Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Corner
By Employee Assistance Program | Aug 10, 2026
This Month at a Glance
June 26 - August 28: Friday Physical Activity Challenge
August 12: The Importance of Hydration- Noon
August 26: Sleep Hygiene Strategies- Noon
August Awareness & Observances
National Wellness Month, National Immunization Awareness Month, Back-to-School Wellness, and National Grief Awareness Day (August 30)
A Moment for Wellness
August is National Wellness Month. It is a great opportunity to focus on self-care, stress management, and healthy habits that support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. As summer begins to wind down and families prepare for the back-to-school season, schedules may become busier and new responsibilities can bring additional stress. Take time this month to check in with yourself, prioritize rest, stay active, maintain healthy routines, and make space for the people and activities that help you recharge. Small, consistent choices can make a meaningful difference in how you feel. As we look ahead to September, stay tuned for EAP's Fall Reset Challenge, designed to help employees reset, refocus, and continue building healthy habits for the season ahead.
August Wellness Webinars
Take a 30-minute break and join one of this month's virtual webinars. "The Importance of Hydration", Wednesday, August 12 @ Noon and "Sleep Hygiene Strategies", Wednesday, August 26 @ Noon.
Friday Physical Activity Team Challenge
Get moving this summer with the Friday Physical Activity Team Challenge! From June 26 through August 28, employees can form a two-person team with another New York State employee or eligible family member and track physical activity minutes and/or steps every Friday. It's a fun way to stay motivated, encourage one another, and make movement part of your weekly routine. Remember, you do not have to do everything at once. Small, consistent efforts can make a big difference in your physical and emotional well-being. See the attached flyer for more challenge details.
Friday Physical Activity Team Challenge
OMH Wellness Groups
The Office of Mental Health offers all employees an opportunity to practice various coping skills and strengthen their resilience through OMH Wellness Groups, which aligns with OMH’s vision of supporting a healthy workplace environment. The groups include deep-breathing and simulation exercises to allow employees to practice rather than engage in group discussions. Group sessions offer a warm, inviting space that fosters relaxation virtually and provides examples of calming techniques and basic coping skills. Remember that the mind and body are one, and psychological health is just as important as physical health to your overall well-being. The group sessions are free, confidential, and anonymous, and virtual employees can call in from any phone. All employees are welcome to join, and no registration is necessary. See the attached flyer for more details.
NYS EAP Frontline Newsletter
This month’s Frontline Newsletter focuses on practical ways to support your well-being, productivity, and safety at work and at home. Topics include strategies for meeting deadlines, reducing “mental noise” and everyday stress, recognizing your positive personal attributes, and understanding what professional counseling is really like. The newsletter also highlights tips for managing a heavy workload and maintaining work-life boundaries, along with simple habits that can have a meaningful impact on your health and wellness. As back-to-school season approaches, it also provides guidance for talking with children about bullying prevention and speaking up when something is wrong. Take a few minutes to read through this month’s newsletter and consider choosing one small strategy to put into practice. Remember, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to provide confidential support, assessments, referrals, and resources for personal and workplace concerns. Small, consistent steps can make a lasting difference in your overall well-being.