Start a gratitude journal. Recording positive things about your day, whether major achievements or simple pleasures, can reduce stress, improve sleep and even foster better relationships by building a sense of empathy. Take five deep breaths. Changing your breathing pattern can bring your body back into balance decreasing stress, pain, blood pressure and increase immunity. … Read More
And with a blink of an eye, it’s that time of year again. Look at a calendar and you’re presented with pictures of the perfect holiday scenarios. There are kids playing in the snow, large families happily gathering around a feast and lovestruck couples exchanging gifts in front of a fireplace. The pressure is on … Read More
On November 23, 2021, OMB extended the expiration of the 2017 paper CCF to August 31, 2023. This means that employers and specimen collectors may use the 2017 Federal CCF for urine specimens collected for federal workplace drug testing programs and those collected for testing under the Department of Transportation (DOT) without a requirement for … Read More
The holidays are known as a time for joy and togetherness. However, for people who have lost a loved one, this time of year can bring pain and sorrow. This year, COVID-19 has not only left many grieving the loss of loved ones but living through lost jobs, financial freedom, and interactions. While most do … Read More
Children aren’t born knowing how to cooperate, share and communicate. These are learned skills, and parents play a big role in helping children learn them. Many of the skills of good friendship must also be learned. When children struggle with them, parents can help by playing a coaching role. Different children have different needs for … Read More
One of the goals of any leader is the ability to improve morale. But how do you do that in difficult times? How do you make members of the team feel appreciated and optimistic about the future when raises are minimal or nonexistent and budgets are tight? COVID-19 has also contributed to increases in anxiety, … Read More
Perhaps if you could pitch a beach umbrella in the middle of the office, it would help you feel better about spending the summer behind your desk. Everyone, it seems, is on vacation. Everyone except you. Here are tips on remaining sunny when it seems as if everyone else is at the beach: Start building … Read More
The experience of emerging from isolation after a pandemic is new for all of us. Over the last year, many people have become accustomed to the habits of isolation. Depending on where you live and how far along vaccinations are progressing, society may be in various stages of reopening for good. Here are some considerations … Read More
For decades now, the internet has become a part of our daily lives. Having children grow up in a connected world is both exciting and challenging. Teaching kids safe online habits is crucial for today’s parents. Additionally, parents need to be able to effectively monitor their children’s activity and limit access to potentially dangerous parts … Read More
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and there is no better time to think about your mental wellbeing. With all the responsibilities our private, social and work lives bring, it’s often hard to justify spending time solely on ourselves. Carving out time doesn’t have to be challenging, as just a small amount of time for … Read More
During this difficult time, it’s no surprise that the number of employees accessing their employee assistance program is on the rise. Employees have turned to these resources, reporting feelings of fear and anxiety. During the last year, the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and civil unrest was a common concern for many. Even as we start … Read More
Physical activity is important for children and adults of all ages. Being active as a family can benefit everyone. Adults need 2½ hours a week of physical activity, and children need 60 minutes a day. Follow these tips to add more activity to your family’s busy schedule. Set specific activity times. Determine time slots throughout the … Read More