The winter holiday season can be celebratory and fun. But it can also put your well-being to the test. Extra dessert, a celebratory cocktail, endless gift giving, anxiety and depression can all add up over the holiday season.
If you need assistance--a little or a lot--U-M has programs and resources to help you be well this holiday season.
"The well-being of our faculty and staff is a top priority," said Rich Holcomb, associate vice president for human resources. "There are so many levers that can impact one's well-being, especially around the holidays. The university has lots of programs to help with things like nutrition, counseling and alcohol management that people might not even realize are available."
MHealthy Recipes
Are you looking for both delicious and yet healthy recipes for your holiday table? Search MHealthy's recipes and find delicious, satisfying, quick and easy recipes that will help you and your family eat well this holiday season. More than 300 healthy recipes are available that meet MHealthy's Nutrition Guidelines.
You can also watch this short video from MHealthy's nutrition team about intuitive eating over the holidays.
Resources for your Mental and Emotional Health
Just like your physical health, your mental and emotional health is an essential part of your overall wellness, deserving of your ongoing attention and care. A wealth of services and resources are available to support your mental and emotional health.
Counseling Services
If you would like to speak with someone, U-M faculty, staff, and their adult dependents have access to Mental Health Counseling and Consultation Services (Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience and Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office).
Resources for Your Financial Well-Being
Data shows that personal finances continue to be a leading cause of stress for many Americans. Financial stress occurs when there is uncertainty around finances, a sense of worry about the future, and a lack of security. All this can be exacerbated by holiday parties, gift giving and more.
If you have or are currently experiencing financial stress, you're not alone – there are many resources and professionals available to help.
Maize and Blue Cupboard
The Maize and Blue Cupboard food pantry provides U-M faculty, staff and students that have an immediate need with healthy, nutritious, and nourishing food and the ability to prepare it for themselves or others.
The Maize and Blue Cupboard's mission is to ensure that no one goes without at U-M. The Maize and Blue Cupboard food pantry is free to anyone with a valid MCard. Learn how you can support the cupboard through food or monetary donations or by volunteering your time.
Holiday Stop and Swap
If you are looking to be more mindful of your drinking choices or not drink alcohol at all, sign up to receive weekly emails from MHealthy’s Alcohol Management Program (AMP).
You will receive an email every week through January 3, 2022 full of tips and resources to help you cut down or take a break from alcohol--whichever is right for you.
You can also watch this video featuring specialists from MHealthy's AMP talk about mindful alcohol use around the holidays.
Diabetes Prevention
If you're at risk of developing diabetes, a Diabetes Prevention Program might be right for you. In many cases diabetes and other health problems can be delayed or prevented through modest lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet and increasing physical activity. And you don't have to do it alone.
U-M Health Plan members who meet eligibility criteria can join Diabetes Prevention Programs developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, with no out-of-pocket cost.
Physical Activity
Whether you’re setting a New Year's resolution or just want to keep moving, MHealthy has a variety of physical activity programs and resources available to faculty and staff. You can participate in free live exercise classes broadcast through Slack or check out a library of videos.
Preventing COVID and Flu
Don’t let your guard down this holiday season. If you’re traveling or gathering with friends and family, continue to follow public health recommendations for staying healthy. The CDC recommends vaccines for both COVID-19 and influenza.
Find more guidance on the CDC and the U-M Health Response websites.
