Blending work and life: Mental well-being tools for a healthy you
Blending work, relationships, and personal priorities can sometimes feel overwhelming. The demands of daily life and responding to the world around us can take a toll on our emotional well-being — making it essential to prioritize mental health, just as you would your physical health.
Taking care of your mental well-being starts with regular check-ins, using available resources, and building self-care habits that foster resilience.
At Stanford, there are a variety of benefits and employee programs available to help you manage stress, get support, and build long-term emotional well-being. Take these steps to care for your mental health and establish a healthy harmony between work and life.
Check in with yourself
Being proactive about your mental health is one of the best ways to prevent stress from escalating. Just like you schedule regular checkups for your physical health, it's important to take time to check in with your mental and emotional well-being.
Regular self-reflection helps you recognize early signs of stress, anxiety, or burnout — allowing you to take action before these challenges become bigger problems.
Take a moment to ask yourself:
- Am I feeling overwhelmed?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, what is my stress level?
- Am I giving myself enough time to rest and recharge?
If you notice feelings of stress or exhaustion, it may be time to make some adjustments and access available support resources.
Use the resources and tools available to you
If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take advantage of Stanford’s mental health and emotional well-being resources that are available to support you and your family. The Faculty Staff Help Center provides up to 10 free, confidential counseling sessions along with workshops, discussion groups, and department consultations. If you're based outside California, SupportLinc (group code: stanfordremote) offers the same level of support, including up to 10 in-person counseling sessions to help you manage life’s challenges.
Meru Health offers a 12-week online program that includes mindfulness, therapy, and lifestyle changes to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and burnout. With access to a licensed therapist every step of the way, this program takes a whole-body approach to mental health.
Stanford's medical plans include coverage for both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. If you're enrolled in a health savings account (HSA) or a health care flexible spending account (FSA), you can use these funds to cover eligible mental health expenses, including therapy and wellness programs. Your medical plan administrator — Aetna or Kaiser — also provides additional mental health support, so be sure to explore what's available through your plan.
And because mental health and work-life harmony go hand in hand, Stanford's WorkLife Integration resources can help you find ways to manage personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.
Prioritize your well-being with Healthy Living classes
Learning new strategies can sometimes provide a shift in mindset. These Healthy Living classes will help you manage stress and develop habits that support emotional well-being. Plus, participating in these sessions earns you points in the BeWell program.
- Sustaining Energy and Well-Being in Challenging Times (March 6): Learn how to live authentically and compassionately by implementing practical tools and shifting your mindset.
- Plan Ahead for a Happier You (March 13): Discover “happiness habits” that will boost your mood and energy — and create your own personalized happiness plan.
Five ideas for blending work and life
Achieving a healthy work-life integration takes intentional effort. Here are five ideas to help you manage stress and maintain a sense of well-being:
1. Set boundaries: Prioritize your time and learn to say no when needed. Communicate your limits clearly to ensure you don't take on more than you can handle.
2. Build self-care into your day: Incorporate deep breathing, short breaks, time in nature, reading, walking, or gratitude practices into your daily routine.
3. Create a weekly check-in: Choose a day each week to reflect on how you're feeling emotionally and physically. A quick self-reflection can help you recognize early signs of stress, anxiety, or burnout and take action.
4. Use your PTO: At Stanford, you are encouraged to take personal time off to relax, maintain your health, and take care of yourself or your family. Don’t feel like you can step away? Work with your manager to schedule a time that works for you and your team.
5. Connect with others: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues when you need support, or just someone to talk to. Cardinal at Work Cares provides opportunities to connect with others while giving back to the community. Volunteering is great for your well-being! Also, consider joining the next Community Conversations for Care event on March 27. The topic is “Thriving Through Change and Life's Transitions."
Explore what matters to you
Explore the benefits and employee programs that matter to you on Cardinal at Work.
Take the first step toward a healthier you
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and taking proactive steps now can make all the difference. Be sure to check in with yourself often, and take advantage of the numerous programs Stanford offers to help you create a healthier, more harmonious life.
If you need immediate support, help is always available. Call or text 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or reach out to Warmline, a peer-run support service for emotional well-being.
Blending work and life isn't about striving for perfection — it's about creating sustainable habits that help you thrive. Remember, your well-being matters.
