HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Work Life

Be Kind To Your Voice

WORK LIFE

Your voice is unique to you. You probably use it every day for work. But do you give it the TLC it needs to stay healthy and clear?

Do you have a job where you use your voice often?

Attorneys, teachers, sales people, human resources and customer service rely heavily on their voice for work.

If you need your voice for work, avoid misusing it. If you misuse it, you may lose it!

You can overuse or misuse your voice by talking in a large meeting room or noisy place by shouting or talking for long periods. You may have a sore throat or hoarseness afterward.

Prepare your voice for long talks or loud meetings.

Before a presentation or meeting, get plenty of rest. Drink water before, during and after your meeting. Use throat lozenges if needed. Use a microphone to help you avoid shouting.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Prevent Burnout

Stress Management

Recognize and treat early signs.

Burnout isn’t something that happens overnight. It occurs over time from repeated and unresolved frustration or constant pressure to perform or achieve. With burnout, you feel exhausted, worn out, and detached from others. You feel as if you have nothing more to give and simply do not care about anything. Burnout puts your job, your relationships, and your health in jeopardy.

Ten tips to prevent burnout:

1. Set career and personal goals that can be achieved.

2. Follow healthy eating and sleeping habits.

3. Exercise daily – At least 30 minutes most days of the week.

4. Try not to spread yourself too thin. Delegate tasks at work and at home.

5. Reduce long work or study hours, if you can. The more you do and the less you rest, the more likely burnout will occur.

6. Take regular five to 10 minute relaxation breaks. Take mental breaks from stressful situations, too. Learn to meditate. Practice relaxation techniques.

7. Make time for leisure activities that you enjoy and look forward to.

8. Get creative with a hobby or activity that has nothing to do with work.

9. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or therapy.

10. Plan a vacation one or more times a year. Leave your work at home!

Signs on the road to burnout:

* Too much work, not enough relaxation

* Feeling as if you have no control over your job

* Anger

* Fatigue

* Sleep problems

* Escaping through alcohol, drugs, TV, eating, or gambling

* Avoiding making decisions

* Negative view of yourself and the world

Also, some traits increase the risk for burnout. These include the need to be in control, wanting everything to be perfect, and being a workaholic.

Action Step

Discuss feelings and problems you are having with your family, friends, and coworkers. Talking helps ease feelings of frustration that can feed burnout. If things do not get better, get professional help.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be More Tech-Savvy

WORK LIFE

Keeping up with the latest technology can be daunting. Being tech-savvy means being proficient in the use of technology, especially computers.

While you may not need to be able to write complex codes, feeling confident and comfortable with modern technology makes you a valuable employee and helps you connect with family and friends. Here are some easy ways to boost your tech-savvy.

Google it

If you don’t know how to use a platform, software, or device, use a search engine like Google. The answer to most questions can be found online if you’re willing to take the time. Be as specific with your search terms as possible to find the best answer.

Search YouTube

A video with step-by-step instructions will get you in the know fast. There are videos out there on most devices, apps, programs, and even video games. Not all videos are equal, so take a few minutes to find one that provides the information you need.

Take a class at the library

Your local library likely offers classes that provide hands-on instruction on many new forms of technology. Plus, you get to learn in a supportive environment with others committed to broadening their horizons.

Troubleshoot

Impatience and frustration are barriers to learning. Take the time to explore new technology with a mindset of curiosity. Slow down and see what you can learn by clicking through menus and using the “help” function.

Learn about cyber security

Anyone who uses modern technology needs to know how to keep their personal information safe online. Password managers, updated software, and email security are some of the most essential tech-savvy tools out there.

Update your technology

While you don’t need to jump on every new gadget or device available, keeping your technology current will naturally keep you up-to-date. Newer technology is more user-friendly and offers a chance to gain new skills.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Aim High For Your Career Well-Being

Work Life

* “Career” includes your line of work and how you spend non-work hours.

* Choose career goals that suit your personality, skills, talents, and interests.

* Take education and training steps needed to achieve your goals. Gain experience as a volunteer.

* Find your passion in life. Do something you enjoy every day, week, or month.

Dos

* Do the work you love and work at loving what you do.

* Be with people who understand the challenges you face to reach your goals.

Don’ts

* Don’t get stuck in the same routines that prevent you from pursuing your goals.

* Don’t spend time with friends and coworkers who criticize your values and interests.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Beat Procrastination At Work

WORK LIFE

Do you put off doing tasks and find yourself scrambling at the last minute? You could be procrastinating. Try the tips below to break the habit.

Break large tasks down into smaller pieces.

Rather than trying to do the entire project, start with one piece. This can make a large project less overwhelming and more realistic.

Get motivated.

Think about how pleased you’ll be when it’s done. Focus on the positive aspects of your job, and why you do what you do. This may help you get the energy to tackle difficult tasks.

Try rewards.

Commit to getting the project done a few days early. When you do, treat yourself after work. Examples of positive rewards may be your favorite meal or a fun activity you enjoy.

Source: American Psychological Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Recognize And Treat Early Signs Of Burnout

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Burnout isn’t something that happens overnight. It occurs over time from repeated and unresolved frustration or constant pressure to perform or achieve. With burnout, you feel exhausted, worn out, and detached from others. You feel as if you have nothing more to give and simply do not care about anything. Burnout puts your job, your relationships and your health in jeopardy.

Signs on the road to burnout

* Too much work, not enough relaxation

* Feeling as if you have no control over your job

* Anger

* Fatigue

* Sleep problems

* Escaping through alcohol, drugs, TV, eating or gambling

* Avoiding making decisions

* Negative view of yourself and the world

Also, some traits increase the risk for burnout. These include the need to be in control, wanting everything to be perfect and being a workaholic.

Ten tips to prevent burnout

1. Set career and personal goals that can be achieved.

2. Follow healthy eating and sleeping habits.

3. Exercise daily – At least 30 minutes most days of the week.

4. Try not to spread yourself too thin. Delegate tasks at work and at home.

5. Reduce long work or study hours, if you can. The more you do and the less you rest, the more likely burnout will occur.

6. Take regular five to 10 minute relaxation breaks. Take mental breaks from stressful situations, too.

7. Make time for leisure activities that you enjoy and look forward to.

8. Get creative with a hobby or activity that has nothing to do with work.

9. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or therapy.

10. Plan a vacation one or more times a year. Leave your work at home!

Discuss feelings and problems you are having with your family, friends, and coworkers. Talking helps ease feelings of frustration that can feed burnout. It things do not get better seek professional help.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Difficult People In The Workplace

WORK LIFE

A manager rushes into his employee’s office at 4:30 p.m., drops a pile of papers on her desk, and barks, “I need these read, edited, and finalized by 8:30 a.m.”

A woman calls in sick. She is shivering, coughing, and has a fever. Her supervisor screams, “I don’t care what illness you have. If you’re not in the office today, I’ll take it as your resignation!”

These are real examples of workplace bullying that cause stress, depression, and anxiety. The National Mental Health Association estimates that each year more than one billion sick days can be due to mental health disorders caused by work stress. That’s $193 billion a year in lost earnings.

Psychology Professor Katerina Bezrukova studies the psychological effect of workplace injustices and intergroup relations at Santa Clara University.

She says there are 4 kinds of co-workers and supervisors to look out for:

1.Narcissistic.These types have fragile self-esteem. They may become outraged when someone challenges them. Bezrukova says avoid criticizing them. Document your own work, too, so you have a record of everything you do.

2.Aggressive.To them, everyone is a predator or prey. That’s why they like to intimidate others and even bully them. They also tend to act frantic when a project comes in or a deadline is fast approaching. Bezrukova advises victims to stay out of the way. If they can, show them how management-by-hysteria can be inefficient.

3.Rigid.These types won’t try anything new. They manage with viewpoint of “It’s my way or the highway.” This stems from fears of being pushed around. Bezrukova says let them feel like they are a part of the decision.

4.Impaired.These people have ADD, anxiety, depression, burnout, or substance abuse issues. They need professional help. Employee Assistance Programs or other kinds of intervention are best.

“People, who suffer from a workplace injustice of some sort, develop anger, frustration, anxiety, insomnia, headaches. These relationships, coupled with the connection between long-term, chronic psychological distress and increased risk of physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease, make this a crucial dollars and cents issue for business,” says Bezrukova.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sick Days: When To Stay Home

WORK LIFE

You’re feeling under the weather, but you don’t want to miss work. What should you do? In some cases, it may be okay to go to work when you’re not feeling 100 percent. But other times, you should make your wellness a priority. These guidelines can help you decide if you’re well enough to work:

Fever:

The CDC recommends you stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone. This helps minimize the spread of illness to others. You should also skip social gatherings, shopping, and other outings.

Sniffles and sneezing:

Many people simply can’t miss work every time they have a minor cold. Let your symptoms be your guide. If you’re feeling well enough to work and don’t have other symptoms, such as a fever or body aches, you can go to work if necessary. But, if you have fatigue or feel that you won’t be able to safely do your job, consider using sick time.

Vomiting or diarrhea:

Stomach-related illnesses such as norovirus are highly contagious. Even after you stop vomiting, you could get other people sick. If you serve or prepare food as part of your job, the CDC says you should stay home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop.

Remember that staying home from work may help you to recover more quickly, as your body needs rest to fight an illness. In addition, staying home will help avoid spreading illness to co-workers, customers, and others you encounter.

Choosing to stay home may also depend on your employer’s sick day policies. Make sure you are familiar with these and abide by them.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eap Is At Your Service

WORK LIFE

In an edition of Psychology Today, Steve Albrecht, doctor of business administration, encourages employees to find out about the many services available from their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and reach out for help if needed. Dr. Albrecht has written or co-written 15 books, including Ticking Bombs: Defusing Violence in the Workplace, and Fear and Violence on the Job. He is also a former police officer and domestic violence investigator with the San Diego Police Department.

Dr. Albrecht gave four reasons why employees do not use their EAP services:

1. They do not think what they say or do will be held in confidence.

2. They see reaching out for help as a weakness. This is especially true for men.

3. They think they need to get permission from their boss or Human Resources to seek services from their EAP.

4. They do not know their EAP exists.

First, according to Dr. Albrecht, services and discussions between employees and EAP providers are kept confidential. There is an exception-an EAP counselor has a duty to warn or intervene if the employee wants to harm himself or herself or others. The company gets no reports or records of employee use of EAP services.

Second, employees need to be reassured that EAP offers help for many very common issues that affect most people. Examples are money worries, marital issues, raising children or step-children, blended families, sick kids, and dealing with parents with Alzheimer’s disease.

Employees can also get help for financial problems, burnout, stress-related illnesses, cancer and mental health issues. These include substance abuse, workplace conflicts, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Third, employees simply need to call the EAP phone number and make an appointment. They do not have to tell coworkers, their boss or Human Resources.

Lastly, Dr. Albrecht is puzzled why employees do not know about their EAP. Companies with EAP programs list their services and contact numbers on posters and brochures in lunch rooms and break rooms. New employees receive EAP information.

To find out if your company offers EAP services, check your benefits manual or website or ask your human resources manager. Help is just a phone call away.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Smartphone Break Aids Well-Being

WELL-BEING

Want to be more productive and happier during the workday? Try taking a short break to text a friend, play Angry Birds, or check Facebook on your smartphone, according to Kansas State University research.

Allowing employees to take smartphone microbreaks may be a benefit-rather than a disruption-for businesses. Microbreaks are nonworking-related behaviors during working hours.

“A smartphone microbreak can be beneficial for both the employee and the organization,” said the lead researcher. “For example, if I would play a game for an hour during my working hours, it would definitely hurt my work performance. But if I take short breaks of one or two minutes throughout the day, it could provide me with refreshment to do my job.”

Taking a break throughout the workday is important because it is difficult, and nearly impossible, for an employee to concentrate for 8 straight hours a day without a break, was the thinking. So the smartphone microbreaks were thought to be similar to other microbreaks throughout the workday: chatting with coworkers, walking around the hallway, or getting a cup of coffee. Such breaks are important because they can help employees cope with the demands of the workplace.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026