Manage stress and protect your wellbeing during busy Derby weeks.
| In Louisville, spring doesn’t just mean warmer weather—Derby season comes charging in with events, visitors, celebrations, and plenty of added pressure. For GE Appliances employees, this time of year can bring excitement but also extra stress both at work and at home. Stress Awareness Month is our reminder to slow down, check in with ourselves, and make sure we’re running a steady, sustainable race. This matters because stress impacts safety, focus, health, and the quality of our work. Managing it isn’t just good for your wellbeing—it helps keep our entire team running smoothly. Know the Early Signs—Don’t Get Left at the Gate Just like a good jockey reads the horse early, learning your stress cues can help you stay ahead of the curve. Watch for: Trouble sleeping Increased irritability Difficulty concentrating on tasks Muscle tension or headaches Feeling overwhelmed or rushed Catching these signals early helps prevent burnout, injuries, and mistakes on the manufacturing floor. Set Your Pace: Stress Lowering Strategies Derby season moves fast—but you don’t have to. Here are practical ways to keep a calm, healthy pace: 1. Take Short Breathers Even a 60 second reset lowers stress. Try deep belly breathing or a quick walk to help your body reset between tasks. 2. Stay Hydrated Festival season plus warmer temps means dehydration sneaks up quickly—especially in manufacturing environments. Water boosts focus, energy, and mood. 3. Stick to Your Routine It’s tempting to shift schedules around Derby events, but predictable routines help control stress and improve sleep quality. 4. Move Your Body You don’t need to run like Secretariat—but light stretching, walking, or simple mobility exercises reduce tension and keep you safer on the job. 5. Choose Your “Winners” Wisely You don’t have to attend every event. Protect your time and energy by choosing the celebrations that genuinely bring you joy. Keep Safety at the Forefront Stress is one of the biggest factors behind workplace incidents. When your mind is racing, it’s harder to stay aware of your surroundings or follow steps carefully. Taking a moment to mentally “reset in the paddock” before starting a task helps you stay focused and injury free. Need Support? EAP Through CareATC Is Here for You If stress feels overwhelming—whether related to work, home, health, or life changes—GE Appliances employees have confidential support available through EAP provided by CareATC. Employee Assistance Program offers: Short term counseling Stress and anxiety support Help with work life balance Tools for sleep, coping skills, and emotional health It’s free, confidential, and available to all eligible employees. Reaching out is a smart step toward protecting your wellbeing and staying at your healthiest during this high energy season. Finish Strong This Derby Season Derby might celebrate speed, but taking care of yourself is about endurance. By recognizing stress early, using simple daily tools, and leaning on resources like EAP, you can enjoy Derby season while staying healthy, safe, and steady—on and off the job. Life Happens: Free, Confidential Support for You GE Appliances’ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential support for employees and their families. From managing depression and addiction to caring for elderly family members, these resources are here to help with personal challenges and mental health needs. Access care today at GEAppliancesWellWithin.com to explore confidential support and 14+ resources and inspiring employee stories about what matters most—your emotional, social, physical, and financial wellbeing. |
