Building Strength from Within During Times of Change
Change is an inevitable part of life, whether it’s transitioning to new leadership locally or at the national level, moving to a new place, ending a relationship, or switching jobs. For some, navigating change feels familiar; for others, it’s a rare and challenging experience. Wherever you are with your comfort during change, this is a moment to reflect on the skills or techniques that have helped you in the past and consider how they can support you now. Strategies like reframing challenges through the power of perspective, practicing mindfulness, setting media boundaries and prioritizing self-care can all help guide you through the uncertainty of change.
Change often brings discomfort during those “in-between” moments, where the past has ended but the future has yet to take shape. Explore these tools to help you move through this transition with confidence and care.
Change impacts everyone differently
Transitions often stir up stress and unease, especially when they remind us of past challenges. Our emotional systems naturally brace for potential difficulties, even if the current situation is different. This can lead to elevated stress and heightened irritability in ourselves and others. Acknowledging these responses as natural is a key step toward finding balance and supporting one another through change.
Understanding what influences your response to change, here are some resources to help:
Navigating Change with the Washington State EAP
Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to Noon
Learn to navigate change by exploring its effects on work and personal life and discover resources to manage stress effectively.
Use the UW’s Employee Assistance Program (WA EAP) to talk with someone confidentially about what you’re feeling. Don’t forget, this resource is for all benefits eligible employees and their household members.
Elections: Post-election Support Resource Guide
This Washington State EAP resource provides tools and tips for emotional well-being, self-care, and fostering constructive dialogue after elections. It includes mindfulness practices, workplace resources, and family-focused advice to navigate emotions and maintain positive relationships during this time.
Reduce resting stress levels and strengthen your internal resources
In the coming weeks, you may find yourself feeling more fatigued than usual. Give yourself permission to rest a bit more or set tighter boundaries around social media engagement or political conversations. It is okay to tell friends and family you don’t want to talk about politics. Let them know that avoiding politics is a strategy to support your health and well-being, not a way to silence anyone’s opinion. Normalizing self-care by talking about it can help everyone.
Take advantage of these free self-care resources:
Self-Care with the Washington State EAP
Friday, February 7, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to Noon
Taking care of yourself is more than just a luxury—it’s a critical part of maintaining balance and building resilience in today’s fast-paced world. This interactive session dives deep into the essence of self-care, helping you to explore its many dimensions and create a personalized approach that works for you.
Daily Guided Meditation to Find Calm
Every weekday Monday, February 3 to Friday, February 14 at 11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
In partnership with Professional Organizational Development, The Whole U is offering daily guided meditations. You’ll find relaxation and a quiet space for 10 minutes of mindfulness. Can’t make it to the live class? Check out the WholeU’s recorded meditations.
Pro-tip: This class will take place each day after The Whole U’s moving break on Zoom. If you join early, you can participate in the moving break or wait a few moments for meditation to begin. Getting your body moving can relieve stress!
Stress Management with Washington State EAP
Recording available on-demand
The Stress Management workshop will give participants a three-option method for addressing any stressful situation, as well as a toolbox of personal skills, including using routines, relaxation techniques, and a stress log system. They will also understand what lifestyle elements they can change to reduce stress. (33 minutes)
Resources for managers and leaders
As a leader, navigating change doesn’t just involve managing your own response—it’s about guiding and supporting your team through transitions, both big and small. Building resilience within your team starts with equipping yourself with the tools and strategies to lead effectively during times of uncertainty. Here are resources designed to help managers and leaders strengthen their internal resources and foster a positive, supportive work environment:
Leading the Human Side of Change with the Washington State EAP
Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to Noon
Gain practical strategies to help your team navigate organizational transitions. This session focuses on understanding change’s impact on employees, developing a supportive leadership approach, and creating a clear plan to guide your team through change.
One-on-One Consultation with the WA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Connect with an experienced professional who can provide tailored guidance on leading your team through change, managing transitions, and building resilience within your workplace.
Elections: How Managers Can Support Employees Resource Guide
Access actionable tips and strategies to help your team navigate the stress and challenges of election-related transitions, ensuring a supportive environment.
Building a Positive Work Culture with POD
February 25 & 27
Learn how to foster engagement, strengthen team dynamics, and create a thriving workplace culture. Whether you’re a supervisor or team member, this workshop offers tools to contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued.
By tapping into these resources, managers and leaders can build their capacity to lead with empathy and resilience, creating a workplace culture that supports and strengthens everyone during times of change.