Engaging in emergency response is 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 employee. To support King County employees involved in the ongoing COVID-19 response, Balanced You has partnered with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Public Health–... Continue Reading →
An overview of mental health resources for King County employees
It is normal to feel your mental health and emotional well-being are being challenged during these ongoing difficult and uncertain times. Balanced You is here to remind King County employees that there are resources available to support you. Below you will find a list of links to resources tailored for different audiences - such as... Continue Reading →
Balanced You: 2020 Reflections and 2021 Highlights
As we welcome in 2021, we at Balanced You want to take a moment to reflect on the growing importance of well-being in 2020 and share our plans for this coming year. If there is a silver lining on the last year, it’s the realization at every level of the organization that well-being needs to... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
Safe holiday activities for kids during the pandemic
If you have children at home, you may be wondering what types of activities you can do to provide entertainment and help them feel the spirit of celebration during the pandemic. Balanced You has put together a list of seasonal activities you can do as a family that foster connection and well-being while observing guidelines... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →