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Building relationships that thrive

Remember when making friends was as simple as having the same favorite color? As we get older, relationships can be a bit more complicated — especially for men. Many men struggle with loneliness. And feeling lonely can make connecting and reaching out to others more difficult.1

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Grow your network at work

Many people feel disconnected and alone at times in life. And loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking.2 One way to expand your network is with the people you’re around every day. Engaging with those you work with can build a sense of belonging and community.

Another way to connect is with Supportiv. Supportiv offers 24/7/365 peer-to-peer mental health support through small, moderated group chats. You can chat anonymously with other people who can relate to what you’re going through. Just type a few words about your struggle to connect with others who can relate.

Here’s what Costco employees are saying about Supportiv:

“I feel better. It was nice talking to someone else about something like this without being judged.”

“Just having someone to talk to lifted my spirits.”

Make time for quality time

Balancing work and life can make it hard to nurture relationships. You can spend every day with someone, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the moment. Learn to put your phone down and be present. Here are some ways to connect and reconnect:

  • For friends: When was the last time you spoke to certain friends? Try to make plans and stick to them. Or catch up with friends who live far away over video chat.
  • For significant others: Set regular date nights or activities. They don’t have to be costly or complicated. It’s about committing your time and attention.
  • For children: Children who spend more quality time with their parents tend to be happier and healthier. And it can also help them feel safe turning to you if they need help.
  • For yourself: One way to connect with yourself is with a hobby you enjoy, like cooking or hiking — or try a new one. Another way is through therapy. Talkspace offers 24/7 access to licensed therapists over video-chat or text. Each week of chat therapy counts as one of your free sessions. You also have the option to meet with your therapist online for 30-minute televideo sessions. 

Build stronger relationships with Resources for Living®

Did you know Resources for Living (RFL) has tips for healthier relationships? This includes ways to manage conversations and communication at home or in the workplace.

Check out the Men’s Health Guide for mainland employees for more benefits that support healthy relationships.

Source(s):

1Talkspace. Male loneliness: the unspoken struggle.
2PBS.com. Loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking, U.S. surgeon general says.
3National Library of Medicine (NIH). The effect of the time parents spend with children on children’s well-being.

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Articles

2 min watch

2 MIN WATCH

Video: Check in on those around you

Managing stress, anxiety or depression can make it hard to share how you feel. This can be especially true for men. They may have concerns about the potential stigma around showing emotions or talking about what they’re going through.1 Or they may feel pressure to figure it out on their own or not bother others.

Did you know?
  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for adults ages 25–34.2

  • In 2022, men died by suicide nearly 4 times more than women.3

Men also experience different symptoms than women — for example, they may seem angry and irritable rather than sad or withdrawn.4 Or they may show no signs at all. That means even close family, coworkers or friends may not realize something’s wrong. 

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Free and confidential support is available, 24/7

Remember: You’re not alone. Sometimes others need that reminder, too. All Costco employees can get free and confidential support 24/7 from the following resources:

  • Reach out to Resources for Living (RFL)® — If you’re thinking about suicide or know someone having suicidal thoughts, RFL offers in-the-moment support 24/7 with a licensed counselor at 833-721-2320.
  • Call or text 988 for 24/7 support from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Get emotional support whenever you need it. You can call or text for yourself or for someone else who may need immediate help.

For more resources that support men’s health, visit the Men’s Health Guide for mainland employees.

Source(s):

1Harvard Business Review. We need to talk about men’s mental health at work.
2USA FACTS. How is the suicide rate changing in the US. 
3American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Suicide Statistics. 
4AbleTo. Mental illness symptoms different for men than women.

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Articles

4 min read

4 MIN READ

Be intentional with your money

Finances affect every part of life, including our health. Feeling stressed about money can lead to things like sleep problems, headaches and feelings of anxiety. Thankfully, your Costco benefits can help you take charge, get ahead and feel better about your overall financial picture.

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What are some ways to take control and boost my savings?

  • Set clear financial goals — Decide where you want your money to go instead of wondering where it went.
  • Pause before making an unplanned purchase — Be honest about whether it’s something you need or just want in the moment.
  • Stick to your list — Decide what you need before you shop and stick to it.

Your Costco benefits can help you pay off debt, save for retirement and stress less about money. Here’s a closer look at what’s available to you.

Get free financial coaching from SmartDollar®

People often have different views when it comes to managing finances. This is a topic Costco Benefits Manager Lauren Green and her husband, Center Manager Anthony Green, talk about in this month’s employee podcast. Hear how SmartDollar not only strengthened their finances during a hectic time, but their relationship as well.

SmartDollar helps you take control of your finances. Get step-by-step guidance to manage your budget at no cost to you. You also get free financial coaching. Here are some things a financial coach can help with:

  • How to discuss money with your partner
  • Build a budget for everyday expenses and goals
  • Figure out what debt to pay off first
  • Save for emergencies
  • Plan for retirement
  • Save for the fun stuff, like a vacation

Invest in Costco with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

UBS administers the Costco Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). You can choose to purchase company stock through payroll deductions, and Costco pays the fees and commissions related to each purchase.

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Recipes

1 min read

1 MIN READ

Heart-healthy huevos rancheros

What’s better than one egg? Two eggs with tangy salsa and whole-grain corn tortillas, of course. This 15-minute recipe is perfect for staying energized until lunch. It can also be a quick, heart-healthy “breakfast for dinner” for you and your family.

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Ingredients: 7
Prep Time: 7 min | Total Time: 15 min
Serves: 1
Ingredients:

4 sprays of cooking spray

2 medium-sized corn tortillas

2 large eggs

1 pinch of table salt

1/2 cup of pico de gallo

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp. of cilantro leaves (optional) 

Directions:
Step 1

Set the stovetop to medium-low or heat a dry skillet on medium-high. Toast the tortillas directly over a gas burner or in a pan until lightly charred, turning often. Arrange the tortillas on a plate.

Step 2

Coat a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium-low. Add the eggs and season with salt. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to desired doneness, 3 to 5 minutes. (Do not remove the pan from heat.)

Step 3

Top each tortilla with 1 egg.

Step 4

Add the pico de gallo to the same skillet and cook just until warmed, about 1 minute. Spoon the pico de gallo over the eggs. Garnish with the cilantro (if using).

Nutrition

Serving size: 1 plate | Calories: 289 | Total fat: 7 g | Sodium: 507 mg | Total carbohydrates: 33 g | Sugar: 4 g | Fiber: 6 g | Protein: 24 g

Source: WeightWatchers 

Enjoy low monthly rates from WeightWatchers. Costco employees can join for as low as $9 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependents can join for as low as $14.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up at WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885.

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