lifeworks Archives - American Ambulance Association

LifeWorks October Feature: Work-Life Balance and Productivity

Written by Lifeworks on September 17, 2018. Posted in Employee Wellness, Member-Only, Uncategorized.

October Feature: Work-Life Balance and Productivity

Ten Tips for Fitting Work and Life Together

Would you like to move beyond feeling stressed or overwhelmed by your personal and work responsibilities? Or learn how to achieve personal and professional success on your own terms? “Knowing how to manage the way work and life fit together is a modern skill set we all need to succeed,” says Cali Williams Yost, an internationally recognized flexible workplace strategist and author of the books Tweak It: Make What Matters to You Happen Every Day and Work+Life: Finding the Fit That’s Right for You. Here are Yost’s 10 strategies:

Remember that work-life fit is unique for each of us. “Simply put, there is no work-life balance or perfect 5050 split between your work and your personal life,” Yost says. “If you do happen to hit a balance, you can’t maintain it because your realities are always changing, personally and professionally.” There’s also no “right way” to achieve a good work-life fit. Your goal is to find your unique, ever-changing fit, the way your work and personal realities fit together day-to-day and at major life transitions. Don’t compare yourself to others. Find the fit that’s right for you.
It’s also important to keep in mind that during major life changes — like becoming a parent, caring for an aging relative, relocating with a partner, going back to school, or easing your way into retirement — you may find yourself rethinking how you define success related to money, prestige, advancement, or caregiving. Throughout life, you may need to align and adjust your work and personal realities so they match with your vision and goals for the future.
Harness the power of small actions or “tweaks”. Even small actions can have positive and lasting effects. When you’re feeling overloaded, for example, commit to taking two or three small but meaningful steps toward a better work-life fit. Plan a long weekend away with friends. Clean out your hall closet. Take an online class to learn a new skill. Then do it again and again. Small actions can have a big impact on your sense of well-being and control. To get started, check out more than 200 small, doable get-started actions suggested by 50 work, career, and personal life experts in Yost’s book Tweak It.
Create a combined calendar and priority list. On top of a busy job and home life, how will you fit everything else into your schedule? There’s exercise, eating well, vacation, sleep, career development, time with family and friends, caregiving responsibilities, and just general life maintenance. You can’t do it all. But you can be more intentional and deliberate about how you spend your time.
First, pull together all your work and personal to-dos and priorities into one combined calendar and list. This will help you determine how you want to prioritize the tweaks — small, meaningful work, career, and personal actions and priorities — to add to your work-life fit. For example, tweaks might include planning all meals and shopping for your groceries on Sunday or getting to exercise class every Tuesday and Saturday. Or they might include researching a vacation one afternoon, going to the movies with your sister, or attending a networking event. Building actions into your schedule makes it far more likely they’ll happen. And you’ll feel better as a result.
Take care of yourself in small ways. Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Manage stress during the day by closing your eyes for 15 seconds and taking a few deep breaths. Try to eat more healthfully by adding a vegetable to two of your meals during the day. Turn off the television and your electronic devices an hour before you go to bed to help you get the rest you need.
Preview a skill online before you pay to take a class. In a rapidly changing world, all of us need to keep updating our skills to meet new work and other realities. But going back to school can be expensive and time consuming. Before you invest a substantial amount of money in a class, try to preview a skill online. Watch or listen to any of the hundreds of thousands of videos or podcasts on an infinite number of topics that you can preview by downloading or streaming them. Watch them while you’re commuting, or listen to them while you walk. If you want or need more help than the video or podcast provides, invest in a class
Collect ideas for vacations — then take one. Taking a break to reenergize is more important than ever in our on-the-go world. And many people don’t take vacations just because they don’t know where to go. It takes some research to find a destination that you can afford, and some of us don’t do this until it’s too late. To get inspired, keep a jar or small box where you can store vacation ideas. Every time you hear a friend or relative talk about a wonderful vacation, write down what appeals to you about it and put it there. When you read an article about a place that sounds interesting, put that in the box or jar, too. Once a year, pick a destination from all of the vacation ideas you’ve accumulated.
Get things done while you’re enjoying family and friends. Cook dinner with your kids. When you prepare a meal together, you’re also spending time together. Take a walk with your close friend before work or a tae kwon do class with your partner on the weekend. You’ll be exercising while spending quality time together. At holiday times, plan a cookie exchange and donate some of the cookies to a women’s shelter.
Have 10 technology-free minutes each day with your children. Give the kids time when you aren’t distracted by electronic gadgets. Sit on the floor and do a puzzle. Ask teenagers how their day went, and just listen. Check your email only at certain times of the day, so you aren’t always on it when children need you. When you’re on the phone, turn around and face away from your computer so you aren’t distracted by email. Looking away from the screen will force you to pay attention to the person you’re talking with.
Plan for future caregiving responsibilities. Get a head start if you’re taking care of a grandparent or may be caring for a parent or other relative in the future. Sit down with the adults in your life who may require care. Try to clarify what they want, understand their financial resources, and come up with a plan for meeting their needs and wishes. Try to include in the meeting any family and friends who form a broader network of care, so you don’t have to do it all on your own. Don’t wait for a crisis.
Keep on top of everyday maintenance. Clean as you go, so the work doesn’t pile up. Put a load of laundry in the washing machine in the morning before you leave for work, and put it in the dryer when you get home. Keep a small bucket of cleaning supplies in the bathroom, and wipe down the shower, mirror, and toilet every morning. Set a timer for 10 minutes each weekend and assign each member of your family a task — vacuuming, dusting, straightening up. Check the owner’s manual of your car for the recommended maintenance schedule and write it on your calendar.

For more tips like these, listen to the recording Fitting Work and Life Together on the LifeWorks platform.

Free, confidential counseling for employees of AAA member organizations.

LifeWorks is your employee assistance program (EAP) and well-being resource. We’re here for you any time, 24/7, 365 days a year, with expert advice, resources, referrals to counseling, and connections to specialists including substance abuse and critical incident stress management professionals. If you could benefit from professional help to proactively address a personal or work-related concern, you can turn to LifeWorks.

Counseling is available at no cost to you. (Up to three sessions per issue.)
To meet individual needs and preferences, counseling is available face-to-face AND live by video.
All our counselors are experienced therapists with a minimum Master’s degree in psychology, social work, educational counseling, or other social services field.

Call LifeWorks, toll-free, 24/7, at 800-929-0068.
Visit us online at login.lifeworks.com or by
mobile app (username: theaaa; password: lifeworks)

Confidential support for AAA member organizations

Written by AAA Staff on June 26, 2018. Posted in Employee Wellness, Human Resources, Member-Only, Professional Standards.

Confidential support for employees of AAA member organizations

As first responders, you regularly bear witness to traumatic events, and you directly experience loss, sadness, and sometimes even frightening violence outside the norm of the human experience. Exposure to trauma can cause emotional reactions for weeks or even months following. If you’re struggling to cope with difficult emotions or dealing with symptoms of an acute stress reaction, the American Ambulance Association can help.

Confidential counseling from LifeWorks—At no cost to you.

Toll-free immediate support by phone if you’re in distress.
Up to three face-to-face confidential counseling sessions per issue.
Counseling live by video to meet clinical needs and preferences.
All counselors are experienced therapists with a minimum Master’s degree in psychology, social work, educational counseling, or other social services field.

Onsite CISM Services – Round-the-clock support for critical incidents.

If your ambulance service has experienced an employee death, severe vehicle accident, staff suicide, or other traumatic event, AAA is here to help. Email info@ambulance.org 24/7 to request an onsite CISM counselor at AAA’s expense.

Download the PDF version here

LifeWorks: Get Involved

Written by AAA Staff on December 5, 2017. Posted in Community, Member-Only.

LifeWorks: Get Involved. Choosing Volunteer Work.

Helping others can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You can plant trees in a park, coach youth sports, stuff envelopes for a political campaign, help an adult learn to read, raise money for the arts, visit hospice patients, and more – there’s almost no limit to the opportunities open to you as a volunteer, and people of any age and background can find a way to give back. Here are some ways to find a project that needs you.

Understanding Why You Want To Volunteer

Deciding On Specifics

• What skills to you want to use or develop? Make a list of the hobbies, interests, or skills you hope to use. Do you have musical skills you could share with nursing home residents? Counseling skills that could help an antidrug program?

• Is there a need in your community? What issues or causes are local organizations already tackling? You may find opportunities that involve the arts, sports, politics, health care, children, the homeless, the environment, animals, and more.

• What kind of place would you like to support? How far are you willing to travel? Would you walk, bike, take public transportation, or drive? Would you like a project you could do at home, such as an online, or virtual volunteer opportunity?

• What kind of atmosphere are you looking for? Quiet? Fast-paced? Indoors or outside? A large organization or a small group?

• Would you like to work with a specific group or for a specific cause, such as delivering services to the homeless; working with at-risk children; working with immigrants, the elderly, or people with disabilities; working with pets or wildlife?

• Do you want to work independently or with other volunteers or staff? Would you like to work one-on-one with someone or with a group? Do you enjoy working in policy making positions or would you be more comfortable behind the scenes?

• When can you volunteer? Days? Evenings? Weekends? How many hours each week or month can you offer? Would you prefer volunteering for a one-time event, like a walk for charity? Or can you make a steady commitment? Would you like to see results right away or can you take a long-term view of success? Do you want to start and complete your own project, or are you comfortable working on an ongoing or preexisting project?

Finding The Right Organization For You

• Ask friends and co-workers
• Spread the word on social media.
• If you have ties to a faith community, ask about opportunities at your place of worship.
• Check your newspapers and their websites
• Join the parent-teacher organization if you have children and would like to volunteer at the school.
• Look into local chapters of national or international organizations that have a tradition of service to their communities.
• Search online.
• Contact a local volunteer agency

Remember, volunteering is a job and organizations really do count on you to be there when you say you will, not on a whim.
Treat the commitments you make as a volunteer as seriously as you would your job.

LifeWorks Overview

LifeWorks Adapting to Change: Growing Stronger Through Change

Written by AAA Staff on August 31, 2017. Posted in Employee Wellness, Human Resources.

Illness. Divorce. Financial difficulties. Job loss. We face unexpected changes and challenges throughout our lives. How can you learn to keep up a positive attitude and stay strong through life’s unwanted changes and challenges? The first step in coping with a crisis or challenge in your personal or work life is to put on your “reality glasses.” Reality glasses, a concept developed by Stephen Williams, an organizational psychologist from the U.K., are the glasses you use to look at and understand what’s going on in your world. When you put on your reality glasses, you stop, step back, and ask yourself: “Am I seeing this as it really is? “How big is this problem, really?” Or “Have I got this out of proportion?”

When you assess the situation, you may discover that the problem or challenge you are facing isn’t as serious as you had thought. Or you may discover that it is serious indeed. But facing your problems with your reality glasses on helps you gain a sense of control. “You’ve moved into the driving seat,” says Dr. Williams. And that’s the first step in growing stronger through change. Once you’ve got your reality glasses on, here are two important steps to take when you are facing a challenge or difficulty or unexpected change:

Recognize that you have a choice in how you handle challenges and change. You can’t choose what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond to what happens. You might say to yourself: “Things haven’t gone as planned. I’ve had this unexpected setback. Now, what do I need to do?”
Take responsibility for your actions and don’t blame your circumstances. Being in the driver’s seat means taking responsibility for what happens going forward. You can get help. You can get support. But at the end of the day, the person who must manage the challenges you are facing is you. It’s your job to take control.

Practice being resilient
Here are resilience techniques to practice and to help you get through challenging times:

Choose to have a positive attitude. There are many things over which you have no control — but you can choose how you respond to the difficulties and setbacks you face.
Take care of yourself. Practice healthy habits. Make sure you get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, get out and walk alone or with a friend, and manage feelings of stress.
Calm yourself. Tell yourself, “I’m in this difficult situation, but now I’m going to start managing it as best I can.”
Use “traffic light coping.” This exercise, developed by Dr. Williams, works like this: When you start to feel worried, panicked, or angry — when you start to “see red” — stop and relax. Pause. Take some time to breathe deeply to help calm your body and mind.
Do something different to shift your mood or outlook. Take a break, listen to music, go for a walk, visit a friend.
Trust your inner strength. Experts agree that we have strengths we never knew we had until we have to use them. You’ll be amazed at how many personal resources you have that you never even knew about.
Take action. When you are faced with a setback or challenge, the sooner you start acting, the sooner you take action to take control of your situation, the better you’ll feel.

If you are faced with a challenge that feels big or overwhelming, start with the simplest thing you can do that takes you in the direction you want to be. Ask yourself, “What’s the smallest thing I can do to get started?” Once you’ve thought about it, do it. Finally, Dr. Williams reminds us that “a burden shared is a burden halved.” When we talk to people we trust about our problems and concerns, it makes our problems easier to deal with.

All employees of AAA member organizations have unlimited free access to LifeWorks—fast, confidential help with family, work, money, health and work-life balance. In addition to an online portal, employees are able attend three in-person counseling sessions at AAA’s expense. All usage is confidential, and reported only in aggregate.

Call LifeWorks 24/7 at 888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com (username: theaaa; password: lifeworks).

Mental Health Support: Getting Help for Depression

Written by Lifeworks on April 18, 2017. Posted in Human Resources.

Many of us struggle to tell the difference between depression and sadness because the primary symptom of depression is pervasive sadness. But it’s important to know that there is a significant difference. Sadness is a normal emotion that is usually triggered by a hurtful, challenging, or disappointing experience, event, or situation. We tend to feel sad about something. When that something changes or when we adjust or accept it, our emotional hurt tends to fade. With depression it’s not the same.

Depression is a mental illness that affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a pervasive manner. We feel sad about everything. With depression, sometimes that sadness is present despite the fact that, from the outside looking in, everything is going well. Depression doesn’t require a specific event, situation, or experience as a trigger. Depression infiltrates all aspects of our lives making everything less enjoyable and less important. Depression can be debilitating and significantly impact our daily life function.

The most common symptoms include a persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood; feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and once enjoyable activities; sleeping difficulties, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or even excessive sleeping; eating difficulties, including eating too much or too little; fatigue, a lack of energy; thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts; a change in your mood, irritability or restlessness; difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

Steps to take if you think you might be depressed: Some research suggests that the longer you wait or try to handle it on your own, the worse it can become. You can start by seeing your general practitioner, a therapist, or any doctor whose care you might be under. They can assess your need and help support connection to the appropriate resource if that’s needed. Other suggestions include increasing your activity or engaging in anything that brings you pleasure or joy. You can also talk to a trusted friend or relative and try definitely to stay active.

If you’re concerned about a loved one who seems depressed: It can be very difficult and challenging to live with someone that might be depressed. If you are concerned about a loved one, please try to take immediate action. Stay engaged with them and encourage them to see a medical professional. And if you suspect that they might be of danger to themselves or another, make sure to dial 911.

It’s important for people who are suffering to know that they are not alone and that they don’t have to suffer. So if they don’t want to seek help, try to keep them encouraged. Check on them and express your concerns and the benefits of getting help. Hopefully your persistence can support them to taking some next steps. Being concerned about a loved one who may be suffering from depression is very difficult. While you are encouraging and supporting your loved one and trying to help them
take the next steps, it’s important for you to know that there are many resources available. Explore your employee assistance program or meet with a therapist and talk with someone to help you navigate helping them.

Depression is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. There are various kinds of therapies that work. Treatment such as psychotherapy, support groups, and medication management are the most common treatments for depression. Don’t give up, find support. If you think you might be depressed, see a professional as soon as possible.
Call LifeWorks at 888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com (username: theaaa; password: lifeworks).

Lifeworks: Overload at Work

Written by Lifeworks on February 28, 2017. Posted in Human Resources.

You aren’t alone if you often feel overloaded at work. More than two-thirds of US workers suffer from work overload, according to Kelton Research/Cornerstone. Overload can increase your stress and make you feel out of control even if you enjoy your job.

Stress and overload can also affect your productivity, work relationships, and performance. If you are working longer hours or feel overwhelmed by all that you have to do, you may be experiencing overload at work. If the fast pace that was once challenging starts instead to leave you feeling drained, that may be a sign of overload. Learning to cope with your workload can reduce your stress and help you stay productive and valuable to your organization.

Gaining understanding and control of your workload

Here are ways to gain control of your workload:

Realize that you can reduce overload. There may be parts of your job that you can’t control, such as seasonal variations in workload. But you can control how you prepare for the peak season. Focus on what you can change, not what you can’t.
Know your limits. Some people thrive on a heavy workload, while others feel stressed by small increases in their responsibilities. If you’re assigned a project that you know will be very challenging, start looking for help and for solutions before you feel overwhelmed by a task.
Review your responsibilities. Has your job changed recently? If you have greater responsibility, you may still be adjusting to new demands.
Decide if your workload is likely to ease. Is some of your overload caused by a temporary situation, such as a co-worker on leave? It may help to know there’s relief in sight.
Talk about the workload. Rather than complaining to co-workers, talk with a mentor or trusted friend who understands and sympathizes with the pressures you face.
Explore solutions to personal concerns that are contributing to your stress. If you have a partner, get his or her ideas on this. Could you hire a house-cleaning service or could your partner take over some of your household chores for a while? If you’re caring for an aging parent, consider using short-term respite care for occasional relief.
Consider meeting with your manager or human resources (HR). Your manager or HR may suggest ways to handle the situation or tell you about helpful resources.

Other ways to reduce overload

Cut back on other commitments until your workload eases. When you’re overloaded, a good rule of thumb is to drop one old commitment when you take on a new one.
Set aside time each day to do something you enjoy. This will help you avoid becoming burned out at work. Make time for friends, family, relaxation, exercise, or spiritual activities that have meaning for you.
Focus on leaving work on time. If you tend to work late, start with leaving on time just one or two days a week. A little less time at work may lead to increased focus, energy, and productivity when you’re there.
Take vacations. Getting away provides more than a way to relax and unwind. It also gives you psychological distance from your workplace helping you to recharge and return to your job with a new outlook. Employees who don’t take vacations because of work pressures feel even more overworked. And yet, many Americans have days of paid vacation left over at the end of the year.

We all want to feel challenged and excited about our work, and we want to know that it’s manageable and under control. With the right tools and support, you can achieve this goal.

Call LifeWorks at 888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com (username: theaaa; password: lifeworks).

Lifeworks: Building Your Resilience With Self-Care

Written by AAA Staff on January 11, 2017. Posted in Human Resources.

Building Your Resilience With Self-Care

Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, such as when you may be experiencing personal or family issues, a serious health concern, work stress, money worries, or other challenges. One of the key ways to build resilience is to focus on self-care. “Taking care of yourself,” writes the American Psychological Association, “helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.” Here are some ways to take care of yourself to help build your resilience.

Make meaningful connections. Strong ties — to family, friends, co-workers, and community groups — help you find the social and emotional support you need to bounce back from setbacks or disappointments.
• Make time for your closest relationships.
• Talk about what you are going through with others.
• Spend time with like-minded people.

Pay attention to your physical self-care.
• Make exercise a priority.
• Follow a healthy diet.
• Follow good sleep practices.

Reframe how you view problems and challenges. A key element of resilience is your perception of an event, according to the Columbia University psychologist George Bonanno, who has been studying resilience for 25 years.
• Reframe a difficult experience. Instead of saying “I will never get through this,” try, “I will get through this by using the techniques that have helped when I’ve had difficult experiences in the past.”
• Remember that stressful events usually provide opportunities to learn and grow.

Build your emotional resilience.
• Learn from others who are role models of resilience.
• “This too shall pass.” Try to see your situation as temporary, no matter how difficult.
• Try to avoid catastrophic thinking. While it is good to be prepared, it is rare that worst-case scenarios come true.

Give yourself a break from media. Many media-worthy events can be presented in an exaggerated or false manner to attract attention. Unplug for part of each day from all your sources of media and news.

Keep your life simple. Simplifying your life is especially important during stressful times.
• Simplify your routines and set limits to protect your time.
• Make time for simple pleasures.

Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, and yoga — four widely used relaxation techniques that can help improve mental and physical well-being.

The LifeWorks program also provides a network of counselors who can offer you in-person support. The service is free and available 24/7, whenever you need it, and it’s confidential. No one at work or at home will be told that you’re using the service. You can also find online resources at www.lifeworks.com including

our helpful booklets Bouncing Back and Giving It Your Best.
articles like these: Getting Past Obstacles to Personal Change, Setting SMART Goals, and Working with a Life Coach.

Call LifeWorks at 888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com (AAA members have login access).

LifeWorks: Tips on Mindfulness

Written by AAA Staff on December 6, 2016. Posted in Human Resources.

Mindfulness Tips

Give yourself a gift this month. Practice mindfulness. Focusing your attention and awareness on the present moment—which is what mindfulness is—can help you manage everything from holiday stress to family stress to pressure at work. It can help you experience more satisfaction and joy in life, this month and every month. Here are some ways to get started:

Limit multitasking. As much as you can, do one thing at a time and give it your full attention. Avoid switching back and forth between tasks. Keep in mind the words of the psychologist Mary Pipher, who says in her book Seeking Peace: “A very simple definition of mindfulness is doing one thing at a time.”

Spend some time each day alone in mindful meditation. Sit quietly in a place where people, tasks, and noises won’t distract you. Focus on your breathing, inhaling and exhaling evenly. Thoughts will inevitably arise, but simply observe your thoughts without judging them. You may want to consider choosing a “mantra,” a word that you associate with feeling relaxed, such “calm” or “peace,” and say the word you’ve chosen when you exhale. Breathing evenly while repeating your mantra can help you eliminate distractions and stay aware of the moment.

Practice mindfulness when you’re with others. Listen closely to people, whether they are new acquaintances, close friends, or relatives, and try not to interrupt. Focus on what others are saying — not on what you want to say next.

Unplug your devices. Turn off your television, cell phone, tablet, or laptop so they won’t distract you from your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Or keep your gadgets in a room where you can’t see or hear them.

Use all five of your senses. Let yourself see, hear, touch, taste, and smell your world. Take a few moments to sniff an orange, notice its color, and feel its texture before you peel it. Eat it slowly. Observe your reactions. Does the orange have a different taste or bring more pleasure when you take time to savor it? Or sit outdoors with your eyes closed. Notice the sigh and sounds of birds, the scent of the flowers, the feel of the breeze on your skin. Using all of your senses will make you more aware of your surroundings and may make you appreciate them more.

Try progressive muscle relaxation. This technique may help if physical tension makes it hard for you to practice mindfulness. Sit or lie down in a quiet place. Then tense and relax different muscle groups one at a time. Start by holding out your right arm, making a fist, and tensing your arm and fist for a slow count of 10. Then relax your arm and fist for a slow count of 10. Repeat with your left arm. Then, with your legs, stomach, and other muscle groups.

Be patient with yourself. Avoid judging or criticizing yourself if practicing mindfulness is difficult for you at first. If you’re like most people, it can be a challenge to stay in the moment if you’re used to multitasking. Stick with the process, if only for a few minutes a day. With regular practice it will get easier over time.

Look into books, DVDs, and other resources on mindfulness. Explore a variety of approaches to mindfulness if you don’t find one that works for you right away. You can find many good books and DVDs on mindfulness at bookstores, libraries, and online.

The LifeWorks program also provides a network of counselors who can offer you in-person support. The service is free and available 24/7, whenever you need it, and it’s completely confidential. No one at work or at home will be told that you’re using the service. You can also find online resources at www.lifeworks.com including the infographic, Brief Mindfulness Exercises.

Call LifeWorks at 888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com (AAA members have login access).

Also learn about:

How to Be Present This Holiday Season
Holiday Health and Safety Tips
Adopting a Positive Mindset at Work

LifeWorks: Tips for Building a Strong Relationship

Written by AAA Staff on August 1, 2016. Posted in Human Resources.

When you hear about couples who maintain a strong relationship through all of life’s challenges, you may wonder how they do it. Every couple is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for a good relationship. But people who’ve stayed together for a long time tend to have some of the same things in common. Here are a some tips:

Have a strong commitment to making your relationship work. Most couples start out with a strong commitment to their relationship, but after a while, they begin to give it less attention. Staying committed begins with accepting that having a good relationship takes work. It’s important to accept some “rough patches” as normal and inevitable. Instead of trying to pretend that they don’t happen, make a commitment to solving your problems together.

Think of yourselves as friends, not just as a couple. Couples who stay together see themselves as good friends. They share a variety of activities, enjoy each other’s company, show respect and trust in each other, provide support in good times and bad, and don’t take each other for granted.

Accept your differences and disappointments. You and your partner may share many interests, but you probably won’t share all of them, and one of your challenges as a couple is learning to live with your differences. You may also have some disappointments along the way. At every stage of your relationship, it’s important for both of you to know that you’ll love and cherish each other even if things don’t always work out as expected.

See yourselves as equal partners. In successful relationships, two people may have very different roles, but they see themselves as equal partners. One of the best ways to foster this kind of equality is to ask for the other person’s opinion frequently and show that you value it. Also, try to make joint decisions on big issues and learn to find creative solutions or make compromises when you can’t agree.

Pay attention to how you communicate. One study found that couples can stay close by spending as little as 20 minutes a day simply talking with each other. The quality of your conversation also matters. Researchers have found that couples who stay together are much more likely to give each other praise, support, or encouragement than those who break up.

Handle disagreements constructively. Because it’s impossible to avoid all arguments, it is important to know how to resolve conflicts and deal constructively with your differences. This means never making personal attacks, which can destroy your trust in each other or chip away at your feelings of being loved and valued. It also means saying “I’m sorry” if you said or did something you regret.

Make sure each of you has some privacy and independence. This means that each member of the couple needs time to be alone, time alone with friends, and time to pursue personal interests. Giving each other time for individual pursuits may also strengthen you as a couple by bringing new experiences and new friends into your life.

Have fun. No matter how hard they work, couples who stay together usually make time for fun. What you do isn’t important; what’s important is that you spend time together having fun.

Call LifeWorks at 888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com.

LifeWorks: Coping with Pressure at Work

Written by AAA Staff on July 8, 2016. Posted in Human Resources.

A study conducted by the Northwestern National Life Insurance Company and reported on the CDC website, found that one-fourth of all employees view their work as the number one source of stress in their lives. The following tips can help you cope:

• Deal with the situation directly. Avoid complaining to co-workers, customers, or others who can’t help you solve the problem. Instead, talk with a trusted mentor or friend to come up with a solution strategy.

• Talk with your manager if he or she has shown concern for employee stress. If you feel overwhelmed, let your manager know. Bring up work obstacles, but propose solutions instead of just griping. Let your manager know if you might benefit from more training, a new software program, or having a more flexible schedule.

• Consider meeting confidentially with human resources (HR) if you think your manager is a source of your stress or if a problem remains unresolved after you have discussed it with your manager. HR may be able to suggest ways to handle the situation or tell you about helpful resources your manager hasn’t already suggested. Your employee assistance program (EAP) or the program that provided this publication can also offer support and resources on coping with stress at work.

• Control what you can in your environment and try to become better organized. Reduce the clutter at your desk or workstation. Use headphones or take other steps to reduce noises that bother you. Develop a better system for responding to calls and emails and managing other daily tasks that are adding to your stress. Even small changes can make you feel more in control at work. Focus on what you are able to accomplish each day rather than on what else needs to be done.

• Picture yourself staying calm. Close your eyes and visualize yourself staying calm before you start work each day. You can put up a calming screensaver or a photo on your desk to help you relax.

• Breathe deeply. Inhale slowly through your nose, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Try to do this 10 times once or twice a day at work. This can help to reduce stress all day. Practice deep-breathing exercises at home, too.

The LifeWorks program also provides a network of counselors who can offer you in-person support. The service is free and available 24/7, whenever you need it, and it’s completely confidential. No one at work or at home will be told that you’re using the service. You can also find online resources at www.lifeworks.com including
• a new podcast, Getting Help for Depression
• Brief, online self-assessments like Are You Depressed?, Are Life Changes Causing You Stress?, and Do You Have a Drinking Problem?
• a library of helpful articles including Anxiety Disorders, Choosing a Counselor or Therapist, Recognizing a Substance Abuse Problem and What To Do, or Recognizing and Dealing with Depression in the Workplace.
• a Mindfulness Toolkit, featuring brief guided audio exercises led by well-known experts to help you manage and reduce feelings of worry and stress.
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Call LifeWorks at 888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com

Share With Your Team: Building Resilience

Written by AAA Staff on February 9, 2016. Posted in Human Resources, Member-Only.

(from the AAA Employee Assistance Program powered by Ceridean LifeWorks)

All of us face unexpected changes, challenges, and set-backs at some point throughout our lives. How can you learn to keep up a positive attitude and stay strong through life’s unwanted changes and challenges? Here are a few resilience techniques to practice and to help you get through challenging times:

Choose to have a positive attitude. There are many things over which you have no control — for example, you can’t control whether the company gets sold and you lose your job. You can’t control whether your child is faced with a serious illness. But you can choose how you respond to the difficulties and setbacks you face.
Take care of yourself. The stronger and fitter you are physically, the more resources you will have to face the challenges that life brings you. Practice healthy habits. Make sure you get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, get out and walk alone or with a friend, and manage feelings of stress. The more you do for yourself, the more resilient you’ll feel during times of challenge and change.
Use “traffic light coping.” This exercise, developed by Dr. Williams, works like this: When you start to feel worried, panicked, or angry — when you start to “see red” — stop and relax. Pause. Take some time to breathe deeply to help calm your body and mind. Soften your shoulders. Let your muscles soften slightly. When you feel calmer, you’re ready to move forward.
Trust your inner strength. Experts agree that we have strengths we never knew we had until we have to use them. You’ll be amazed at how many personal resources you have that you never even knew about. Remember that change can lead to personal growth.
Start with a single step. If you are faced with a challenge that feels big or overwhelming, start with the simplest thing you can do that takes you in the direction you want to be. Ask yourself, “What’s the smallest thing I can do to get started?” Once you’ve thought about it, do it.
Let go of your anger. A difficult challenge can cause us to feel angry and upset. These feelings are normal, but they won’t help us move forward. Work through your anger by writing about it, or talking about it with a trusted friend. Try to let go of negative feelings. It’s not easy to do. It takes practice and work. But try. You’ll be amazed at the results.
Focus on solutions, not problems. Instead of focusing on what you feel you may be losing, consider what you may gain because of the change. For example, if your job is changing, this may be the opportunity you were waiting for to reassess your work and find new direction.
Laugh. Even when things seem to be falling apart around you, try to find time to smile and laugh. It’s very healing and it will help you forget your worries for a few moments. Rent a movie that makes you laugh or spend time with a friend with a good sense of humor.
Focus on the things that are good in your life. Count your blessings. Try to appreciate the day-to-day good things in your life now. The more time you spend doing that, the more energy you will have to deal with the problems that you face. A sense of gratitude helps put things in perspective.

For more ideas on staying resilient during times of change, get in touch with LifeWorks—call to speak with a caring, professional consultant anytime, 24/7. You can also go to www.lifeworks.com to explore our online resources including an award-winning booklet, Bouncing Back: Staying resilient through the challenges of life , a recording, Navigating Workplace Change featuring stories and ideas on how to thrive in turbulent times. You can also check out helpful articles like Ten Ways to Bounce Back and Finding Strength in Family and Community, or a podcast, Adjusting to Changes in Your Personal Life. LifeWorks is completely confidential and it’s provided to you at no cost through your organization’s AAA membership.

Call LifeWorks at 800-929-0068 or visit www.lifeworks.com (username: theaaa; password: lifeworks).

LifeWorks: Helping AAA Member Employees Make Life Work Better

Written by Aidan Camas on January 11, 2016. Posted in Human Resources, Member-Only.

Enhance employee health and engagement by making sure your workforce is aware of the LifeWorks Employee Assistance and Wellness Program. The LifeWorks program is centered around helping your employees achieve work-life balance, improving their productivity and well-being.

We all face challenges in life. From finding answers to parenting questions or managing personal finances, to getting help with a relationship or taking care of health issues, LifeWorks offers around the clock fast, free, confidential help.

AAA understands that your people are your most valuable asset. Make sure your employees are aware of this resource for fast, confidential help with family, work, money, health and work-life balance issues. Share AAA’s EAP with your team.

Share Lifeworks with Your Team Today!

Direct link (no login required): https://portal.lifeworks.com/_layouts/15/hps/fbalogin.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f%3fnetlogin%3dEHs%252f18hc%252bgRgBRlsN4%252ftVWkKwl9jRI6H
Regular link (login required): www.lifeworks.com Username: theaaa Password: lifeworks
24-Hour Live-Answer Hotline: 1-888-267-8126
En español: 888-732-9020,
TTY: 800-346-9188.

Download a copy of this flyer to share with your employees: AAA 2016 LifeWorks Information Flyer

Most of us find our jobs stressful at times. Often these feelings are temporary, but sometimes negative emotions linger and may begin to affect your job performance, your relations with others, or even your health and well-being. Learning to manage challenging emotions at work takes effort, but the payoff is big. When we deal with problems before they overwhelm us, we can contribute more to our team and gain a greater sense of control and effectiveness — both at work and outside of work. You can take steps to become more aware of your emotions and to manage them more effectively. If you are feeling stressed at work, the following tips can help you cope:

Recognize your emotions in their early stages, before they feel out of control. By reviewing your day’s activities and the feelings they caused, you may discover the source of difficult feelings at work. But it may take practice to recognize your real feelings. There’s a strong body of research that shows the ability to be recognize and name your feelings will protect you from having outbursts in the future and will improve your relationships. Ask trusted friends and mentors for help learning to recognize and name your feelings.
Learn to express your emotions in healthy ways. Have strategies for dealing with difficult feelings in ways appropriate for work.
Think about how you managed a problem in the past. If an event at work — like a conflict with a co-worker or an unusually stressful workload — is triggering an emotional challenge, consider how you overcame a similar problem in the past. What worked? What didn’t?
Write it down. This can be especially helpful if a problem is keeping you awake at night. If you are having an ongoing conflict with a co-worker, you might write: “Every time we talk, even about unimportant things, we end up arguing. Maybe I did something to offend him once but don’t know it. Maybe ask him out for lunch and find out.” This can help you come up with strategies and keep the problem from distracting you.
Build your emotional resilience.Pay attention to your physical and mental well-being. Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. All of these will help you find the energy you need to meet emotional challenges. This will help to keep you emotionally resilient and to feel more in control of your emotions and your life.
Use your vacation time.Taking time off helps to buffer job stress, research has found. A vacation can also allow you to pull back and gain a fresh perspective on work stress and possible ways to ease it.
Maintain support systems outside of work.Talking about your concerns with close friends or your partner can reduce your anxiety and help you keep problems in perspective. Choose someone you trust who knows you well enough to give you honest feedback.
Cultivate interests outside of work, including activities with good friends. Remember, not all satisfaction comes from work accomplishments.

For support and more ideas on managing stress and other emotions at work, get in touch with LifeWorks—call to speak with a caring, professional consultant anytime, 24/7. LifeWorks is completely confidential and it’s provided to you at no cost. You can also go to www.lifeworks.com to explore our online resources—short videos, podcasts, and a wide range of articles including:

Call LifeWorks at 888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com (username: theaaa; password: lifeworks)