We would like to remind Faculty and Staff about the resources available to them and their household members through the Guidance Resources Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Guidance Resources, in partnership with ComPsych, provides employees with access to free confidential counseling and connections to attorneys who can help with a variety of issues, including: 

• Family law matters, including divorce, custody, child support and adoption
• Immigration concerns
• Bankruptcy and credit issues
• Landlord/tenant issues, including eviction and lease questions
• Real estate and foreclosure questions
• Wills and living wills

How to access the EAP?

Phone: call 1-855-410-7628 to speak to a trained, caring clinician who will listen to your concerns and guide you to the appropriate services.

Website: visit the Guidance Resources website at www.guidanceresources.com and use the code: USMEAP

Attached are flyers with instructions for how to use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and outlines the Legal Connect services. 

Department Payroll Preparers: please post these flyers in high traffic areas in your departments. 

The State Wellness Program aims to motivate, inspire, and educate employees through monthly wellness webinars (live and on-demand), healthy challenges, guided meditations, wellness coaching, and much more. 

April invites you to Spring Into Health by making Spring Health Resolutions such as being more active, managing stress, and engaging in self-care activities. The State's Wellness program is here to support and encourage you as you "spring" into good health habits on your 2025 Thrive Journey!

Mindful Mondays: The Self-Care Series

Monday, 4/7, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: What is Self-Compassion

Self-compassionate people treat themselves with the same gentle kindness and love offered to a good friend when mistakes are made. Practicing self-compassion allows you to treat yourself the same way.  This is often not as easy as it sounds - luckily, it's a learnable skill!

Register for 4/7 What is Self-Compassion

Monday, 4/14, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: What is Self-Kindness

Self-kindness is the opposite of self-criticism - it's about speaking to yourself in a kind and supportive manner. It includes acknowledging imperfections without judgement and creating a safe mental space for growth and healing. Learn more about the importance of self-kindness for overall well-being in this elevating presentation. 

Register for 4/14 What is Self-Kindness

Monday, 4/21, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: What is Self-Awareness

You may go through your day thinking, feeling, and acting without consideration of the impact of being on auto-pilot. Self-awareness allows you to take control of your thoughts and actions, which leads to better outcomes. Learn ways to cultivate self-awareness in this important presentation. 

Register for 4/21 What is Self-Awareness

Monday, 4/28, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: What is Self-Appreciation

Self-appreciation is a state of love for yourself that isn't static - it grows from the actions you take that support your physical and mental health because you have a high regard for your own well-being and happiness. In short, it's being your own personal cheerleader. Join this presentation and get out your poms! 

Register for 4/28 What is Self-Appreciation

Join Chef Sandra for Egg-cellent Breakfast and Brunch Dishes!   

Tuesday, 4/8, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Egg-cellent Egg Bites

These mini egg bites, packed with flavor and good nutrition, are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins such as cheese, veggies, and even bacon if you're feeling fancy!

Register for 4/8 Egg-cellent Egg Bites

 Tuesday, 4/15, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Crab Eggs Benedict

This dish takes Eggs Benedict up a notch with succulent crab, creamy hollandaise, and a perfectly poached egg. It's the brunch dish that will make you feel like a coastal chef - no seaside required!
Register for 4/15 Crab Eggs Benedict

 Tuesday, 4/29, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: French Toast Fiesta

Golden, custardy French toast gets dressed up with a lemon blueberry compote for a creative touch - or go classic with good 'ole maple syrup! This dish is delish either way.
Register for 4/29 French Toast Fiesta

 Tuesday, 4/8, 11:00 am - 11:45 am:

Smart Money Moves - 10 Tips for Financial Success

Spring into financial health with 10 key tips to set yourself up for long-term financial success! From having a tax strategy and keeping an eye on your credit score to allocating resources and maximizing your retirement plans, there is something for everyone to learn..
Register for 4/8 Smart Money Moves

Can't make the workshop? No problem, you're still eligible for a free educational consultation with a financial professional, just click here.

Healthy U Wednesdays: The Magic of Physical Activity

Wednesday, 4/9, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Physical Wellbeing and You

Learn how to care for your body so that you feel joy and contentment in your own skin. Industry experts will offer advice on connecting mind and body to benefit both.

Register for 4/9 Physical Wellbeing and You

 Wednesday, 4/16, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: The Magic of Walking

Key benefits of walking are preventing heart disease and diabetes, managing weight, keeping bones strong, and even reducing depression and dementia. Join this session to learn more about the magical impact of walking!

Register for 4/16 The Magic of Walking

 Wednesday, 4/23, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: The Magic of Stretching and Massage

Here is a short list of the benefits of stretching and massage: enhanced flexibility, improved posture, decreased pain, better circulation, and stress relief. Learn more about the magic of stretching and massage along with safe stretching and massage techniques that you can do at home.

Register for 4/23 The Magic of Stretching and Massage

 Wednesday, 4/30, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Move Better, Feel Better - Understanding Musculoskeletal Health

Back pain and joint discomfort can impact your daily life. Learn how your posture, patterns of movement, and body composition affect your muscles and joints and what you can do to move better and feel better.

Register for Move Better, Feel Better - Understanding Musculoskeletal Health

Thrive Thursdays Focus: Spring Into Health!

Thursday, 4/3, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Pilates - New Series!

We're excited to offer a monthly Chair Pilates class starting this month. In this 30-minute live class suitable for all fitness levels, your instructor will take you through seated Pilates moves to help improve posture, enhance core strength, increase flexibility, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Register for 4/3 Chair Pilates 

Thursday, 4/10, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: The Benefits of Moving in Nature

Time spent in nature has been shown to lower stress, improve mood, boost the immune system, and even help manage blood pressure. Learn more about the physical and mental benefits of moving in nature and engage in a conversation on ways to immerse yourself in nature.

Register for 4/10 the Benefits of Moving in Nature

Thursday, 4/17, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Yoga - New Series!

We're excited to offer a monthly Chair Yoga class starting this month. In this 30-minute live class suitable for all fitness levels, your instructor will take you through seated yoga moves and poses to help reduce stress, improve strength, and increase flexibility.

Register for 4/17 Chair Yoga

Thursday, 4/24, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: No Dumbbells? No Problem!

Learn how to get full body strength training without dumbbells by using common items such as books, food cans, towels, chairs, and more. You'll love the creativity and effectiveness of this workout! 

Register for 4/24 No Dumbbells? No Problem! 

Fridays: Guided Meditations for Spring Renewals

Friday, 4/4, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Cultivating Self-Compassion

Cultivate self-compassion by focusing on all that you deserve - forgiveness, good health, a peaceful mind, and the courage to let your true nature shine through in this beautiful, guided meditation.

Register for 4/4 Cultivating Self-Compassion

Friday, 4/11, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Cultivating Self-Care

Enjoy the warm sensations of self-care that will leave you feeling safe, cared for, and important. 

Register for 4/11 Cultivating Self-Care

Friday, 4/18, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Recognizing What You Need

Difficulties and struggles are part of the human experience. In this guided meditation, you'll be invited to respond in a way that promotes your well-being and freedom and not in a way that perpetuates your pain and suffering.

Register for 4/18 Recognizing What You Need

Friday, 4/25, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Gratitude for Your Body

This guided meditation allows you to connect with your body through a body scan, a powerful technique that results in a saturation of compassion, kindness, and gratitude for your body.

Register for 4/25 Gratitude for Your Body

Fridays: Tips for a Healthier you!

 Friday, 4/4, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Understanding Alcohol Use and Misuse

While drinking alcohol in moderation may be a part of normal life, consuming too much alcohol can harm your health. Learn how alcohol impacts the body and how to ensure a healthy relationship with alcohol.

Register for 4/4 Understanding Alcohol Use and Misuse

Friday, 4/11, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Soothing Stress

While small doses of stress are a normal response to daily living, experiencing too much stress has been shown to have negative effects on your health. Learn about your body's stress response and ways to soothe stress.

Register for 4/11 Soothing Stress

Friday, 4/18, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Opioid Addiction and Drug Misuse

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 21 million Americans struggle with substance use disorder. While this can be a sensitive discussion to have, it's important to learn more about the issue and the support that is available.

Register for 4/18 Opioid Addiction and Drug Misuse

Friday, 4/25, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Everyday Mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness is shown to help ease anxiety and stress. Learn easy ways to incorporate mindfulness in your everyday life.

Register for 4/25 Everyday Mindfulness

These financial webinars are open to all Faculty and Staff, regardless of your retirement plan or vendor. 

As we gear up for Spring Break, we would like to remind Faculty and Staff about the various resources available to them and their household members through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

There are two ways to access EAP services:

1. Call 1-855-410-7628 to speak to a counseling professional who will listen to your concerns and guide you to the appropriate services you require.

2. Visit the Guidance Resources website at www.guidanceresources.com and enter the Web ID: USMEAP

Highlights of the EAP program via Guidance Resources with ComPsych:

• Available 24/7
• Free Confidential Counseling, up to 5 sessions free with a licensed counselor.
• Live and on-demand webinars on topics such as resiliency, emotional well-being, grief & loss, stress and anger management. 
• Articles on a variety of topics: Wellness, Relationships, Financial, Legal, Lifestyle, Home and Auto.
• ComPsych Huddles: interactive online groups to help you learn, grow and explore topics meaningful to your own well-being goals and self-care journey. When you join a Huddle, you will have the opportunity to learn key information on the topic, engage in discussion with your peers, and participate in live practices led by a ComPsych care professional.

Attached is a flyer with instructions for how to login and use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

Department Payroll Preparers: please post the flyer in high traffic areas in your departments. 

The State Wellness Program's aim is to motivate, inspire, and educate employees through monthly wellness webinars (live and on-demand), healthy challenges, guided meditations, wellness coaching, and much more. 

March invites us to embrace Spring - and to also celebrate National Nutrition Month! This month is a fantastic opportunity to focus on eating habits and learn more about nutrition to help you make smart food choices for yourself and your family. Let the Wellness Program support you as you "march" toward healthier eating habits as part of your 2025 Thrive Journey!

Challenge! Spring Into Motion

It's time to Spring into Wellness with this challenge! Spring Into Motion will inspire you to move more and discover Spring things such as adorable baby animals, vibrant blossoms, gardening tips, healthy recipes, and more. Whether you're a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, Spring Into Motion will help boost your energy and overall well-being during this season of renewal and beyond.

 

  Watch this 1-minute Spring Into Motion video to learn more 

 

Registration opens 3/3 - Register here

Mindful Mondays: Mindful Eating

Monday, 3/10, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Healthy Eating Made Easy
Do you want to make smart food choices but find it challenging to decipher health claims and nutritional information on food packaging? In this session, you'll learn just what to look for on labels and other tips to make food shopping easier. You'll also get ideas for meals and snacks and tips on meal prepping.
Register for 3/10 Healthy Eating Made Easy
 
Monday, 3/17, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Mindful Eating Habits Made Easy
Think of the last meal you ate - how did you know you were done eating? Studies at Cornell University show that you may eat until there is a visual cue that influences how much you eat. For instance, if you ate chicken wings in that meal and the bones were left on your plate, they served as the visual cue to stop eating. However, if the bones were immediately discarded so that you could no longer see them, you may have continued to eat. Mindful eating incorporates strategies like the visual cue so that more attention is given to your eating habits! 
Register for 3/17 Mindful Eating Habits Made Easy
 
Monday, 3/24, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Curbing Your Cravings Made Easy
Do you reach for a snack when you feel down or upset? If so, you're not alone! It's common to turn to food to help cope with big, difficult feelings. Eating activates the brain's reward system and makes you feel better - in the short term. Learn your personal common triggers and strategies to reduce emotional eating for the long term in this webinar.! 
Register for 3/24 Curbing Your Cravings Made Easy

Tuesday: It's Mardi Gras For All!

 Healthy U Wednesdays: A Dietitian Explains Series 

 Thursday Wellness Focus: Nutrition

Fridays: Guided Meditations for Spring Renewal