Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Tag: mental health

Dry January and Beyond: How Sober Living Can Improve Your Health and Business

Millions of people worldwide are participating in the health movement of Dry January, simply choosing not to drink alcohol for the month.

Because many Americans reported increasing their alcohol intake during COVID, there is concern that consumption has remained high even after the pandemic ended. Health professionals report they are seeing increased drinking habits, especially among women.

Colorado has a high prevalence of excessive drinking, with 20.7% of adults reporting binge drinking in 2023 as compared to the national average of 18.4%, according to the America’s Health Ranking Report.

Individuals who consume alcohol identified improving their physical health and mental well-being as the main reasons for drinking less.

READ: Transform Your Mental Health in the Workplace — Strategies for a Healthier, Happier Experience

The health rewards of drinking less

Keeping alcohol use to a minimum allows good things to start happening in your body. You may find that you sleep better, your mood improves and you’re able to think more clearly. Depending on the rest of your diet, you may even shed a few pounds. You’ll certainly lower your risk of several types of cancer, including throat, esophageal, breast and colorectal cancers, per the National Cancer Institute.

If reducing how much you drink is a personal goal, read on to learn tips and strategies that may help.

Tips and strategies for drinking less

Keep a journal to track your feelings

Knowing when and why you reach for alcohol can help you figure out ways to cut back. But if you’re unsure of your reasons, keep a journal for a week. When you feel the urge to pour a drink, jot down what is making you feel that way, whether physical or emotional. Loneliness and boredom are often big ones. You may also feel stressed, sad, anxious or irritable. Review your journal at the end of the week and look for patterns. Once you find some common themes, you can brainstorm ideas for working around them.

Drink mindfully

For many people, drinking alcohol is almost an unconscious habit — they drink without even thinking about it. For example, maybe you sip wine while cooking dinner or open a beer when you turn on the TV. As you reach for that drink, give yourself a moment to think. Do you really want it, or is it just part of your routine? That’s what mindful drinking is all about. If it’s the latter, you can concentrate on changing the behavior pattern. If it’s the former, have the drink, but stay present in the moment — sit down and savor it.

Change your routine

If you normally have your happy hour at 5 o’clock in the evening, postpone it to 6:30 or 7:00. Distract yourself by taking a walk, going to the gym or flipping through your favorite magazine. You may feel the urge to drink at first, but breaking your routine will help change your habits over time. It just takes practice.

REWAD: The Top 5 Ways You Can Support Mental Health in the Workplace

Try breathing exercises

If you often turn to alcohol when you’re stressed, anxious or irritated, try diaphragmatic breathing — also known as box breathing — before you pour a drink. This deep-breathing method calms the central nervous system and can help you relax. Here’s how it works:

    1. Sit or lie down and slowly breathe out all the air from your lungs.
    2. Breathe in through your nose for a slow count of four. Aim to fill your lungs and stomach, not just push out your chest.
    3. Hold your breath for a count of four.
    4. Exhale for another count of four.
    5. Hold your breath again for a count of four.
    6. Repeat the entire sequence three or four times.
    7. Once you’re calmer and more relaxed, you may find that you no longer need a drink to help you unwind.

Swap alcohol for something else

Even if you do well limiting your alcohol at home, it may be harder to stick to your goals when you socialize, especially if your friends, family and coworkers are all drinking. If you feel pressured to drink when you go out — or you don’t want to draw attention to the fact that you’re consuming less, order something nonalcoholic that still looks like a regular drink. There are plenty of tasty nonalcoholic beverage options to choose from. It can be something as simple as club soda with fresh lime, kombucha or even a nonalcoholic version of your favorite cocktail. You could order a virgin margarita and nobody would be the wiser.

The bottom line

Taking action to drink less puts you in control, so that if/when you do decide to have a glass of wine or a cocktail, it’s a conscious decision, not a mindless habit. And while drinking less can take a bit of planning and effort, the health rewards — for both body and mind — are worth it.

 

Dr. Matthew Husa headshotDr. Matthew Husa is the Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of Colorado.

Mental Health Diet: Gen XYZ’s Embrace of “Healthy” Snacks 

It’s fair to say that today’s reality has our minds ceaselessly bombarded with a barrage of information and stimuli, and to that end, the preservation of mental well-being has emerged as a topmost priority for many. With an amplified awareness of the intricate connection between the mind and the gut, Generations X, Y (Millennials) and Z have redirected their attention towards snacking; no longer is snacking solely about appeasing hunger — it has now become a means to nourish the brain. The trend is unmistakable: brain-boosting sustenance has taken center stage, revolutionizing our perception of snacking.

While generations X, Y, and Z exhibit distinct characteristics, they do share a common interest in health and wellness — an interest that reaches beyond physical well-being to encompass mental health as well. The understanding that what we consume can profoundly impact our mental state has never been more prevalent; these generations are inclined to gravitate towards snacks that offer them a cognitive advantage, whether it be enhancing focus, uplifting mood, supporting overall brain health, or ideally, all of the above.

READ: Bitewell’s ‘Food as Medicine’ Initiative is Empowering Employee Health Across Colorado

The discipline of snacking and mental well-being

The brain is an organ that expends tremendous energy, utilizing approximately 20% of the body’s caloric intake; consequently, it necessitates a continuous supply of fuel, and herein lies the significance of smart snacking. 

Certain nutrients have been proven to enhance brain function and promote mental well-being. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseeds, for example, are vital for cognitive performance and mood regulation; likewise, antioxidants inherent in berries aid in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress within the brain, potentially mitigating the risk of psychiatric disorders.

Furthermore, complex carbohydrates — present in whole grains — provide a steady release of glucose, which is a fundamental requirement for optimal brain performance. Protein-rich snacks, such as nuts, seeds and protein chips, contain amino acids that function as precursors to neurotransmitters impacting mood and alertness. The intricate dance between diet and mental well-being involves a symphony of chemical reactions, hormonal equilibrium and the synergy of nutrients — stunningly complex while simultaneously offering up a very simple solution: You are what you eat, so eat plenty of natural goodness.

READ: Transform Your Mental Health in the Workplace — Strategies for a Healthier, Happier Experience

Purposeful snacking: the approach of Generations XYZ

Generations X, Y, and Z are now breaking free from conventional snacking habits in favor of more deliberate, mindful choices; they are increasingly substituting empty-calorie snacks with brain-boosting benefits.

Embracing superfoods

Blueberries, walnuts, and dark chocolate are gaining recognition as snack staples — not only are they dense in nutrients, but they also exert positive effects on brain health.

Prioritizing gut health

A growing comprehension exists that a healthy gut contributes to a healthy mind — fermented snacks like yogurt and kombucha, brimming with probiotics, are now favored to support the gut-brain axis.

Tailoring snacks to individual needs

Snack selections are contingent upon the mental benefits they can provide, whether it’s an energizing boost in the morning or a revitalizing pick-me-up after lunch. For example, snacks containing caffeine and L-theanine — such as matcha — offer sustained alertness without inducing jitters.

Opting for natural and organic choices

With mounting skepticism towards artificial additives, Gen XYZ is gravitating towards snacks containing natural and organic ingredients, free from preservatives as well as artificial colors or flavors.

READ: Plant-based Protein is Taking Root in Colorado’s Food Economy

Sustainability and ethics

The decisions regarding snacking are increasingly being influenced by ethical considerations and the environmental repercussions tied to food production; consequently, plant-based snacks that yield lower carbon footprints have garnered substantial demand.

Customization and personalization

With personalized nutrition making headway, snacks are being tailored to cater to individual dietary needs and health goals, including those pertaining to mental well-being.

The path ahead

The shift towards snacking for mental health is not some fleeting trend, but rather an understanding of how our body and mind are connected. We’re starting to grasp how complex our brains are, and what this awe-inspiringly powerful organ needs nutritionally. And, as we continue to look further into it, we’ll discover more.

The embrace of brain-boosting sustenance by Generations X, Y and Z signifies a promising sign of the times; it speaks to a broader movement towards intentional eating and adopting a holistic approach to health. By opting for snacks that not only satiate hunger but also support mental well-being, these generations are spearheading the charge toward creating a healthier, more mindful world.

Generations X, Y and Z all snack in a way that’s frankly, quite impressive. Not only do they know what tastes good, but they also know what’s good for their brain; they’re starting to eat with purpose and set a new standard. 

Transform Your Mental Health in the Workplace: Strategies for a Healthier, Happier Experience

It’s easy to let our well-being take a back seat as the demands of the modern workplace often leave us little room to focus on our health. Long hours, looming deadlines, and the constant pressures of work can take a toll on our physical and mental health.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Prioritizing your health should be at the top of your list. If you’ve realized that it’s time for a change, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you take the first steps, from simple stretches for upper back pain to healthy sleeping habits and more, to transform you from a tired employee into a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself.

READ: The Top 5 Ways You Can Support Mental Health in the Workplace

Mindset and motivation

A positive mindset acts as a powerful driver, allowing you to face challenges with resilience and make healthier choices. It influences your perspective, outlook and overall well-being. Similarly, motivation is the catalyst that propels you to act and achieve your goals, ensuring you continue moving forward.

What can you do about it?

  • View work in context: Every task, no matter how small or unglamorous, plays a part in your broader career journey. You can stay motivated even during less exciting assignments by recognizing that your current role contributes to your future success.
  • Break tasks into smaller steps: Instead of tackling overwhelming projects all at once, break them into more manageable pieces. Start with simpler objectives, such as writing a paragraph or conducting initial research, and build momentum from there.
  • Understand when you’re most productive: Identify your most productive hours. Some people perform best in the morning, while others hit their stride later in the day. Tailor your work schedule to harness your peak productivity during these times, allowing you to tackle challenging tasks more effectively.
  • Clear distractions out of your workspace: Minimize distractions and interruptions by organizing your workspace and setting clear boundaries. Turn off notifications and optimize your environment for focused work. This reduces the temptation to stray from your tasks.
  • Take regular breaks: Regular, active breaks are essential for maintaining motivation and productivity. Extended periods of sitting can slow down your thinking. Short breaks, like a walk to the water cooler, increase blood flow to your brain, helping you think more clearly and stay motivated throughout the workday.

READ: How Managers Can Support Employee Mental Health After the Holiday Season

Managing stress

Who among us hasn’t experienced the weight of stress at some point? It’s a familiar companion in the modern workplace, impacting our health and overall well-being. The good news is that we can learn how to manage it effectively and regain control of our lives.

Five practical tips to manage Stress

  • Create a pre-work ritual: Many of us begin our workday already stressed, thanks to hectic mornings. Start your day with planning, proper nutrition and a positive attitude. A well-organized morning routine can make you less reactive to workplace stress.
  • Mindfulness practices: Incorporate mindfulness exercises into your daily routine. These include techniques like deep breathing and meditation. They help you stay grounded, reduce anxiety and navigate stress more effectively.
  • Identify your stressors: Recognize what causes stress during your workday and how you react to it. Whether it’s morning traffic, a noon meeting or other triggers, jot them down. Then, reflect on how to respond to each situation in a healthier way.
  • Set aside time for yourself: Make room in your schedule for activities you enjoy, like spending time with friends and family or pursuing hobbies. This helps recharge your mental and emotional batteries, making you more resilient in the face of workplace stress.
  • Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues, friends or professionals when stress becomes overwhelming. Sharing your concerns can provide valuable insights and emotional relief.

READ: Why It’s Important to Invest in Yourself — and 4 Ways to Do So

Regular physical activity

Many of us spend our workdays sitting at desks, which can lead to discomfort and upper back pain. To address this issue, consider incorporating regular physical activity into your work routine and beyond.

Practical tips for staying active in the office

  • Park farther away: If you drive to work, resist the urge to find the closest parking space. Choose a spot farther away, allowing you to enjoy a beneficial walk at the beginning and end of your day. If you use public transit, consider getting off a stop early and walking the rest of the way.
  • Schedule mini-movement breaks: Stand up every 30 minutes to combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting. You can set a recurring alarm or install an app that reminds you to take regular breaks. These breaks don’t mean you have to stop working, but they encourage short bursts of physical activity.
  • Stretch: Take short breaks for light stretching several times a day. This helps reduce stiffness and soreness that can result from long periods of sitting. Pay special attention to stretches that benefit your upper back, such as the upper back stretch, shoulder blade squeezes and neck tilts. The upper back is particularly vulnerable in a sedentary office environment.

Post-work activities for relaxation

While staying active during the workday is crucial, it’s equally important to unwind and relax after work. Engage in activities like walking, running, swimming or any other physical pursuits that you enjoy. These activities not only help to alleviate stress but also enhance your overall well-being, making the transition from work to personal time more balanced and enjoyable.

The role of sleep

Quality sleep is the cornerstone of good health. It allows your body to repair tissues, consolidate memories and regulate hormones. A lack of quality sleep is associated with an increased risk of various health issues including heart disease, obesity and mood disorders. In the workplace, sleep deprivation can lead to decreased productivity and concentration.

Tips for improving sleep quality

  • Set a sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
  • Create a comfortable sleep environment: Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. Remove electronic devices that emit blue light, as it can interfere with your sleep cycle.
  • Wind down before bed: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Engage in calming activities like reading, taking a warm bath or practicing deep breathing exercises.
  • Limit stimulants: Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening. These substances can disrupt your sleep patterns

Take the first step today

Your well-being deserves your attention, especially in the demanding world of work. It’s easy to neglect, but you have the power to change that. Choose strategies that suit your lifestyle, take small steps and become a healthier, happier version of yourself.

Prioritizing your well-being isn’t just for your benefit; it contributes to a more productive and positive workplace. So, whether it’s regular physical activity, effective stress management or improved sleep quality, your journey starts now. Embrace your well-being, take action and watch your life transform. You’ve got what it takes to make it happen.

 

Deepak Juneja is the founder of Tech Webers an expert in website development and SEO.

Overcoming Career Burnout: 3 Strategies for Leadership Longevity

“It’s a really hard time in the business. I don’t have time for balance in my life,” an overwhelmed executive shared with me as to why he has not been caring for himself and his well-being.

As a public company CEO coach and positive organizational psychologist, I frequently hear similar statements from leaders. It’s based on the misperception that workforce well-being is a nice-to-have perk that leaders don’t have time for. Unfortunately, that flawed perspective is contributing to rising levels of leadership burnout and is detrimental to leadership performance. 

In truth, to lead at your full potential requires caring for yourself first, which is a paradigm shift. Based on my research and experience, I have discovered an encouraging solution for leaders to not only overcome burnout but to thrive: Vital Leadership.

READ: Avoiding Founder Burnout — A Guide on Fighting Hustle Culture for Entrepreneurs

Vital leadership places caring for your well-being as foundational to maximizing leadership performance. By promoting your well-being, you build your vitality, giving you an abundance of energy. It gives you access to your inner physical, psychological and emotional energy resources to lead at your best.

In a recent study, I interviewed 20 Fortune 1000 CEOs to understand what leadership performance looks like when thriving vs. burned out. The results show that when leaders thrive, it positively impacts their life and leadership. 

Drawing from my research and the CEO study, I have found the top physical, psychological and emotional strategies leaders can take to attain greater wellbeing and perform at their peak.   

The top three strategies to lead at your best:

1. Emotional: Nurture high-quality relationships

The top approach CEOs use to encourage their well-being is nurturing high-quality relationships. 100% of the CEOs I interviewed spoke about the importance of personal and professional relationships, pointing to the energizing effect of their high-quality connections. Additional research has found even greater impacts: positive relationships are the number one key to a happy life according to an 85-year longitudinal study conducted at Harvard. 

READ: Maximize Your Impact — The Power of Intentional Network Building

Strategies:

  • Prioritize the relationships in your life that bring you joy and are energizing. Intentionally invest in them on an ongoing basis. Consider how you could make time to connect to relationships that are most important to you, such as for a meal, an activity, a walk or a phone call.
  • Take inventory of your relationships that matter to you. As you review, consider relationships in each of these categories: family, significant other, friends and work relationships. Ask yourself: Are you getting the time you need with each person? If not, choose one relationship to give attention to. What’s one thing you could do to invest in the relationship more? 

 2. Physical: Care for your physical health

Physical health was cited by 85% of interviewees as critical to fostering well-being. While physical health is essential to increasing well-being, I have found leaders focus on it less when work or position demands increase. 

Strategies:

  • Nutrition: cut down on processed foods, eat more nutrient-dense foods and drink more water throughout the day. 
  • Movement: incorporate movement throughout the day, such as a walking meeting or a short walk outside. Schedule times each week to engage in a physical activity you enjoy. 
  • Sleep: An important key to physical health is getting enough sleep every night. Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep every night to be most productive. 

READ: Navigating the Future — Insights and Advice from Colorado’s CEO Roundtable

3. Psychological: Create space in your day

75% of the CEOs I spoke with discussed the importance of making space in their day to think, plan and get work done as a crucial part of their well-being. One of the biggest issues leaders face is out-of-control calendars, with back-to-back meetings. This issue has only become worse as virtual work has increased. This lack of space reduces effectiveness. 

Strategies:

  • Intentionally create space: Every day, create blocks of time on your calendar throughout the day to think, reflect, plan or simply relax. Consider changing meeting durations from one hour to 45 minutes or from 30 minutes to 20 minutes. Use the extra time purposefully. 
  • Model creating space for your team: and encourage them to do so as well. Make the commitment to yourself and your team that this time for space is essential and may not be infringed upon. Consider creating “no-meeting” times for thinking space with your team: such as an hour block of time where no one schedules meetings or interrupts each other.

These three Vital Leadership strategies give suggestions to improving your well-being to build your vitality so you don’t deplete yourself. By tapping into your physical, psychological and emotional energy, you’ll lead at your full capacity. Ultimately, it’s up to you to reflect on what strategy you want to explore.

Reflection: What’s one action you could take to encourage your vital leadership in the next week?

 

Jamie Shapiro HeadshotDr. Jamie Shapiro is a master-certified executive leadership coach and organizational psychologist who specializes in working with CEOs of public companies and their executive teams. She is the CEO and founder of Connected EC, a C-suite executive coaching company, and the author of Brilliant: Be the Leader Who Shines Brightly Without Burning Out. For more information about Connected EC, visit: https://www.connectedec.com/

Mastering Work-Life Balance: Practical Steps for Entrepreneurs to Thrive

Work-life balance has become somewhat of a meme at this point. You hear it in conversations and read it in articles across the web, usually from gurus who purport that they hold the secret key to success in all parts of life.

However, it’s best to approach this topic with a realistic perspective. If you are a business owner who spends most of their time between projects, deadlines and team meetings, striking the right balance between personal and professional lives can be challenging.

Let’s discover how you can achieve this, in just a few steps.

READ: Avoiding Founder Burnout — A Guide on Fighting Hustle Culture for Entrepreneurs

Work-life balance quiz

We might break “Life” down into three key areas. For each of the following, a simple yes or no answer will help you to understand which area you should focus on to get to that level of work-life balance that you crave.

Personal activities and leisure

Some business owners find that relaxing on the sofa, reading a book or going out on the town helps them unwind. Hobbies and leisure activities can look different to everyone, so think about what makes you happy and relaxed.

Ask yourself: Do you spend enough time doing the leisure activities you personally enjoy?

Fitness and health

Sport and physical activity are great ways to detach your mind from work while providing your body with the much-needed movement and fresh air it needs. 

This can be particularly true if you are making the transition from an employee to a business owner. Spending a little time on your health will help you maintain this drive for the long term.

READ: From Employee to Entrepreneur — Top Tips for Making a Successful Switch 

Ask yourself: Do you allocate as much time to your health as you would like?

Friendships and relationships

Lastly, we have the people in our lives — friends, family and partners. Spending time with them and making memories is another essential aspect of achieving a good work-life balance.

Ask yourself: Do you spend enough time with the important people in your life?

How to work towards a healthy work-life balance

If you answered “no” to one or more of the quiz questions, you should start taking steps towards a better work-life balance. Here’s how:

Utilize technology

You may think of technology as exclusively work-related, especially if you are currently in the process of looking for a cheap domain buy for your business or something similar. Tech tools, though, can also come in handy when it comes to achieving a healthy work-life balance.

READ: Revolutionizing Employee Satisfaction — Unveiling the Role of Technology in Modern Workplaces

For example, if you manage an Airbnb business, you no doubt understand the constant demand for managing bookings, guest communications and property upkeep. Embracing technology in this context can be a game-changer. By utilizing platforms and software tailored to Airbnb hosts, you can streamline operations, automate routine tasks and gain precious hours that you can devote to your personal life.

  • Research time-management applications to ensure you schedule enough “me time” in the day. Limiting meeting duration and being strict with finishing times can help work towards this goal.
  • Use digital to-do lists to stay focused on the most important business tasks to complete first. Once finished, you can spend your free time in a more relaxed state. Not having to worry about unfulfilled important jobs can really help de-stress.
  • Setting a timer is another great way in which technology can help keep you focus for short bursts of time, encouraging you to take a few minutes to detach and unwind on a frequent basis.

Practice mindfulness

How many times do you really pay attention to your surroundings, every day? As a busy entrepreneur, the chances are that you switch from one task to another quickly and without fully appreciating the small details.

By regularly practicing mindfulness, you can train yourself to become more grounded and present, both in your personal and professional life. This, in turn, helps you get to the following point on our list — understanding where your new priorities lie.

Reassess and refine your priorities 

Once you get your personal life better organized and start incorporating mindfulness into your daily life, the next step is to establish a new set of priorities. 

Let’s imagine that you regularly spend at least 10 hours a day in your office and only see your children on the weekend. This may lead you to realize that a better work-life balance would mean spending more time with your family. 

So, you make it your new priority to work less at least one day during the week in order to enjoy a slower and more relaxed evening with your kids. 

Time to find your balance

Between investigating AI competitors, training a successful team and managing a growing business, being an entrepreneur can be hard. Finding the right level of work-life balance can become even harder.

However, it can be done. When you have your priorities in place, it’s vital to stay consistent and know exactly what actions will lead to a work-life balance that works for you. 

 

Grace Lau 1Grace Lau is the Director of Growth Content at Dialpad, an AI-powered cloud communication platform for better and easier team collaboration. She has over 10 years of experience in content writing and strategy. Currently, she is responsible for leading branded and editorial content strategies, partnering with SEO and Ops teams to build and nurture content. Here is her LinkedIn.

Is Business Travel Impacting Your Mental Health? Here’s What You Need to Know

Today’s globally connected business world is brimming with work-related travel once again, and that means the subject of mental health impact associated with business travel has become a hot topic in the business world.

Even though mental health is often overlooked — it seems the pandemic has impacted how we see and cope with mental issues. The recent research conducted by the Collinson Group brings good news: 73% of travelers worldwide indicate they will prioritize their mental well-being during travel more than they did before the pandemic. 

READ: The Top 5 Ways You Can Support Mental Health in the Workplace

This global trend shows a growing consciousness about the importance of mental health in the context of business travel. On average, 38% of global business travelers pinpoint the journey itself as the most stressful stage of their travels. The constant upheaval and uncertainty that comes with travel can breed significant anxiety and stress, taking a toll on the mental well-being of business travelers.

For many in this dynamic circle, business travel is a routine part of life. But for others is an obligation they would gladly avoid. And although the pandemic lowered business travel by 27% on average — business travel is back.

Understanding its potential risks to mental health is crucial, as is learning to cope with these risks effectively. With this piece, we aim to navigate this complex terrain, offering practical strategies to manage potential hazards.

The impact of business travel on mental health

To begin, let’s unravel the concept of business travel and its potential negative effects on mental health. Business travel has its benefits, but it also often involves frequent movement across different time zones, living out of suitcases and high-pressure environments — all of which can easily trigger mental health issues.

Stressors inherent to business travel include long hours, hectic schedules, and constant shifts in time zones. Add to these the isolation from loved ones for prolonged periods, and the strain on mental health becomes more apparent.

According to the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, business travel is connected with smoking, alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, lack of exercise, poor sleep hygiene, anxiety and depression — among other issues.

READ: Mental Well-Being & the Workplace: Embracing Suicide Prevention and Awareness

Strategies for coping with the risks

Having a strong support system, both at home and in the workplace, is a vital coping strategy. A network of trusted individuals can provide much-needed emotional support during stressful travel periods, helping to maintain mental well-being.

Technology can also play a crucial role in maintaining connections with this support network. Regular video calls, messages and even shared online activities can help combat feelings of isolation, keeping loneliness at bay.

Another effective strategy lies in the practice of self-care. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits and adequate sleep can all significantly reduce the impact of stress and help maintain mental equilibrium during extended periods of business travel.

From an employer’s perspective, several measures can be taken to support employees’ mental health and well-being while traveling. These include: 

  • providing flexible work hours
  • creating a workplace culture that respects personal time and rest 
  • allowing employees the flexibility to work remotely 
  • considering out-of-the-box measures such as a four-day workweek.

The value of flexibility and comfort

Interestingly, a private charter flight can significantly mitigate the mental health risks associated with frequent business travel. The comfort, convenience and flexibility of getting a private jet vs flying commercial can make business travel a less stressful experience, easing the burden on travelers’ mental health.

A large proportion of business travelers — 72% to be precise — value flexibility as a top priority when it comes to their travel arrangements. An additional 52% expect the freedom to book direct flights. With private jet travel offering both these benefits, it could well be a viable solution to reduce the mental health impacts of business travel. 

Even though private jet travel comes with a price — it is better (and cheaper) to invest in health and well-being than cope with the possible serious consequences.

The Bottom Line

The mental health implications of business travel are significant and should not be overlooked — especially by those frequently on the move for work. Recognizing the risks and implementing effective coping strategies lessen these impacts and maintain mental well-being.

As we continue to prioritize our mental health, it’s critical to remember that the world of business travel can also adapt and evolve to better serve the needs of its frequent flyers. So, here’s to healthier, happier and more resilient business travelers.

 

Daniel Herman is a digital marketing and aviation enthusiast who is currently working as a content associate at Jet Finder- an aviation brokerage company. Their services include private jet rentals, medical evacuation flights, cargo flights, group charters, helicopter charters and more.

Colorado’s Mental Health Crisis: Innovative Services Poised to Improve Health Equity & Access

Colorado is facing a mounting mental health crisis made worse by the unprecedented staffing and economic pressures in the wake of the pandemic. The state currently ranks 45th nationally when it comes to access to behavioral healthcare. The state must start implementing different antidotes to the problem, including long-term behavioral home care for patients.

In Colorado Springs, more than 18 percent of adults reported having experienced a behavioral health disorder in the last year and 43 percent of patients who needed those mental health services reported not being able to receive the care they needed. If people cannot access treatment, they cycle in and out of emergency rooms or mental health facilities, which results in fractured care, frustrated healthcare workers, and high healthcare costs.

READ: Maximizing Your Mental Health Insurance Benefits — A Guide for Gen Z in 2023

Specialized behavioral healthcare needed

As a clinician for almost 30 years and the CEO of a behavioral home healthcare company for over two decades, I can tell you first-hand that without a system in place to support long-term behavioral health patients out of the hospital, people will not get better, and this crisis will continue. In far too many cases they are taking up hospital beds they don’t necessarily need, or worse, they aren’t receiving care at all. 

When we started our operation in Massachusetts, the same problem existed (albeit on a smaller scale). Our model provides in-home behavioral care to complex patients and currently conducts around 20,000 patient visits per week across the state. An example of a patient we serve is a 55-year-old male identifying and suffering from severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia. They also typically suffer from up to twenty comorbidities or complications. They are additionally among the highest-cost patients in the healthcare system who take up to 10-15 medications and often live in communities with less access to care.

Without home-based or community behavioral health services, these patients would utilize the hospital or emergency rooms as the primary care physicians-sometimes up to 15 times a year at an enormous cost. For example, a single hospitalization costs, on average, about $38,000, whereas an entire year of our in-home services costs $25,000. In most cases, hospitalization could be 98 percent preventable with the right home care infrastructure in place, e.g., using technology to assess patients in their homes, sharing cohesive electronic medical records to help treat them, and assigning a clinician to help administer their medication and take their vitals.

READ: Telehealth to Play Key Role as Geriatric Population Soars

Expanding to address Colorado’s mental health crisis

We recently expanded our services to Colorado Springs because we believe this innovative home healthcare model is filling a critical gap for this patient population, which in turn will have an immediate impact in treating underserved patients in Colorado. For example, in Colorado Springs, there is a higher prevalence of severe mental illness — 10 percent — compared to Colorado’s statewide average of 6 percent. 

It is also critical to have the right policies in place, and Colorado lawmakers have demonstrated a commitment to behavioral health reform plans by earmarking $547 million to ensure more access to the continuum of care that the highest cost drivers require. This strategy will ensure interconnectivity on quality, payment, accountability and provider standards that have population health at the center of the thought process. We are hopeful that health equity will remain at the core of Colorado’s vision and that state leaders will work together to implement innovative solutions for vulnerable patients who are disproportionately impacted by social, economic and environmental issues that have downstream clinical impacts. 

We have seen firsthand how home healthcare can remove the social barriers to continuing care and reduce the chances that untreated mental illness leads to other traumas like addiction, homelessness and even incarceration. Also, since multiple studies have shown home healthcare reduces readmissions to hospitals, behavioral home healthcare can help save the state of Colorado up to $200,000 a year per patient, improve patient outcomes, and take pressure off the healthcare system.

Home healthcare services can keep patients in their homes and in a more stable, compassionate environment. We look forward to working within the healthcare system to effectively reach and serve this patient population in Colorado that too often unfortunately goes without the care they need and deserve. 

 

Joseph Mcdonough 400x400Joseph McDonough is the CEO of Innovive Health, which recently expanded into Colorado with clinical operations out of Colorado Springs

Managing Stress as an Entrepreneur: How Stress Can Impact Your Work, and How to Regain Control

If you’re an entrepreneur working to get your business off the ground and you’re experiencing headaches or you’re constantly tired, you’re likely experiencing stress. Everyone manifests stress in different ways, but if you don’t control it, it could make building your business much harder. Let’s talk about how stress can impact your work as an entrepreneur and how to regain control.

READ: From Employee to Entrepreneur — Top Tips for Making a Successful Switch 

Stress affects your physical health

One of the most obvious ways that anxiety can hurt you as an entrepreneur is through physical pain. If you start to notice obvious signs of stress, like headaches, insomnia and stomach pain, look at your workload and determine if you’re overdoing it. 

There are also some less obvious physical signs you may experience, like teeth-grinding, which can lead to more significant oral health issues. If you’re getting so stressed that you’re causing yourself harm, then set healthy boundaries and strict working hours so you don’t push yourself so far.

Stress affects your work performance

Stress can also affect your mental health because when you’re not getting enough sleep, or you form bad habits like drinking alcohol, then you could lack the concentration that you need to create your brand. You might also try to overcome the stress by working harder and longer hours and getting caught up in hustle culture. 

You need to know when to stop and take a break. Failure to do so could result in burnout. When you’re tired and burned out, your work can suffer because you’re more prone to make mistakes, and you may even get so exhausted that you give up on your business.

READ: Avoiding Founder Burnout — A Guide on Fighting Hustle Culture for Entrepreneurs

If you’re working excessively long hours, you’re probably also losing sleep, and the effects of sleep deprivation can be catastrophic for your life as an entrepreneur. The function of sleep is to rest your brain so you can take on the new day. When you don’t sleep, you wake up with limited cognitive function. That means you may have trouble thinking, learning and remembering important information. 

When you sleep, you also rest your eyes, and if you’re not allowing yourself seven to nine hours of shut-eye, you could experience vision-related ailments like blurry vision and eyelid twitches. These are unhealthy distractions you don’t want to experience when trying to concentrate on your business. 

Stress affects problem-solving 

Your problem-solving skills could also be under attack. In a recent study, two groups were asked to complete tasks testing their verbal problem-solving skills. One group had additional stress while the other didn’t. The result was that the stress affected the participants in different ways. The stress did not phase some participants, but researchers did see that the stress affected the functional connectivity of others in the survey. The point is that sometimes stress can keep you on your toes. But you don’t want to be stressed all of the time.

READ: 7 Ways to Reduce Workplace Stress in the World of Finance

Stress affects your relationships

Anxiety can also affect your personal relationships with customers and business partners. Psychologists have found that stress can make you feel more withdrawn and distracted. That’s not how you want to be, especially if you sell to and deal with customers all day. Stress can also make you much less patient than you typically are. Patience is often required during the primary stages of starting a new company, so don’t let stress rob you of that quality.

Get control of your stress

If you feel like stress is taking over your entrepreneurial journey, then you need to manage your anxiety right now. You can try many strategies, from taking time to laugh to breathing exercises. You also need to try to seek joy when you can. Think about how lucky you are to be an entrepreneur who can start your own business, and the excitement could trump your anxiety.

When DIY stress reduction techniques aren’t working, you may need professional help. In 2021, Denver Psychologist Terri Finney began offering free therapy sessions to small business owners in Colorado, and she saw positive results. During the sessions, the business owners talked with her and each other and realized the stressors they faced and the methods to try to get over them. If you think a session like this might benefit you, research resources in your area.

Stress can affect you and your company in many ways. By recognizing the risks, you can avoid them and continue on your journey to business success.

 

Indiana Lee Bio PictureIndiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

6 Simple Ways to Encourage Employee Wellness: Key Strategies and Benefits

Your employees are your main key to success. Healthy, happy employees are much more productive and can help your business thrive in competitive markets. That’s why employee wellness initiatives are so important.

Companies that value wellness have lower rates of absenteeism, too. This is particularly important if you work in a fast-paced industry where every day counts. 

Fortunately, there are a range of approaches you can adopt to further employee wellness and happiness. Choosing a wellness package that suits your business and budget is key to creating a workforce of cheerful, productive employees. 

READ: Navigating the New Era of Employee Engagement — Everything you Need to Know

Profitability and wellness

As a business leader, you may be concerned that pouring money into a health and wellness program will reduce your profitability. However, a recent study from the University of Warwickshire shows that employees who are happy work harder than those who are unsatisfied at work. 

Take advantage of the profitability-boosting potential of wellness programs by investing in everyday happiness-boosting treats like free movie tickets or food and drink during working hours. Small gestures of appreciation lead to a 37% increase in employee satisfaction at Google and may have a similar impact on your firm. 

Nutrition and hydration

Most full-time employees struggle to prepare enough healthy, nutritious food to fuel them through an entire workday. As an employer, you can help your staff by offering a range of snacks, meals, fruits and veggies at work. Providing free food is a great way to boost employee wellness and raise energy levels at work. 

Hydration is an often-overlooked element of health and well-being. However, inadequate hydration can derail staff productivity and send employee wellness into a tailspin. Unfortunately, some folks don’t enjoy drinking water and need an extra nudge to drink their fill. 

Incentivize hydration by embracing hydration hacks. Purchase funky water bottles for staff and provide flavored or sparkling water at work. Help staff set water intake goals and reward folks who can drink their fill in a day.

Mental health services

Everyone’s mental health has taken a knock in the past few years. Global conflict, pandemics and a rising cost of living are tough on employees and may send them over their “tipping” point. 

READ: Finding the Silver Lining Amidst Rising Interest and Inflation Rates

Support your staff by providing access to mental health services. Your staff will benefit greatly from free, confidential access to therapists and trained psychiatrists. Regularly review the efficacy of mental health services by surveying staff to find out about uptake, improvements in well-being, and general feedback. 

Community engagement

As much as your staff cares about the profitability of your business, they are far more likely to be healthy and happy if they feel that your business positively contributes to the local community. Community engagement opportunities are usually cost-effective, too, as local non-profits are always looking for volunteers. 

Facilitate community engagement by electing an engagement officer for your business and budgeting for initiatives. Setting aside funds for community projects shows that you truly care about the causes that bring your employees the most happiness and fulfillment.

READ: 5 Steps to Launch Work Volunteer Efforts

Workflow management

Every business has its own unique approach to workflow. However, inefficient workflow management can have a detrimental impact on staff mental health. No employee wants to spend their workday jumping through unnecessary hoops or filling out paperwork that could have been automated. 

Automate menial workflow tasks to support employee wellness. This is particularly important in fields like engineering and construction, where employees have to manually input measurements with a high degree of accuracy. 

Utilizing AI in your workflow management may reduce fatigue, too. Roles that involve data management and CRMs can become monotonous quickly and may undermine employee focus and mental well-being. Embracing an automated CRM can help staff focus on tasks that improve the business’s bottom line. 

Avoid the temptation to multitask while streamlining your workflow. Multitasking may sound more efficient, but will only result in errors and a sense of being overwhelmed. Instead, decrease the number of projects that staff is working on to reduce confusion and improve clarity amongst your staff. 

The bottom line

Your employees are the bedrock of your business. Keep them healthy and happy by investing in their wellness and supporting their interests. Set aside a portion of your profits to be reinvested in gym memberships and free, nutritious meals. Give folks the time and funds they need to volunteer in the community, too. Even small gestures like time off for fundraisers can help your employees feel proud and happy at work. 

 

Indiana Lee Bio PictureIndiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

Maximizing Your Mental Health Insurance Benefits — A Guide for Gen Z in 2023

This past year, members of Generation Z began to turn 26, which, for many, meant leaving their families’ health insurance plans and picking their own for the very first time. As the generation reporting the highest rates of mental health issues, choosing an insurance plan and understanding the benefits associated is essential for maximizing your health, including your mental well-being.

READ: 7 Tips for Choosing Your Health Insurance in 2023

So, first things first, Gen Z: get familiar with health insurance lingo. Understanding common terms allow you to accurately evaluate your needs, understand and compare benefits and manage costs (check out this guide for a quick refresher on common insurance terms). 

Now that you have the lingo down, it’s time to grasp the benefits associated with your plan. Remember, mental health affects everyone differently, and treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. To make sure you are maximizing your benefits, here are a few tips to consider when choosing a plan:

Check your mental health insurance benefits

Caring for your mental health is crucial in achieving overall wellness. Coverage for your mental health care services depends on the benefits of your plan. You can determine the services you are eligible for by signing into your health plan or calling the number on your ID card. Some health insurers give members access to phone and mobile app services with certain health plans to help people cope with stress, anxiety and depression as a complement to their health care coverage.

READ: The Top 5 Ways You Can Support Mental Health in the Workplace

Understand your prescription benefits

Understanding your plan’s prescription benefits may help you manage costs. You can view a list of medications and see how they’re covered through your plan’s Prescription Drug List (PDL). PDLs may change, so if you have a medication you take regularly, you should keep a close eye on your plan’s PDL to stay ahead of any potential changes in costs. You may also be able to fill your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery via mail if it’s included in your benefits, which can also lower costs and save you money.

Review wellness and rewards programs

Remember, our physical health and mental health are intertwined. Many health plans offer incentives and rewards for everyday healthy living, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine.  Plans may also offer gym memberships or wellness programs at no additional cost. 

Consider a plan with virtual visits

If you are someone who juggles work, school, kids, travel, or just prefers to connect with a doctor from the comfort of your own home, check if your plan includes 24/7 virtual care. Virtual care, sometimes called “telehealth,” may include in-network virtual visits for medical, mental health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractic, home health, vision, hearing and dental services. These visits are typically lower in cost and allow you to connect with doctors about any mental or physical health issues from the convenience of your own home using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

READ: Telehealth to Play Key Role as Geriatric Population Soars

If you need help understanding what benefits are right for you or want to explore speaking with a professional, some health insurers, like UnitedHealthcare, offer advocacy services and employee assistance programs to help you find the right type of care.

 

Dr. Donald TavakoliDr. Donald Tavakoli is the national medical director for behavioral health at UnitedHealthcare.