The power of positivity

The long and varying hours, constant hustle and pressure to always be on your best game are just some of the known stressors and challenges that independent agents and brokers may face. But, when you look deeper, you're also there for people and organizations on some of their worst days—including during natural disasters, burning building incidents, vehicle collisions and even deaths. 

For some, it might be easy to keep a positive attitude throughout your career. But, for others, it may be an everyday challenge. However, being able to remain positive in spite of everything you face could have some truly amazing impacts. 

The impacts of positivity on your health

According to Johns Hopkins, positive people are 13% less likely to have a heart attack or other coronary event, compared to their more negative counterparts. Further, it's found to improve outcomes across a spectrum of other conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, strokes and brain tumors. The 'why' is unclear, but it could be that they're better protected against the damages of stress or that their positivity is reflected in healthier decisions overall. Either way, the connection is there!

The impacts of positivity in your everyday life

Positive thinking plays a major role in resilience, which is key for your ability to cope with problems, says Verywell Mind. So, rather than falling apart in the face of inevitable stress, challenges, traumas and problems—those who think positively are better able to carry on and, eventually, to overcome their challenges.

The impacts of positivity at your insurance agency

Beyond focusing on being a positive person, aspiring to be a positive workplace could have its perks too! In fact, a report found that positivity had a significant impact on employee wellbeing, productivity and organizational performance.

One more quick tip: say cheese!

While developing a positive mindset could take some time and work, something you can do right now to help you be more positive is smile!

• A University of Kansas study found that smiling—even fake smiling—reduces your heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations. 
• Smiling can influence feelings of positivity, even if it feels unnatural or forced, Verywell Mind says.
• Lastly, it's great for helping you make connections with others—and support can make all of the difference!

Remember: Help is always available.

While it might be helpful to think on the bright side of things, that's not always possible for some. That's why it's important to look out for others, proactively encourage your team to use the mental health services that your insurance agency provides and remind your friends, family and teammates that they matter.

And, if you're in a dark place or think that others may be, please know that free, confidential support is always available to those struggling with their mental health through the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, which is available by calling 988.

The power of doing meaningful work.

Community-focused organizations work to protect and serve others, and when you partner with Glatfelter, you can help protect and serve these organizations during the moments that they need you the most. 

Our broker partners assisted over 22,000 community-focused organizations in 2023. And those tens of thousands of clients, including fire departments, EMS agencies, healthcare and caregiving facilities, municipalities, water entities, schools and houses of worship, assisted, helped and saved the lives of more people than we will ever know.

While we are there for these organizations on some of their worst days, we're able to stay positive in knowing that we have true purpose, our work is meaningful and we’re all about helping these organizations proactively prepare and stay better protected, long before a claim, disaster or tragedy ever occurs.

For example, our VFIS program, which serves fire departments and other emergency service organizations, offers our Accident & Sickness (A&S) clients the option to add a low-cost Member Family Assistance Program (MFAP) to their policies. This gives clients 24/7, 365 access to trained professionals that are available to assist with crisis situations, behavioral health concerns and day-to-day life and wellbeing stressors. And being at the center of that work is something you can be proud of—and inspired by.