Advocacy News – October 26, 2022
Series Wraps Up with Managing Stress and Balancing Work-Life
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce closed out the final ATHENA series of 2022 with a topic top of mind for so many: how to have your mental state right for work and home and techniques to bring balance into both roles.
Sheri Jones, news anchor for WLNS TV6, moderated the important conversation, which featured three women leaders across very different, dynamic professions: Christy Buck, executive director and founder of the mental health foundation Be Nice, Christine Moore, executive VP and general auditor for Comerica Bank, and Sandi Jones, a partner and lobbyist with the Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates firm. Each woman offered their unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge, but five key themes emerged as key to good work-life balance:
- Our health and wellbeing – physical and mental – is intrinsically tied to stress. This reality is proof that we must bear down on self-care practices to sustain a long and healthy lifestyle and to be at our best in the workplace, at home and beyond. Each decision of your day matters – from the amount of water you drink to physical exercise and daily gratitude. Be sure to reach out to a health professional if you find mental fatigue taking over your weekly routine or limiting your ability to show up for yourself and others.
- Make regular time for “white space.” This is a term for the “breathing room” we have for ourselves, our colleagues, our family, friends, holidays, and vacations. White space has slowly dwindled over the years in the average worker’s routine; yet, work itself does not often comprise the core memories of our lives, as Sheri highlighted through interviews with multiple elders over 100. Our livelihoods are enhanced by seeking and making time for relationships and experiences. And take your darn PTO – it helps you be a better employee and person.
- Find your person – or your posse. Having a significant other, one trusted confidante, a mentor, or a friend or group of friends who can help be your sounding board or daily download, can make a real difference. Whether being a listening ear or helping you see things differently … or just having a good laugh or cry … it’s good for the soul and your health.
- Analyze your rationale and mental health when deciding each career move. Be honest when assessing your mindset. Make sure time outside of work isn’t influencing your attitude toward a job, or vice versa. Sometimes your situation can simply be improved by focusing on positivity throughout your workday. But if you analyze your situation and still feel confident about the need for change, don’t be afraid to take that leap – it could reap much-needed benefit.
- Remember to laugh and not take yourself too seriously. We all make mistakes in our jobs and personal lives, but they are only moments in a much bigger picture. Yes, it is important to learn from each mistake and resolve any lingering issues. However, that is only one piece of the process. And without mindful risk, there’s no reward. Use tools that may work for you … like music or a walk to refresh your mindset, call a loved one to see how someone else’s day is going and redirect your focus on plans for the rest of the day.
Check out the full discussion here:
A special thanks again to each and every sponsor this year: our presenting sponsors, Lake Trust and Perrigo; our platinum sponsor, Consumers; our gold sponsors, Amerisure and Hastings Mutual Insurance Company; our silver sponsors, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Jackson National Life, Studio C, and West Shore Bank; our supporting partner, AARP Michigan; and our educational sponsor, Davenport University. We couldn’t have made this programming possible without your support.
For ATHENA questions, comments or topic ideas for future programming, please reach out to Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com. Otherwise, stay tuned for the 2023 Michigan ATHENA Series.