As Election Day gets closer, there is a chance your anxiety levels are rising, with the political ads and predictions about the future. You are not alone - research shows elections raise stress and anxiety for many adults.  One 2020 study found 68% of U.S. adults said the presidential election was a major source of stress in their lives. 77% noted the future of the nation itself as a top stressor, and 65% reported feeling very stressed about issues relating to the election.  What is behind these emotions? Often the messages we see during elections lead to irrational thinking. These…

In busy workplaces today, ignoring how you feel mentally can lead to big problems. Did you know that people who feel really stressed out are more likely to get hurt while they are working? They are also more likely to get hurt even when they are not working.  Why Mental Health Matters for Safety  We usually think about physical dangers at work as things that might cause accidents. But how you feel mentally is also important for staying safe. Feeling stressed out at work can make you feel tired. It can make it hard to think clearly and control your…

Does lasting pain take the joy from your days and stop you from doing things you used to do? Do you feel down thinking you may never feel better? If so, you’re not alone. 

We want to take a moment on National Ag Day to recognize our country’s hard-working farmers and ranchers. We depend on you to supply food, fuel, and fiber while working in tough conditions. It's a critical job that most people don’t understand or appreciate.

How do you handle situations where the other person is doing something that creates problems for you? We all respond in our own ways. Do you find yourself acting like a doormat? Do you become an aggressive bully? Are you someone who stings others from the side so you can't be discovered? Are you someone who just speaks up? Which one do you think you are most of the time?  

Getting a call that a loved one had a heart attack sends our stomach into knots. We all want to avoid that kind of news and reduce the risk of cardiac crisis. Did you know that mental health and heart health are linked? Studies show that stress, anxiety, anger, and depression can raise your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other heart problems. And having a heart attack can lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD.   Understanding how mental and heart health are connected is key. It can help you take steps to improve both. Here are some…