By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
The holidays bring extra time off but also heightened stress, family pressures, and unrealistic expectations. A Blue Cross PSA highlights how social media increases comparison and anxiety. It offers tips for healthier online habits. I reminds school employees of available mental-health resources and free counseling support.
This time of year is a blessed time. I’m a school employee so I get the week of Thanksgiving off and 2 weeks off at Christmas. But with the blessing of extra time off from work, comes heightened family issues, stress to ‘get everything done’ by putting unrealistic expectations upon ones’ self, and feeling pressure to buy gifts, host events, and/or overspend.
A 2015 Harvard survey found that “Sixty-two percent of respondents described their stress level as “very or somewhat” elevated during the holidays, while only 10 percent reported no stress during the season.“
I was thinking about all this when my health care provider, Blue Cross sent a Public Service Announcement via email not especially regarding the stress of the holidays, but specifically looking at social media. The blossoming of social media this last decade has added stress upon many, especially homemakers, because now we can compare decorations, table settings, hostessing proficiency, gifts, and more with everyone else who posts on social media.
The Blue Cross PSA seemed like good advice, so I repost it below, with some resources aimed at my locals in the school system. There are some great benefits to staff offered for free to help with stress and other issues that may arise during this blessed but stressed time, or any time.
Social media and your mental health
By Anthem Blue Cross
Scrolling through social media can feel good in the moment —but it can also take a toll on your mental health.
More than 70% of U.S. adults use platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.1 While connecting online has benefits, too much screen time can lead to:
–Depression, anxiety, and poor self-image
–Feelings of isolation or FOMO (fear of missing out)
–Sleep problems and difficulty disconnecting
You don’t have to quit social media. Find a healthy balance using the following tips:
1.Set time limits for scrolling
2.Turn off screens an hour before bed
3.Prioritize in-person connections with friends and family
4.Engage in hobbies and stress-reducing activities to support emotional health
5.If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, help is available. Contact your health plan provider for mental health support. Many Health Plans offer free or affordable counseling or resources. Madison County school employees can also take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program, with the free benefit of confidential counseling, which offers help for daily life issues or personal issues.
CALL 1.800.316.2796 or visit www.mutualofomaha.com/eap
Or
Contact Campus Benefits Email: mybenefits@campusbenefits.com or
Call 1-866-433-7661, option 5.
the-end-time.org 