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The Employee Assistance Program
Healthier Living
The NYC EAP is Concerned About The Health of Employees
People experiencing stress, grief or anxiety often stop caring for some aspect of their well-being. Below is a list of simple actions you can take to stay healthy and function while you cope with difficult situations.
- Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol
- Avoid the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Eat well-balanced and regular meals
- Get plenty of rest
- Exercise regularly
- Structure your time and set priorities
- Do things that you enjoy
- Write down your thoughts and feeling
- Ask for help if you need it
Tips for Managing Stress
All of us show some signs of stress in our lives. If you have a number of signs, however, you may need to spend some time on learning how to manage your stress. Too much stress can have negative effects on your health. Some tips for managing stress include:
Deal with Your Feelings in a Healthy Way
- Talk about your feelings with others
- Find positive ways to deal with anger, such as taking a time out, physical exercise, etc.
- Be patient with yourself and others
- Know what you can and cannot do and accept your limits
- Ask for help when you need it
Remember to Relax
- Set aside time each day for relaxation
- Try deep breathing techniques or meditation
- Devote time to enjoyable hobbies and activities
- Cope better by learning your triggers and symptoms of frustration
Manage Your Time
- Try making "to do" lists
- Do not put off doing things that are important to you
- Give yourself enough time to complete tasks
- Be realistic about what you can accomplish
Develop Good Health Habits
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of rest and eat well-balanced meals
- Take medications as directed by your health care provider
- Avoid alcohol, drugs and caffeine
- See your health care provider if you are worried about the effect of stress
- Laugh and rely on your sense of humor to help you cope
- Try to find humor in difficult situations. A sense of humor helps you cope by keeping things in perspective.
- Avoid overexposure to media coverage of life's most serious problems
Fitness and Health
Exercise regularly. It can help work off some physical stress symptoms, leaving you feeling calm and better able to relax. If you are feeling lethargic, it can help to energize you and clear your mind. Exercise is one of the best things to do to live a healthier and stress-free life. Be sure to consult your physician before starting any exercise program.
Remember that problems can seem much larger under stress. The pressures of dealing with work, family or terror alerts can add to the stress you already feel in your life. Be sure to take care of yourself and manage your stress.
The New York City Employee Assistance Program is located at: 250 Broadway, 28th Floor. Call (212) 306-7660 or e-mail eap@olr.nyc.gov for an appointment.
Resources
Listed below are websites which may be of assistance to you.
Department of Health & Mental Hygiene - www.nyc.gov/health
National Mental Health Association - www.mentalhealthamerica.net
Stress Management - https://psychcentral.com/lib/20-tips-to-tame-your-stress/
Mindtools - www.mindtools.com
Note: Under Federal Law, the New York City Office of Labor Relations, Employee Assistance Program is prohibited from ranking, endorsing, or promoting agencies or organizations listed on its website.