Monthly Update

When the season feels heavy, help is here

As the year winds down, many people feel stretched thin. Holidays, family commitments and end-of-year deadlines can make it harder to take care of yourself. Under the Hat is here to connect you with confidential support, practical tools and guidance for you and your family whenever life feels heavy.

Support is available for:

• Workplace stress and change – Get help managing pressure and finding your footing.
• Relationship strain – Strengthen communication and connection during the holidays.
• Grief and loss – Talk to someone who can support you through difficult moments.
• Financial pressure – Connect with advisors who can help you create a realistic plan forward.

Spot stress early

Sometimes stress shows up in subtle ways long before we feel overwhelmed. Noticing the early signs can help you course-correct sooner.

Watch for:

• Mental: tunnel vision, decision fatigue, jumping between tasks
• Physical: tight shoulders, held breath, increased heart rate
• Emotional: irritability, apathy, self-doubt
• Behavioral: procrastinating, withdrawing, perfectionism

Strength in the Slack

This month’s feature article, Strength in the Slack, takes a closer look at what flexibility really means — for structures, systems and ourselves.

Just as engineered slack keeps trains moving safely across rough terrain, making space to talk about substance use recovery, burnout or stress can keep us connected and strong.

Read the full article

Resources

Toolbox Talk Resources Download and share these materials to help teams, households, and workplaces raise awareness and access help. Visit Toolbox Talks

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