Canadians are hard workers. And while having a great work ethic can be admirable, our work outcomes and effectiveness of our work are more important. So, if you want to prevent burnout and increase your productivity, here are some evidence-based tips. 1. Schedule one no-meeting day a week 2. Be smart with email – chunk out your time when you respond to emails to prevent constant distraction and prevent a culture of immediacy. 3. Stop multi-tasking and start uni-tasking. 4. Triage work daily (what are you going to do now, delay, delegate or not do?). 5. Take regular breaks every 52 or 90 minutes.

Thousands of people from all walks of life die each year from drug overdose. On August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died due to drug overdose. On Aug. 31 – and throughout the month – you can help raise awareness, memorialize a lost loved one, inspire change and save lives. While it can be scary or upsetting to think about overdose, the good news is that education and preparation can help prevent it from happening. Learn how you can help by visiting www.overdoseday.com

Stigma: The stigma around substance use is one of the biggest barriers for people seeking and receiving treatment for addiction. It is also a barrier for those individuals who have tried to access services in the past. Stigma is often displayed in the form of discriminating attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. We often use words to describe people and their health conditions that reflect our attitudes and approaches to helping them. Sometimes the words we use can be pejorative and counter productive. International studies by the World Health Organization show that people with alcohol and drug use disorders are among some of the most stigmatized of all health conditions.

National Statistics
3.3 million people die each year due to the harmful use of alcohol
350,000 people die from alcohol and drug use disorders
Only 14% of people who suffer from a substance abuse disorder receive any form of treatment for it.

Why is Recovery Important? Thousands of individuals are affected by substance abuse disorder. But they may never receive the help they need due to the stigma around substance abuse. Many Canadians needlessly die each month, leaving their families and friends grieving because they are ashamed to go for help.

Celebrating Recovery
Real, Attainable, Sustainable
Recovery Day Winnipeg
“At the Forks “Sept. 10th

Did You Know: That September is Recovery month in Canada? Since 2012 RECOVERY DAY has been a national movement with a network of people in recovery, families, service providers and entire communities. We come together to celebrate RECOVERY. We are committed to mobilizing and organizing Canadians in recovery from addiction and addiction-related problems. Our mission is to build awareness, challenge societal stigma, and celebrate the role that recovery plays in improving life for individuals, families, communities, cities and countries. We envision a world in which recovery from addiction is a common, and celebrated reality.

Employee engagement is a driver of a company’s success. Creating a work-life balance is a key factor for great business performance outcomes. A Human Resources Strategy focused on work-life balance is seen as a benefit to individuals and employers. Individuals report increased job satisfaction, a greater sense of job security, better physical and mental health, and reduced levels of job stress. The organization faces less absenteeism/presenteeism, lateness, and staff turnover rates. In addition, there is increased retention of valuable employees, higher employee loyalty and commitment towards the organization, improved productivity and enhanced organizational image as an employer of choice.

You may be stressed if you experience the following symptoms frequently: Weight loss, sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety or panic attacks, frustration, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, under-eating, or over-eating. Here are 6 stress-management tips. 1. Identify your stress triggers. 2. Stay away from things and people that trigger your stress. 3. Enjoy two hours of “me time” per day. 4. Meditate and practice deep breathing. 5. Split your “to-do” list with your family. 6. Create a magic “mantra” for yourself. For example, “I am the boss of my life.” Keep repeating it to yourself during stress and continue this exercise until the mantra becomes a part of your reality.