A Life Well Lived: CalHR Benefits Newsletter — May 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Focus on caring for your mind, managing stress and strengthening your connections. This month, we’re highlighting ways to prevent burnout, build resilience and what benefit resources to explore to support your mental and emotional wellbeing.
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental health challenges affect almost everyone. Often, we try to deal with these challenges on our own. Talking about your experiences and connecting with others reminds everyone they are not alone. This month, think about how you can connect with others. Listen without judgement, share helpful resources and check in with someone who seems to be struggling. If comfortable, share your own experience. These small actions make a big difference.
Visit the Mind Your Mental Health tile on the Employee Assistance Program website or call EAP at 1-866-EAP-4SOC (1-866-327-4762) TTY: 711 for confidential support and resources.
Beat Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds slowly through nonstop deadlines, being “always on,” and the pressure to do more. Over time, you might feel exhausted and disconnected from work you once enjoyed.
The good news? Small changes can help restore your energy.
- Set clear boundaries. Turn off your work notifications after hours. Say no to tasks that are not essential. Protect your personal time as fiercely as you protect your meetings.
- Make real rest a priority. Step away from your desk for lunch, use vacation time and build short breaks into your day.
- Reconnect with purpose. Celebrate small wins and focus on tasks that energize rather than drain you.
- Get moving. Take a short walk or stretching break to clear your mind and boost energy.
- Ask for help. Talk to your manager, lean on colleagues and use your Employee Assistance Program when needed or find mental health resources on Live Well.
Beating burnout is not about working harder. Remember you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Register for Live Webinar: Understanding Burnout – Causes and Solutions
Register for the EAP live webinar Understanding Burnout – Causes and Solutions on Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. Attendees will learn how to break the burnout cycle, build resilience and create a personal action plan.
Live Well – Boost Your Mental Wellness
In May, focus on building healthy habits for your mind and body. Through Live Well, the state’s Employee Wellness Program, you have access to on-demand free tools to support your wellbeing at work and beyond.
This month we invite you to explore free programs and videos focused on mindfulness; reducing stress and anxiety; and even building emotional resilience.
Live Well: Build Emotional Resilience
Explore videos and programs on how to build emotional resilience, including how to:
- Respond effectively to stress
- Recognize and prevent burnout
- Set meaningful intentions
- Practice positive self-talk
- Strengthen your self-belief
These tools can help you navigate challenges with greater confidence and balance.
Live Well: Mindfulness
Explore videos and programs focused on mindfulness, including meditation, yoga and self-help resources for shifting negative thought patterns. There are endless options to help you build focus, reduce stress and cultivate a more mindful, balanced self.
Live Well: Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Explore videos and programs designed to help manage stress and anxiety, including releasing regrets, practicing self-care in your relationships and using effective stress-busting techniques. There’s so much more to support your wellbeing and help you feel calmer and more balanced.
Public Service Recognition Week: Recognize. Reconnect. Reignite.
Mark your calendars for Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) from May 3-9. PSRW is a time to recognize your hard work, celebrate accomplishments and show appreciation for the contributions you make every day to serve California.
This week is also a chance to connect with colleagues and support your own wellbeing. Look out for updates about themed days and activities, download virtual backgrounds and participate in celebrations. Taking part in these events can boost your mood and help you feel connected.
PSRW is about valuing your contributions, celebrating together and supporting a positive workplace culture. Your work matters and taking time to celebrate matters, too.
Download your PSRW flyer today to join the celebration. If you participate in a PSRW activity, make sure to post on social media and #PSRWCA.
Make Your Money Work Harder with FlexElect Reimbursement Accounts
FlexElect Reimbursement Accounts let eligible state employees set aside pre-tax money to pay for eligible expenses, reducing your taxable income while covering costs you might already have. It’s an easy way to make your dollars go further.
Return-to-office (RTO) requirements may increase the number of days you work onsite. Now, you may need to make new caregiving arrangements. This could include enrolling a child in additional daycare, extending care hours or arranging added support for an aging parent.
RTO expectations may vary by department. Be sure to follow your department’s specific guidance. If you have questions about how RTO requirements may affect your situation or benefits, contact your departmental personnel office for assistance.
FlexElect Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts (DCRA) can help offset these costs by allowing you to pay eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Because of RTO, employees can enroll in or make changes to a FlexElect account without waiting for Open Enrollment. RTO will be considered a permitting event, giving eligible employees the opportunity to update their elections.
Learn More About FlexElect
Learn more about FlexElect Reimbursement Accounts and how they allow state employees to set aside money in a reimbursement account to pay for certain types of expenses.
Resources to Support Your Transition Back to Office
Explore resources that help you prepare for RTO, settle back into the office and stay connected to the support available to you.
Financial Tip: Treat Yourself with VSP Simple Values Discounts
Did you know that VSP plan members and their families can save money using VSP Simple Values? Get discounts on travel, entertainment, fitness subscriptions, gym memberships, shopping and even medical services such as lab work or imaging.
Creating a free account lets you see all the savings available today. Taking advantage of available discounts to treat yourself and enjoy fun activities isn’t just good for your wallet; it is also good for your mental health. Taking time to relax, have fun and care for yourself helps boost your mood, reduce stress and keep your energy up.
Save with Simple Values
Sign up for free to find savings on travel, entertainment, health and more with Simple Values.
Live Well in 2026
This May, remember that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Small actions like connecting with others, taking breaks and celebrating your accomplishments can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing. Prioritizing your mental health helps you manage stress, build resilience and feel more balanced both at work and at home.
For more information about state employee benefits, visit the CalHR Benefits website.. For questions about your benefits eligibility or enrollment, contact your departmental personnel officer. For health benefits information specifically, visit the CalPERS website.
