Change is inevitable; coping is critical. EFR can help.

All changes – positive or negative, big or small – require adaptation. In the midst of a busy life, adapting to change isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible, and it’s important for your health and well-being.

“When the going gets tough, we need to keep going, but it doesn’t mean we have to ignore our feelings,” said Bud Wassell, coordinator, Yale New Haven Employee and Family Resources (EFR) program. “There are ways to grow through them and come out stronger on the other side.” 

EFR’s new classes, starting in September, can help you work through life’s challenges. Easy-to-implement exercises help you fit coping strategies into a life that already feels too full or hard to manage.

Stress Less in September

September can be synonymous with stress – with back to school and hectic schedules for parents, anxiety about holidays and seasons changing ahead – but it doesn’t have to be. “While we often can’t change the circumstances causing our stress, we can change our responses to them,” Wassell said. That’s what a combination of live classes (via Zoom) and lessons sent right to your inbox will help you achieve. Weekly challenges chock-full of coping strategies and mindfulness exercises help you practice stress relief on the go, and classes reinforce what you learn. Classes convene Sept. 7, 20 and Oct. 1, 12:30 to 1:15 pm. Recordings will be available if you miss class. Register on the Infor learning management system (LMS) or email [email protected]. 

Coping with Grief and Loss

Whether we lose a loved one, a patient, a relationship, a job, a beloved pet or a dream we were chasing, the grief we feel is real, and it can affect our mental and physical health. “It’s important to grieve when we experience loss, but we have to do it in a healthy way,” said Vivien Bergl, EFR consultant. This class helps participants understand their feelings, provides strategies for healing or helping others through grief, and encourages conversation to work through tough times together. Coping with Grief and Loss is a unique resource from EFR for anyone going through a difficult situation. Sessions meet via Zoom, Wednesdays, Sept. 15 - Oct. 6, noon - 1 pm. Register on LMS or email [email protected]. 

EFR offers employee well-being resources 24/7/365. To learn more, call 877-275-6226 or visit dept.ynhh.org/thrive and select My Wellbeing from the topics menu.