Balanced You offers a variety of health and well-being options to support employees so you can feel good, get the most out of life, and do your best work for the people of King County.
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 →
As we continue to navigate the pandemic and these unprecedented times, paying special attention to your mental health and the mental health of those you love is crucial. In honor of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, King County employees are invited to join Balanced You for a virtual conversation featuring speakers from the Black /... Continue Reading →
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 →
Every fall, King County’s Balanced You team encourages employees to get their flu shot and this fall, flu shots are more important than ever. While the flu shot won’t protect you from COVID-19, it has many other important benefits. Getting vaccinated can reduce your risk of getting the flu, help protect vulnerable populations, and conserve... Continue Reading →
Getting a flu vaccine is an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine every year. This fall, flu shots are even more important given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the flu... Continue Reading →
Being a parent or caregiver during this pandemic is tough. Between school schedules, naps, entertainment, meals, finances, and work, 2020 is one big balancing act for employees caring for kids. 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... Continue Reading →
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 →
Engaging in an emergency response to a long-term crisis is inevitably stressful. While the work is rewarding, the long hours, breadth of demands, and exposure to human suffering can be difficult for even the most seasoned responder. To support your mental health during this time, Balanced You has partnered with Mindfulness Northwest to develop a... Continue Reading →
In order to reduce the impact of the pandemic on our community, many school districts have opted for remote learning, meaning many students will be learning from home this year rather than from classroom. While this important decision reduces the risk of families contracting or spreading COVID-19, it also introduces increased financial burden to families... Continue Reading →
Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for people who live alone. While those living alone do not have to navigate boundaries with housemates, they may be faced with more difficulty finding social connection. Social connection is an integral part of mental and emotional well-being, and social isolation can lead to feelings of... Continue Reading →
A lay-off may be difficult to cope with mentally and emotionally. Some feelings you may experience include grief, anger, sadness, hopelessness, or relief. Any feelings you experience are valid. Remember that there are steps you can take and resources you can access to support your mental health and emotional well-being during this process. Self-care during... Continue Reading →
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on our economy, resulting in layoffs across many industries and organizations, including local governments. In the event you are facing layoff, or are concerned about potential layoff, Balanced You has developed the following list of financial wellness resources to support you during this difficult time. Throughout this... Continue Reading →
To protect themselves from the coronavirus, many people have chosen to delay non-emergency doctors’ visits and therapy appointments, hoping they can pause their medical needs until the pandemic is over. Unfortunately, we now realize the virus is likely here to stay for many more months. And so, we are faced with the challenge of developing... Continue Reading →
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 →
We know that for many people, daily life looks a little different right now. As we continue to adapt, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves — especially if you’re living with a long-term health condition. Long-term health conditions can affect body, mind, and spirit According to the Centers for Disease Control... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
In June of every year, Pride Month - a celebration of visibility, equality, connection, and self-affirmation - is celebrated by the LGBTQ+ community across the country and around the world. This year, as the Black Lives Matter movement grows, it is important to remember that the first Pride was held in commemoration of the 1969... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation and a cornerstone of many recovery programs - has changed in the face of social distancing. Before coronavirus, rooms and... Continue Reading →
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 →
Social distancing is one the strongest tools we have to save lives and slow the spread of the coronavirus. Yet for many of us, the practice is difficult; while social distancing keeps us and others safe, it also challenges our important need for connection. Whether you live alone or in a home full of people,... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Balanced You understands this pandemic is stressful. In response, we are creating new tools and resources to support your well-being during this difficult time. Mindfulness classes have remained popular among employees, so we have decided to expand access to mindfulness resources. As such, Balanced You is pleased to announce a series of free mindfulness videos,... Continue Reading →
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 →
It is okay to not feel okay right now. This pandemic is traumatic. Many of us are struggling. Our minds and bodies tend to shift into a state of hyper-vigilance when faced with trauma. Hyper-vigilance helps keep us safe and alive; it’s the mechanism in our brain that reminds us to wash our hands, wear... Continue Reading →
As the number of businesses impacted by COVID-19 continues to rise, so does the number of unemployed and furloughed workers in our community. Members of your household may have been impacted by reduced work hours or lay-offs. An unexpected change in one earner’s income can greatly impact household budgets. Fortunately, there are ways that you may... Continue Reading →
With a guiding vision of “Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive,” King County employees are thinking about how best to support each other and our community through this pandemic. Though we are not all on the front lines, the actions we take are critical to the success of those who... Continue Reading →
First Responders and Essential Personnel are employees who report to work during an emergency. These employees are often under extreme stress as they adapt their work in response to the coronavirus pandemic. To support these employees in managing stress and caring for their own-well-being, Balanced You has developed a Self-care Toolkit for First Responders and... Continue Reading →
Essential personnel are employees whose jobs are necessary for King County to continue operating. Many of you - including staff from Metro, DAJD, FMD, Roads, the Criminal Defense system, and others - have jobs that cannot be performed at home, and so you continue to report to work each day during this pandemic. King County... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
Exercising during a pandemic is tough. Our routines are thrown off. Gyms, Activity Centers, and trailheads are closed. Stress levels are high. Due to the coronavirus response, many employees are working from home, while others are pulling long hours in the office or in the field. Because everything is currently so different, it is easier... Continue Reading →
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 →
The coronavirus pandemic has radically changed our sense of security and daily routines. Everyone will experience this trauma uniquely, based on their past experiences and current situations. Even though we are each different, there are predictable emotional phases humans experience in response to crisis. We can use our understanding of these emotional phases to build... Continue Reading →
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 →
Due to social distancing recommendations from the CDC and stay-at-home orders from Washington state leadership, Balanced You has made temporary changes to our programs so you can continue accessing many of them while social distancing. We worked with our partners to transition in-person programs and resources to online formats when possible, and to create new... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →