According to the American Institute of Stress, increased levels of job stress and other demands of life have been associated with increased rates of heart attack, hypertension, and other disorders. Stress can also weaken the immune system, affect mental health, and increase chances of developing anxiety, depression, or insomnia. When workers have a poor work-life balance, their stress levels tend to rise. Stress lowers employee productivity and makes it more difficult to concentrate. 

In response to this growing problem amongst Americans, Kristi Shive, Warren County Family and Consumer Sciences Science, delivered a session on Work-Life Balance to University of Kentucky Employees at the CHI Epsilon Sigma Conference. The session explored the relationship between productivity, work-life balance, and workplace burnout. Participants also examined personal and professional self-care strategies. The workshop taught approaches for prioritizing various roles and responsibilities, as well as steps to take when feeling overwhelmed. 

Fifty employees attended the session. Participants' post-session evaluations showed that 100% increased their knowledge of practicing both personal and professional self-care, understanding how to prioritize roles and responsibilities, and strategies for feeling overwhelmed. 100% reported that they plan to practice personal/professional self-care and to use tools from the lesson because of the program. 

The event provided practical strategies that participants could implement immediately when facing stress and juggling various roles and responsibilities.

 A few quotes from participants when asked what the most significant thing from the program was, that they will apply to their life: 

“Take time for me – taking vacation days and not worry about the office.” 

“Learn to say “NO” to make time for me!” 

“To stop when I am really stressed and walk away.”