Mental Health Minute
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.
Stress and anxiety is bound to creep into your life no matter the mitigation. When it does, you can prepare yourself with simple and quick techniques to sooth the impact and recover quicker.
How Can Grounding Techniques Help Manage Feelings?
Grounding is a practice that can help you manage experiences such as flashbacks, unwanted memories or negative emotions. These techniques involve focusing on the present to distract yourself from anxiety and other challenging emotions.
Physical Grounding Techniques
Physically grounding yourself involves using your senses to help you navigate feelings of distress. A technique to physically ground yourself is to put your hands in water and focus on the temperature of the liquid or switch from cold water to warm water and back while focusing on the present moment.
Other physical grounding exercises include deep breathing, savoring food or drink, picking up nearby objects and moving your body (e.g., walking, running in place or doing jumping jacks).
Mental Grounding Techniques
You can mentally ground yourself with exercises that prevent mental distractions and help redirect your thoughts to the present.
Such exercises include memory games, category-thinking (e.g., listing all the types of cake you can think of), reciting a song or book passage you know by heart, and visualizing a daily task you enjoy.
Soothing Grounding Techniques
Soothing techniques can be used to comfort yourself in times of high anxiety or distress. These techniques are intended to promote good feelings that reduce or distract from negative emotions.
You can practice soothing techniques by picturing the face of someone you love, repeating compassionate phrases about yourself, spending time with your pet, visualizing your favorite place or listing positive things.
Conclusion
Grounding techniques can help you manage unpleasant experiences like distress, anxiety, traumatic nightmares and flashbacks. Try these exercises to reduce distress when you first start to feel negative emotions.
Try These Mood-boosting Activities
Negative emotions and disappointments can easily derail your activities. Although it’s common to be in a bad mood occasionally, letting negative emotions take over your day can leave you feeling worse. Instead of ignoring a bad mood, try a mood-boosting activity.
Free Mood-boosters
- Walking outdoors is a great activity for improving your mood. Spending time outdoors and being in sunlight have both been proven to boost mood. Additionally, walking can release endorphins, which ease stress and discomfort.
- Find ways to laugh, such as watching funny videos, sharing jokes with a friend, going online or watching comedians.
- Try aromatherapy to de-stress. Smells can trigger positive memories and help relieve anxiety or stress. Find your favorite scented soap, smell something that reminds you of a loved one or sample a new essential oil.
- Play cheerful and upbeat music. This can help boost your mood, ease tension, reduce anxiety and even improve certain brain functions, such as memory.
- Do something nice for somebody else, such as a co-worker or friend. Being compassionate to others can make them feel better and may improve your mood as well. Consider small favors, such as doing chores for your housemate or partner, walking a neighbor’s dog or helping a stranger with their groceries.
- Talk to people in your life who uplift you. A short call or time spent with a loved one can help you reduce tension. As a bonus, your loved one may be able to make you laugh, take your mind off your troubles or remind you that you’re not alone.
Conclusion
The next time you’re in a bad mood, try one of these free mood-boosting activities to reduce stress and lessen the impact of negative emotions.
- Published in Blog
Protecting Your Business From Power Surges
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.
Power surges, which are sudden spikes in electrical voltage, can wreak havoc on business equipment and systems. While they may seem like minor inconveniences, power surges can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line. This article explores the dangers of power surges, effective strategies to shield businesses from their effects and the crucial role of insurance in safeguarding their assets.
What Causes a Power Surge?
A power surge happens when there’s a sudden increase in electrical voltage in a building’s electrical system or the electrical grid. These voltage spikes are caused by different factors, like lightning strikes that discharge massive amounts of electricity into the grid or directly into buildings. Electrical grid fluctuations, such as changes in demand or power line switching, can also cause surges. Internally, power surges can happen when there’s faulty wiring, malfunctioning appliances, or when power-hungry equipment like heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and large motors start up. These surges can spread throughout the electrical system, potentially damaging connected devices and equipment.
Identifying the various sources of power surges is important to ensure effective surge protection in commercial settings.
The Impact of Power Surges on Business Operations
The impact of power surges on business operations can be substantial and far-reaching. Financially, power surges can lead to extensive costs, including equipment damage or replacement expenses and downtime, resulting in lost productivity and revenue. Beyond the financial implications, surges can inflict reputational damage on a business, eroding customer trust and partnerships due to frequent disruptions and equipment failures. In essence, power surges have the potential to disrupt normal business operations, strain resources and harm a company’s reputation, making them a critical concern for businesses of all sizes and industries.
Strategies to Protect Against Power Surges
To protect against power surges, businesses can utilize the following effective strategies and tools:
- Surge protection devices (SPDs)—These devices should be installed at critical points in the electrical system to divert excess voltage away from sensitive equipment and prevent damage. It’s advisable to install SPDs throughout different areas of a building. The three primary zones for protection are service entrance SPDs, distribution panel SPDs and point-of-use SPDs. Service entrance SPDs prevent surges from entering the building, while distribution panel SPDs limit the spread of surges to downstream areas. Point-of-use SPDs offer targeted protection for specific assets.
SPD installation should comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations. SPDs need to be properly sized and grounded to protect equipment.
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)—A UPS is a type of device that powers equipment nearly instantaneously in the event of grid power failure, protecting the equipment from damage. Implementing a UPS can provide a temporary power source during surges or outages, allowing for safe equipment shutdown.
- Grounding and bonding—Proper grounding and bonding of the electrical system can reduce the risk of surges caused by electrical faults.
- Regular electrical maintenance—Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and address potential issues before they lead to surges.
- Employee training and awareness—Educating employees about power surge risks and establishing protocols for immediate response can minimize damage and downtime in the event of a surge.
By adopting these strategies and tools, businesses can significantly enhance their protection against power surges and avoid potential financial and operational disruptions.
The Role of Commercial Property Insurance
Even though preventive measures are essential, power surges can occur unexpectedly, and accidents can happen. However, there is good news for businesses. Commercial property insurance policies and appropriate endorsements can help cover the financial losses that result from power surges. Here are some of the benefits of such coverage:
- Equipment replacement coverage—Insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged equipment.
- Business interruption coverage—If power surges cause downtime, insurance may compensate a business for lost income during that period.
- Spoiled inventory coverage—Insurance may cover the cost of spoiled inventory that results from power outages.
Conclusion
To ensure smooth operations, businesses should take proactive measures to protect against power surges. This can be achieved by implementing surge protection strategies and acquiring the appropriate insurance. By doing so, businesses can safeguard their assets and maintain productivity even when faced with power surges.
Contact us today for additional guidance on commercial property risks.
- Published in Blog
Staying Healthy And Safe During Wildfires
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.
In many parts of the United States, the risk of wildfires begins early spring and continues into the fall. Being prepared for fire activity is crucial if you live in a wildfire-prone area. Wildfires can be a serious threat to lives and property—and smoke pollution can affect your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wildfire smoke mostly consists of fine inhalable particles known as PM2.5, which is of greatest concern to public health. Air pollution from large wildfires can be widespread and linger over other states or countries.
This article highlights strategies for staying healthy and safe amid wildfires.
Health and Safety Measures
When wildfires create smoky conditions, everyone needs to reduce their exposure to the smoke. Wildfire smoke irritates your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can make it hard to breathe and make you cough or wheeze.
Consider the following tips for protecting you and your family during a wildfire:
- Follow guidance from local and state officials. Pay attention to emergency alerts for information and instructions, and listen to authorities for guidance on evacuating your home and when it’s safe to return.
- Keep smoke outside. Staying indoors is highly recommended for reducing exposure to smoke pollution, but contaminants can make their way inside. To protect yourself, you should:
- Choose a room you can easily close off from the outside air in your home. It could be helpful to use a portable air cleaner or filter to maintain clean air in the designated room or space. A quality heating, ventilating and air conditioning system with air filters can also help remove particles from the air.
- Keep all doors and windows shut in your vehicle and put the air on the recirculate setting.
- Wear a fitted N95 mask. The EPA recommends using a particulate respirator labeled NIOSH, N95 or P100. Two straps above and below your ears will create a good seal. Masks only protect against particles, so experts advise staying indoors on poor air-quality days.
- Protect pets. Smoke can also irritate your pet’s eyes and respiratory tract. Animals with heart or lung disease and older pets are especially at risk from smoke and should be watched closely.
- Track wildfires. Be prepared for wildfires and smoke pollution by tracking fires near you. For example, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fire weather outlook website maps fire watches and warnings.
- Monitor your local air quality. Websites, including the EPA’s gov, can explain which air quality levels may be hazardous and how much outdoor activity you should engage in. Apps reporting on local air quality are also available.
- Pay attention to health symptoms. Children and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease need to be especially careful about breathing wildfire smoke. Older adults and pregnant people are also more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke.
For More Information
During wildfire season, it’s important to monitor wildfires that may be happening in or around the country to best protect your health and safety.
Monitor local authorities for updates, and contact your health care provider with further questions about how wildfires can impact your health.
- Published in Blog
U.S. Adds Over 500,000 Jobs in January
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found in its January jobs report that the United States added an astonishing 517,000 nonfarm jobs in January, indicating that the labor market is not cooling down. January’s added jobs were above December’s gain of 260,000 and the Dow Jones estimate of 187,000 jobs to be added this month. They were also higher than 2022’s average monthly gain of 401,000—a year that had strong job growth—and the largest increase since July 2022. The largest gains were in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and health care.
The unemployment rate fell from 3.5% in December to 3.4% in January. This is the lowest rate since May 1969. Experts expected the unemployment rate to increase to 3.6% in January. The labor force participation rate edged up from 62.3% in December to 62.4% in January, the highest rate since March 2022. However, the current labor force participation rate is still well below pre-pandemic levels of 63.4%. A larger labor supply helps ease a tight labor market and puts downward pressure on wages since there’s less competition among employers for candidates.
Despite January’s stronger-than-expected jobs report, wage growth came in as expected at 0.3%. January’s report also revealed that wage growth moderated on an annual basis. Wage growth has now slowed to 4.4% after reaching its peak of 5.9% in March 2022.
In January, individuals worked, on average, 34.7 hours a week, up from 34.4 in December. This is the most since March 2022, signaling that the demand for workers will likely persist for the foreseeable future.
Employer Takeaways
January’s surprising jobs report comes as the Federal Reserve (Fed) continues to increase interest rates in an attempt to fight inflation, cool the labor market and ease pressure on wages. The Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate eight times since March 2022. This month’s report indicates that the job market is currently stronger and more resilient than expected; however, economists think that January’s job gains may be influenced by seasonal factors and the early year job and wage environment.
January’s numbers cast doubt on concerns that the U.S. economy is in a recession or approaching one. While this month’s jobs report indicates that the labor market is stronger than previously believed, wage growth is slowing, potentially easing pressure on employers to increase wages to attract talent. However, since the labor market is still not cooling down, employers’ struggles to attract and retain workers will likely continue for the foreseeable future. As such, employers should continue to monitor employment trends to stay competitive in today’s evolving market.
Contact RISQ Consulting for more resources.
- Published in Blog
Thanksgiving FAILS – A Day You’ll Be Most Thankful For Insurance!
By Jennifer Outcelt, Creative Content Architect
We like to think of Thanksgiving as a wholesome day with family and friends enjoying each other’s company and extolling the many blessings we have had throughout the year. But in reality, it is often a day of great stress. Aren’t you thankful for having to clean your entire home, cook a ginormous meal that needs to all be done at the same time, do a ton of dishes, and make happy conversation with all your family (even though great Aunt Gladys is a bit of a wrench)? All while trying not to let on that you are one “So, when are you having more kids?” question away from a complete breakdown. Yeah, there may be a ton to be thankful for at Thanksgiving, but some things… not so much.
But if you are trying to out-do your brother-in-law’s brined and herbed turkey spectacular from last year by trying your hand at that whole fried turkey thing (how hard could it be?), then there’s one thing that you will definitely be thankful for; Insurance. Apparently, “firefighters responded to 1,630 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2018 (the latest data available)—250% above the year’s daily average of 470.” That’s a ton of not-so-well-done birds!
Check out these interesting stats about holiday cooking fires and the home owner’s insurance that could save your rump!
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/thanksgiving-fires/
- Published in Blog
Fire Safety in the Office
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.
Fires are a serious risk for businesses of all types. It’s up to you to take the proper precautions to keep yourself, your co-workers and our company safe from fire hazards.
Lower the Risks of Fire
There are some simple things you can do to prevent fires at our company:
- Always comply with regulations.
- Obey “No Smoking” signs.
- Dispose of cigarettes and matches in the proper receptacles after ensuring they are completely extinguished.
- Watch for frayed electrical cords and overloaded circuits.
- Dispose of flammable wastes and scraps by placing them in metal containers.
Combustible Storage
Always store combustible materials in a safe area. Fumes can travel a considerable distance and become ignited by a furnace, stove, electrical equipment or even a lit cigarette. If you need to dispose of flammable liquids, do not pour them down the drain. Educate yourself on the proper method of disposal.
If you have to burn wastepaper, make sure it doesn’t contain explosive materials, such as aerosol or paint.
Inspect Equipment Regularly
Proper maintenance procedures are important to fire safety. If you use electrical equipment or tools, inspect them regularly to make sure they are working correctly. Keep mechanical equipment properly lubricated to avoid excessive friction. Keep spark arrestors on exhaust systems.
Preparing for a Fire
- Become familiar with the location and operation of firefighting equipment.
- Learn where fire extinguishers are located and what types of fires they are to be used on.
- Participate in periodic fire drills to practice fire response procedures.
- Become familiar with the different types of alarms used in your workplace.
- Establish an employee meeting place.
When a Fire Breaks Out
- If the fire alarm rings, always treat it as a true emergency unless you are told ahead of time it is a drill. Just because you do not see smoke or flames does not mean a fire is not present.
- Always use the stairs instead of the elevator.
- If the room fills with smoke, stay low to the ground and get out as fast—but as safely—as you can.
Every day you’re on the job, take note of potential fire hazards and report them immediately to your supervisor. Always put safety first!
- Published in Blog
