ÀÖÓãÌåÓý

One Source EAP Connections

• 

  Enhancing Your Creativity

  The word creativity likely brings to mind thoughts of painting, drawing, musical ability or literature. Given that description, many of us may not consider ourselves terribly creative. However, creativity is a skill that can be useful in all aspects of life, including work, where creative thinking and problem-solving can bring about innovations that help organizations thrive. You are creative if... 1) You look at difficulties and see unusual or unique ways to address them 2) You think of things to make your department or workplace more efficient *3) You find ways to make your department more enjoyable If none of these apply to you, you can Jumpstart your creativity by using some of the ideas at right. Employees who are encouraged to be creative at work find they are more productive, happier, and contribute to new ways of solving problems. Creativity also results in higher engagement and satisfaction for both clients and employees.

  Apr 01, 2025
• 

  Simplify Your LIfe

  Americans are known to over schedule, over spend, over commit and strive to overachieve. This leads us to being over stressed and overwhelmed. This month, we are taking a step back to focus on simplifying our lives, which has physical, psychological and financial benefits. More isn't always better. Sometimes it's just more. Many times, we don’t need more � clutter in our homes, on our phones, and on our calendars. It leads to stress and a feeling of being overwhelmed on a regular basis. Simplifying isn’t about removing enjoyment, it’s about making room for things that bring peace and joy to your life. When you declutter your surroundings, you have more space to enjoy the things you treasure most. When you start saying no to commitments that aren’t critical, you have more time for spontaneity, for loved ones, and for yourself. When you cut back on non-essential spending, you have more savings. Simplifying relieves stress so you have more calm and ease in your life. Click on link for newsletter to read tips on how to start simplifying.

  Feb 28, 2025
• 

  Build Stronger Relationships in 2025

  As humans, we have an inherent need for companionship and feeling connected. Whether it’s through friends, co-workers, family members or romantic partners, we crave the support, encouragement and perspective we get from being in relationships with others. Just one relationship can’t give us everything we need, so we require a variety. We crave unconditional love of family, social interactions with friends, camaraderie and respect with co-workers, a sense of common purpose with our communities, and intimacy from romantic partners. Healthy relationships require trust, openness, mutual respect, and good communication skills along with the ability to give and take. When both parties are willing to dedicate themselves to these characteristics, the payoff for doing so is huge! Being in strong relationships is associated with a reduction in stress and a greater sense of purpose, which makes sense. But those with close ties also tend to heal quicker after illness or injury, tend to live a heathier lifestyle and have increased longevity from living a more meaningful life. Click on newsletter link to read about ways to strengthen relationships.

  Jan 31, 2025
• 

  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
• 

  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
• 

  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
• 

  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
• 

  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
• 

  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
• 

  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