As mentioned in September’s bulletin, creating a healthy lifestyle begins with you. Let’s continue taking part in activities that promote a healthy mind, body and corporate culture.
Tip # 3 – Get a good night’s sleep
When you’re well-rested, your life is easier. You think more clearly, feel and look better, and have more stamina and energy. During times of stress, even people who usually sleep well have trouble getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep even for a few days, can leave you feeling irritable, frustrated, and forgetful. It can also raise your risk for some illnesses.
Establish a bedtime routine that is easy to follow, such as listening to soft music, drinking a cup of herbal tea, or taking a bath and then turning out the lights at the same time every night.
Some sleep problems can be related to depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, all of which can be treated with professional help.
- Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol after five o’clock
- Keep your phone away from your bed
- Try to exercise during the day
- Aim to get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep
If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, try not to lie in bed worrying that you can’t fall asleep. Get up and do something relaxing instead.
- Read something light or listen to music in another room until you feel sleepy
- Do deep-breathing or other relaxation exercises
- Drink a cup of hot milk – research shows that the amino acids in milk may help you get to sleep
If your sleep problems persist, you may want to talk with your health care provider. Some sleep problems can be related to depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, all of which can be treated with professional help.
Tip #4 – Reduce stress
Stress is a normal part of life for most people. But too much of it can affect your health, the way you feel, and your ability to perform well at work and at home. That’s why it’s important to learn ways to deal with stress.
In some cases, the best way to deal with stress is to go straight to its source. If you’ve been worrying about tackling your to-do list, you can take a minute to prioritize it. If you’re anxious about an issue at work, speak with your manager.
The first step in managing stress is becoming aware of how you react to it. Once you learn how stress affects you, you can start treating it. Here are some common symptoms of stress:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anger or irritability, particularly with respect to some of life’s little annoyances
- Headaches, neck or back pain
There are many different techniques for dealing with stress. You may need to try a range of approaches before you find one that works for you.
Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety & Disability Management
To feel more supported and guided, connect with your EAP provider, LifeWorks.
LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being. Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:
- LifeWorks Blog
- Webinars and Events
- 24/7 Specialist Counselling
Link: Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel
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