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Mental Health and Stress

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    Mental Health and Stress

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    Let’s face it, everyone has stress. Some stress is good for us because it’s our body’s way of protecting itself from harm. However, too much stress causes harm to our health and relationships. Cigna Global Health Benefits® is your partner for whole-person health. Read on for more resources to support your well-being.

    So where do you begin?

    Cigna has a range of Stress Care tools and expert advice that can help you manage the stress of the ‘New Normal’ before it affects your long-term health. Check out Cigna’s Stress Care for the ‘New Normal’ website for the following stress related tools:

    • Stress Waves Test – use your voice to see your stress.
    • Stress Test –  understand your stress, visualize it, and create a PLAN to take control.
    • Stress Care Hub – strengthen your resilience with our Stress Care resources.

    What to do:

    Doing something to better manage stress might feel like it will take a lot time and energy, but taking a little time to fuel your own body and mind can bring great benefits. Here are some examples:

    • Relax your mind by practicing mindfulness1. It can help calm your mind and body to help you cope with illness, pain and stress. You can do it anywhere, and it doesn't take much time.
    • Relax your body with a massage, try yoga breathing, meditation and exercises.
    • Don’t let sleep be optional. You should get enough rest each night to awake feeling well-rested and energized.
    • Make time to eat and stay hydrated. Regular meals give you the fuel you need to stay strong and focused.
    • Make time for social activities, such as joining a book club. Consider saying "yes" to a fun activity you've declined before.
    • Take time to do simple things for yourself. It can help recharge you so you have more to give to others.
    • Think about how you’ve coped with hard times before. Try to re-deploy the strengths and strategies that helped then.
    • Cigna Envoy® is your personalized online health resource. With Cigna Envoy, you can manage your health plan all in one place.
    • Consider herbal supplements, such as valerian, kava, gingko, St. John's Wort and chamomile to help relieve stress symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. Talk with your doctor if you are taking supplements, especially if you have another health condition.


    Follow these tips to build resilience and manage job stress:

    • Communicate with your co-workers, supervisors and employees about job stress.
    • Talk openly to identify things that cause stress and work together to identify solutions.
    • Ask about how to access mental health resources in your workplace.
    • Identify those things you don’t have control over and do the best you can with the resources available to you.
    • Keep a regular schedule, including sleep and breaks to stretch, exercise, or check in with your supportive colleagues, co-workers, family and friends.
    • Spend time outdoors, either being physically active or relaxing.
    • If you work from home, try to set a regular time to end your work for the day.

     
    It’s no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us feeling like there is no end in sight to the challenges and stress. These experiences though can allow us the opportunity to take pause, reflect and understand what may help by identifying coping strategies. View our flyer for more information on building your resilience.



    1. Cigna. “Climb Mindfulness Podcasts.” Accessed September 22, 2022. https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/climb-mindfulness-podcasts

    This article serves only as a reference and is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article constitutes legal, tax, financial planning, health or medical advice including diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. References to third-party organizations or companies, and/or their products, processes or services, do not constitute an endorsement or warranty thereof. Products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions and are expressly excluded where prohibited by applicable law. All group insurance policies and health benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For costs and details of coverage, contact a Cigna representative.

    All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Global Insurance Company Limited, Evernorth Care Solutions, Inc. and Evernorth Behavioral Health, Inc., or through their affiliates and contracted companies.

    In the U.S., Cigna Global Health Benefits® group medical and dental plans are insured or administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. In the U.S. and Canada, group life, accident and disability plans are insured or administered by Life Insurance Company of North America. In Canada, group medical, dental, vision, and evacuation plans are insured or administered by Cigna Life Insurance Company of Canada. Employee Assistance Programs are administered by or through Evernorth Care Solutions, Inc., Evernorth Behavioral Health Inc., Inc. or affiliates and contracted companies. In other jurisdictions, products and services are offered by or through Cigna Global Insurance Company Ltd. or affiliates and contracted companies. Products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions and are expressly excluded where prohibited by applicable law. The information on this site is only a general description of benefits. All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. Please consult your licensed agent or contact Cigna for product availability, costs, and complete details of coverage.

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