|
HRS Quick Guide
Policies and Procedures
Forms On-Line
New Employee Information
Employee Benefits
Payroll Information
Vacancies/Job Opportunities
State Employee Services
Kansas Health Policy Authority
State Self Service Center
|
LIFELINE
We help with life's stresses
LIFELINE Call 1-800-284-7575
LIFELINE is a voluntary, confidential, FREE, service that provides benefits eligible employees and their dependents with counseling and referral services. It is an employee benefit sponsored by HealthQuest, the state of Kansas employee health promotion program.
___________________________________________________________
Newsletter
September, 2006
Balancing Your Two Lives - Home and Work
Among the essential ingredients of a balanced life are meaningful activity, physical and mental health, satisfying relationships and peace of mind. To achieve that balance, you must successfully juggle the demands of your work, and your personal life. "If you're spending too much time in one area, it's likely you'll become exhausted and stressed," says Epstein Shepherd, Ph.D., a psychologist in Carmel, Calif. "Each of us has an average of 112 to 120 waking hours a week in which to satisfy all of our responsibilities. The more successful we are at completing our work and taking time for ourselves on a regular basis, the more often we'll feel satisfied and in control of our lives."
Professional Balance
Dr. Shepherd recommends three things every morning to start your workday with a sense of balance and purpose: (1) Eat breakfast, (2) list your daily goals, and (3) determine your top priorities.
"When setting your goals for the day, ask yourself, 'If only one thing could be done today, which activity would it be?' The answer should be your top priority," she says. It's best to prioritize your list according to importance, not how easily a task can be completed."
During the last 10 minutes of every workday, think about what you have accomplished. "Give yourself credit for what you get done each day, and you'll go home with a sense of completion instead of frustration about what you didn't get done. Doing so will help you make a clean transition to your personal and home life" Dr. Shepherd says.
Personal Balance
The great challenge for many of us is to carve out time for ourselves despite the unceasing demands of work and family. "But it's imperative you make time for rest and relaxation," Dr. Shepherd says.
Begin by setting aside the equivalent of an hour a day in which you do things you want to do. You can schedule that hour before or after work. Treat these appointments with yourself with as much respect as you would a meeting with a client or supervisor. Studies have found that people who take time for physical and mental rejuvenation accomplish more and are happier than those who don't take the time.
Creative people often get their best ideas while taking a walk, gardening or taking part in activities not related to work. "People who use their evenings, weekends and vacations for personal rejuvenation are more energetic and productive at work because they're living a life that is in balance," Dr. Shepherd says.
Questions About Balance
If you have questions about balancing work and home remember the HealthQuest LIFELINE program can be great resource. Call confidentially at 800-284-7575 or click www.lifelineeap.com
Summary of CORE LIFELINE Employee Assistance Services
Call LIFELINE 1-800-284-7575 at any time, day or night 7 days a week for help handling life's stresses. State of Kansas benefits eligible employees and their dependent children can receive the following benefits:
Short-term counseling (1-4 face-to-face sessions per issue) with an EAP counselor for a wide variety of concerns. Below are a few of the most common examples why employees use the LIFELINE program.
- Day-to-day stresses
- Depression and anxiety
- Life transition concerns
- Problems with co-workers or supervisor
- Stress due to layoffs or furloughs
- Loss of a loved one
- Marital and family issues
- Drug and alcohol problems
The following services are also available:
- Elder care consultations with an elder care specialist
- Child care referrals from a child care specialist
- Legal consultation with an attorney - one per year
- Financial consultations with a professional
- Extended benefit for employees and immediate family members for 6 months after any layoff action.
- Healthy Life Programs
For More information:
EAP Provider web page: http://www.lifelineeap.com
Take advantage of this valuable employee benefit. For help with the day-to-day stressors of life, simply call LIFELINE at 1-800-284-7575 any time, day or night 7 days a week. That's all you need to do. Just pick up the phone. Your call with be completely confidential.
Be well, Cheryl Miller, M.S., Exercise Physiology
HealthQuest - State of Kansas
Health Promotion Program for 45,000 employees
900 SW Jackson, Room 920
Topeka, KS 66612-1251
Email: cheryl.miller@da.state.ks.us
Phone: 785-296-4304
|
