Mental Health

We all have that one thing that kickstarts our day—the equivalent of a cup of coffee (even if we don't drink it, “I do”). Whether it's a morning ritual, a music playlist, or a specific task that helps you feel energized, there’s always something that gets us out of bed and into work mode. In my office, the morning routine is crucial. Some reach for the classic caffeine fix, while others may choose something a little different. If you're not a coffee person, maybe it's a quick workout or a few minutes of meditation that gets your mind sharp. For others, it might be simply checking off a small task first thing, like sending an email or updating a to-do list, just to build momentum. There’s a lot of science behind the idea that starting your day with something positive can set the tone for the rest of it. Many studies suggests that the right morning habits can boost productivity, increase focus, and even reduce stress throughout the day. But let’s be real: it doesn’t always have to be productive. Maybe it’s something as simple as a few quiet minutes of stretching, enjoying a warm breakfast, or just sitting down to read the news for a bit before the chaos of the workday begins. The important part is finding that ritual that makes you feel ready to take on whatever’s ahead. So, what’s your "coffee"? Whether it’s a mental warm-up or something physical, finding your own version of a morning boost can be one of the best ways to fuel your day. Tavris Parker, CAPP, is a Parking Operations Manager for the City of Virginia Beach. Tavris can be reached at TParker@vbgov.com.

Clutter can create a chaotic environment that hampers focus and efficiency, leading to increased stress and decreased productivity. In fact, studies show that 80% of items people keep are never used, contributing to an overwhelming sense of clutter. Americans spend an average of 2.5 days each year searching for misplaced items, and 54% feel overwhelmed by their belongings. This clutter not only distracts but also costs Americans approximately $2.7 billion annually in replacing lost items. A clean and organized workspace, however, can transform your productivity. Research indicates that 78% of workers believe a tidy environment enhances focus, while 83% say it boosts creativity. Furthermore, a clutter-free space fosters a sense of calm, significantly reducing stress levels. To cultivate a decluttered environment, start by integrating small tasks into your daily schedule. Designate specific time slots for organizing and maintaining your workspace. Choose decluttering tools that fit your style—whether digital apps or physical organizers—and consistently apply them. Regularly evaluate your methods to ensure they’re effective. Promoting a culture of cleanliness is equally vital. Encourage daily tidying and set clear organization standards. Celebrate small victories to stay motivated. By scheduling regular decluttering sessions, implementing effective storage solutions, digitizing documents, and fostering a culture of organization, you can create a more efficient and serene workspace. Prioritizing cleanliness not only enhances productivity but also contributes to overall well-being. Start your decluttering journey today for a more focused and creative tomorrow! Lisa Copeland, CAPP, PMP, CUFM, is the Business Operations Manager for Old Dominion University. Lisa can be reached at lcopelan@odu.edu.

Jeri Baker, CAPP, Executive Account Manager of T2 Systems tells us the importance of acceptance and the comfort that comes from a safe environment.

This session will provide attendees with relevant and practical knowledge on how we approach the issue of mental health, why it is imperative to check in consistently, and what strategies can be employed to help address and mitigate issues that might negatively impact us both personally and professionally. 

Learn tips and tricks for interviewing within your organization to advance your career and set yourself on the path to career success!

Do you ever feel a constant war between the demands of work and home? If you do, you are not alone. Part of the problem is that technology has separated the boundaries between work and home. Employers expect their employees to be reachable outside of the office. With work happening more and more outside of the office, it is not easy to separate the two. The effects of burnout are real and impacts organizations, reducing employee productivity, and retention. There is no right way to address work-life balance for yourself. Each person is different and requires different ways to build a healthy balance. For me I try to prioritize wellness both mentally and physically. Each day I take a few moments to check in with myself and become aware of how I am feeling; improving my mental wellness. I make exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep a priority. When you take care of your body, it takes care of you. One of the most important things, for me, is to take my PTO. There have been many years that I lost my PTO time due to me not taking it, and I felt the burnout. Taking time away from work is very important. Take the vacation! When your job takes more and more of your time and energy it can lead to burnout, and it is hard to find a way out. Finding a work-life balance might take some trial and error, but the reward will be incredible once you figure out what works for you. Varena Harding, CAPP, is a Project Manager for Central Parking Systems. Varena can be reached at vharding@municipalparking.com.

Like most of the world today, we are challenged to do our best to stay healthy and safe. Many people take special precautions through medicinal interventions, while supplementing their health with vitamins, a good healthy diet, and good old fashion exercise. These are great ways to stay and maintain your health, but I have recently discovered the fascinating world of Arts and Medicine. I never really thought about how positive and influential the arts could be on one’s health. After diving further into the topic, I learned that the world of the arts, whether that is dance, music, or painting, can have very therapeutic benefits. In fact, a number of different studies in the Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care and Frontiers in Psychology have shown the benefits of simply looking at art. This has inspired some hospitals to add art to their rooms and doctors to prescribe non-medicinal artistic therapies. These unconventional therapies have proven to be very helpful for those with anxiety, stress, and mental health conditions. So as a friendly reminder be sure to wash your hands frequently, take your supplements, eat a healthy diet, take a daily walk, and take a trip to your local art museum or have a solo dance party to release those endorphins. Shontel Zamora, MPA, is a Budget Analyst for California State University at San Bernardino. Shontel can be reached at szamora@csusb.edu.

Suicide Mitigation on Parking Garages

Suicide deterrence is important both from a moral standpoint and also to minimize trauma to parking professionals and other witnesses or bystanders. If a suicide or attempted suicide does occur in one of our garages, how do we handle the situation? IPMI has gathered information from a number of experts as well as members of the parking industry itself, with the goal of providing assistance, direction, and resources.

Embrace the Confidence to Take a Chance on Yourself

Normalizing & Encouraging Mental Health Discussion Among Male Employees

Hold Space for Gratitude