Have You Heard about
Stress Free Now?

Check out this video and watch for details about a Stress Free Now group coming to your facility this year.

If you can't see the video on your mobile phone or you don't have access to Vimeo (similar to YouTube), you can access the video on IRIS.

Do You Have

Winter is in full swing. The holidays are over. Hope of spring can seem a long way away. This time of year, EAP gets a lot of questions about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

After the holidays, many people report feeling "winter blues," and it may be a sign that it is time to change some routines and invest in self-care. Exercise, eating healthy foods, relaxing, or bundling up to spend time outdoors can improve our moods.

However, don't just brush off low feelings that don't seem to go away and/or come back year after year. Depressive illnesses can present with patterns of symptoms that seem to follow the seasons. Symptoms like these should never last for more than a few days:

	Feeling hopeless or "empty"
	Irritability
	Hypersensitivity to criticism
	Needing alcohol or medication to relax
	Loss of interest in activities that are usually pleasurable

If you have concerns about mood symptoms or depression, please reach out to your doctor, EAP counselor or your mental health provider.

The Mayo Clinic offers more information and tips.

Bon Secours Richmond EAP 804-342-1401

Bon Secours Hampton Roads EAP 757-398-2374

Christina Johnson

Question: "I've got some activity and weight-loss resolutions for the New Year that I'm trying to keep. How can I make good choices while at work?"

Answer: Great question! For many of us, we're at work more than half of our lives, so it's really important that for any goals you set for yourself, you're able to follow-through at work. I've put together a little list that'll help you stay on track.

	Make a healthy breakfast ahead of time to ensure you don't grab a sugary one on the run.
	Don't just stand there! Pace around the room, do squats or lunges while on conference calls.
	When nature calls, use a bathroom on a different floor to make you use the stairs.
	Keep weights at your desk and do a few sets of arm curls or raises during the day.
	Go for a walk during your lunch break.
	Take time once a week to plan out and shop for meals and snacks, so you're prepared whenever hunger strikes at work.
	Eat lunch with a co-worker who knows your goals, so he/she can help you stay accountable.
	Freeze a big bottle of water the night before and drink it as it melts throughout the day.

And last, but most certainly not least, don't be too hard on yourself if you find that you make a mistake or slide back into one of your old habits. Just start again, right then. No need to wait for another new year! Good luck & Happy New Year!

About this eNewsletter

Look for this new Bon Secours Wellness electronic newsletter on or about the third Wednesday of every month. It's packed with tips, resources and inspiring stories. Share your story ideas via Amy Cutter in Hampton Roads and Meghan Melvin in Richmond.