Breathe in, breathe out:
Recharge with health & wellness resources
e’ve all had those days when it feels like everything is working against you. During those moments, the feelings of stress, anxiety, uncertainty and fear can be overpowering and overwhelming. If you’re going through that now, stop what you’re doing and instead focus on your breathing for a moment.
Think about that stress in your body as you inhale, and then think about it leaving your body as you exhale deeply. While you continue doing this deep breathing for several minutes, make an effort to focus on all that you have to be grateful for in this world. These two simple actions can help to reset your physical and emotional well-being back into alignment and allow you to think more clearly once again.
NYSUT Member Benefits understands the importance of mental wellness and providing NYSUT members and their loved ones with access to support, resources and tools. Your union membership offers you the opportunity to take part in several free or reduced cost benefits that can help you to feel your best.
Premium Calm App — All in-service and retiree members receive unlimited free access to the full Calm library of sleep, meditation and relaxation content. The popular Calm app includes specialized playlists dealing with stress and focus, mindful movement video and audio, various webinars, nature scenes and sounds, specific children’s content and more. Members can add up to five dependents (age 16 or older) to receive their own premium subscription. Note: You will need your NYSUT ID number (which can be found at nysut.org/memberid) to create your Calm account.
Peer Support Line — This free and confidential helpline is available to all NYSUT members and their loved ones for answers, resources and support when help is needed most. Trained peer specialists can assist with locating mental health services and support groups, managing work-related stress and concerns, providing support to new members, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, sourcing elder care and caregiving services and much more. You can chat, securely email or call toll-free 844-444-0152 to connect with a peer.
Talkspace — The AFT has partnered with Talkspace to offer discounted access to high-quality therapy and mental health resources. This partnership provides affordable online therapy along with an exclusive $100 discount on the first month of any Talkspace therapy subscription. Members can also view educational content and resources that can be applied to their daily work lives, including strategies for avoiding burnout as well as identifying and supporting mental health challenges among colleagues.
Trauma Counseling — The AFT offers up to three free months of a trauma counseling benefit via video, phone or text after a covered incident. These AFT-paid trauma counseling sessions with highly trained therapists are confidential and available to all members.
Learn more about these resources and many other benefits available to you by visiting memberbenefits.nysut.org or calling 800-626-8101.
For information about contractual endorsement arrangements with providers of endorsed programs, please contact NYSUT Member Benefits.