Balanced You Virtual Exercise Classes Return

After a brief hiatus, Balanced You and Vivecorp are excited to bring back the Core Conditioning and Yoga online classes! No matter if you want to tone up, get in shape or learn techniques to relax, these classes taught by certified trainers will help you toward your goals. Classes are free to King County employees.... Continue Reading →

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Introducing Burnout & Resiliency online training

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when every facet of our county had to pivot into a new way of working and serving our community, Balanced You has led live trainings around burnout and resiliency. Burnout and compassion fatigue are conditions that can lead to long-term mental and physical health problems and can impact... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Accommodations for King County Employees

King County is committed to supporting employees with mental health conditions in the workplace. For many people, employment is an essential part of our identity, well-being and mental and physical health. Employment provides a sense of purpose and allows us to build connections with others. Fostering a culture that promotes self-care and focuses on mental... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Resources for Children and Teens

While we work to ensure that King County employees have the resources they need to take care of their mental health, it is important to note that 50% of all mental health conditions begin before age 14 and 75% before age 24. Current reports indicate that the rates of anxiety and depression among children and... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Month: The outdoors and nature

Spending time in nature is linked to many positive mental health outcomes – improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition. Most studies on nature and well-being look at green spaces like parks and forests, but researchers are also beginning to look at blue spaces – places with... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Month: Creating a healthy home environment

Mental Health Month is celebrated in May of each year. This year, Mental Health America has focused Mental Health Month on encouraging us to "Look around, Look within,” sharing suggestions on ways to improve our surroundings in order to improve our mental health, and how to seek help for mental health challenges.

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How to find a mental health care provider

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Mental health care has become a growing priority for many people’s well-being. As a King County Employee, you have access to comprehensive health care coverage, including mental health coverage. Balanced You recognizes... Continue Reading →

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Join the Balanced You Wellness and Self-Care Challenge

Spring is here! What better time to pause and make sure we are taking care of ourselves. Join Balanced You and fellow King County employees for a Wellness & Self-Care Challenge during the month of April. We will give attention to our wellness by incorporating three self-care habits a week. Download the wellness challenge journal... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You Mindfulness Schedule Spring 2023

Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. All classes are held live on Zoom. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the stress many of us experience.  We have classes available for all employees that... Continue Reading →

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Lower your risk for diabetes with Omada

One in three adults has prediabetes -- yet 80% don't know it. Prediabetes is a serious condition caused when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. King County offers Omada, a program that provides proven, one-on-one support to help prevent type 2... Continue Reading →

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Free rapid COVID-19 self-tests are still available

If you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to get tested right away, even if you're vaccinated. If you test positive, most treatments for COVID-19 must start within five days of feeling sick.  Now is a good time to stock up on free at-home rapid tests, while supplies are still available and covered... Continue Reading →

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Get Active & Fit with this Healthy Discount

We know physical fitness resources are important to King County employees and their families.   King County employees covered by our health plans, have access to several gyms for a flat monthly fee through the Active&Fit Direct™ program. Find a flexible fitness lifestyle that will work for you. No long-term contracts, you can add or switch... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health First Aid@Work 2023 Trainings

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being that can often be misunderstood or overlooked. To increase awareness about mental health and highlight supportive resources, Balanced You has partnered with the National Council of Behavioral Health to offer Mental Health First Aid@Work (MHFA@Work) trainings. These trainings are available to all County employees,... Continue Reading →

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Take small steps for better health with Omada

In observance of Heart Health Month, King County and Omada want to provide you with tips for taking small steps to improving your heart health. There's no question about it--regular activity really pays off, from lowering your blood sugar and cholesterol to reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Omada is a personalized program... Continue Reading →

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Make Tax Season Less Taxing with My Secure Advantage

For many of us, filing your taxes can cause anxiety.  Using your financial wellness benefit, My Secure Advantage (MSA), there are several ways to take the stress out of this tax season: Consult an MSA Tax Specialist – Have tax-related questions? Talk with an MSA Money Coach to get answers and talk through your options. Call... Continue Reading →

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Get Movin’ with Balanced You

You talked and Balanced You listened! Based on your feedback to our exercise sessions during Coffee Connections in 2022, we decided to host regular classes to get you moving through your busy workday. Get moving with us every other Wednesday via Zoom. These 30-minute move breaks are free and virtual so you can tap in... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You Mindfulness Schedule Winter 2023

Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. All classes are held live on Zoom. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the stress many of us experience.  We have classes available for all employees that... Continue Reading →

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Compassion fatigue and burnout: What they are and how to recover

The ongoing pandemic and seasonal illnesses, stressful end-of-year work assignments, additional holiday activities - these and other factors can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. These conditions can lead to long-term mental and physical health complications. Fortunately, steps can be taken to recover from compassion fatigue and burnout and to develop resiliency to carry us through.... Continue Reading →

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Focus on Financial Goals in 2023

My Secure Advantage (MSA) is a financial wellness program that provides King County employees with tools and coaching to help you reach your financial goals. King County employees get 90 days of money coaching every year. View the flyer below to learn more about MSA's Money Coaches. Click download at the bottom of this post to... Continue Reading →

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Quick start guide to mindfulness

Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. If you want to practice mindfulness on your own outside of the classes, Mindfulness Northwest has created a Quick Start Guide to Mindfulness Practice. The guide below includes recommendations on mindfulness practices you can do on your own, at... Continue Reading →

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Intuitive Eating tips for the Holidays 

It is common to feel stressed (or distressed) about food and exercise during celebrations, and this often peaks at winter holidays. Balanced You and our dietician partners at Public Health want to remind you to be gentle and kind to yourself. The winter holidays and the new year are a great time to take a... Continue Reading →

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Financial Tips for the Holidays from My Secure Advantage

My Secure Advantage (MSA) is a financial wellness program that provides King County employees with tools and coaching to help you reach your financial goals. In this video, Balanced You's Employee Health Specialist, Karla Clark interviews MSA Financial Advisor, Tiffany Willis about financial planning for the holidays and how to recover after. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3C5ScImeQ For more information... Continue Reading →

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Top 5 Benefit Changes for Open Enrollment 2023

Open Enrollment is here and runs through Tuesday, Nov. 15. Choosing the right benefits is an important part of your overall health and well-being. There are many changes to next year’s benefits that affect nearly everyone, so take the time to learn about those changes and make the right choices for you and your family... Continue Reading →

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Disability Awareness Month: Resources for Mental Health

October is Disability Awareness Month. Disability includes a broad spectrum of conditions that effect physical and mental health. If you are someone who lives with a mental health diagnosis and would like additional support, here are benefits and resources for your consideration.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 3 Steps to Early Detection 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. This year we want to focus on importance of early detection—testing for cancer before it spreads. Detecting breast cancer early allows for the best possibility of successful treatment.  Here are three steps to early detection:  1. Breast self-awareness ... Continue Reading →

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Wellness Hero Junelle Kroontje on the power of giving

Balanced You Wellness Heroes highlights employees doing things to better their lives, the lives of their colleagues, and our community. Meet Wellness Hero Junelle Kroontje, Employee Social Impact and Well-being Manager. In this video she talks about the Annual Giving Drive and ways we can make an impact in our community by giving to causes... Continue Reading →

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7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering

The Employee Giving Program is an opportunity for King County employees to give to causes and non-profits that are important to us. The Annual Giving Drive occurs every year, but did you know there are ways to give year round? Employees can use up to three sick days per calendar year to volunteer at a nonprofit... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You Mindfulness Schedule Fall 2022

Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. All classes are held live on Zoom. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the stress many of us experience.  This fall, we have classes available for all... Continue Reading →

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Wellness Hero Skyler Bridges on healing after suicide loss 

For Suicide Prevention Awareness month, we are highlighting a King County employee who has made a huge impact in advancing the conversation around suicide. Wellness Hero Skyler Bridges, Administrative Staff Assistant in Department of Assessments, talks about his experience loosing loved ones to suicide and how he began healing. To read more about dealing with... Continue Reading →

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EAP Counselors Destigmatize Mental Health and Suicide

Every September, King County observes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month as a reminder of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis. This year, King County Balanced You talks with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors about how to support loved ones, and the importance of destigmatizing the conversation around... Continue Reading →

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Get caught up on your preventive care 

Preventive Care is a term that means routine health care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and tests, to prevent illnesses and health problems. Examples of preventative care include cholesterol tests, annual checkups with your Primary Care Provider (PCP), and colon cancer and breast cancer screenings. Preventive care is important even if you don’t feel sick.... Continue Reading →

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Coping with Grief and Loss: National Grief Awareness Day

Far from being a sign of weakness, grieving is a healthy and naturally healing process. This National Grief Awareness Day, August 30, 2022, Balanced You and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are raising awareness around the many ways individuals cope with loss and sharing resources to help when you or a loved one needs support.    While... Continue Reading →

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Onsite King County flu clinics for 2022

Getting a flu shot is an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year. Flu shots have many important benefits; getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of... Continue Reading →

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Meet Wellness Hero Damont Cain

Balanced You Wellness Heroes highlights employees doing things to better their lives, the lives of their colleagues, and our community. Meet Damont Cain, Power Technical Assistant at King County Metro Power and Distribution, whose team was instrumental in bringing an activity center to his worksite location. Damont talks about why staying physically strong is important... Continue Reading →

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July is BIPOC Mental Health Month 

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month. Established in 2008 in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, the formally recognized National Minority Mental Health Awareness month was created to bring awareness to the unique mental health struggles that underrepresented groups in the U.S. experience. Bebe Moore Campbell was a pioneer and an author, who used storytelling to give... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You Mindfulness Schedule Summer 2022

Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. All classes are held live on Zoom. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the stress many of us experience.  This summer, we have classes available for all... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You Celebrates Pride Month 2022

Every June, Balanced You celebrates Pride Month, a celebration of visibility, connection, and self-affirmation for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Balanced You is focusing on the importance a sense of community plays in employee well-being by amplifying the King County LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. King County LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Affinity Groups provide spaces where employees with... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Month 2022: Back to Basics

Mental Health Month is celebrated in May of each year. Due to the profound impacts of the COVID pandemic, the national conversation around mental health is normalizing. This year, Mental Health America has focused Mental Health Month on “Back to Basics,” helping re-center us on what mental health is, how we can support our mental... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You Mindfulness Schedule Spring 2022

Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. All classes are held live on Zoom. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the mental strain we are all going through. Additionally, mindfulness can support you in... Continue Reading →

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Warm up with some Heart Healthy Chili

In honor of American Heart Month, Balanced You's partner, Omada, is sharing a delicious and easy way to support your heart health. Omada is a free service to King County employees that helps you lose weight, gain energy, and improve your overall health. They match you with a health coach you can message anytime. Click... Continue Reading →

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Meet new employee and Health Hero, Amber Heyward

For Black History Month, Balanced You is excited to recognize our many talented Black employees in different bodies of work around the county.  Welcome new county employee, Amber Heyward. With a background in HR, Learning and Development and Organizational Development, she started at King County four months ago as an Organizational Development practitioner. In this... Continue Reading →

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Health Hero, Kanesa Monroe, balances work and parenthood

For Black History Month, Balanced You is excited to recognize our many talented Black employees in different bodies of work around the county. Health Hero, Kanesa Monroe, is a single mother and a LAN Administrator Journey with KCIT. In this video, she talks about working on the onboarding management system, while juggling being a mom... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health First Aid@Work 2022 Trainings

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being that can often be misunderstood or overlooked. To increase awareness about mental health and highlight supportive resources, Balanced You has partnered with the National Council of Behavioral Health to offer Mental Health First Aid@Work trainings. These trainings are available to all County employees, free... Continue Reading →

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Diabetes Prevention and Diabetes Management with Omada

This year, try a new approach to healthy habits with Omada, a personalized program that surrounds you with the tools and support you need to reach your health goals, whether that’s preventing diabetes, managing diabetes, or improving your overall health. King County offers Omada to help you build healthy habits that stick, one small change... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You mindfulness class schedule for winter 2022

Balanced You is partnering once again with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. All classes are held live on Zoom. “COVID-brain” is a term used colloquially to describe the fatigue and forgetfulness our minds are experiencing as a result of the stress and anxiety from the ongoing pandemic. Mindfulness is... Continue Reading →

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So I disclosed my disability, what’s next? Disability Awareness Month Employee Panel

In honor of Disability Awareness Month, King County employees joined a virtual conversation that featured employees with disabilities who shared their personal experiences of disability disclosure, perspective from a supervisor’s understanding, alongside a Disability Service representative who shared resources available to support employees with disabilities and the process of navigating accommodations. Watch the recording here:... Continue Reading →

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Meet your Employee Assistance Program Counselors

King County Department of Human Resources is excited to announce the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has expanded! EAP supports employees by providing free, confidential counseling on work-related issues. We all experience stress at some point and having someone to talk to can be a helpful outlet to process emotions, navigate challenging situations or provide tangible... Continue Reading →

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Collective care tips and emotional well-being resources for the Latinx/Hispanic community

Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th.  As Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, Balanced You would like to share resources to support emotional well-being for the Latinx community, including spaces for celebration, joy, and connection; tips for self- and collective-care; and mental health guides.  Celebration and connection  Celebration and connection are an integral part of... Continue Reading →

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Disability Awareness Month: Ableism and ally-ship in the workplace

For people with disabilities, navigating a society constructed by and for people considered to have “typical” abilities can be a constant battle, and one that further entrenches the discrimination they face. According to the 2010 census, nearly one in five Americans experience disability. Some people’s disabilities are visible to others and include physical disabilities such... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You mindfulness class schedule for Fall 2021

Balanced You is partnering once again with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. All classes are held live on Zoom. "COVID-brain" is a term used colloquially to describe the fatigue and forgetfulness our minds are experiencing as a result of the stress and anxiety from the ongoing pandemic. Mindfulness is... Continue Reading →

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RESCHEDULED! Let’s Talk COVID-19: A Conversation on Trauma, Stigma, Grief and Growth, Oct. 1

Due to technical difficulties, this event was rescheduled for October 1, 2021. King County employees are invited to join community facilitators to hold space for our feelings and experiences related to COVID-19 and vaccination. Let’s Talk COVID-19: A Conversation on Trauma, Stigma, Grief and Growth Friday, Oct. 1 12:30 - 2 p.m. Zoom link: https://kingcounty.zoom.us/j/85055960730... Continue Reading →

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Suicide Grief: Coping with a Loved One’s Suicide

(Modified from content from HelpGuide.org)  Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and almost 800,000 people around the world die by suicide every year. Each one leaves behind a host of “suicide survivors,” people who’ve lost someone close to them in this tragic way. The loss of someone you love from suicide... Continue Reading →

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Supporting others in crisis

“I’ll never forget the day the phone rang. I felt powerless, I felt stuck. I wanted to help but I didn’t know how, who to call, or what to do. I wanted to solve the problem, but I didn’t know the first place to start.” Being on the receiving end of a phone call or... Continue Reading →

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Fall recipe swap

Every other Wednesday, Balanced You hosts Coffee Connections, a chance to connect socially and meet new people across the county. On Wednesday, Sept. 1, the Coffee Connection theme was all about fall recipes. We got some great ideas and yummy recipes to share with everyone who couldn't make the event. Don't miss next Coffee Connections... Continue Reading →

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COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Q&A with Dr. Michele Andrasik

On Sept. 2, Balanced You hosted a webinar with Senior Staff Scientist at Fred Hutchinson, Dr. Michele Andrasik, for an in-depth overview of the COVID-19 vaccines. Watch the recorded webinar here and download the slides with notes below. The information provided will assist King County employees in their efforts to make informed decisions to protect... Continue Reading →

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A Conversation on Coping with Grief and Loss

In this conversation, Balanced You, King County Metro Wellness and Employee Assistance Program talk about the grief and loss many of our frontline employees have experienced during the pandemic. Learn how grief doesn’t just pertain to a death but also can be the loss of connection, relationships, work and more. In addition, learn about cultural... Continue Reading →

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Making Life Easier: Childcare & Parenting Resources

You may have heard of Making Life Easier (MLE) as a free mental health counseling service for King County employees, but did you know MLE offers many more services, beyond mental health support, designed to truly help make life easier for you and your family? In this article Balanced You will spotlight a new MLE benefit for... Continue Reading →

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Grief Support Resources for King County Employees

Balanced You, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and KC Metro Wellness are partnering for a Well-being and Belonging event on Monday, August 30 to commemorate National Grief Awareness Day.   Grief Support Resources Grieving is never easy. During times of COVID-19, grief can seem even more complex. Our ways of honoring and witnessing each other may have changed. The... Continue Reading →

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Making Life Easier: Daily Living Services

You may have heard of Making Life Easier (MLE) as a free mental health counseling service for King County employees, but did you know MLE offers many more services, beyond mental health support, designed to truly help make life easier for you and your family? Each week, Balanced You will spotlight a new MLE benefit... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You mindfulness class schedule for summer 2021

Balanced You is partnering once again with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. Mindfulness is a practice that can support you in reducing stress at work and at home. Mindfulness techniques are especially useful now, as we continue to move through the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. All classes are... Continue Reading →

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July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Established in 2008 in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, Minority Mental Health Awareness month was created to bring awareness to the unique mental health struggles that underrepresented groups in the U.S. experience. Anyone can experience mental health challenges, they do not discriminate based on race, age, gender... Continue Reading →

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Pandemic Loneliness: How to seek more connection

Adapted from Making Life Easier webinar Loneliness and lack of social connection has been amplified throughout the pandemic. Whether you have been working from home or on the front lines, we have all had been more distanced from our coworkers and community, and loneliness can set in and take over our lives. Even as things... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You celebrates Pride Month

This June Balanced You celebrates Pride Month, a celebration of visibility, equality, connection, and self-affirmation for the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize the accomplishments and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and reflect on the injustices and discrimination the community has faced throughout history and continues to face today. Pride began as a protest against discrimination and... Continue Reading →

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EAP or MLE: Which program is right for my situation?

There are amazing mental health resources at your fingertips as a King County employee, but it can be a little time-consuming to understand which one is the right choice for your situation. Balanced You encourages employees to utilize two free resources, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Making Life Easier (MLE). EAP is a confidential counseling... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You mindfulness class schedule for spring 2021

Balanced You is partnering once again with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. Mindfulness is a practice that can support you in reducing stress at work and at home. Mindfulness techniques are especially useful now, as we continue to move through the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. In... Continue Reading →

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COVID-19 vaccine: A community conversation

Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available to all Washington residents over 16, many are trying to understand their choices. Balanced You wants to support employees by connecting you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family. We encourage you to turn to trusted resources, like Public Health... Continue Reading →

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New mindfulness videos available for King County employees

Mindfulness classes have remained popular among employees, providing many with tools to navigate the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. Last year, Balanced You worked with Mindfulness Northwest to develop a series of free mindfulness videos for King County employees. We are excited to share new uploaded videos to practice mindfulness wherever you are. What... Continue Reading →

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Alleviate Financial Stress with My Secure Advantage

Balanced You has partnered with My Secure Advantage (MSA) to provide a complete financial wellness benefit to all employees. By connecting with a personal Money Coach, you can build a stronger and more secure future no matter where you are in your financial journey. 3 Important Things to Know ❶ No two stories are alike, and... Continue Reading →

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Health Hero Keith Clarke finds community in the Veterans & Military Affinity Group

This Health Hero is spotlighting Affinity Groups. Affinity Groups can boost mental health and well-being through community among people with shared interests or identities. They offer a space to connect, network and find support and fellowship. Connection through Affinity Groups can support personal and professional growth and promote equity and social justice. Keith Clarke joined... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health First Aid@Work trainings added for 2021

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being that can often be misunderstood or overlooked. To increase awareness about mental health and highlight supportive resources, Balanced You has partnered with the National Council of Behavioral Health to offer Mental Health First Aid@Work trainings. These trainings are available to all County employees, free... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You mindfulness class schedule for winter 2021

Back by popular demand, Balanced You is partnering once again with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. Mindfulness is a practice that can support you in reducing stress at work and at home. Mindfulness techniques are especially useful now, as we continue to move through the uncertainty of... Continue Reading →

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Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions

As we move into 2021, you may find yourself thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions. While health and well-being goals are helpful, some types of goals can leave us feeling guilty or insufficient if we don’t reach or sustain them. Balanced You supports employees’ well-being goals and encourages everyone to approach their 2021 resolutions with... Continue Reading →

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Top 10 Balanced You blog posts of 2020

This year, the Balanced You blog became an even more important source of information for King County employees, with readership doubling from 12,000 visitors in 2019 to 24,000 visitors in 2020.  Articles included COVID-19 supports, well-being tips, program information, and resources for allyship. To round out 2020, Balanced You is highlighting our top 10 most... Continue Reading →

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Stress less this holiday season

The holiday season will look different for many people this year. Many of us will still find ways to cultivate joy and cherish time with loved ones, whether virtually or safely in-person. Many of us will also undergo sadness and fatigue from experiencing holidays during a pandemic. Balanced You and King County’s Making Life Easier program offer the... Continue Reading →

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Planning holidays during a pandemic

Planning holidays during a pandemic is a tough feat. While news of COVID-19 vaccines brings a welcome light at the end of the tunnel, we still need to follow social distancing and mask recommendations until the vaccine is available to try to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our community safe. To help employees safely... Continue Reading →

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Balanced You’s Hope and Joy Campaign

As we move through the difficulty and stress of a socially isolating pandemic, Balanced You is launching the Hope and Joy Campaign. Throughout the winter, we will find ways to connect with one another through moments of hope and joy. The Hope and Joy Campaign does not exist to quiet other emotions you may be... Continue Reading →

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How to use telehealth for mental health

As we move into the winter months of this pandemic, many people are experiencing increased isolation and stress, which can contribute to deteriorating mental health. If you or your loved ones are struggling emotionally, Balanced You wants you to know that you are not alone, and that professional help is available from the safety of... Continue Reading →

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Honoring Indigenous People during Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month. This November, Balanced You gives thanks to Indigenous communities. We honor the wisdom and culture of Indigenous people, we mourn the colonization of their land, and we celebrate the Indigenous people who continue to reside on their ancestral homeland. While the tradition of Thanksgiving has been rooted in colonization,... Continue Reading →

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Celebrating Thanksgiving during the COVID-19 pandemic

Thanksgiving gatherings traditionally center around time spent breaking bread with loved ones. This year, in light of the ongoing pandemic, the steep rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the recent Governor orders to limit social gatherings and non-essential activities, Thanksgiving celebrations are likely to look different for many people. Fortunately, there are still safe, fun,... Continue Reading →

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New tool available to help employees choose medical plan during Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment is King County employee’s annual opportunity to evaluate employee benefit options and make changes for the upcoming year. The 2020 Open Enrollment period is currently open until November 15. Employees who are considering choosing a new medical plan may be interested in the Washington Health Alliance’s 2020 Quality Composite Scores for Medical Groups... Continue Reading →

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Tips and resources for coping with election stress

Tuesday, Nov. 3, was Election Day and many Americans are waiting anxiously for the results. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), more than two-thirds of U.S. adults say the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life. And those feelings are being experienced throughout the... Continue Reading →

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Collective care tips and emotional well-being resources for the LatinX/Hispanic community

LatinX/Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th.  As LatinX/Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, Balanced You would like to remind the LatinX community about resources available to support their emotional well-being, including spaces for celebration, joy, and connection; tips for self- and collective-care; and traditional mental health resources.... Continue Reading →

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Fall and winter mindfulness class schedule now available

Mindfulness is a practice that can support you in reducing stress at work and at home. Mindfulness techniques are especially useful now, as we move through the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees, via both employee-specific and... Continue Reading →

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Resources for caregivers during COVID-19

A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need, such as an ill spouse or partner, a disabled child, or an aging relative. Employees who are caregivers for adults and elders are some of the unsung heroes of the pandemic. While caregiving can be joyful and rewarding, it can also be overwhelming or... Continue Reading →

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Guidance for employees working in smoky conditions

The past week has been difficult with wildfires threatening our state and plumes of smoke from wildfires in Oregon and California rendering Washington's air unhealthy. Wildfire smoke in our region will continue today, and will likely begin to dissipate toward the end of the week . Because wildfire smoke can cause a range of health... Continue Reading →

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Resources for parents and caregivers during COVID-19

Balanced You understands the toll that this stressful and unprecedented time is taking on working parents and caregivers, and we want to make sure employees know there are resources available from King County to help you through this. A summary of these resources is below. If there’s anything else Balanced You can do to support... Continue Reading →

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Make the most of your FSAs during the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted many aspects of daily life, and may have affected the amounts you are spending on day care and health care. The following reminders can help you make the most out of your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow you to set aside pre-tax money for day care and medical expenses.... Continue Reading →

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Making Life Easier for King County employees

King County provides mental health programs to help employees and their family cope with the personal outcomes of tragedies, stress, change, or trauma. The Making Life Easier Program (MLE) is one free resource that is available for employees to use when experiencing difficult situations. MLE offers support with various services, such as free mental health... Continue Reading →

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July and August mindfulness class schedule now available

As we continue to maneuver through this very difficult time in our society, it is important that we manage our mental health and stress levels. Balanced You heard from employees that mindfulness classes have helped alleviate some of the anxiety many are experiencing, so we are continuing to provide these classes through August. What is... Continue Reading →

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Live healthier with these free wellness programs

When you feel healthy, you can get the most out of life and do your best work. That’s why we created Balanced You, a program to help all King County employees meet their financial, emotional, and physical needs. Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes with Omada Some people at risk of developing type... Continue Reading →

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Financial resources for King County employees

COVID-19 has resulted in urgent financial needs for many households. Fortunately, there are ways King County employees can receive financial help. Read on for more information. New access to Deferred Compensation Plan accounts If you are a member of the King County Deferred Compensation Plan through T. Rowe Price, you may be eligible to access... Continue Reading →

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On-demand webinar: Supporting Kids through the Pandemic

During the recent Balanced You webinar “A Conversation on Self-care and Connection,” we heard from employees that one of your top concerns is how the pandemic is impacting your kids. Because you asked for help supporting your kids through this, we reached out to one of the area’s top parent coaches, Sarina Behar Natkin, to... Continue Reading →

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How to be an ally: Anti-racism resources for white people

Many white people witnessing the violence against Black bodies and minds are committed to action that will set our country on a more just path. As such, many are resolving to demonstrate allyship by taking actions to counter, disrupt, and dismantle systemic racism through anti-racism. If you’ve heard these words, wondered what they mean, and... Continue Reading →

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Emotional well-being resources for Black communities

The combined impact of police violence, a pandemic disproportionately affecting People of Color, and centuries of systemic racism places undue stress on Black communities. This stress continues to impact each individual Black person’s emotional well-being uniquely, based on their identity, support systems, and other contexts. Balanced You stands with Black Lives Matter and recognizes the... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Month week four: Supporting others

For the last week of Mental Health Month, Balanced You is focusing on the topic “supporting others.” Widening our view from self-care to collective care by supporting others’ mental health is important, especially during the ongoing pandemic, which has increased stress for so many. While you may not be able to fix someone’s mental well-being,... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Month week three: Connecting with others

For the third week of Mental Health month, Balanced You is focusing on the topic “connecting with others.” Social connection helps ward off social isolation and is an important part of mental health. The connections we make with other people enrich our lives and support us through the most difficult times. But, sometimes, it is... Continue Reading →

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On-demand webinar: A Conversation on Self-Care

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone’s mental health in unique ways. Now, more than ever, self-care and connection are needed. In support of employees' health and well-being during this difficult time, Shawna Johnson, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and Heather Steffensen, Interim Employee Assistance Program Manager, led "A Conversation on Self-Care." This live, interactive webinar covered... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Month week two: Creating healthy routines

For the second week of Mental Health Month, Balanced You is focusing on the topic “creating healthy routines.” Many of our routines including nutrition, physical activity, social connection, and rest have been upended by the pandemic. Maintaining our old routines may be impossible, due to new work schedules, social distancing rules, or stress levels. As... Continue Reading →

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Advice from EAP: Filling our self-compassion tanks

The coronavirus pandemic is challenging professionally and personally for all of us. Perhaps you’re frustrated with yourself because you’re struggling with computer technology or having difficulty learning new job skills. Or, if you’re a parent, perhaps you’re questioning your ability as you struggle to balance your child’s online and recreation schedule. Self-compassion is a practice... Continue Reading →

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Mental Health Month week one: Owning your feelings

Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we cope with stress, make healthy choices, and relate to others. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and, due to the stress brought on by COVID-19, this is a particularly important year to focus on this aspect of well-being. Balanced You is... Continue Reading →

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Self-care for telecommuters living with partners and roommates

As efforts to respond to the coronavirus pandemic continue, many people feel confused and overwhelmed. Staying indoors to social distance contributes to this feeling, and may be exacerbated by our living arrangements. Balanced You has provided self-care tips for telecommuting employees living with children at home. It is important to also note that telecommuters who... Continue Reading →

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Advice from EAP to front-line staff during COVID-19

Reporting to your workplace during a pandemic is challenging. The pace can be frantic, and the work can feel relentless. Many people – colleagues and customers – are stressed out, ourselves included. Whether your job is categorized as essential, front line, first responder, or mission-critical, coming into work at this time can cause anxiety, perhaps... Continue Reading →

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Free personalized Money Coaching for King County employees

During the uncertain economic times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, you may find yourself becoming worried about your family’s financial stability. Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn to an impartial expert for advice? With King County’s My Secure Advantage (MSA) program, you can receive personalized advice from a professional Money Coach for... Continue Reading →

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April and May mindfulness class schedule now available

Mindfulness is a practice that can support you in reducing stress at work and at home. Mindfulness techniques are especially useful now, as we move through the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees, via both employee-specific and... Continue Reading →

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Self-care for Emergency Responders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Emergency responders – healthcare workers, public health professionals, law enforcement, emergency operations staff, and others – are heroes in the battle against coronavirus. King County is grateful for your dedication to our community’s health. Thank you. Balanced You knows you are working long hours, making difficult decisions, enduring trauma, and facing human tragedy. Many of... Continue Reading →

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Tips for K-12 spring break while social distancing

For many students in King County, this time of year heralds spring break, a much-anticipated week away from school. The coronavirus outbreak has caused many families to cancel plans for break, leaving them in search of creative ways to keep their kids entertained while practicing social distancing. Below are some ideas for activities you can... Continue Reading →

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Healthy eating during the coronavirus response

Now that you have stocked up on groceries, you may be wondering how to best use all the rice and beans you bought and what recipes will boost your immune system. Balanced You has got you covered. There’s no better support for your immune system than sleeping well, exercising, managing your stress, washing your hands,... Continue Reading →

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Telecommuting with children at home

To slow the spread of coronavirus, King County employees who can telecommute have been mandated to do so until further notice. Because K-12 schools have closed, King County is temporarily allowing parents and caretakers to telecommute while caring for children at home. Telecommuting with children at home is a new experience for most employees and... Continue Reading →

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Caring for children during the coronavirus response

The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone to process. Each of us is experiencing some degree of anxiety or stress in the face of this pandemic. Children process stress differently than adults and are uniquely affected by the way we talk about the virus, images in the media, and changes to their routine following... Continue Reading →

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Taking care of ourselves during a pandemic

It is a challenging time for employees, families, and our community as we continue our efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus, and it is normal to have feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. While many things are beyond our control with this outbreak, there are many things that we can control. When we are anxious... Continue Reading →

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Self-care for telecommuters during the COVID-19 pandemic

As King County responds to the coronavirus (COVID-19), employees who can telecommute have been mandated to do so to reduce the community risk of coronavirus transmission. Furthermore, the CDC has issued guidance that everyone practice social distancing.  While this strategy has many benefits, the sudden switch can throw off your routine. Balanced You wants to... Continue Reading →

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[Update: 2020 Worksite Fund temporarily paused due to coronavirus] Apply now! 2020 Worksite Fund

Update: The 2020 Worksite Fund application period has been temporarily paused while King County focuses its efforts on stopping the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). An updated application deadline will be announced at a later date. Employees are invited to continue brainstorming Worksite Fund projects during this time. Please reach out to balancedyou@kingcounty.gov with questions... Continue Reading →

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Telehealth options now available for Regence and Kaiser members

Balanced You knows getting to the doctor’s office isn’t always easy. That’s why King County employees and family members enrolled in Regence and Kaiser medical plans now have access to a convenient option for health care: telehealth visits that allow you to access board-certified, trained medical providers using your smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, without... Continue Reading →

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Resolved to stress less in 2020? Check out a mindfulness class

Would you like to stress less this year? Give one of our popular mindfulness classes a try! Balanced You has partnered with Mindfulness Northwest to offer classes at county worksites, online, or in the community. Classes are available to King County employees free-of-charge, subject to availability. See the January to March 2020 calendar below. Mindfulness... Continue Reading →

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