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 →

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 →