De-stress the holidays

Holidays are fun but often stressful. Whether it’s time pressures, family, finances, or other factors, this time of year can bring tension along with joy.

Help your employees enjoy the holidays while keeping stress to a minimum by offering the following resources:

• Promote our online stress-related HealthClips™.
• Distribute the flyer with tips on simplifying the holidays provided under Resources.
• Encourage employees to order a free Stress Management Kit from Independence Blue Cross (IBC) by calling the Health Resource Center at 1-800-ASK-BLUE. This kit includes a CD with a variety of stress-reduction techniques, a 28-day stress management booklet, and a stress card.
• Advise employees about the stress-management resources available through your Employee Assistance Program.
• Introduce the newly enhanced IBC member website at www.ibxpress.com where employees can receive more stress-related information and utilize resources such as a Stress Tracker and Stress Management Lifestyle Improvement Program.
• Offer a lunch and learn while you show a Wellness Partner video such as Managing Your Stress.

Nutrition tips

A breakfast of oatmeal is one of the best ways to start your day.

Benefits of oatmeal:

• The soluble fiber found in oatmeal has been shown to lower cholesterol, help control blood sugar levels, and help improve digestive function.
• Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and iron.
• The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water, which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you’ll feel full longer.

Quote of the month

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

— William James

De-stress the holidays

Nutrition tips

For information on promoting wellness at your worksite, please contact us.