we can all do to prevent suicide in those around us.

  Sep 19, 2022
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  Power Up Through Self-Awareness

  Self-awareness happens when we direct our attention to what we think, feel and experience, how we impact others and how these things fit with our values.  

  Sep 19, 2022
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  Laughter is the Best Medicine

  It turns out that dozens of scientific studies have proven that laughter is excellent for both our mental and physical health.

  Jul 28, 2022
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  The Creativity Connection

  Science continues to uncover evidence about the benefits of creativity. From emotional to psychological to physical, the health benefits from exploring your creative side are very compelling.

  Jul 28, 2022