• Battling burnout

    Working remotely during COVID-19 has disrupted work-life balance and upped stress levels for a nation of professionals. These habits can help reestablish lines and restore harmony. By Brian Keagy
    By Brian Keagy
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    One of the most prominent workplace developments amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 has been the proliferation of remote work. For many employees, the freedom to skip that rush-hour drive, throw on a T-shirt and work in the comfort of their homes has been a welcome change. But adapting to this new normal isn’t without legitimate pitfalls.
    A July 2020 study conducted by FlexJobs and Mental Health America (MHA) reveals that 75% of Americans have dealt with burnout related to work. Another 40% link burnout specifically to working during the pandemic. With the lines between work and home now blurred or completely obliterated, professionals nationwide are having difficulty preserving work-life boundaries.
    As the pandemic’s effects drag continues, the added stress caused by remote work most likely isn’t going anywhere. Initiating a handful of key lifestyle changes can help restore a healthy balance.
    Separate work from home life. 
    It’s vital to maintain a separation between time allotted for work and everyday responsibilities around the home. While sticking to a 9-to-5 schedule might prove difficult, focus on work tasks and productivity during your designated working hours and don’t allow them to creep into time for family or yourself. Make sure to switch off email and work alerts, while letting your manager and coworkers know when you will be unavailable.
    Establish boundaries. 
    For many of us, consistent work productivity can be linked to routines that were disrupted by the transition from the workplace to the home. Jumping in the shower and dressing for work every morning can place you in the right mental space to be productive. If you have the available room, set up a home workspace away from televisions, shared family areas and other distractions. The goal always should be to maximize work time.
    Diving into hobbies and activities can help you stick to time away from work.
    Make time for hobbies and leisure activities. 
    Diving into hobbies and activities can help you stick to time away from work. The Mayo Clinic suggests stress-alleviating pursuits such as meditation, yoga or tai chi. Physical exercise of any type can contribute to physical and mental well-being. Stay connected to friends and family by scheduling video chats or designating personal time.
    What if you’re still experiencing symptoms of burnout, despite your best efforts? Take the initiative to reach out to family, friends and coworkers for help or advice. MHA also offers an anonymous mental health screen on their website that can help you verify if you’re suffering from evidence of declining mental health.

  • Share Savings and Certifi cates

    No matter what you’re saving for or how much you’re starting with, you can choose an account that earns competitive dividends at American Airlines Federal Credit Union
    SHARE ACCOUNTS (SAVINGS)* 
    As a member of American Airlines Credit Union, you have at least one savings account. For only a $5 minimum deposit and a one-time $1 membership fee, you enjoy:
    • Dividends that start accumulating from day one
    • Traditional savings protected by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF)
    • Access 24/7 by phone, online banking and our app
    • Secondary savings accounts available to help you save for a rainy day, vacation or those unexpected expenses
    • Online banking and online statements
    A prospective dividend rate is set by the Board of Directors each month and paid on the fi rst business day of the following month.
    SHARE CERTIFICATES** 
    At American Airlines Credit Union, you can open a Share Certifi cate for as little as $1,000 per term. Terms of Share Certifi cates are: 12, 24, 30, 36, 48 and 60 months.
    SHARE CERTIFICATE LADDERS** 
    Looking for a smart investment that will provide you maximum dividends at fi xed rates while maintaining liquidity? By taking advantage of one of our Share Certifi cate Ladders, you can do just that! Here’s how.
    Investing in several Share Certifi cates at one time with different maturity dates is a Share Certifi cate Ladder. Laddering provides steady returns. The Share Certifi cate Ladder allows you to take advantage of premium dividend rates. It also gives you a certain amount of liquidity. At maturity, if you choose to renew to a new certifi cate for a term equal to the longest term of your ladder, you may achieve a higher return on your investment.
    We offer a two-rung ladder for 30 and 60 months; a three-rung ladder for 12, 24 and 36 months; and a fi verung ladder for 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months.
    EMERGENCY FUND SECOND SHARE ACCOUNT* 
    Start setting aside money for those unplanned emergencies with this interest-bearing savings account.
    As an added benefi t, you can set up a monthly recurring deposit of a specifi ed amount you determine or make deposits on your own. It’s never a bad idea to have money set aside for a rainy day.
    Federally insured by NCUA
    * American Airlines Credit Union is a member-owned cooperative fi nancial institution. Your savings are federally insured up to $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Dividends on savings are paid monthly and subject to change monthly. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. ** Please refer to our rate and fee schedule for details. Penalties may apply for early withdrawal.
    The penalty will equal 180 days dividends for Certifi cates with a term of 12 months, 24 months, 30 months and 36 months.
    The penalty will equal 365 days dividends for certifi cates with a term of 48 months and 60 months. The penalty will be imposed regardless of whether dividends equal to the amount of the penalty have been earned at the time of the withdrawal.