Category: Health and Wellness

Health and wellness is important to you and to MSU. The healthier our faculty and staff are, the healthier MSU will be. This category features information related to wellness at MSU.

Spartan scenes: Sailboat, Sparty, Tennis Ball

Get Active this Spring: Fitness Resources for MSU Employees

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Warmer weather on the horizon means more opportunities to get outside and get active! If you need some ideas to encourage you and your family get active this spring, the following resources and opportunities are available for MSU employees:

In-person Opportunities

  • Biking: One of the easiest ways to add exercise to your daily routine is to attach it to an activity or habit you perform already, such as your commute to work. MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day with their Department Fleet Services. Bikes are a great way to get around campus for meetings, lunches, errands, or a nice break! Save the hassle of traffic, offer a healthy alternative for your staff breaks/on-campus transportation, and avoid problems finding car parking by adding a bike to your department transportation fleet. If you’re working remotely, find several Greater Lansing area biking groups to join instead. The MSU Bikes Service Center also offers new and used bikes, rentals (long and short term), as well as a repair service.
  • Sailing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Kayaking: The MSU Sailing Center is located on Lake Lansing in Haslett just east of campus. The Sailing Center strives to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all participants. Consider participating in one of their many programs, including a learn-to-sail course, paddle sports, group outings, and private lessons. MSU employees can receive a discounted rate for membership.
  • Midday Movement Series: On the third Wednesday of each month, stop by the MSU Library for a variety of classes to help get you moving this spring! From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., get your move on and bring athletic shoes, water, and a towel. Register here to save your spot.
  • Tennis: At the MSU Tennis Center you can book a court for singles or doubles or participate in one of their adult instructional classes or drill sessions. There’s something for everyone with classes geared toward both beginners and pro-level players.
  • Golf: MSU Forest Akers offers teaching programs for golfers of all ages and abilities, including adult group classes (currently full but waitlist available) or private instruction, and a casual golf league for all skill levels (league is full but fill out the form to sub). MSU employees can also access the golf range and courses at discounted rates.
  • MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness Services: MSU faculty and staff can purchase a membership to access the many services provided at MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness, including swimming, group fitness classes, and much more.

Virtual Opportunities

  • MSU Benefits Plus offers a bunch of fitness and wellness discounts, including gym memberships and personal training. After you log in to MSU Benefits Plus, select Deals from the top navigation, then Gyms and Health Clubs to see all current offerings.
  • Sign up for virtual chair yoga, midday movement series, and Desk Decompress through the Move More @ Work programs provided by University Health and Wellbeing.

Articles and Resources to Increase Motivation:

University Health and Wellbeing offers current, evidence-informed information employees can use to further their understanding of fitness. Topics covered include Benefits to Being Physically Active and Ways to Move More During the Workday.

Celebrate Kindness in the Workplace

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Acts of kindness always make an impact, no matter how small! Random Acts of Kindness day is recognized each year in February. This day reminds us of the power of compassion to bring people together, strengthen communities, and make the world a more positive and bright place. By making kindness a priority in the workplace and throughout the Spartan community, we can embrace the spirit of the day and continue spreading kindness every other day, too!

From holding the door open to recognizing a coworker’s hard work, there are countless ways to spread positivity through everyday actions. Below are a few ideas to add some kindness at work and encourage meaningful connections with one another.

  • Show Recognition: To recognize a coworker for their hard work, assistance, or value, give them a shout-out during a team meeting, or send them and/or their supervisor an email to share your experience. You could also nominate a colleague for a Spartan shout-out in the InsideMSU newsletter by filling out this form.
  • Check-in with your Co-workers: Between the increasing demands of work and home life, people are feeling more stressed than ever. Luckily, studies show there is a powerful antidote to stress: kindness. According to Forbes, “Kindness works because it helps people feel more connected with others, and it distracts them from their own problems. Happiness is significantly correlated with belonging and community—so it makes sense kindness would be a source of joy” (Forbes, 2023). Check-in with your co-workers to see how they’re doing and really listen to determine what small acts of kindness you can do to help brighten their day. Just the act of actively listening with your full attention can do wonders to show others you care and are there to help.
  • Support a New Employee: Starting a new position can be intimidating. Reach out to a new employee and offer your assistance as they navigate their new role. Your support will help them feel welcomed and more connected to the team.
  • Celebrate Success: Whether your team has just completed a challenging project or it’s a co-worker’s work anniversary, don’t let the moment pass without acknowledging the contribution and value of each team member.
  • Volunteer: Volunteer work is one of the best ways to promote kindness and positivity in the community. Join Spartans near and far on Give Green Day on March 10 to help current and future students. Find more volunteer opportunities with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, MSU Gardens, Office of Sustainability, MSU Center for Survivors, Spartans Serve, and more. Volunteering helps foster community, build social bonds, and address social challenges.
  • Create an Inclusive Environment: Build your cultural awareness and understanding to promote a sense of safety and belonging for all employees. Learn cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills through HR’s OPD courses, elevateU online learning opportunities, and University Health and Wellbeing events and training.

Together as Spartans, we can contribute to a better workplace and community by embracing the unity and positivity that prospers from kindness.

Heart Health Made Easier: Everyday Actions and MSU Benefits to Keep You Healthy

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, which refers to several conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems, results in one death every 34 seconds (CDC, 2026).

Cardiovascular disease is no longer something people only have to worry about as they get older. The CDC states, “In 2023, about 1 out of every 6 deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was among adults younger than 65 years old” (CDC, 2026).

The good news is cardiovascular disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. The following tips and MSU benefit resources will help keep you and your family healthy:

  • Know Your Numbers: Take charge of your health by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and take steps to improve them if needed.
    • Schedule your annual wellness check-up. Many miss their annual check-up because they forget or don’t prioritize it. Schedule your yearly visit so your doctor can check these numbers and other important health metrics. If you’re enrolled in an MSU health plan, you can learn more about your plan and find links to find a provider on the HR website.
    • Use Livongo by Teledoc Health for Diabetes Management. Livongo is a diabetes management program that provides unlimited test strips, connected meter, optional coaching, online records, and more – all FREE for MSU employees and their eligible dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Learn more about Livongo and how to sign up.
  • Support Your Mental Health: According to the American Heart Association, “Increasing evidence shows that biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues may also influence heart disease” (AHA, 2023). These chemical changes can predispose people to other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease. University Health and Wellbeing supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available through University Health and Wellbeing, MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
    • Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: From understanding shame and building shame resilience to setting healthy boundaries and navigating hard times, these webinars are here to help!
    • Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work!
    • Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
    • Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.
  • Evaluate Your Diet: Eating certain foods may decrease your chances of developing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Avoiding these conditions may decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
    • Eat a Variety of Plants: Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables (American Heart Association, 2025). The AHA also recommends whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts, fish, lean meat, dairy foods, plant-based milk alternatives, healthy fats, and salt-free seasonings.
  • Quit Smoking. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, including your heart (AHA). It’s never too late to quit and there are both short- and long-term benefits to giving up smoking.

Sources:

American Heart Association (2023, Nov 9). Mental Health and Heart Health. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-heart-health

American Heart Association (2025, September 5). Your guide to Healthy Eating Habits that Stick. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/your-guide-to-healthy-eating-habits-that-stick

American Heart Association (2024, January 19). American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How can I quit smoking? Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/how-can-i-quit-smoking.pdf

CDC. “About Sodium and Health.” (2025, Feb. 3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 2 Feb. 2026, www.cdc.gov/salt/about/index.html

CDC. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 2 Feb. 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

February Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

It’s almost February, which means it is time to share February events! This month holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required. 

Campus Events

Black History Month Events at MSU: Michigan State University celebrates Black History Month each year in February and, this year, recognizes its 50th anniversary as a federal designation. This month is dedicated to highlighting the U.S. history of Black and African American people and their contributions to society. Across campus this month, colleges, units and student organizations will commemorate Black and African American history, culture and community.

February 7, 17, and 22 – MSU Men’s Home Basketball Games: Come visit the Breslin Center and cheer on the Michigan State Spartans Men’s Basketball Team at a home game this February! 

February 15 and 21 – MSU Women’s Gymnastics Home Meets: Jenison Field in MSU’s campus is home of the MSU Women’s Gymnastics Team! Come watch a home meet this February to support the team.

February 19, 20, 27, and 28 – MSU Men’s Hockey Home Games: Visit the Munn Ice Arena to support the MSU Men’s Hockey Team this season!

February 20 – Broad Underground: Latinx Experimental Moving Image: This Broad Underground screening is part of the MSU Latinx Film Festival (LxFF), a biennial, curated film festival that serves the Great Lake State of Michigan with a special focus on the Latino/a/x communities of Michigan State University, the greater Lansing area, and the mid-Michigan region.

February 14-22 – Echoes From The Banks of the Red Cedar: Discover the hidden potential beneath the surface through an innovative collaboration involving Alexandria Davis, Kevin Jones, MSU Dance Minors, College of Music students, and MFA candidate Niloufar Fallahfar. With elements of dance, dialogue, music, and sculpture, it celebrates our collective ability to grow and transform, even after long periods of dormancy. 

February 22 – Lunar New Year Celebration Concert: Now in its fifth year, this annual event celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special guest performance by renowned Chinese musician Dr. Haiqiong Deng. Through a program titled Nature, Music, and Convergence, Deng presents a musical journey highlighting the expressive traditions of the zheng and qin, offering a rich reflection on cultural identity, memory, and innovation.

Learning Opportunities 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development Courses:

February 10, 11 and 12 – Getting Things Done: This course teaches skills to manage the constant flow of requests, tasks, and interruptions that face employees at all levels of an organization. By learning how to capture, clarify, and organize incoming requests, participants are more likely to make strategic decisions about where to invest their time and energy in ways that improve results and decrease missed deadlines, mistakes, and stress.

February 19 – Cultural Competency I: One of MSU’s guiding principles is to lead inclusively, actively, and intentionally to promote full participation and a sense of safety and belonging for all employees and staff. Join us in building cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills that strengthen cultural competence!

February 19 – Roadmap to Retirement: If you are an MSU faculty or staff member, and you have decided to retire within a year or two, this half-day workshop covers a range of topics critical to your successful retirement.

February 26 – The Spartan Experience: This training is grounded in real MSU examples, team activities, and self-reflection. Whether you work in student services, facilities, finance, or academic support, you’ll walk away with tangible strategies to elevate your service mindset and make a positive impact, one interaction at a time.

MSU University Health and Wellbeing Options:

February 2, 9 and 16  – Informal Mindfulness:  Spartan Resilience Education invites you to learn informal mindfulness skills to help you find a sense of balance in your life.This class will teach you some basic, informal mindfulness skills that can help you center and find a sense of balance while you move through your busy days.

February 3, 10, 17, and 24 – Developing Emotional Resilience: This course gives you the opportunity to explore the difference between emotional literacy, emotional intelligence and emotional resilience, identify the difference between clean pain and dirty pain, explore the connection between emotional resilience and value guided living, and more. 

February 11 – WorkLife Wellbeing: Navigating Change in the Workplace: This session explores practical strategies for navigating change, both personally and within your team. Participants will learn how to build resilience, support others, and lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

February 16 – Relaxing Under the Stars: Visit Abrams Planetarium for a peaceful experience of a guided constellation tour using the Digistar projection system, followed by calming music under a starry sky—perfect for stress relief and mindful relaxation.

Every Monday through April 27 – Desk Decompress: Gentle movements can help counter the effects of sitting at a desk and leave you feeling more relaxed. Take a few minutes to decompress while stretching and strengthening from head to toe. Most movements can be done sitting or standing. Balance exercises may be included.

MSU Retirement Plan Administrator Resources:

Fidelity Black History Month Toolkit: For Black History Month, Fidelity put together some tips, tools, and resources to help you save more, plan better, and create a financial legacy.

February 12 – TIAA: Yours, mine, ours: Finances for blended families: Figuring out how to handle the finances when bringing different families together is not always easy. In this webinar you’ll get insights on budgeting and cash flow management, Estate planning and legal considerations, retirement planning and long-term goals, and managing differing financial priorities. 

February 24 – TIAA: Managing your finances during and after a divorce: Divorce can bring significant financial changes. From splitting assets to updating beneficiaries and creating a new financial plan, this webinar provides tools to help you take control with clarity and confidence.

Family-Friendly Events

February 7 – Family Day: SEE: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum, and explore creative possibilities of light and darkness in connection with Jan Tichy: Darkness. 

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday – Toddler Time at Launch Lansing: Visit Launch Lansing Trampoline Park during select times to enjoy children’s music, visits from Joey the kangaroo, and a special toddler section with your little ones.

February 20 – Night Out in Nature for Kids:  At Harris Nature, the kids will explore the trails with flashlights, enjoy nature activities, and meet live animals. Pizza dinner is included.

February 28 – LEGOpalooza: Visit the Impression 5 Science Center for LEGO®Palooza 2026, an annual fundraising extravaganza packed with LEGO®-themed activities for all your friends and family!

Greater Lansing Area Events

February 4 – FIERCE Women in Sports: FIERCE Women in Sports, created on the principle that Females Ignite Empower Respect Collaborate and Engage with one another to expand our networks and strengthen relationships, is honoring National Girls & Women in Sports Day by inviting women from across the Greater Lansing region to come together and celebrate the power of sport. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, mentor, supporter, or leader — this event is for all!

February 7 – Old Town Lansing Chocolate Walk: At the Old Town Chocolate Walk, you will travel the neighborhood and collect chocolates at each location to support the Old Town Commercial Association and contribute to keeping Lansing’s Old Town revitalized. With your ticket you receive a custom box, punch card, map, and chocolates at every stop!    

February 8 – Super Bowl Lansing 5k: Start this year’s Super Bowl Sunday with a fun and fast 5K run/walk through beautiful Downtown Lansing, right in front of the State Capitol! Get in a healthy, fun race—then head off to enjoy your Super Bowl party feeling great!  

February 15 – Chinese New Year Celebration: The Greater Lansing Chinese Association and Meridian Township will co-host the annual Chinese New Year Celebration at the Meridian Mall, providing an afternoon of cultural activities and fun for the community. 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse!

Farmers Markets

1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays (January-April) – Meridian Farmers’ Indoor Market: The Market will move indoors to the JCPenney corridor of the Meridian Mall Starting on Saturday, November 29 and will run through April.

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods.

New Year, New Employee Discounts!

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Another new year means new resolutions, and MSU Benefits Plus wants to make those goals and tasks more achievable than ever. Below, you can learn more about these exclusive health, wellness, and other helpful discounts for MSU employees and start your journey to a happy new year today!  

To access these discounts and more, login to MSU Benefits Plus today. Please note that these discounts change frequently, and we encourage you to login to the MSU Benefits Plus website to see the latest discounts available.  If you have any questions about the discounts, please contact MSU Benefits Plus at msubenefitsplus@corestream.com or 888-758-7575.   

Health & Wellness  

  • Betterhelp â€“ Save 50% on online therapy. Use code: corestream50. 
  • Green Chef â€“ 55% off your 1st box plus 15% off your next 51 boxes. Use code: COREGC55HY. 
  • EveryPlate â€“ 65% off your 1st box plus 15% off next 51 boxes. Use code: COREP65H.  
  • HelloFresh â€“ 50% off your 1st box plus 15% off your next eight boxes. Use code: COREHF50FH. 
  • NOBULL â€“ Save 30% on gym shoes and apparel. Use code: 30OFFCORESTREAM. 
  • Active and Fit â€“ From yoga, to strength, Pilates, and more, choose from thousands of top gyms starting at $28/month plus a $0 enrollment fee. Use code: MAKEYOURMOVE. 
  • Reverse Health Yoga â€“ Save an extra 30% on top of the current 60% discount. Use code: CORESTREAM.  
  • Tonal â€“ Save $250 on the Tonal 2 at-home smart strength training system. Use code: Corestream250. 

Financial Services 

  • Trust & Will â€“ Save 25% on your estate plan. Promo code will automatically be applied at checkout using the provided link. 
  • Living Trustify â€“ Save 25% on any estate plan. Use code: CORESTREAM. 
  • TurboTax – Save an extra 20% on TurboTax using the promo link provided.  
  • LegalZoom â€“ Save 10% on any LegalZoom products. Use code: CORESTREAM00010. 

Home Improvement 

  • West Shore Home â€“ Save 20% off your next bathroom, window, door, or flooring project.  
  • GE Appliances â€“ Save 30% or more on select GE appliances. Use code: COREEXT21. 
  • Cove â€“ save 73% on Cove’s top-rated DIY home security system. Use code: COVECOREDEAL.  

Travel  

  • AVIS Care Rental – You can save up to 35% off your next car rental when you provide your Avis Worldwide Discount Number! Use code: X199700.  
  • Going – Going helps over 2 million members travel the world. We monitor thousands of flights so you can save an average of $550 on tickets. Save 50% off your first year of premium membership. Use code: CORE50.  

Education  

  • Coursera â€“ Save 40% on 3 months of Coursera Plus.  
  • Babbel â€“ Save up to 55% off Babbel’s lifetime access subscriptions.  

Tech  

  • Apple – Get preferred pricing on iPhones, iMacs and more.  
  • Dell – Get the best pricing available on all Dell PCs, electronics, and accessories.  

For more information on discounts from MSU Benefits Plus, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please contact MSU Benefits Plus via email at msubenefitsplus@corestream.com or by phone at 888-758-7575.  

Cariloop: A New Caregiving Benefit for MSU Employees

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

To help promote a culture of care, MSU recently implemented Cariloop, a new caregiving benefit for benefits-eligible employees. Whether it’s for a child, parent, partner, friend, or even yourself, most employees will find themselves in a caregiving situation. From daycare drop-offs to helping an aging parent behind the scenes, it can be a lot to manage. Cariloop can help with navigating, finding, and managing care. 

Cariloop Coaching and Support Platform 

This benefit includes professional help from a Cariloop Coach. Each year, MSU employees receive 30 days of continuous support for free with the option to extend (costs apply after the 30 continuous days). A few of the top needs Cariloop Coaches can help with include: 

  • Help finding reliable, affordable care for children or an aging loved one. 
  • Mental health support for loved ones, including veterans. 
  • Support navigating care for neurodivergent loved ones (adults or children). 
  • Resources for legal and financial help before or during a care crisis. 
  • Support with family planning, postpartum, and menopause.  

Everyone’s care needs are complex, personal, and ever-changing. The above are just a few common examples Cariloop Coaches support. Cariloop also provides free caregiving tools, including a medication tracker and community channels to connect with like-minded individuals, articles and guides written by professional Cariloop Coaches, and access to UrbanSitter’s trusted network of vetted caregivers. View a recently recorded Cariloop webinar to learn more about this benefit. 

Cariloop Account Activation 

If you already activated an account with Cariloop, no additional steps are required, and you can continue to utilize the Cariloop platform.  In addition, the 30 days of continuous coaching provided annually resets on January 1, and all employees have access to another 30 continuous days for plan year 2026.  

If you have not yet activated your account, access the Cariloop portal with the following steps:   

  1. Activate your account: Visit the Cariloop website and click Get Started. Sign up with your work email (you can add a personal email or phone later).   
  1. Confirm your email: Cariloop will send a 6-digit code to your work email. Enter that code to finish activating your account.   
  1. Access your benefits: Once activated, you have access to the extensive features of the Cariloop Caregiver Support Platform. 
     

Questions 

You can learn more about Cariloop on the HR website. For questions, call Cariloop at 972-232-7561 (English or Spanish) or email support@cariloop.com.  

Screenshots of calm health app on mobile devices

Introducing Calm Health: A New Mindfulness Resource for MSU Employees 

Published on by Abigail Miller1 Comment

MSU is committed to staff and faculty success, which includes helping employees and their families care for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We are excited to share that Calm Health, a mindfulness app designed to support mental and physical health, is now available at no cost to MSU employees and their dependents aged thirteen and older who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Calm Health is designed to help you stress less, sleep better, and live more mindfully. 

What Does Calm Health Offer? 

Calm Health includes self-guided programs developed by psychologists to address specific mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, physical health conditions like diabetes and cancer, and life stages like parenting, retirement, and menopause. Based on your goals and brief in-app screenings, you will receive personalized recommendations to support your health journey. Resources include: 

  • Sleep support to help you unwind  
  • Guided meditations 
  • Breathing exercises 
  • Calming music and soundscapes 
  • Mindfulness videos 
  • Daily self-guided activities  
  • Evidence-based clinical programs  

How Can You Access Calm Health?  

No credit card, payment information, or subscription needed! Calm Health is free to all MSU employees, and their dependents (age 13 +) enrolled in an MSU health plan. Start your Calm Health journey through any of these options: 

  1. Register Using the Direct Link: Register for Calm Health using this link. 
  1. Download the Calm Health App: Search the Calm Health app from the App Store and Google Play and use the access code: “BCBSMI” during the registration process. This code is not case sensitive. 
  1. Through Your Blue Cross Member Account: Login to your Blue Cross member account and click on Find Care. Scroll down to Find Behavioral Health Support and click on the Find Help button. Click on the Live and Work Well link. Scroll down to The Calm Health app and click on the Learn about Calm Health link. 

Building healthy daily habits that support your mental and physical wellbeing doesn’t have to be time consuming or costly, and Calm Health is the perfect first step. Explore Calm Health for yourself, choose tools that fit your lifestyle, and feel more mindful and balanced every day!  

Two women smiling and laughing together.

Feeling Stressed? Consider Your Sphere of Influence.

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Ready or not, December is almost here! When you think about the remainder of the year, how do you feel? If thoughts of work deadlines, family get-togethers, or planning for the holidays and new year ahead have you feeling overwhelmed or anxious, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are practices and resources we can utilize to help us center ourselves and approach this time of year with a healthier mindset. 

Consider Your Sphere of Influence 

We all know that allowing worry to grow uninhibited can lead to negative consequences, be it with our health, work performance, or relationships. So, why do we allow our minds to spend so much time in a state of worry?  In a previous blog post, Jennie Schaeffer, Director of MSU Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, discussed how worry can seem very active — spending time in that mindset can feel like you are working on something productive — but in reality, you are burning through energy that could be better spent. 

When you notice yourself worrying about what might happen, stop and ask yourself, “What can I do about it now?” One way to visualize this is the Sphere of Influence. 

Three circles on top of each other. The inner circle is labeled "control," the middle circle is labeled "possible influence, but no control," and the outer circle is labeled "no control."

Within the Sphere, there are three areas: 

  • No Control: If there is absolutely nothing you can do to change or influence a situation, you can only assess whether you can learn from it, then let it go and refocus on something else. This would apply to things like the weather, supply chain issues this season, or flight cancellations. To reduce feelings of worry and improve your well-being, spend minimal time and energy regarding any matters that fall within this area of the sphere. 
  • Possible Influence but No Control: If there is a step you can take that may influence an outcome, person, or situation, determine what action you can take to maximize that influence, follow through, and then let it go. Resist the temptation to convince yourself that worrying about it means it is within your control. 
  • Control: If the issue you are wrestling with is completely within your control, then you have control over your decisions, attitude, and behavior. What action can you take that you’ve been putting off? What self-care practice can you initiate to support your well-being? When you practice shifting your focus and attention to what is within your control rather than allowing what is out of your control to consume your time and thoughts, feelings of helplessness and overwhelm decrease significantly. 

Make Yourself a Priority 

When asked why we don’t make our well-being a higher priority, the most common answer is: not enough time. Although we can’t add more hours to the day (No Control area of the Sphere of Influence), we can take actionable steps to better manage our time and carve out space to improve our overall wellness (Control area of the sphere). 

Here are a few ideas to help you focus your energy on areas you can control when it comes to your well-being this time of year. 

  • Schedule Downtime: Block downtime off on your Outlook calendar like you would for a meeting or other work engagement. 
  • Set Positive Boundaries: Check out the following articles as a starting point: 
  • Be Selective: Most of us have an extraordinary number of demands placed on us, and this time of year often brings even more. Before you commit to anything additional, give yourself a little time to consider: Do I really need to do this right now? 
  • Get Back to the Basics: Consider your current relationship with sleep, physical activity, and eating. What are one or two simple steps you could take to improve your physical health? Even something as small as not having your cell phone next to your bed at night or scheduling short blocks of time on your calendar to stretch at your desk can have a tremendous impact. Ensuring your basic physical needs are met helps ensure a solid foundation for all aspects of your well-being. 

Utilize Your Resources 

One major goal within MSU’s strategic plan is to support the “career development and well-being of staff and faculty at MSU, focusing on creating a best-in-class workplace culture and welcoming environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.” From one-on-one counseling to self-paced learning opportunities, many resources are available to you as an MSU employee to improve your well-being and take care of yourself this year and beyond. Recommendations to get you started are listed below, along with contact information for specialists at MSU who can provide extra support. 

University Health and Wellbeing: Supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
  • Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: These webinars transform counseling-based skill-building into accessible media formats. These offerings integrate resilience education into the everyday living, learning, and working spaces of the Spartan community.
  • Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work! 
  • Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
  • Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.

elevateU Online Learning Platform: Free, self-paced resources including short videos, online courses, and books around a wide variety of topics. Highlighted topics include: 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) Courses: Instructor-led courses offered by the friendly and knowledgeable OPD team. Course dates and times are updated throughout the year, so be sure to check back soon for updated course dates/times! Highlighted courses include (new dates/times coming soon):

Opening Image Credit: Centre for Aging Better Age-Positive Image Library. 

Three signs: Don't Give Up, You are not alone, You matter

Happy World Mental Health Day!

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

October 10th is World Mental Health Day! While mental health is one of the foundations of health and well-being, it can often fall low on our list of priorities. The World Mental Health Organization declared this day as an opportunity for all to talk about their own mental health and what needs to be done to make mental health care more accessible.

Good mental health is vital to our overall well-being. Yet, one in eight people globally is living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, well-being, livelihood, and how they connect with others. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.

Work should never get in the way of maintaining good mental health; however, a busy schedule may make resources appear inaccessible. In honor of World Mental Health Day, here are some resources you can use at MSU and in your personal life.

MSU Resources

University Health and Wellbeing: Supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available through University Health and Wellbeing, MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
  • Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: From understanding shame and building shame resilience to setting healthy boundaries and navigating hard times, these webinars are here to help!
  • Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work! 
  • Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
  • Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.
  • MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services: If you’re looking for resources to support students, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides comprehensive mental health support to MSU students through counseling and psychiatric care.

Teladoc: Benefits eligible faculty, staff and their dependents currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc – an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. Teladoc’s services extend to behavioral health (anxiety, depression, grief counseling, etc.) for eligible individuals over the age of 18.

Local Resources

24-Hour Crisis Services (Walk-In and Mobile):  The City of East Lansing provides walk-in or mobile crisis counseling and mental health assistance around the clock.

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Behavioral Health Services: Sparrow Hospital offers psychiatric and behavioral health services, including holistic care in an external environment and art, music and yoga therapy. 

You and your mental health matter, so join us in celebrating World Mental Health Day by taking charge of your mental health with these resources and more. MSU resources and benefits are available to keep you on the path to a healthy body and mind. Learn more about World Mental Health Day on the World Health Organization website.

Using a laptop

Online Tools and Resources to Support Your Career Development and Wellbeing

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

In honor of Online Learning Day on September 15, we’d like to share the tools and resources available to support the career development and wellbeing of staff and faculty at MSU. The following resources and departments offer virtual learning opportunities, allowing you to learn new skills at a time, place, or pace convenient to you. Your continued dedication to lifelong learning will help MSU achieve its strategic priorities and create “a best-in-class workplace culture and a welcoming environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.”

Online Learning Opportunities

HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD): Find a variety of instructor-led classes on communication, customer service, leadership, personal development, and much more! Many OPD courses are offered in a virtual format and led by our friendly and knowledgeable OPD instructors.

elevateU Online Training Platform: Are you curious about artificial intelligence? Would you like to improve your project management skills or become a more effective communicator? Whether you learn best by reading books, watching videos, engaging with interactive exercises, or participating in a live virtual learning environment, the topics available are extensive. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, we can’t recommend this free resource highly enough as a convenient way to support your growth and development.

SpartansLearn: The MSU community’s go-to resource for technology training! Want to learn how to remove duplicates in Excel, coordinate a meeting time in Outlook for multiple participants, or make your PowerPoint presentations stand out? MSU IT offers microlearning videos, recorded courses, and more to help you learn at your own pace, along with instructor-led virtual classes.  

MSU University Health and Wellbeing: Find services, programs, and initiatives designed to support your professional success, health, and wellbeing. Be sure to check out their virtual events and webinars, such as Desk Decompress, Mindfulness and Meditation, and Spartan Resilience programs.

Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development (OFASD): OFASD works with all faculty, academic staff, and academic administrators as they join the university, establish professional trajectories, and grow in their careers at MSU. Find information and resources for orientations, leadership development, teaching and learning events, and more.

While many of the above resources are free for the Spartan community, as a reminder, educational assistance funds are available to help cover any course fees. Did we miss any resources? Let us know in the comments below, and Happy Online Learning Day!