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Burnout? Balancing work and well-being

Submitted by emily.griffin on

In today’s fast-paced world, the line between work and personal life often blurs, leading to a growing epidemic. Burnout. It’s a term tossed around like confetti, but its impact is anything but festive. So, how do we juggle work demands and our well-being without dropping the ball?   

 

Understanding burnout  

Burnout isn’t just about feeling a bit tired. It’s full-blown exhaustion. Chronic stress that drains you physically and emotionally. The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon characterized by three dimensions: 

  1. Energy depletion: Feeling physically and emotionally drained. 

  2. Increased mental distance: Negative feelings related to one’s job. 

  3. Reduced professional efficacy: A drop in work performance and productivity.   

 

The modern dilemma  

Our always-on culture has us tethered to our jobs. Emails, messages and work-related pings keep us connected 24/7. Sure, technology allows for remote work and flexible hours, but it also makes it almost impossible to switch off and chill. This constant connectivity blurs boundaries, making it difficult to distinguish when work ends and personal life begins.   

 

Striking the balance  

So, how do we find that elusive balance between work demands and personal well-being? Here are some sanity-saving tips.   

1) Set boundaries  

- Draw a line in the sand, literally, if you must. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Tell your colleagues where you stand and stick to it. Turn off email notifications after hours and carve out time that’s sacredly yours.   

2) Prioritize self-care  

 

- Self-care isn’t just for Sundays. It’s essential. Indulge in activities that recharge your  
batteries, like reading, walking or perfecting your favorite yoga pose. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and ample sleep are the trifecta of well-being.   

 

3) Delegate and say no  

 

- You’re not a superhero, and that’s okay. Learn to delegate and say no when your plate is full. It’s better to excel at a few things than to flounder at many.   

 

4) Take breaks  


- Remember recess? Bring it back into your workday. Regular breaks can keep productivity high and stress low. The Pomodoro Technique, which is work for 25 minutes, break for 5, can be a game changer.   

 

5) Seek support  

 

- Talk it out. Whether it’s friends, family, or a professional, sharing your stressors can lighten the load and offer fresh perspectives.  

 

The role of employers  

Encouraging a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work options and recognizing employees’ efforts can foster a supportive work environment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression interferes with a person’s ability to complete physical job tasks about 20% of the time and reduces cognitive performance about 35% of the time. Providing resources like mental health days, counseling and wellness programs can turn the tide against burnout.   

 

Keeping your balance  

Balancing work and well-being is like walking a tightrope with a smoothie in hand. It requires skill and attention, but it’s doable. We can dodge burnout by setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, delegating tasks, taking regular breaks and seeking support. Remember, your well-being is as important as your work. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so keep it whole, and life will taste a lot sweeter. 

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Burnout? Balancing work and well-being

How do we juggle work demands and our well-being without dropping the ball?   

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Which comes first, egg quality or safety?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

A National Resources Defense Council survey, found that 90% of Americans toss out food prematurely. Much of this waste can be attributed to a confusing food dating system that is not federally regulated. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states on its website that, except for infant formula, product dating is not required. The expiration date is simply the manufacturer's suggestion of when their product is at its best quality. 

Still, the sell-by date of eggs is one of the most hotly debated food safety myths and facts. Are the dates listed on the carton a food quality or safety guideline? Let’s follow the process from the farm to the store.  

 

Pack date 

The three-digit code printed on the end of each egg carton indicates when the eggs were washed, graded and packaged. That code is known as the Julian date. A 001 code means it was packed on January 1. A 365 code was packed on December 31. So, a carton with a packaging date of 032 means the eggs were packed on February 1. If you look for the carton with the highest Julian date, the eggs are packed the closest to the date you're buying them and are therefore the freshest.  

 

Best-by, sell-by, expiration or use-by date 

There will always be a best-by, sell-by, expiration or use-by date on the end of an egg carton. Again, it’s not a federal requirement, except for egg producers displaying the USDA logo. Regulations vary by state.

That date is written out in an easily recognizable format. 

 

Sell-by or expiration date 

The sell-by or expiration date is mainly for the store, letting them know when to pull the carton from the shelf if it has not sold. The expiration date on cartons with the USDA logo can be up to 30 days past the pack date.  

You should only purchase a carton of eggs before the sell-by or expiration date, however, eggs can still be used for several weeks. 

 

Best-by or use-by date 

Conversely, a best-by or use-by date is primarily for the consumer's use. According to the USDA, the best-by date indicates when a food product will have the best flavor or quality. For eggs, this will generally be around five weeks after the Julian date but must be less than 45 days from when the eggs were packed.  

If you throw eggs out as soon as their expiration date arrives, you may be wasting money. Check the carton codes, store them in their original carton in the back of a refrigerator set at 40° F and you’ll protect your wallet, too.  

 

There are many myths about eggs. Read updated research on eggs and cholesterol here.

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Which Comes First, Egg Quality or Safety?

The sell-by date of eggs is one of the most hotly debated food safety myths and facts. Are the dates listed on the carton a food quality or safety guideline? Let’s follow the process from the farm to the store.  

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Which way to the pool?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Whether it’s called water aerobics, water exercise or aqua aerobics, a workout in your local pool is a great way to improve your overall fitness and well-being.  

Here’s why.  

It doesn’t feel like exercise

The magic of water exercise is in the fact that the buoyancy of the water will support some of your body weight while you perform physical exercise to support the rest. 

Water exercises increase muscle strength because you’re pushing against the weight, or resistance, of the water. Stronger muscles improve balance and coordination, which can help lessen the risk of falls as people age.  

Buoyancy matters 

Your body is considerably lighter in water. A March 2022 review in Healthcare found that water aerobics helped people with osteoarthritis relieve stress on their joints because the buoyancy of water supports the body's weight, reducing the impact on joints and the intensity of pain.  

Take two laps and call me in the morning  

Water has a calm and soothing effect on your body and your brain. Exercising in water for just 30 minutes, three days a week has been shown to lower stress levels, improve sleep patterns and lower anxiety and depression.  

Helps with weight loss 

There is strong evidence stating that aquatic exercise is a better treatment for obesity than land exercise. A 2020 study reported that aquatic exercise increased calorie loss with less fatigue.  

The fun factor  

Water exercise is a great way to introduce more physical and social activity into your life. You don’t have to be a good swimmer, or even know how to swim, to join a class. Find a class and give it a try, but first let your primary care doctor know that you’re planning to start a water exercise routine. In fact, if you ask your primary doctor first, they may have heard of a class that people rave about.  

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Which way to the pool?

Whether it’s called water aerobics, water exercise or aqua aerobics, a workout in your local pool is a great way to improve your overall fitness and well-being.

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How can you promote hair growth?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Who doesn’t want healthier and stronger hair? There are things you can add to, or take away from, your daily routine to promote hair growth. Take this quiz to see how much you know about hair growth.

 

Hopefully this quiz helped you find a new way to encourage hair growth. Don’t be alarmed if you’re losing up to 100 hairs a day. If you are losing more than that, then it may be time to consult your primary care physician. By adding more protein to your diet, massaging your scalp with rosemary oil and being gentler with your hair, you can improve growth. 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

How can you promote hair growth?

Who doesn’t want healthier and stronger hair? Take this quiz to see how much you know about hair growth.  

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Cleaning is good for your mental health

Submitted by emily.griffin on

We know physical activity is good for your mental health, but it turns out that so is a clean environment. And no, your mother didn’t call to have us write this article. Check out how keeping your living space clean can help you keep your cool. 

Destress by cleaning your mess 

A 2015 study from the University of Connecticut found that when people are stressed out, they tend to clean more because it gives them the feeling of control. When you’re working on a repetitive task like washing the dishes, you can zone out and zone in at the same time. You can let your body go on autopilot to complete the chore. That can help calm your nervous system. At the same time, you can fill your mind with positive thoughts. By the time the dishes are done, you’ll have more control over your stress.  

Clutter leads to procrastination 

Clutter can be extremely distracting. So much so that a 2017 study reveals that clutter in living spaces leads to high levels of procrastination. When your house is messy, you’re more likely to get behind on your tasks which can lead to negative feelings.  

Tips to keep your house clean 

It’s easy to get behind on your weekly chores. One play date with your child’s friends can turn your home into a construction zone. It may sound corny, but getting a cleaning schedule together can help keep you on track. It’s less overwhelming to clean one room at a time.  

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Cleaning is good for your mental health

Check out how keeping your living space clean can help you keep your cool.

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Down to the nitty gritty: What is exfoliation?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

What do sugar scrubs, salicylic acid and washcloths have in common? They’re all different kinds of exfoliation techniques. Wondering if you need to start exfoliating? Read on to find out more. 

What is exfoliation? 

Put simply, exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the outer layer of your body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), there are two types of exfoliation methods: mechanical and chemical.  

  • Mechanical exfoliation uses tools like scrubs, washcloths or brushes to remove dead skin.  

  • Chemical exfoliation uses specific chemicals (often found in many skincare products) to loosen up and dissolve dead skin cells. 

Both can be done safely at -home. The exfoliation method that works best for you will vary based on your skin type and needs. 

Is exfoliation good for your skin? 

You may have heard that exfoliation is a key part of any skincare routine. This can be true for some. For many people, exfoliation is beneficial for their skin. It can help prevent ingrown hairs, brighten skin and encourage cell turnover.  

However, according to the AAD, these results don’t always happen for everyone. In fact, exfoliation, if not done correctly, can do more harm than good. If you exfoliate incorrectly or too often, you can damage your skin or increase your redness and acne. 

How do I exfoliate safely? 

If you want to add exfoliation to your skincare regimen, there’s nothing wrong with that. Just be cautious. If you decide to give it a try, make sure to choose an exfoliation method based on your skin type – not what’s most popular on the internet, moisturize afterward and make sure not to over-exfoliate. 

If you’re interested in adding exfoliation to your skincare routine, talk to your primary care provider or dermatologist for specific recommendations. 

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Down to the nitty gritty: What is exfoliation?

What do sugar scrubs, salicylic acid and washcloths have in common? They’re all different kinds of exfoliation techniques. Wondering if you need to start exfoliating? Read on to find out more.

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Don’t let snacks bite into your wellness goals

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Almost all of us do it. Usually, every day. In front of the TV, on a road trip, at your desk. Snacking may seem like a little bite here and a nibble there, but it often ends up being a big part of your wellness success or failure. Don’t get hangry. We have gathered tips to help you control the munchies.

The most important thing you can do for successful snacking is to plan. When your stomach starts grumbling, and you head to the vending machine for an afternoon break, nearly all your options will be packed with sugar, ultimately leading to an energy crash and extra pounds on your body.

Bring healthy options from home, like unsalted nuts, low-sugar peanut butter, fruit or whole-grain products. Just be sure to read the labels to make sure sugar hasn’t been packed into each bite. In addition to bringing food from home, make sure not to overpack. According to the experts at Harvard Health, snacks should typically total 150 to 250 calories and not interfere with your hunger during meals. This calorie total can vary on your age, gender, fitness level and fitness goals.

Another key tip is to determine why you are snacking. Are you hungry? Bored? Stressed? Or social snacking. Office birthdays with cake and chips have doomed more than one diet. You should only snack when you are hungry. If you discover you eat for other reasons, find strategies to avoid the unnecessary calories.

Snacking is an important part of a complete wellness plan. Just make sure you are not supersizing it and are making the right choices.

For help developing a personal plan appropriate for you, contact your family doctor.

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Don’t Let Snacks Bite into Your Wellness Goals

Don’t get hangry. We have gathered tips to help you control the munchies.

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Maximize your moisturizing routine

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Moisturizing is a big part of most people’s skin care routine. It keeps your skin hydrated and minimizes fine lines. Having moisturized skin makes us feel confident in our everyday lives. Aside from applying hydrating lotions, there are things you can do to prevent your skin from drying out. Take our quiz to test your knowledge on keeping healthy and hydrated skin. 

 

Try combating itchy, dry skin with these tips. If the irritation persists, it may be time to see a dermatologist. Consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician to talk over treatment options for you.  

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Maximize your Moisturizing Routine

Aside from applying hydrating lotions, there are things you can do to prevent your skin from drying out. Take our quiz to test your knowledge on keeping healthy and hydrated skin. 

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Improve and maintain balance to prevent falls

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Some of you may remember a commercial from years ago that said, “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.”  

Falls are nothing to laugh about, especially as you age. However, your focus should be on preventing them. Take our quiz to learn more about falls and ways to stay steady on your feet.

 

In addition, the Centers for Disease recommends the following tips for avoiding falls: 

  • Maintain proper vision by having your eyes checked 
  • Wear proper footwear 
  • Stay active 
  • Eliminate trip hazards 
  • Keep clutter off floors 
  • Use grab bars in the bathroom 
  • Use handrails and lights in hallways and staircases 

If you want to improve your balance, start by talking to your doctor for recommended tips. Plus, many communities offer free Matter of Balance classes for older adults to regain their balance.  

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Improve and maintain balance to prevent falls

Take our quiz to learn more about falls and ways to stay steady on your feet.

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Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Everyone knows someone who likes to crack their knuckles. It could be a nervous habit. They might be trying to intimidate someone. Or they could just be trying to ignore you.  

Is cracking your knuckles harmful to your health? Does it cause arthritis? Take our short quiz to find out.  

 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?

Is cracking your knuckles harmful to your health? Does it cause arthritis? Take our short quiz to find out.  

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