Making new friends in adulthood is not easy. It’s developmental for adults to become more focused on work/career and family responsibilities. There are relocations, babies, marriages, divorces and many other situations that change our social landscape. Still, adults are looking for friendship and a sense of community. And for good reason: the benefits of friendship have been shown to include reduced stress and even a longer life. Researchers at UCLA (2000) discovered a “tend and befriend” response that reduced stress in women with a circle of...

The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.

                                                                                                                              -unknown

I recently spoke with a man about his increasing dependence on pain killers. He had an injury two years ago and became increasingly dependent on his pain medication; even though his injury was fully healed. Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence.   

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 52 million people above the age of 12 have used prescription medications Read more

When I was 5 years old, my mom told me that happiness was the key to life.  When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I wrote down “happy.”  They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life.

                                                                                -unknown        

More and more working adults have the added duty of caring for aging family members.  This article in U.S. News & World Report MONEY looks at how employers are changing to meet their employees’ needs. One way employers can help their employees with this work-life balance is to offer more flexibility in schedules and time off. Another way employers can help is to provide information and resources for elder care and respite care. Finally, employers showing understanding towards employees’ dual roles go a long way to help employees feel supported.

http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/12/10/how-companies-are-making-work-life-balance-better-for-caregivers?utm_campaign=Daily%20Social%20Media&utm_content=10544725&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin

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The term “Work-Life Balance” is increasingly being called outdated.  According to business coach Lauren Bacon, the concept behind work-life balance can be better defined using a matrix she created.  This matrix places the perception of your work tasks, “energizing” or “depleting”, on one axis and your priorities versus others’ priorities on the other axis.

Click on the link below to watch a 4 minute video explaining the matrix in more depth.   We also want to hear from you?  What do you think of this matrix?  Is this something you can apply to your life? 

You can send your comments and feedback to eapblog@anthem.com.

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Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of a complaint.

Henri Nouwen

If you have ever said “This job is killing me!” you are not alone. And if you have a negative workplace, it may literally be true. This article explores the research on love, health and the workplace and addresses how bosses and management styles may directly impact employee health. 

The Profound Benefits of Love at Work, By Jessica Amortegui

http://www.fulfillmentdaily.com/profound-benefits-love-work/

Claire is a Licensed Marriage and Family...