Burnout—known as a state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion—has always been an issue within the workforce, but it has become more prevalent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, people are increasingly anxious and stressed. According to Mental Health America, the number of people who sought help for anxiety during 2020 increased 93% from the previous year. As such, it is important to address these feelings in order to prevent burnout.

One way to prevent burnout is by establishing meaningful connections with your co-workers and managers. According to research from Harvard University Professor Shawn Achor, the people who handle stress the best are those who focus on their social connections during difficult times. Consider the methods outlined in this article to cultivate connections that will help you fight burnout.

Discuss Your Well-being

Some companies host weekly wellness check-ins where employees can voice their current concerns. If your company is not already doing this, consider reaching out to HR to inquire about setting it up. If you have the opportunity to discuss your well-being, it is a good idea to address things you are struggling with.

Even if you don’t find a resolution to some issues, letting your manager know about your concerns can help them determine how much work to give you or understand why your performance may be different than it otherwise would be.

Talk to Your Co-workers

While your co-workers may not want to share all of their personal struggles, checking in on their well-being is important. When you understand more about how those you work with are feeling, you are in a position to better understand their actions and performance. This not only will help you feel less stressed when they are not performing at their peak, but it also will help them feel seen by you. Ultimately, checking in with your co-workers is a crucial step in improving workplace communication, which often leads to less stress.

Stay Connected

Having the option to work remotely can be beneficial in preventing burnout. Whether you are tired from the length of your commute, are apprehensive of returning to work due to ongoing COVID-19 risks or have other concerns, flexible work arrangements may help remedy these issues.

However, it’s vital to stay connected when you aren’t physcially working around others. Consider scheduling times to speak with friends during your day or joining any team events your company may host. Continuing to connect with others can prevent you from feeling isolated when you are not working on-site and, in turn, help you fight burnout.

Summary

Amid the pandemic, feelings of stress and anxiety have increased in the workplace, posing additional burnout concerns. Fortunately, you can help prevent burnout by voicing your struggles, communicating with your co-workers and building more meaningful connections.

Tuning into the news may be highly stressful or upsetting for many Americans. If you’ve been experiencing stress or anxiety due to current events, you are not alone. Stress is part of everyday life, but it can be particularly heightened due to the news, current events or unfortunate incidents that could directly or indirectly impact your well-being. Do you need tips on managing stress and anxiety? 

This article outlines symptoms of stress and anxiety and offers ways to cope with your feelings during troubling times.

What is Stress? 

Stress is any demand placed on your brain or physical body. Stress is typically caused by an external trigger. Any event or scenario that makes you feel frustrated or nervous can trigger it.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), people under stress experience mental and physical symptoms, such as irritability, anger, fatigue, muscle pain, digestive troubles and difficulty sleeping.

What Is Anxiety?

On the other hand, anxiety is defined by the APA as persistent, excessive worries that don’t go away even in the absence of a stressor. It also leads to the same symptoms as stress.

Management Tips

Most people experience some feelings of stress or anxiety at some point. While stress and anxiety are different feelings, they’re closely connected. After all, they can sometimes be helpful motivators to accomplish tasks or do things you’d rather not, but should or need to. While experiencing stress and anxiety are normal during tough times, you can put yourself at risk for long-term mental and physical health effects if you don’t take steps to cope with these feelings.

Since stress and anxiety are emotional responses, they respond well to similar coping mechanisms. Try the following general tips to improve managing stress and anxiety:

• Avoid doomscrolling. Doomscrolling is a relatively new unique behavior. It’s the concept of binging on negative news. You may want to follow news coverage about current events to stay in the loop of what’s happening, but spending too much time doing this can negatively impact your mental health. The same danger goes for excessive scrolling on social media. To combat this unhealthy habit, try to spend less time on social media and focus on facts rather than speculation.
• Be physically active. Try to give your mind a rest, shifting the focus to your body instead. Physical activity creates mood-boosting chemicalchanges in the brain. Engage in activities such as swimming, cycling, walking and running.
• Be mindful. When thoughts feel spiraling, mindfulness activities may stop your mind from racing. Yoga, meditation and other mindful practices can help you feel present in the moment.
• Try breathing exercises. Breathing is closely linked to the nervous system. Deep, controlled breathing with extended exhalation can cause a fall in heart rate and blood pressure. When deep breathing exercises are practiced regularly, you may also experience calm and relaxing feelings.
• Take time to unwind. It’s essential to still engage in activities you enjoy. Creative outlets, such as hobbies, crafts, writing or home improvement, can be good distractions.
• Maintain sleep habits. Although it may be hard to sleep when anxious, try to maintain your usual sleeping pattern. Being well-rested is vital for emotional balance.
• Eat healthy, balanced meals. Healthy eating is important for your overall physical and mental health, improving your ability to navigate stress during troubling times. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Eating well also means limiting saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.
• Connect with others. Good relationships foster a sense of belonging and provide an outlet to share experiences. Sharing worries with others can improve your situation and feelings. Connect with friends and family to bolster your mental well-being. Make social plans, such as a family meal or lunch with a close friend or colleague.
• Be transparent. If your stress or anxiety stems from work-related situations, reach out to your manager or supervisor. There may be ways that your manager can help to lessen the burden.

Many Americans experience stress or anxiety. If left unchecked, though, these feelings can negatively affect your mental well-being. Take steps today for managing stress and anxiety and to keep it under control.

Summary

When anxious and helpless feelings occur, it’s hard to know what to do, but it’s essential to focus on what you can control. You are in control of your thoughts and can take steps to protect your mental and physical health.

It’s natural to feel anxious or stressed, but don’t suffer alone. Your employer may offer mental health or wellness resources.

Additionally, if you’re concerned about your mental health, talk to your doctor, a licensed mental health professional or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).

Fireworks are a staple of many Fourth of July and other celebrations, but remember to take precautions to ensure your special event is safe and accident-free. Firework safety is crucial to ensure you and you family have a great 4th of July holiday.  

The Risks

Unfortunately, many people do not realize just how dangerous fireworks and sparklers can be—which is a primary reason that injuries occur. Fireworks can not only injure the users, but can also affect bystanders.

Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction and may explode on or near someone instead of up in the air. Sparklers are also a huge risk, as they burn at very high temperatures and are often given to children too young to use them safely. All fireworks pose potential risks of burn, blindness and other injury.

Firework Safety Tips for Safe Use

When using fireworks, always plan carefully in advance for who will shoot them and what safety precautions you will have in place. Here are some suggestions to ensure safety and avoid accidents:

• Use fireworks and sparklers outdoors only.
• Always have a hose or water bucket handy.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not alter or combine them, and do not use homemade fireworks.
• Keep spectators a safe distance away.
• Never give sparklers to young children.

• Wear safety goggles when handling or shooting off fireworks.
• Do not shoot fireworks off if under the influence of alcohol.
• Show children how to properly hold sparklers, how to stay far enough away from other children and what not to do (throw, run or fight with sparkler in hand)—but supervise closely, regardless.
• Point fireworks away from people, homes, trees, etc.
• Never try to relight a dud (a firework that didn’t properly ignite).
• Soak all firework debris in water before throwing it away.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.

Protection for Your Pets

Like thunderstorms or the vacuum cleaner, fireworks may frighten your family pets. To protect your pets from becoming stressed as a result of loud noises from fireworks:

• Keep pets indoors away from loud noises in a place that is comfortable to them.
• Allow pets to go to the bathroom before beginning your fireworks show to prevent accidents.

Monkeypox, which can be passed to animals and humans, is usually found in Central and West Africa. As monkeypox cases rise in Europe and other parts of the globe, health authorities are expressing concern about the unusual uptick. As such, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an alert urging doctors and state health departments in the United States to be vigilant.

About Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name “monkeypox.”

The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during an intensified effort to eliminate smallpox.

The main disease carrier of monkeypox remains unknown. However, African rodents and nonhuman primates (like monkeys) may harbor the virus and infect people.

Recent Cases

Monkeypox cases in the United States are very rare. Monkeypox doesn’t occur naturally in the country, but there have been cases associated with international travel or imported animals from areas where the disease is more common.

CDC scientists are collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to investigate a situation in which a U.S. resident tested positive for monkeypox on May 18 after returning to the U.S. from Canada.

The CDC is also tracking multiple clusters of monkeypox that have been reported in early to mid-May in several countries that don’t typically report monkeypox, including those in Europe and North America.

It’s not clear how people in those clusters were exposed to monkeypox. Health care providers in the United States are on alert for patients with rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox.

Signs and Symptomss

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. The main difference between the symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell while smallpox does not. The incubation period from infection to symptoms of monkeypox is usually seven to 14 days, but it can range from five to 21 days.

The illness begins with:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Within one to three days (or sometimes longer) after a fever begins, people may develop a rash starting on the face and then spreading to other body parts.

Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:

• Macules
• Papules
• Vesicles
• Pustules
• Scabs

The illness typically lasts for two to four weeks. In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to cause death in as many as 1 in 10 people who contract the disease.

Transmission

Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth).

• Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, bush meat preparation, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as contaminated bedding.
• Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required. Other human-to-human transmission methods include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material and indirect contact with lesion material, such as contaminated clothing or linens.

The main disease carrier of monkeypox is still unknown, although African rodents are suspected of playing a part in transmission.

Prevention

Several measures can be taken to prevent infection with the monkeypox virus:

• Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
• Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that have been in contact with a sick animal.
• Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
• Practice good hand hygiene—washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer—after contact with infected animals or humans.
• Use personal protective equipment when caring for patients.

Treatment

Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection.

To control a monkeypox outbreak in the United States, the smallpox vaccine, antiviral medications and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used. Learn more about the smallpox vaccine, antivirals and VIG treatments here.

Source: CDC

Summer is the perfect time to be outside enjoying the sun. Swimming in the pool, boating on the lake, even playing in the backyard are favorite ways to pass the time. Regardless of which activity you choose, a summer BBQ is a great addition to your day. Grilling safety is something to keep in mind to ensure your friends and family are safe while having a good time. 

A Few Grilling Safety Tips To Remember

• Do not let children and pets play near the grilling area when cooking until the grill is completely cool.
• Place your grill at least 3 feet away from other objects. This includes your house, trees and outdoor seating. 
• Use starter fluid for barbecue grills that use charcoal only. Do not use starter fluid for gas grills. 
• Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking and is working properly before using a gas grill. 
• If you suspect that your gas grill is leaking, turn off the gas and get the unit fixed before lighting. Never use a match to check for leaks. 
• Do not bring your grill into an unventilated or enclosed space such as the garage or inside of your home. This is not only a major fire hazard; it is also a carbon monoxide hazard. 

Hot grills not only cause fires but can cause burns. Be cautious around the grill and make sure to keep an eye on children and pets. A few minutes of caution can ensure a summer full of fun with friends and family.