Recognizing and Addressing Workplace Pressure |
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When you consider going to work, are you:
A: Motivated to get there
B: A little apprehensive but still positive
C: Nervous or anxious thinking of the mountain of work
D: Disgruntled/Saddened with the idea of it all
If you answered C or D, you are either starting to fall into burnout or are already there. Leiter & Maslach (2016) define burnout as a phycological condition that arises from prolonged exposure to chronic job-related stressors. Off the page, these stressors can be both situational and individual. For example, your job is relatively low stress, but you have taken on a more significant workload due to being short-staffed. On the other hand, perhaps you are emotionally depleted from living in a global pandemic. Regardless, your mental health matters, and any level of burnout you feel is valid and it is okay.
Thus, discussing burnout is discussing stress. When persistent stress levels occur, the body goes through a series of stages to cope. One example is feeling butterflies in the pit of your stomach or getting anxious over completing a task before a deadline. These elicit an alarm from your body that your mind recognizes and tries to self-soothe away, so you return to a normal state.
This idea of alarm, recognition, and coping is the brain trying to stop you from reaching the point of burnout. However, sometimes those feelings are not controlled, acknowledged, and addressed, and the body stays in the alarming phase. We see an example of this with Hand Selye's (1956) model on General Adaption to Stress (GAS), which explains stress as alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Selye's model shows the alarm phase increasing until resistance is felt where the pressure is so high it takes the body into fatigue rather than back to its natural state. Thus the fatigue stage in his model is burnout, known as burnout in today's workplace.
Now part of dealing with stress is recognizing not all stress can be prevented, and not all pressure is wrong. Still, no person should be experiencing such alarming levels of stress that the only way their body can counteract is to drop into exhaustion. In the I Love Lucy episode, The Chocolate Factory we see the levels of increased intensity Lucy and Ethel experience that results in complete overload. Though most of us aren't package chocolates we are metaphorically handling an ever-running conveyer belt of projects and deadlines. When workplace fatigue sets in we see rash decisions and panic which leads to disassociation and disgruntled employees, and in extreme cases, employees will leave the workplace.
So, Take it from Louisa and me
Don't get to the point that you "POP". Pressure and stress do not care about your mental health, so nothing is as important as how you feel mentally and physically. Remember; you are doing enough, and you are enough, regardless of how your stress makes you feel.
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World psychiatry: official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 15(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311
Selye, H. (1956). The stress of life. New York: McGraw Hill.
-Iris Alexander
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June 8th, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Augusta Civic Center
$20 for Members & $30 for Non-Members
Lunch Provided
Join the Chamber, Kim Mondonedo, and Jessika Williams for
Planning for Your Future Self: A Discussion on Personal Finances, Estate Planning, and Insurance Considerations
This month's WNL will follow a discussion format. Our two esteemed guests, Jessika Williams and Kim Mondonedo, will be asked a series of curated questions regarding the three subject areas. We hope that you leave the presentation with practical information and a renewed outlook on the possibilities of retirement.
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Thank you to our Women's Network Sponsors! |
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Thank you to our Women's Network Room Sponsor! |
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June 15th, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cushnoc Brewing Co.
Cynergy is pleased to invite you to attend its Fun After 5 Social event hosted in partnership with the Kennebec Valley United Way's Emerging Leaders Society. The event will occur outback at Cushnoc Brewing Co. on Wednesday, June 15th, from 5-7 pm.
The event is a great way to meet other local change-makers and reconnect with your fellow Cynergy and ELS members
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Thank you to our Cynergy Sponsors! |
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June 15th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
via Zoom
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How to Get More Media Coverage for Your Business or Organization
The pandemic has changed how the media cover the news, including stories about local businesses and organizations. If you want more media coverage and publicity, attend this media training session presented by Greg Glynn, Founder & CEO of Pliable Marketing, PR, and Broadcasting in Augusta. With more than 20 years of experience, Greg will share his deep industry knowledge and advice on getting the media's attention, communicating with reporters, and how to look and sound your best, especially for remote interviews.
Thank you to our SBRT Sponsor!
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Viles Arboretum
June 22nd, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Viles Arboretum is excited to host this month's Business After Hours on Wednesday, June 22th, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Viles Arboretum is located at 153 Hospital Street in Augusta. Remember that every Business After Hours is an incredible opportunity to network with the business community. You also have a chance to win door prizes and participate in the 50/50 raffle.
We can't wait to see you there!
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Thank you to our Business After Hours Sponsors! |
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Brewfest Tickets Now on Sale |
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KENNEBEC RIVER BREWFEST
August 6th, 12 pm-5 pm
The Kennebec River Brewfest will feature a variety of local breweries, wineries, distilleries, and meaderies that will take your taste buds on a tour of the great state of Maine and quench your thirst for delicious craft beer and spirits. Along with a day of drinking, you'll have the chance to listen to a variety of local bands and try a variety of food trucks.
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12:00-12:45: The Tourmalines
1:00-1:45: Rob Burnell
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2:00-3:15: Ellis Falls
3:30-5:00: Country Roads
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Early Bird Price $30.00 (June 1 - 30)
- Unlimited 4oz beer tastings and 1/2 oz spirit tastings from 12 pm-5 pm
- Souvenir Tasting glass
- Live music
Standard Ticket Price $40.00 (July 1 - August 5)
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Unlimited 4oz beer tastings and 1/2 oz spirit tastings from 12 pm-5 pm
- Souvenir Tasting glass
- Live music
At-Door Price $50.00
- Unlimited 4oz beer tastings and 1/2 oz spirit tastings from 12 pm-5 pm
- Souvenir Tasting glass
- Live music
Designated Driver $5
- Access to the Brewfest
- Complimentary water
- Live Music
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*Must be 21 years of age or older. |
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Thank you to Our Brewfest Sponsors! |
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TENT SPONSOR
Markham Tent Rental
DISTILLERY SPONSOR
Fairway Mortgage Corporation
BEER SPONSORS
A Partner In Technology, Augusta Fuel Company, Day's Jewelers,
Wipfli LLP
SWAG SPONSORS
cPort Credit Union, Pine State Beverage, Sprague & Curtis Real Estate
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Congratulations to This Year's
Winners & Nominees
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AWARD WINNERS
Peter G. Thompson Lifetime Achievement:
Wick Johnson
Large Business of the Year:
Small Business of the Year:
Community Service:
Dave Dostie
Special Service:
AWARD FINALISTS
President's Circle Finalists
Elliott Office Products
Gardiner Family Chiropractic
Mid Maine Generator
Cynergy Professional Finalists
Victoria Abbott
Hillary Roberts
Johnny Swan
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Thank you to our 2022 Kenney Award Sponsors! |
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Cape Air | Cross Insurance | G&E Roofing | Lajoie Brothers | MaineGeneral Health | PERFORMANCE Foodservice |
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- Augusta Fuel Company
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Kennebec Valley
- CGI
- Day's Jewelers
- D.R. Struck Landscape & Nursery
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- Macomber, Farr & Whitten
- Oakes & Parkhurst Glass
- Sprague & Curtis Real Estate
- Summit Real Estate
- The Collective
- Union Office Interiors
- Wipfli LLP
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All Seasons Yard Care | C&C Realty Management | C. Caprara Food Service Equipment | Gardiner Federal Credit Union | Lipman Katz & Boston | Longfellow's Greenhouses | Maine Department of Economic and Community Development | Snow Pond Center for the Arts
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Be a part of the oldest leadership program in Maine!
The goal of KLI is to assure a continuing flow of able, committed, and resourceful leaders to serve our communities. KLI draws prospective leaders from a broad cross-section of businesses, organizations, and the community. Its purpose is to inspire these promising individuals to work more effectively within their spheres of influence while expanding their civic and community participation.
Apply Now and join the 2022 Class of future leaders!
To apply complete the online application by clicking the button below.
The deadline to apply is July 1st!
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Thank you to the Kennebec Leadership Sponsor! |
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Monday, September 12, 2022
The Meadows Golf Club
10:00 AM SHOTGUN START
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Registration @ $130 per golfer/$520 per foursome
Register as an individual or as a team. Registration includes the following:
- Complimentary tournament gifts
- Greens fees and cart
- Outstanding men's AND ladies' division prizes
- Hole-in-one & closest-to-the-pin prizes
- Longest drive prizes
- Lunch is provided on the turn
Please contact the Chamber for sponsorship opportunities!
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Thank you to the Kennebec Leadership Golf Sponsors! |
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Augusta Natural Gas | Day's Jewelers | Gosline Insurance | The Collective |
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Connected Credit Union | Cross Insurance | D.R. Struck Landscape & Nursery | Fairway Mortgage Corporation | PERFORMANCE Foodservice | Vickerson Appraisal |
Woodlands Senior Living
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Augusta Civic Center|Sprague & Curtis Real Estate |
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Aging Excellence
Abbey Davies, (207) 512-8894
Augusta
AT&T
Amanda Weisel, (207) 621-0441
Augusta
Bucci Productions
Nick Bucci, (207) 737-9403
South Gardiner
Days Inn by Wyndham Augusta
Victor Patel, (207) 622-0000
Augusta
Machias Savings Bank
Jean Claveau, (207) 594-0390
Rockland
Polaris Home Loans
Patricia Harriman, (413) 200-3756
Augusta
Printech Photos and More LLC
Christen Tims, (207) 213-4307
Augusta
Technology Solutions of Maine
Desiree Bard, (207) 407-0990
Smithfield
The Collective LLC
Shelly Everett,(207) 213-4220
Augusta
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40+ Years
Central Maine Power Co., Cross Insurance
30+ Years
Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, Spectrum Generations, Super 8 Motel
20+ Years
Bread of Life Ministries, Children's Center: Early Intervention and Family Support, Dave's Appliance, Fairway Motor Lodge and Extended Stay, Golden Pond Wealth Management, Sam's Club, Uncle Henry's
10+ Years
Augusta Armory - State of Maine Military Bureau, Burgess Technology Services, Fielding's Oil and Propane Co., Kennebec Valley Human Resource Association, Kents Hill School, McKee Law, LLC, P.A., Milestone Communications, Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, Roger Pomerleau Entrepreneur
5+ Years
Austin Associates, P.A., Modern Pest Services
Renewing
Gallant Therapy Services, Higgins & Bolduc Agency, Inc, Rare Bird Art Studio
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IRONMAN Volunteers Needed |
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The Kennebec Valley YMCA is partnering with Ironman to find hundreds of volunteers for the event, and we want your help! Click on the link below to become a volunteer or learn more.
What is Ironman?
Ironman is a world-renowned lifestyle brand and the ultimate endurance challenge consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and a 13.1-mile run. Athletes from all over the world will spend multiple days at the event. What an excellent opportunity to showcase our fabulous capital city.
Over 900 Volunteers Needed!
One of the most rewarding experiences in the sport of triathlon comes from giving back to your community through volunteering. The people you will meet throughout the weekend and race day will touch your heart two-fold. First, there’s nothing like cheering on an exhausted, grateful athlete to inspire and motivate you in more ways than you can imagine. Their race would not be possible without the fantastic volunteer community.
Volunteer Groups Welcome!
Teamwork is more fun! Do you have a group looking to sign up together? Then, opportunities are available just for you! Choose from activities such as environmental crew, bike course nutrition aid stations, gear bag drop, athlete food, and run course aid stations; the list is limitless!
Funding for your Organization!
The Ironman Foundation provides grant opportunities to nonprofit or school groups/sports teams who commit designated levels of volunteers. You do not have to hold a 501c3 status to be applicable, but it must be for a charitable cause.
How does the process work?
1. Sign up with the volunteer coordinator as a group, with one or two of your members serving as team captain/co-captains. These people will serve as your liaison between the volunteer director and your group.
3. Apply for an Ironman Foundation Grant online before race day. It is a straightforward application process, just a few easy questions!
4. After the race, funding will be awarded based on three criteria:
-Number of volunteers, number of hours the group worked, and the jobs worked.
5. If all criteria are met, you will quickly receive a check from the Foundation.
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New Dimensions FCU to hold 8th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show at the LaFleur Airport in Waterville
May 6, 2022 (Waterville) – Join New Dimensions FCU on Saturday, June 4, 2022, for their 8th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show to benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP).
Once again, they are hosting this exciting event at the Robert LaFleur Airport, located at 2 LaFleur Road in Waterville. The Cruisin’ for A Cure Car show will be from 10 am-2 pm (registration begins at 8 am). This event will take place rain or shine.
There will be many classes to choose from, and car show participants are asked to pay a $10 entry fee that will benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. All are welcome to join the fun, and although they have requested that spectators donate $3 to the cause—it is not required.
New Dimensions is grateful to our sponsors and business owners, who have made generous donations to help make the car show possible. Look for more information on their website to get updates as additional information becomes available.
There will be a variety of food for sale on the day of the car show, and they are continuing to sell 50/50 raffle tickets and super raffle tickets to win a Yeti Cooler Package throughout the car show. You can purchase tickets anytime leading up to the car show by visiting their Waterville, Winslow, or Skowhegan locations. They will be announcing the winners at the end of the show.
For more information, email New Dimensions at info@newdimensionsfcu.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/cruisinn4acure/.
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Lithgow Public Library presents A conversation with Maine Author, Spencer Stephens Wednesday, June 1st at 6:30 pm!
Spencer Stephens is a Maine writer and the author of two novels, Bloody Lily and Church of Golf. For more information about the author, visit his website at https://spencerstephens.net/
Join them for a book discussion group on Bloody Lily Wednesday, June 8th at 6:30 pm. This is a hybrid discussion: Zoom and in-person Questions? Ask for Sarah or Angelia.
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The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) invites all to their Open House n their new office space at 343 Water Street, Augusta ME to help kick off the celebration of their 30th Anniversary!
Please join them on Tuesday, June 7th from 3-5 pm to meet some of their staff and board and enjoy their hospitality as a thank you!
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Enjoy a stay at the Wakefield Wildlife Sanctuary Cabins this summer!
Tucked among mature pines and hemlocks, projecting out over the edge of Cobbossee Stream, these off-grid (with solar) rustic cabins offer visitors an escape to nature in the Maine woods. The cabins are situated within the conserved 108-acre Wakefield Wildlife Sanctuary and while the setting feels remote, it is remarkably central to many of Maine’s most popular attractions
Each cabin, recently renovated by Maine Cabin Masters, sleeps a maximum of six adults. The cabins are only accessible by foot (luggage cart provided), about a quarter-mile walk on a camp road from a small parking area (2 cars per cabin maximum).
Each cabin includes:
- two double beds (bedding not included)
- solar electricity for lights, small plug use and to run a greywater pump
- propane fireplaces for warmth
- propane range, coffee maker, and cookware (pots, pans, dishware, silverware)
- composting toilet
- hand-pump for non-potable water use
- canoe and life jackets
- outdoor fire pit and firewood
For a full list of what's provided, please visit our website.
KLT Members receive a 10% discount, members please call 207-377-2848 to receive the discount code.
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Skowhegan Savings Welcomes Assistant Vice President and Commercial Lender Ed Goff to the Bank
SKOWHEGAN, MAINE Skowhegan Savings is pleased to announce that Ed Goff had joined the bank as an assistant vice president and commercial lender. He comes to the bank with over 19 years of experience in small business ownership, including a construction equipment rental business and a chain of car washes from Skowhegan to Brunswick, Maine. His businesses have been recognized by numerous awards, highlighted in world trade magazines and he has received the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Community Impact Business Award’.
“We’re pleased to welcome Ed to our commercial lending team,’ said Steve Thomas, senior vice president, and senior commercial lender. “His successes as a Maine business owner will be a unique asset to our commercial customers in assisting them with their financial needs and goals today and into the future.”
Goff will be based out of the bank’s Augusta branch and will assist the bank’s business customers in central and southern Maine.
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Earl Kingsbury, Chair*
Augusta Civic Center
Tim Walton, Chair-Elect*
Walton External Affairs
Michele Pelletier, Vice Chair*
PERFORMANCE Foodservice - NorthCenter
Matthew Tardiff, Treasurer*
J.S. McCarthy Printers
Alec Rogers, Past Chair*
Quality Inn & Suites Maine Evergreen Hotel
Cathy DeMerchant, Human Resources*
Capital Area Staffing Solutions, Inc.
Katie Doherty, President & CEO*^
Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce
* Executive Committee ^ Full-Time Executive
Randall Anderson
The Meadows Golf Club
Joyce Blanchard
The University of Maine at Augusta
Karen Boston
Lipman Katz & Boston, P.A
Nathan Cotnoir
Camden National Bank
Lori Dube
Sprague & Curtis Real Estate
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Sue Grenier
G&E Roofing Co., Inc.
Robbi Lockhart
Team EJP
Amy Marston
Central Maine Power Company
Nicole McSweeney
MaineGeneral Health
Stacey Morrison
Ganneston Construction Corp.
Rebecca Pushard
MIKA
Lynn Quirion
Macomber, Farr & Whitten
Andrew Silsby
Kennebec Savings Bank
Special Counsel
Dennis Carrillo
Cloutier Carrillo, Capitol Law, PLLC
Emeritus Member
Eric Jermyn
Cross Employee Benefits
Steven Marson
Central Maine Pyrotechnics
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KVCC Staff
Katie L. Doherty, President & CEO
Lindsay L. Corbett, Chief Operating Officer
Melissa L. Walden, Membership & Development Manager
Iris R. Alexander, Marketing & Events Manager
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