5 Ways to prepare for the back-to-school season

September is associated with a return to the rhythms and rush of daily life after the long summer break. As we return to our offices and classrooms, this period of change also presents an excellent opportunity for a much-needed physical and mental reset. In this article, we explore five ways that you can prepare for the ‘back-to-school’ season.

Book a health review

You wouldn’t drive without taking your car for a check-up every now and again - so why not do the same for your own well-being?

Make time for an annual medical appointment to assess your overall health. When it comes to well-being, prevention is always better than cure, and scheduling a health review with your doctor - even when you feel fine - can help to catch any potential medical issues early.

A general health check-up may be covered by your corporate health insurance plan, and it’s always worth checking with your employer about what your coverage entitles you to. It’s important even when selecting an employer to review the health insurance package offered and assess whether you will receive the support you need. Employers should offer annual general health check-ups and access to mental healthcare beyond basic benefits.

Reassess your routine

From hitting work deadlines to juggling career and family commitments, our annual leave provides us with the perfect opportunity to escape the demands and stresses of daily routines. They also present a chance for us to review our regular schedules and take a comprehensive view of what can be done to establish a better work-life balance.

88% of professionals believe that employers have a responsibility to support and enhance employee wellbeing. Set up a time to talk with your line manager or HR manager to see how your work routine can be better optimized to support your mental and physical health - whether that’s through flexible hours or remote working opportunities,

In addition, check if your workplace offers support services through its health insurance provider. For instance, GulfCare has partnered with Workplace Options to offer an Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 access to multilingual experts who can guide you through everyday challenges such as stress, depression, work-life balance, and more.

Make your New Year’s Resolutions now

The start of a new academic year, and the post-vacation return to the office, is the best time to set good intentions and resolutions for the year ahead.

Set realistic ambitions for what you want to achieve. It could be a significant long-term goal, such as running a marathon, or something as simple as mastering an effective mindfulness technique that works for you.

Your healthcare provider should also have measures in place to encourage healthy habits. For example, GulfCare includes fitness and nutrition plans in its customizable corporate healthcare solutions, to help its partners’ employees hit fitness goals and maintain their physical health.

Prepare for flu season

When it comes to health, prevention is always better than cure. And the post-vacation season is a common time for workers - particularly frequent, long-haul travelers - to catch viruses, such as the flu.

Get ahead of the game and get booked in for your vaccine between late August and early September, to safeguard your health ahead of the cooler months. The cost of the vaccine can vary, but check the terms of your healthcare plan to see if the flu vaccine is covered by your health insurance provider.

Prioritize your mental health

One of the most important things that we can do for our overall well-being is to take care of our mental health. It can have a real impact on our physical condition and, without due care, can lead to more serious health complications over time.

So, when you schedule your physical health check-up, also book in time with a mental health specialist. You don’t need to have a pre-existing mental health condition to speak to a specialist, they are here to listen and can help you to put a strategy in place to tackle any mental health concerns that may be affecting you. These discussions can cover a range of topics, from work-related stress and anxiety to procrastination.

Your employer should have a workplace wellness program in place, and your healthcare provider should include mental health consultations as part of their care package, as well as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

No matter where you choose to spend your summer vacations, make sure to bring back a bit of that holiday spirit and take the time to incorporate it into your day-to-day physical and mental well-being.

GulfCare is a leading provider of tailored corporate healthcare plans for businesses in the UAE and throughout the GCC. To learn more about how GulfCare can benefit your business, get in touch today.