“Happiness is not a matter of intensity,
but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.” Thomas Merton

You might relate to the feeling of constantly juggling work, home, family, and social responsibilities. Sometimes it feels overwhelming like there is no time to stop and catch your breath.

Balance is Important
Moderation, balance, and stability are crucial for a happy and healthy life. Without balance, you will increase the likelihood of burnout; you can probably relate to overdoing one area of your life and naturally wanting to bring yourself into equilibriu m or harmony, perhaps you have spent a period of your life overworking or looking after a sick relative.

It is natural to follow the rhythm of life, changing like the seasons, with periods when you have lots of energy, and other times just wanting to hibernate. However, if you feel out of balance, it may be because you are over extending yourself in certain areas of your life which is not sustainable.

Life balance is different for everyone
You are unique and will have wants and needs that are different from others. It’s important to assess your priorities to achieve balance. Perfection is unrealistic.

Regaining balance
Bringing your life back into balance can take time and effort, but it’s work that will do wonders for your health and wellbeing for years to come. If you feel it’s time to get back on the path toward balance, start by:

• Scheduling time to reflect on your life and the challenges you face
• Determining your priorities and personal needs
• Creating a list or plan of actions, both small and large, that you will act
  upon
• Asking for help from someone who inspires you
• Trying something new; nothing changes if nothing changes

For more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

CCOHS – Work-LIfe Balance

Work-Life balance is a Cycle, not an Achievement – HBR

Work-Life Balance Quiz – CMHANEW LINK – https://lifeworks.com/en

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

Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

During a recent webinar on Overcoming Burnout (Password: webinarbcs), we heard that burnout and emotional fatigue are on the rise. It can creep up on us and hit us when we aren’t prepared. A recent study by Indeed showed that,

Among all respondents, 80% believe Covid
19 has impacted workplace burnout
though, how and to what extent vary. A 67% majority say burnout has worsened
during the pandemic, though 13% believe it has gotten better.

Through the pioneering work of psychologist Christina Maslach, we know that there are three aspects to burnout that is experienced as we are exposed to chronic stress over time. These are,

• Exhaustion which is comprised/ is the profound/deep physical, mental, and emotional fatigue that can impact one’s ability to work effectively and feel positive about their work.
• Cynicism which represents disengagement at work or is a way for one to distance/isolate themselves psychologically from their work.
• And inefficacy, feelings of incompetence and/or lack of achievement and productivity. Often developing exhaustion and cynicism at the same time due to being tired and missing one’s connection to work.

The good news is there are things we can do to prevent burnout.

1. Prioritize self-care – It’s essential/ important to replenish/ recharge your physical and emotional energy, along with your capacity /ability to focus, by prioritizing good sleep habits, nutrition, exercise, social connection, and practices that promote equanimity/ calmness and well being, like meditating, journaling, and enjoying nature.
2. Shifting our perspective – While resting, relaxation and replenishment/recharging can ease exhaustion, curb cynicism, and enhance efficacy, they don’t fully address the root causes of burnout. Altering your perspective can buffer/ cushion the negative impact of even the uncontrollable aspects of work or personal life.
3. Seek out social connections -The best antidote to burnout, particularly when it’s driven by cynicism and inefficacy, is seeking out social connections. That is, connections that boost your mood not brings it down.

Burnout can often feel insurmountable/ impossible. By understanding the symptoms and causes, and implementing some simple strategies, we can build a road map for recovery and improvement. And as always, seek out professional help when needed.For more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

AHS Ways to Wellness

Letting Go of Excess StressLifeWorks 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

During the summer months, there is an increased risk for severe weather events such as extreme heat, tornadoes, flooding, heavy rain, severe storm systems, fire and smoke. Learn about the risks so you, your family members and your neighbours can be prepared.

What is in an Emergency Action Plan?
An emergency action plan can reduce the impact of an emergency situation. Make a plan to ensure you and your family members know what to do and who to call.

To get you started, you should:

1. Have a family discussion about what should you do during an emergency, where would you go, what would you need, and where would you meet.

2. Make sure children know when to call 9-1-1.

3. Put together a 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Kit.

4. Create a home escape plan. This plan will tell your family how to evacuate your building in the case of an emergency. Determine a pre-designated meeting spot and make sure to have at least two ways to exit your building.

5. Hold evacuation and fire drills every month. If you need to escape from second or third floor windows, use rescue ladders.

6. Create a family reunion plan. Designate a common meeting place outside your community. Everyone should check in with an out-of-town friend or relative. Though phone landlines and mobile networks may be overloaded, often a text message will go through.

7. Plan a place to stay. Ensure that you have a place to stay in case you are evacuated from your home. Make plans with at least one inner-city and one outer-city friend or relative who can help you and your family in an emergency. Keep the contact information for these friends or relatives in your 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Kit.

8. Gather your family’s emergency contact information. It is important that you are able to get hold of the members of your family during an emergency or disaster. Learn your building’s evacuation plans and the locations of safety equipment. If you live in an apartment building or condominium, make sure to learn your building’s evacuation plans and know where fire alarms are located.

9. Finally, have a plan for your pet. Prepare a list of locations where your pet will be safe to evacuate. Consider if your pet is on medication or on a special diet, and ensure to keep extra supplies in your 72-hour kit.

To start making your plan, you can download this guide from the City of Calgary:
Simplified Guide to Emergency PreparednessFor more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeThe most effective way for emergency services to communicate information about an emergency or disaster is through mass communication, including traditional means, like radio and television, and social media.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE SUCH AS A CODE GREY
In certain circumstances, you may be directed to a “shelter-in-place” such as the inside of your home, office or vehicle.
Take these steps to maximize your protection:

• Close all windows and doors.
• Turn off furnaces and air intakes.
• Take your 72-hour emergency kit into the room, including radio and a cell phone.
• Monitor your TV, radio or calgary.ca until you are told all is safe or you are advised to evacuate.
• If you’re in your vehicle, shut it off. Turn off the fan and close all vents.

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