While summer often brings a welcome change of pace with warmer weather, longer days, vacation plans and more time outdoors, it can also introduce new stressors for many individuals. Whether balancing work responsibilities with family schedules, coping with the heat or dealing with travel logistics, summer can feel anything but relaxing.

The key is learning how to manage seasonal stress so it doesn’t manage you. This article provides practical tips for coping with stress during the summer.

Staying Cool Under Summer Pressure

Summer stress is real if you’re navigating vacation schedules, managing child care or just trying to stay productive in the heat. Here’s how to stay cool and manage stress effectively:

1. Stay hydrated and cool. Dehydration and heat can increase fatigue and irritability. It’s important to keep a water bottle nearby and dress in breathable fabrics. When possible, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, but plan accordingly if you have to be out in the sun for long periods of time.
2. Set boundaries with your time. Summer calendars can fill up quickly. As such, be intentional about what you commit to and don’t hesitate to say no to events or obligations that feel overwhelming.
3. Maintain a routine. A consistent schedule helps reduce stress, so stick to regular sleep, meals and work time. It’s equally important to remain flexible, so feel free to adapt your routine to include more outdoor or seasonal activities.
4. Create a comfortable work environment. Whether you’re working on-site or remotely, make your space summer-friendly. If possible, use fans, adjust lighting and take advantage of natural light to help boost your mood and productivity.

4. Take meaningful breaks. A short break can help you reset and refocus, but avoid defaulting to screen time during breaks. Instead, get some water, step outside, stretch or take a few deep breaths to reset your mind and body.
5. Use vacation time wisely. It’s important not to let your paid time off go unused. Even a short break or a staycation can help you recharge. When you’re off, try to disconnect and allow yourself to relax.
6. Plan ahead for family and travel logistics. If you’re managing kids on summer break or planning trips, get organized early. Clear communication with your team and family can help reduce last-minute confusion, tension and stress.
7. Reconnect with nature. Spending time outdoors, even just for a few minutes each day, can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. For example, consider walking meetings, lunch in the park or weekend hikes to recharge.
8. Practice mindfulness or light exercise. Movement is medicine, so incorporate short mindfulness practices or light physical activity into your day. A 10-minute walk or a few minutes of deep breathing can significantly lower stress levels.
9. Limit alcohol and caffeine. Summer socializing often includes more drinks, but too much caffeine or alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle and increase anxiety. Stay mindful of your intake and balance alcoholic beverages with plenty of water. Alcohol and caffeine can also dehydrate your body, so focus on ways to consume more water (through foods or drinks) throughout the day.

Overall, it’s important to understand that some stress is OK and expected. Stress is a natural reaction that you may feel, but taking some small steps to manage or reduce it can help you keep your cool during the summer.

Summary

Summer doesn’t have to be a source of stress. You can stay productive, protect your well-being and enjoy the season with a few intentional adjustments. No matter if you’re working through the heat or taking time off, these strategies can help you stay balanced and energized.

If you have concerns about your mental health or overall well-being, it’s important to seek help from a trained health care provider.

With sunny days, seasonal breaks and time off, summer is a popular time for public outdoor events like festivals and fairs. Although they are fun, these events present unseen risks to your well-being.

This article provides an overview of summer festivals and fairs, discusses the hazards and risks at these events, and offers tips to stay healthy and safe.

Overview of Summer Festivals and Fairs

Festivals and fairs are celebrations of music, culture, food and community. Many are family-friendly, but millennials and Generation Z generally make up the majority of attendees. Common types of festivals and fairs include:

• State fairs
• County fairs
• Music festivals
• Renaissance fairs
• Cultural festivals

More popular events, such as major music festivals, can have over 100,000 attendees, and some state fairs can attract over 1 million visitors. In addition to these major events, most cities have local fairs or smaller festivals. In general, the popularity of these events, coupled with warm summer weather, can introduce health and safety concerns.

Health and Safety Risks

The following are risks you may encounter at festivals and fairs:

• Heat-related illness—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States. The outdoor settings of festivals and fairs can lead to several heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which require medical attention.
• Sun exposure—In addition to the heat, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes, according to the CDC. While sunburn can be painful in the short term, sun damage can cause long-term health concerns.
• Crowd safety hazards—Large crowds at festivals and fairs increase the risk of injuries. During an emergency, it may be difficult to navigate through a dense crowd. Additionally, in panic situations, trampling, falls and crushing can occur.
• Dehydration— It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re at an outdoor event for hours in the hot sun. This affects you not only physically but also mentally, potentially leading to confusion, agitation or anxiety. Symptoms of dehydration include headache, light-headedness, tiredness, thirstiness and dark-colored urine.
• Food and drink safety risks— It’s important to eat nutritiously to help avoid energy crashes at festivals and fairs. However, the abundance of food and drink vendors may increase the risk of food poisoning or other foodborne illnesses if items are not handled or stored properly.
• Personal safety concerns—Due to the high activity levels and large crowds, festivals and fairs can be hot spots for theft and other unwanted behavior.
• Hearing damage—Prolonged exposure to high volumes, especially at events featuring music, may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Well-being Tips for Summer Festivals and Fairs

Festivals and fairs are a great way to spend time with friends and family. Event organizers and health experts stress the importance of health and safety measures to ensure everyone can have fun and stay safe. Consider the following ways to maintain your well-being:

• Plan ahead. Having a plan for potential emergencies and other needs can ensure your day of fun goes smoothly while minimizing safety hazards. Check the weather report to determine the best time to go and how to dress for the day. Familiarize yourself with the venue layout so you can easily locate exits, first-aid stations and water refill points. Sticking with your group of friends or family can further enhance safety. If you split up or get separated, have a plan for when and where to meet back up.
• Check event policies. Festivals and fairs generally post informational flyers or have policies on their websites detailing what is allowed and prohibited at the event. For example, these policies may cover what types of bags you can bring, if you can bring a water bottle or hydration backpack, what kinds of sunscreen containers are allowed or if you can bring an umbrella. Policies often include a list of prohibited items that should be left at home due to safety concerns. This information can help you prepare for an eventful day while maintaining your well-being.
• Stay cool and hydrate. To reduce the risk of heat-related illness as well as dehydration, wear light, breathable clothing and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Take frequent breaks from activity and sun exposure in the shade to rest and cool down, especially during periods of intense sun or activity. Check the venue’s policy on bringing your own water bottle so you can drink and refill conveniently. Electrolyte drinks may help you stay hydrated, especially if it is hot outside. However, health experts warn against overrelying on these drinks rather than focusing on drinking enough water.
• Use sun protection. Wearing a hat and sunscreen can help protect against sun damage. Health experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying every two hours. Additionally, sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun.
• Protect your hearing. At loud events, you can use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to reduce hearing damage. You can also consider taking breaks from noisy areas.
• Prioritize your personal safety. To help prevent theft, secure your belongings in anti-theft bags and keep valuables close to you. Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid potential hazards, navigate crowds, and keep yourself and your belongings safe. Avoiding dense crowds can also reduce the chance of theft or getting injured. Consider packing a first-aid kit in case of minor injuries.
• Eat and drink responsibly. Assess the food and drink vendors you choose. Evaluate whether they are clean (e.g., they should have an adequate inspection report, and workstations should be clean and tidy) and if they have appropriate food safety equipment (e.g., refrigerators, gloves, tongs). Alternatively, you can eat before arriving at the event or pack your own food if the venue permits it. Additionally, if consuming alcohol or caffeine, make sure to do so safely and balance these drinks with water; too much of either can exacerbate dehydration and heat illness.

Summary

Prioritizing your health and safety at festivals and fairs can help you minimize risks and maximize fun this summer. Contact your employer for more well-being resources.

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.

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. 

Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. While both are emotional responses, stress is typically caused by an external trigger. Stress is the body’s reaction to a threat, and anxiety is the body’s reaction to stress.

More than three-quarters of adults report symptoms of stress, including headache, tiredness and depression, according to the American Psychological Association. Additionally, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reported that an estimated 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety.

Knowing the difference between stress and anxiety can help you better manage these common feelings. This article explains the similarities and differences between them.

Comparing Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can both impact your physical and mental health. Each can result in excessive worry, uneasiness, tension, headaches, body pain, high blood pressure, digestive issues, difficulty concentrating and loss of sleep. Although stress and anxiety may present themselves in similar ways, they have key differences.

Stress is typically a direct response to a specific external cause, such as an important work project or an argument with a partner, that often dissipates once the situation has been resolved. Stress can also have positive and negative results. It may inspire you to perform well at a meeting while causing you to lose sleep. Since it’s usually caused by a specific event or threat, stress is typically a short-term response; however, it can become a chronic condition.

On the other hand, anxiety is a feeling of fear, tension or worry in response to a real or perceived threat. It can be accompanied by an increased heart rate, restlessness, sweating, feelings of dread and faster breathing. It is typically defined by constant and excessive worrying that doesn’t go away, even without an identifiable trigger. Anxiety typically lasts longer than stress because it isn’t linked to a specific situation. Some people only experience anxiety occasionally; for others, frequent anxiety can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Techniques for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Similar strategies can be used to manage or reduce both stress and anxiety. Consider the following techniques to cope with these feelings:

• Keep a journal and write about your feelings in the moment.
• Practice positive self-talk.
• Use relaxation exercises, such as breathing techniques.
• Get regular quality sleep.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Reach out to friends and family and share how you’re feeling.
• Set aside time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy.

If stress or anxiety begins to impact your everyday life, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional. A qualified health professional can help you identify potential triggers and create effective coping strategies to decrease their impact. They may also be able to recommend medications and types of therapies to help alleviate symptoms.

Summary

While stress is typically short-term and easily identifiable, and anxiety can be long-lasting with less clear triggers, they can both have negative impacts on your overall health. Consult a doctor or mental health professional for more guidance on these conditions.

When winter arrives—often bringing low temperatures and snowfall with it—the seasonal transition may require you to start periodically shoveling snow. Although this task is necessary to help clear pathways and prevent ice buildup, shoveling snow comes with serious safety risks.

After all, repeated shoveling requires significant physical exertion, which—when paired with the frigid outdoor elements—can take a dangerous toll on your body. That’s why it’s crucial to utilize proper precautions while you shovel snow.

Review the following guidance to learn more about the risks of shoveling snow and what you can do to protect yourself.  

The Risks of Shoveling Snow

The most prevalent risks associated with shoveling snow include:

• Sprains and strains—Because shoveling requires you to repeatedly move potentially heavy amounts of snow in an awkward position for an extended period, this task can easily cause sprains and strains if you aren’t careful. These injuries typically occur in your wrists, shoulders, back and ankles.
• Hypothermia—Working in cold weather can heighten your risk of experiencing hypothermia, which occurs when your body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, drowsiness, shallow breathing, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination and unconsciousness. Severe cases of hypothermia can be fatal.
• Frostbite—Working in chilly conditions can also increase your risk of developing frostbite, which entails a freezing of the skin and its underlying tissues. Frostbite can result in stinging, numbness and blistering in the affected areas (usually your fingers, toes or face). If left untreated, frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage.
• Heart complications—If you overexert yourself while shoveling snow, the cold weather could contribute to a sharp rise in your heart rate and blood pressure, thus decreasing your overall blood supply and potentially causing a heart attack—which could be fatal.

General Best Practices

Here are some basic safety precautions to keep in mind when shoveling snow:

• Avoid shoveling immediately after eating or while smoking.
• Take a few minutes to stretch before you begin shoveling to better prepare your body for the physical demands of the task.
• Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift snow while shoveling, use a smaller shovel or only partially fill your shovel with snow to avoid lifting too much at a time. In addition, be sure to lift with your legs rather than your back.
• Don’t overexert yourself. Pay attention to how you feel while you shovel—never work to the point of exhaustion. If you begin to feel overly fatigued, stop shoveling and inform your supervisor.
• When handling large amounts of snow, consider utilizing a snow blower rather than a shovel to avoid the extra labor. However, make sure you are properly trained to do so. Always consult your supervisor before making any equipment changes.
• Make sure you know the key signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach). If you start to experience these symptoms, stop shoveling and call 911 (or ask someone to call for you, if necessary).

How to Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite

Be sure to implement these additional safety measures to prevent hypothermia and frostbite:

• Always check the weather before working outdoors to properly prepare yourself. Try to limit your time shoveling if weather conditions are extremely cold, wet or windy.
• Make sure you dress appropriately for the task at hand. Wear several loose layers of clothing, a warm hat that fully covers your head and ears, mittens (rather than gloves) and thick socks that will keep your feet dry.

Safety First

Your safety is our first priority. Talk to your supervisor you have any further questions or concerns about shoveling snow.

Snow shoveling safety tips for a safer winter – From our friends at EMC Insurance