Ask the expert: Rhonda Jones

MyStressTools helps support better wellness and overall health

MESSA Health Promotion Consultant Rhonda Jones answers questions about stress relief and the free resource MyStressTools — a suite of stress management and wellness resources for MESSA members. Jones is a registered nurse, personal trainer and health and wellness phenom. She helps groups build worksite wellness programs and provides MESSA Wellness programming to help members live healthier, more balanced lives.

What should people do to take care of themselves mentally?
Exercise and movement. There’s a plethora of studies that underscore the benefits of how exercise minimizes depression and anxiety. In addition, eating healthy and consuming more nutrient-dense foods can help maintain good nerve and brain health, supporting mental health and well-being. Also use MyStressTools, which is free for MESSA members.

What is MyStressTools?
MyStressTools is a suite of stress management and wellness resources that can help you manage stress and anxiety. It uses a “Stress Profiler” to identify your personal sources of stress and anxiety, and provides resources and strategies tailored to your needs. You’ll find podcasts, videos, webinars and articles on a range of wellness topics.

What is the advantage of using MyStressTools?
Chronic stress can be a precursor to adverse health conditions like depression, anxiety and high blood pressure. We should all include something in our health regimen that addresses stress, and MyStressTools can be that for our members. There is a suite of activities with varying modes of awareness offered. Some people listen to podcasts. Others watch webinars or videos while relaxing. I’ve had members use the mindfulness minute coach for meetings by logging in, accessing the mindfulness minute activity and sharing it on the screen for everyone.

How do members access MyStressTools?
You can find MyStressTools in your MyMESSA member portal in the main menu under Wellness Resources. Select “MyStressTools” and you’ll be taken directly to the MyStressTools site. Start with the “Stress Profiler” and then start exploring.

You’ll see another wellness resource in the same menu – the health risk assessment. I encourage members to take this assessment to learn more about their risk for heart disease, certain cancers, depression and other conditions. After completing the assessment, you’ll get suggestions for how to lower your health risks and a personal wellness plan. It’s a great tool to help shine a light on the state of your health, and how you can improve it.

In addition to MyStressTools and the health risk assessment, what can people do to maintain a healthy mental state?
If you start to feel negative about life or don’t feel like doing the things you once enjoyed, seek help from a mental health professional. I come from a family culture where getting counseling or seeing a therapist was not discussed and was somewhat stigmatized. I think seeing a professional counselor can provide a guided and more holistic approach toward a mentally healthy outcome.

Are there upcoming MESSA Wellness events that you want our members to know about?

Yes! The 2022 Fall Worksite Wellness Conference is set for Oct. 7. The theme this year is Reset & Recharge, which we think will really resonate with our members as we all continue to learn how to balance work and life.

It will be a virtual event once more to help members from across the state make time to attend. We’ll have more details available at messa.org/Wellness. But for now, be sure to save the date.