New Year’s: A Time for Reflection and Resolutions

New Year’s is a time for reflection and setting goals for the year ahead. It’s a time to look back on the previous year and assess what you’ve accomplished, as well as think about what you’d like to achieve in the future. Here are some ideas for making the most of this important holiday:

Reflect on the Past Year

Before you start making resolutions for the new year, take some time to reflect on the past year. Think about what you accomplished, what you learned, and what you’d like to do differently in the future. Consider the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Celebrate your successes and acknowledge your failures, and use them as a learning experience for the year ahead.

Set Goals and Resolutions

Once you’ve reflected on the past year, it’s time to set goals and resolutions for the new year. Think about what you’d like to achieve in the coming year, both personally and professionally. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Write them down and review them regularly throughout the year to keep yourself on track.

Make a Plan

Once you’ve set your goals, make a plan to achieve them. Break your goals down into smaller, manageable tasks, and create a timeline for completing each task. Identify any potential obstacles or challenges and come up with a plan to overcome them. Stay focused and disciplined, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Celebrate with Friends and Family

New Year’s is a time for celebration, so don’t forget to have fun! Spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the festivities. Whether you’re watching the ball drop in Times Square, attending a party, or simply spending a quiet night at home, make sure to take some time to relax and enjoy the moment.

New Year’s is a time for reflection, goal-setting, planning, and celebration. Take some time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the future, and make a plan to achieve them. Most importantly, enjoy the holiday with friends and family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Happy New Year!

Have a Spook-tacular Halloween!

Halloween is an annual celebration observed on October 31st, primarily in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is a day of fun and festivities that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Halloween is also known as All Hallows’ Eve, or simply Hallowe’en, and it has a rich history dating back centuries.

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on November 1st. The Celts believed that on the night before Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and ghosts and spirits could cross over into the world of the living. To ward off these malevolent spirits, people would light bonfires and wear masks and costumes to disguise themselves.

Over time, the celebration of Halloween evolved and spread to other parts of the world. Today, Halloween is a popular holiday that is celebrated with a wide variety of activities, including trick-or-treating, costume parties, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving.

Trick-or-treating is a tradition where children dress up in costumes and go from house to house asking for candy. It is a fun and safe activity that is enjoyed by kids of all ages. Many neighborhoods and communities also organize Halloween parades, which are a great way to get into the festive spirit and show off your costume.

Costume parties are another popular Halloween activity. People of all ages love to dress up in creative and spooky costumes, and attend parties with friends and family. Some of the most popular Halloween costumes include ghosts, vampires, witches, superheroes, and movie characters.

Haunted houses are another Halloween staple. These are elaborate and spooky attractions that are designed to scare visitors. Many of these attractions feature jump scares, creepy sound effects, and live actors in scary costumes. They are a great way to get into the Halloween spirit and experience some frightful fun.

Pumpkin carving is another fun Halloween activity. People of all ages love to carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, which are illuminated with candles or battery-powered lights. Many people also roast the pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack.

Halloween is a fun and festive holiday that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, attending a costume party, visiting a haunted house, or carving pumpkins, there are plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit. So put on your best costume, grab some candy, and get ready to enjoy a night of spooky fun!

Labor Day is here! And we’re here for you…

Labor day is just around the corner… And it’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the holiday together! Now is the time for parents to drop those busy schedules and spend time with their children.

But with Labor Day coming up and parents still working… it can be tough to plan an eventful day out, agonizing about what exactly to do— But you don’t have to worry.

This Labor Day, LYLA will help you plan your family’s fun activities with some great ideas.

If you are struggling with what to do this Labor Day weekend with your family, we recommend LYLA as your helping hand! With us, you can get ideas on what to do together with your loved ones during this special holiday weekend.

But it’s a holiday and time for celebration and relaxation. It’s a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, have fun, and eat delicious food.

You can ask us questions about what you could do this day weekend, what are the best activities for kids, where are the best places to go, and so on. We will be happy to answer all your questions and give you some great ideas for your Labor Day!

So what are you waiting for? Get LYLA to plan your Labor Day holiday and see how we can make planning everyday events, a piece of cake!

Let’s get you back-to-school ready!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the thought of getting back to school? Have no fear, LYLA is here! Back to school season always sneaks up on us, and we know how difficult it can be to manage your daily to-do list on top of getting the kids organized. A new school year should be exciting for everyone involved, and with LYLA, you can get everything you need done before the first bell rings.

We’ve put together a list of our top tips for getting ready for back to school, and a few of the many ways LYLA can help you feel prepared.

Back to School Shopping!

One of the most important tasks on the back-to-school checklist is shopping for supplies. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have multiple children. Fortunately, LYLA can help take the stress out of back to school shopping by doing the research, compiling a list, and even doing the shopping for you. Plus, we’ll track down the best deals and coupons so you can save money heading into the new school year.

Staying organized is the key to success when it comes to the chaos of back to school shopping. Before you hit the stores, check if your school has provided you with a list of needs for your student! With LYLA’s help, your student can get back to school without skipping a beat!

Carpool!

One of the biggest challenges during this time is coordinating transportation for your kids. Carpooling with other families is a great way to ease the back to school stress. It’ll save you time and money on gas, and give you an opportunity to catch up and connect with other parents! Plus, riding to school with friends is fun!

If you’re new to the area, this might not be an option- and that’s ok! We can provide you with vetted childcare providers in your area, along with after school programs and everything you’ll need to make sure your kids get to and from school safe and on time!

Whether you’re carpooling with other families, taking advantage of your district’s bus route, or in desperate need of after-school care, LYLA can help take the stress out of coordinating this school year’s schedule. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Doctors Appointments!

Back to school also means it’s time to take your kids back to the doctor! One of the things you might be forgetting in all the hustle and bustle is scheduling those back-to-school check-ups. As kids return to class, it’s important to make sure that your child is up-to-date on vaccinations and discuss any health concerns that might arise during the school year. Plus, it’s one less thing you have to worry about when you’re already feeling stressed about the back-to-school season.

With LYLA, you can easily book doctor’s appointments for your kids without having to search through dozens of websites or call around for availability. If you have a trusted doctor, we’ll help organize your next visit! And if you’re new to the area, we’ll help you find a trusted healthcare provider near you. Let’s get your doctor’s appointments done!

The back to school season can be a stressful time for parents. Between shopping for supplies, coordinating transportation and scheduling doctor appointments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where LYLA comes in. Our virtual personal assistants can help you with all of your back to school needs. Check out our website or download the app today for more ways we can help you prepare for the school year. Don’t let the stress of back to school get you down- let LYLA help get your to-do list done!

It’s Time To Take That Summer Getaway!

With the summer season in full swing, you’re probably ready for a much-needed break from the office. Taking a few days to yourself this summer can do wonders for your mental health- it gives you a chance to reset and escape the hustle and bustle that is your daily routine.

Don’t let the stress of planning a summer trip stand in the way of you prioritizing your mental health. LYLA is here to help you with everything from booking accommodations, coordinating travel and making sure you’re home (and everything in it!) is well taken care of while you’re away. Read on for two LYLA-approved getaways!

Upscale Outdoor Accommodations

“Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with upscale, safari-inspired accommodations. Experience starry night skies, extraordinary landscapes, healthy cafe-style dining, and unforgettable memories. Our safari-inspired canvas tents boast optional en suite bathrooms, king-size beds, West Elm® furnishings, and wood-burning stoves. Nightly s’mores by the campfire, complimentary camp activities, and adventure bookings all serve to provide an unparalleled experience with a sense of profound connection to people and nature.” – Under Canvas

Under Canvas® utilizes a mindful approach to getaways that fosters connection with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the great outdoors. This ‘glamping’ experience offers incredible adventures in and around national parks and monuments.

If Under Canvas doesn’t fit your budget, we’ll help you find more affordable ways to get the national parks experience! We know all of the best accommodations, travel routes, transportation services and adventure spots!

Kampgrounds of America (KOA)

“Our wide variety of family-friendly campgrounds and amenities provide the perfect place to get away, unwind and enjoy camping in the great outdoors. Whether you need a perfect site to pull into on your next RV road trip or a cozy spot where you and your kids can pitch your tent for the weekend, KOA is sure to have the ideal campsite for you. At KOA, we help people get outside because we know it changes them on the inside.” – KOA

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time- sometimes the best memories are made close to home. KOA has 500+ campgrounds across North America, making it easy to enjoy the beauty of nature and share adventures with family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced camper or looking for a new kind of adventure, LYLA will handle all of the details so you can focus on reconnecting and recharging!

LYLA helps employees get things done, with prioritizing their mental health at the forefront. Whatever your budget or schedule may be, don’t forget to take some time for yourself this summer!

Show your support during Pride Month!

Happy Pride!

Pride month is celebrated every June to honor the progress that has been made in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, as well as to commemorate those who have fought and continue to fight for equality. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that still face the community, and to work towards creating a more inclusive world for all.

There are many ways to participate in Pride month, including attending Pride events, displaying the Pride flag, and supporting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses. However you choose to participate, remember that Pride is about celebrating diversity, uniqueness and standing up for the rights of all people.

Here is a list of ways that you can get involved with, and support, Pride Month!

1. Support LGBTQIA+ art and businesses

The LGBTQIA+ community is home to some of the world’s most talented and influential artists, artisans and performers. You can support them in a variety of ways including purchasing their art, visiting a museum or gallery, or catching a concert, play, poetry reading or drag performance.

LYLA can help you plan a night out, recommend LGBTQIA+ films and literature and connect you with local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses to support!

2. Educate yourself on the history of Pride Month

Pride Month is celebrated every June to coincide with the Stonewall Riots, which is considered by many to be the starting point of today’s gay activism. The first Pride parades marked the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, when police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City in 1969.

The protests marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and helped to catalyze the modern Pride movement. This month is about uplifting voices, celebrating culture and supporting the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.

3. Display the Pride flag

Perhaps the most accessible way to participate in Pride Month is displaying the Pride flag. The original rainbow flag, developed in 1978, was designed to reflect the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. The Progress Pride Flag, designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018 is currently the most-used and accepted flag, due to the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and current issues surrounding trans people. The Progress Pride Flag is even more inclusive of the greater diverse community. To read more about the Progress Pride Flag, visit this link.

Whether you’re flying the flag outside your home or business, or displaying a sticker on a desk, a shop window, a car windshield or a pin on a jacket, the flag is a symbol of your support and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community.

4. Evaluate your place of work’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity

Today, mental health and inclusivity are at the forefront of conversations around workplace culture. At LYLA, we know the importance of these conversations and work with our clients’ Employee Resource Groups to elevate their activities and messages. Pride Month is the perfect opportunity to take the time to evaluate your company’s inclusivity initiatives to create a workplace where LGBTGIA+ employees will feel valued and accepted.

5. Volunteer or Donate

Pride Month is a time to come together and support one another by getting involved with charities and organizations that work to improve the lives of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These organizations provide vital services like counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy while also working to create inclusive environments where all people, especially young people, can feel safe and supported.

By donating to and volunteering for LGBTQIA+ charities and organizations, you can help create a more inclusive world for everyone. Let LYLA help you find causes to support in your area!

6. Have open conversations

There are myriad challenges that still exist within the LGBTQIA+ community, and it’s important to have open conversations about them and how we can work together to create a more accepting world. It provides an opportunity for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to come together and share their stories. These conversations help to build understanding and acceptance and are an opportunity to ask questions and educate others.

If you’re looking for ways to initiate these conversations within your workplace, with your friends or even in your home, LYLA can help! Visit our app for a list of curated resources that can help you to host open, productive discussion!

There are many ways to show your support during Pride Month, both big and small. Be sure to check out the LYLA app for more ideas on how you can make a difference.

Are EAPs Effective? Let’s Break It Down

EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs) are offered by more than 97 percent of large companies in America. These programs are put in place to address work organization productivity issues, however, traditional EAPs face a huge issue: EAP utilization consistently hovers below 10%.

How is it possible that the majority of large companies offer EAPs, yet less than 10% of their employees actually use them? Well, there are several structural barriers that explain why EAP utilization continues to remain low, including limited accessibility, poor user experience and lack of confidentiality. At LYLA, we noticed these shortcomings, so we created an app that provides solutions that actually work for employees.

Accessibility is key when it comes to employee support. Oftentimes, employees are faced with unexpected challenges that leave them with little to no time to prepare. While traditional EAPs do provide solutions for employees, it can sometimes take up to 10 weeks for initial actions to be taken, leaving employees feeling lost and unsupported. To combat accessibility issues, we came up with a simple solution: 24/7 virtual assistance. That’s right, no matter what time of day, or day of the week, LYLA provides employees with round the clock access to solutions and support.

Poor user experience is another barrier associated with low utilization of EAPs. Many employees aren’t even aware that their companies offer EAPs, and if they do, they aren’t sure how to take advantage of the benefits. LYLA differs compared to traditional EAPs in that we offer an app that employees can download and customize to accommodate their most personal needs. It’s easy to onboard, and as a result, keep your employees on board.

Mental health awareness is a hot topic of conversation in the modern workplace. According to Mental Health America, over 47 million Americans experience mental illness, ranging from 16% to 25% of citizens depending on the state. There are several ways to support the mental health of employees in the workplace, and initiating positive conversations is a great place to start. But how can you take it a step further and ensure that your employees feel comfortable and supported when they come to work? Provide them with an employee support resource that they trust.

Confidentiality is arguably the most important barrier to traditional EAPs. When it comes to personal challenges and mental health experiences, employees often avoid seeking assistance for fear of their employers finding out. Whether it be due to a connection through HR personnel, or directly through management, many employees believe that their EAPs lack confidentiality. LYLA is a third-party support platform that connects with employees directly to help them find doctors, therapists and other mental health resources. With LYLA, you can give your employees a safe, confidential, 24/7 solution to their everyday needs.

LYLA isn’t a traditional EAP, it’s an Employee Assistance Platform that goes above and beyond employee expectations when it comes to support. We help employees feel supported and get things done, and we help companies retain their greatest asset: their team.

Supporting Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s important to talk about the various ways that mental health affects people in the workplace. It’s a month dedicated to educating, promoting positive conversations and ending the stigmas surrounding mental health.

It’s crucial for companies to understand how they can create a healthy workplace environment that supports employee mental health. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s explore some of the ways you can support your employees and become a mental health ally.

An article published by the Harvard Business Review reported that, “To be a mental health ally at work is to help those struggling with mental health issues feel valued and needed. This can have positive long-term benefits, including increased employee engagement, productivity, and loyalty. Strengthening and deepening relationships between colleagues can also benefit the broader employee community. When we’re supported, we’re also often eager to support others, creating a virtuous self-reinforcing cycle.”

At LYLA, we’ve seen the incredible impact that providing support to employees has on companies as a whole. When you take care of those that take care of your company, your workplace environment becomes a positive one.

Everyday Practices

Supporting the mental health of the people around you is sometimes as simple as checking in. We’ve grown accustomed to answering questions like, ‘How are you feeling?’ or ‘How was your day?’, with simple pleasantries that are oftentimes untrue. Openness and transparency is key when it comes to feeling supported and conquering mental health stigmas.

Prepare yourself to be more vulnerable and empathetic when doing employee check-ins! When you share your honest experiences with your coworkers and employees, it opens the door to building deeper relationships and establishes a foundation of trust within your workplace. And if your employees are vulnerable with you in return, ask how you can help! Feeling heard and understood is imperative when it comes to mental health conversations.

Education and Resources

Mental health awareness in the workplace is essential for employees to be able to identify symptoms of mental illness and feel comfortable seeking help. Mental health education can take many forms, from informational sessions led by mental health professionals to workshops on stress management and self-care.

By providing mental health education in the workplace, employers can create a more supportive environment, help employees to thrive and can also help employees to understand how to support each other in the workplace.

Many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to help support employee mental health. However, when it comes to resources that are successful at making a positive change in the workplace, it’s become clear that traditional EAPs often fall short.

We emerged during the coronavirus pandemic to get ahead of employee burnout and help with their mental health in a way that traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) have not been able to. By combining artificial intelligence with an empathetic human touch, LYLA offers personalized solutions to today’s most pressing personal needs.

Sometimes the little things, like the stress of scheduling doctors appointments or making dinner reservations, can have just as big of an impact on mental health as monumental life events. We’ve accomplished over 7 billion tasks to help alleviate the everyday stressors of employees, so they have more time to focus on what really matters.

At LYLA, mental health awareness and support is a cause near and dear to our hearts every month. This May, take the time to think about ways you can help support your employees mental health and create an accepting, positive workplace environment.

Interested in learning about how LYLA can help your employees? We’d love to hear from you!

A LYLA Shoutout To All The Moms For Mother’s Day

While we should show our moms how much we appreciate them every day, Mothers Day is a great opportunity to go above and beyond to make them feel loved and appreciated. This year, Mother’s Day is May 8th, which means it’s time to start thinking about the perfect way to say ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ to all of the amazing moms out there!

Whether you’re a mom yourself or just have a great one, it’s time to celebrate. These LYLA-approved gift ideas and fun activities have got you covered, so take a look and get inspired! From our LYLA family to yours, we wish all of the moms out there a very happy Mother’s Day.

A Quick Getaway!

With life slowly starting to return back to normal after the pandemic, a getaway might be just what your mom needs this Mother’s Day. Even if it’s just for a day or two, grab your mom and head somewhere special to spend some quality time together without all the distractions of everyday life.

We can help you with everything from travel and accommodations, to making sure your pets are well taken care of while you’re away!

A Day Out

One of the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day is to let Mom relax and take it easy. If Mom usually does the cooking, offer to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Better yet, prepare all her favorite meals!

If cooking isn’t your thing, you can pack some snacks for a picnic in the park, go for a hike, or spend the day relaxing at her favorite spot.

Go to the Spa!

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to give mom some much needed time off, and a spa is the most glamorous way to do so. We’ve done the research to find you all of the best spas in your area, so all you have to do is check the LYLA app and relax. If you’re on a budget, not to fear! We can also help find you ways to turn your home into the ultimate spa.

Lastly, of course, don’t forget the flowers! A bouquet of Mom’s favorite blooms is always a welcome gift. Whatever you do, make sure it comes from the heart and that Mom knows how much you appreciate her!

April is Stress Awareness Month

The month of April is dedicated to raising awareness, and having important conversations about stress. Learning different ways to cope with and handle stress is the key to making a long-lasting, positive lifestyle change.

There are so many different kinds and levels of stress, and in recent years, workplace stress has been at an all time high.

“Some 57% of U.S. and Canadian workers reported feeling stress on a daily basis, up by eight percentage points from the year prior and compared with 43% of people who feel that way globally, according to Gallup’s 2021 report.” – Jennifer Liu, CNBC

The coronavirus pandemic forced employees worldwide to adapt to a huge shift in workplace environments almost instantly. Suddenly, our lives transitioned further away from a traditional ‘9-5’ workday… and into the 24/7 workday we now know. This 24/7 workday makes it near impossible to maintain a healthy work/life balance, and is one of the many reasons there is an increase in stress levels in the workplace.

Here at LYLA, we’ve grown our technology to create a 24/7 support system that helps you organize your 24/7 life. In fact, since we started in 2000, LYLA has saved an estimated 3 billion hours of free time for over 4 million customers, and has worked in more than 200 locations all over the world!

It’s time to put yourself first. Together, let’s spend this month working on reducing your stress and getting you back to doing what you love.