We all know allowing worry to grow uninhibited can lead to a number of 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?\u202f<\/strong> In a previous blog post,<\/a> Jennie Schaeffer, Director of MSU Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, discussed how worry can seem very active \u2014 spending time in that mindset can feel like you are working on something productive \u2014 but in reality, you are burning through energy that could be better spent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you notice yourself worrying about what\u202fmight<\/em>\u202fhappen, stop and ask yourself, \u201cWhat can I do about it now?\u201d\u202f<\/strong>One way to visualize this is the Sphere of Influence. <\/p>\n\n\n Within the Sphere, there are three areas:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked why we don\u2019t make our well-being a higher priority, the most common answer is: not enough time. Although we can\u2019t 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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One major goal within MSU\u2019s strategic plan<\/a> is to support the \u201cwell-being of staff, faculty, and postdoctoral research associates at MSU, focusing on creating a best-in-class workplace culture and environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spartan Resilience Programs<\/strong><\/a>\u202f |\u202f <\/strong>Spartan Resilience sees to provide opportunities for any Spartan, anywhere to develop (or strengthen) the skills needed to effectively respond to their unique collection of challenges. Courses include Informal Mindfulness, Developing Emotional Resilience, Navigating Hard Times with Empathy and Self-Compassion, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n elevateU<\/strong><\/a>\u202f<\/strong> | Free, self-paced resources including short videos, online courses, and books around a wide variety of topics. Highlighted topics include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Three](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/sourcelive.hr.msu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/sphere-of-influence-graphic.png?resize=518%2C331&ssl=1\")
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Make Yourself a Priority<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Utilize Your Resources<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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