Mental Health Awareness Month | Words from Wellness & Healthcare | May 2022

The Wellness Committee and Healthcare Committee have partnered for the month of May to bring you information, events and resources related to Mental Health Awareness. Please stay tuned for weekly emails and webinars - our goal is to help educate you on the importance of mental health and its connection to overall health. Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.

■ Finding ways to wind-down, such as with relaxation techniques, as part of a standard routine before bedtime ■ Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine in the evening ■ Dimming lights and putting away electronic devices for an hour or more before bed ■ Getting regular exercise and natural light exposure during the daytime

■ Maximizing comfort and support from your mattress, pillows, and bedding ■ Blocking out excess light and sound that could disrupt sleep Finding the best routines and bedroom arrangement may take some trial and error to determine what’s best for you, but that process can pay dividends in helping you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep through the night.

A common cause of sleeping problems is poor sleep hygiene. Stepping up sleep hygiene by cultivating habits and a bedroom setting that are conducive to sleep can go a long way in reducing sleep disruptions. Examples of steps that can be taken for healthier sleep habits include: ■ Having a set bedtime and maintaining a steady sleep schedule

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (separate meeting invites to follow) **please note that most of the sessions will be recorded if you are unable to attend live (not including Paint Night). May 4 @ 12 pm YOGA FOR RELAXATION A 30-minute gentle yoga class (virtual) - focusing on easing stress and promoting relaxation. May 11 @ 1 pm FAMILY LIFE: THE JUGGLING ACT A Cigna Life Connected Seminar Series. Working, raising kids, balancing extracurricular activities and family commitments… are you trying to keep too many “balls” in the air? In this seminar we will take a fresh look at some of the pressures that drive this juggling act. You’ll learn strategies to add balance, reduce stress, and manage your obligations more effectively. Week of 5/16 WELLNESS RESOURCES This week we’ll provide an overview of the wellness resources that are available from Cigna and our EAP. May 25 @ 5 pm VIRTUAL PAINT NIGHT! Join us for a fun virtual paint night! Bring your snacks & favorite beverage and the rest will be provided to you. Please note: this event is free but requires a separate registration, as we will need to send the supplies to you.

10 WAYS TO FEEL STRONGER & MORE HOPEFUL Connect with others Stay positive Get physically active Help others Get enough sleep Create joy and satisfaction Eat well Take care of your spirit Deal better with hard times Get professional help if you need it Mental health is important for all of us. Taking care of yourself is critical to prevent your mental health from worsening – factors like nutrition and gut health, stress, sleep, relationships, trauma, and more can contribute to poor mental health. If your mental health is in a good spot, it is a great time to practice coping skills – ways to help you deal with hard feelings – so that you’re better able to handle tough times when they happen. Why should I care about mental health? Mental health refers to our emotional and social well-being and impacts how we think, feel, and behave. It plays a role in connecting with others, making decisions, handling stress, and many other aspects of daily life. Everyone has mental health, and it deserves your attention just as much as your physical health does. Starting To Think About Mental Health

There are many benefits of deep breathing—it may help alleviate depression, anxiety, and just general stress levels. Mental health professionals and yogis alike will recommend deep breathing because of all the amazing ways it can benefit your mental health, not just your respiratory system. Below are some breathing resources: TED Talk: Breathe to Heal by Max Strom How Breathwork Can Help Ease Anxiety Breathing Basics: The How And The Why Three Breathing Exercises And Techniques Breathing to Reduce Stress The 10 Best Meditation & Breathing Apps To Reduce Anxiety

“Inhale, then exhale. That’s how you’ll get through it.” – Author Unknown