In trying times, it can be hard to stay positive.

Yet in even the most difficult of times, the benefits of positive thinking can help both your mind and body. Luckily, thinking positively is a habit we can train ourselves to do. Research shows it has a positive impact on health, too. Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health.

Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Greater resistance to the common cold

This post will cover ways to encourage positive thinking in the workplace and how it impacts the health of individuals, colleagues, and the overall workplace.

Here’s a look at how the benefits of positive thinking impact more than just your mind:

When was the last time you gave thanks?

Research shows gratitude benefits us in more ways than one. As we go into the Thanksgiving and holiday season, it’s a great time to reflect on what we’re thankful for in life. It’s also a prime time to start reaping some gratitude practice benefits — including improved sleep and major mental health perks.

In a season that is often rushed and frantic, now is an ideal time for employers to encourage team members to slow down. It’s a good reminder for everyone trying to wrap up end-of-year projects between travel plans, holiday prepping, and event scheduling.

This post shares the benefits of gratitude reflection, including how it impacts relationships, productivity, positivity, and overall mental health.

Want to know how to avoid burnout in your workplace?

There’s no one answer, but, luckily, there are options to keep burnout levels to a minimum. Even though burnout isn’t an official mental health medical condition, it does have a massive impact on mental health.

Because of this, more companies are seeing the investment in mental health resources as worthwhile. In fact, companies that invest in workplace mental health get a 4x return on investment. This can increase productivity, improve retention, and support inclusion measures.

Sadly, 70% of workers don’t think employers are doing all they can to prevent and reduce burnout at work. But you have the power to change your own workplace environment and your employees’ minds if they’re feeling that way.

If your company has been scrambling to find the right tools and resources to empower employees since the pandemic burnout hit, then this post is for you.

Here’s how to avoid burnout before it comes into play in your workplace:

Need some healthy fall snack ideas that aren’t full of empty calories?

Fall officially kicked off on September 22. And now it seems everywhere you turn, there’s no missing the Halloween candy, fall-themed treats, and comfort foods that beckon.

Given that a medium pumpkin spice latte has about 400 calories — the equivalent of a decent meal — it’s a good idea to have go-to healthy fall snacks on hand to curb the “need” for fall flavors.

Below, we share a list of healthy fall produce you can turn into delicious, nutrient-dense snack options with ease. Each pick was selected for its high nutritional value while also bringing vibrant flavors to your autumn snack menu.

Read on to crunch and munch your way through the top good-for-you healthy fall snacks that are worth skipping handfuls of candy corn for.

Are you doing virtual onboardings more often these days?

If so, you know welcoming a new team member looks different when it’s done virtually versus the traditional meet-and-greet first day. They could be miles away or a continent away, depending on where they’re living. No matter where they are, they want to feel like they’re a welcome and essential part of the team.

A great onboarding process can:

• • Make employees feel more welcome
  • Improve employee retention by 82%
  • Increase chances of employee referrals
  • Reduce unnecessary activities or paperwork

This post will share ways to encourage them to join right in and tips for employers to make it a seamless process.

Ready to help your employees enjoy their virtual onboarding process? Read on!

The question has circulated for a while: Can employers mandate a COVID-19 vaccine?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as one would think. But now that companies like Facebook and government entities like the VA are requiring employees to get the jab, it’s important to share what that means for both employers and employees. Some employers are even including the mandate in job listings these days.

Below, we share insight from a lawyer and attorney on the rules for employee mandated vaccines still under emergency authorization and who may be exempt. Plus, we’ll share a few ideas for incentivizing your staff to get their shots. 

Here’s a look at the most pressing question in the business world right now.

In recent weeks, mental health discussions sprouted from the unlikeliest of places: the Tokyo Olympic Games.

After gymnast Simone Biles’ recent departure — and stunning return — to the Olympic stage after a brief mental health break, she tackled the subject head on during interviews.  The four-time Olympic gold medalist stepped away briefly from the Tokyo Olympics and withdrew from several competitions after realizing she wasn’t in the right mental headspace.

"We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day, we're human, too," said Biles, according to The Associated Press. "We have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do."

As a nod of unity to the talented gymnast for talking about mental health, we decided to round up mental health quotes of the day for you to share. Quote them to your staff daily, send them in an email, or even put one on a sticky note placed on someone’s desk who you know needs it.

Ready to inspire your own mental health conversations at work? Read on.

Staying well at work seems trickier than it used to be.

Unfortunately, COVID is making a comeback with new variants shutting down places like Australia and Bangladesh, halting business operations for many. With these new outbreaks (and some health organizations encouraging vaccinated folks to mask up again), it’s important for employers to stay vigilant in keeping their in-office teams safe.

With every state seeing an increase in COVID cases, it’s essential for companies to prepare and practice prevention efforts to keep the virus from spreading. In doing so, leadership can help employees who have come back into the office stay well at work and feel comfortable staying in the workplace.

“A simple trick to adopt in the office is to post reminders about health and safety throughout the office,” says Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy, a primary care doctor for DoctorSpring. “It should become common practice for everyone. Condition them to adopt such protocols so that it will be a normal practice for them.”

Want some more guidance?

Here’s what your company can do now to help your team stay well at work:

Short on energy to workout?

You might just need a motivational video workout to get you going.

With the hybrid work model becoming the norm, many workers are sitting a lot longer than usual. But that doesn’t have to be you or your team.

Share this post with your coworkers and employees to get them inspired to get up and move their bodies. Doing so daily can help prevent back pain and poor posture while increasing energy and blood flow. Looking to lose weight or keep cardiovascular health in check? Regular exercise does that, too.

Below, you’ll find five inspirational and motivational video workouts to offer a visual of how to do a workout that doesn’t require equipment or a change of workout clothes.

Job stress is more real than ever.

Add in coming back to the workplace during an ongoing pandemic, and it’s enough to make most employees want to crawl back into bed. While gathering back to a somewhat normal workplace might feel exciting, it can also feel a bit terrifying, too.

During the past year, health officials have constantly reminded us to keep our personal interaction bubbles small, so it makes sense employees are feeling uneasy. Plus, every day we’re learning what is considered safe in the post-COVID vaccination world. With new updates daily, it can add fuel to the anxiety fire.

As employers, being empathetic and addressing those concerns will help make the adjustment back into the workplace easier for your employees.

Not sure exactly how to do that?

Below, we share insight on how to acknowledge employees’ concerns and a variety of ways to ease their anxiety.