Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

Everyone has problems that they need to deal with. Because problems can cause anxiety, many people will try to avoid, ignore or procrastinate when dealing with difficult issues in their lives. Ignoring them is useful sometimes. Unfortunately, with most problems, avoiding them just causes them to come back, and a small problem can become a big problem over time.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Do Something Day:

The most difficult step in problem solving is getting to the doing part. To help you carry out your solution, make an action plan. If you know how you are going to carry out your solution, you are more likely to follow through.

Don’t let your own voice derail you. Be aware of and challenge negative self-talk that can stop you from moving forward.

List all the obstacles. Great problem solvers take a high-level view of the issues and list of all the potential factors that could get in the way of implementing their solution so that they don’t get taken off task.

Want to find more strategies to coping with stress? Check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

How many of us couldn’t use an extra hour each day? Planning before starting each day, is said to save us this hour, as we are more effective at using the time that we have. Sometimes though we just can’t seem to get our act together.

Maybe we just can’t seem to get past our urge to procrastinate. It may be that we are being too perfectionistic, or we dislike the task or person that we have to work with. We could be too tired or fear that we might fail. Sometimes it is just a matter of the task not being a part of our goals and priorities.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Procrastination Week:

To Avoid Procrastination, we need to:

Find the answer to ‘What’s In It For Me”. Why do I need to accomplish the task at hand and what benefit will there be for me when I finish it?

Chunk your time – set a timer. The timer helps you to become more realistic about how long various tasks take.

Watch out for time gobblers – internet, email, TV, phone, socializing, unimportant notices and forwards

Delegate when the task is not part of your priority. Not everything has to be done or should be done by you. Let go of your need to control everything.

Make it fun by rewarding yourself. It is easier to start and finish a task if there is a reward at the end of it…by the way, my chocolate covered almonds are waiting for me as soon as I finish this flash briefing. Till tomorrow have a wonderful day!

It’s not a bird. Nor a plane…It’s the Telecommuter!

A survey of employees who telecommute three days a week experienced a

• 46% decrease in stress,
• 45% increase in job satisfaction, and
• 30% increase in job productivity.

 

In addition, telecommuting provides an opportunity to create a more harmonious balance between home and work commitments. Three-quarters of employees polled said the ability to work from home was their most desired family-friendly job perk.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Telecommuter Appreciation Week:

For some, telecommuting may be a viable option that allows for an increase in productivity and more sense of control over when tasks get accomplished.

If you think that this is for you, sit down with your work team and discuss how this may be implemented.  If telecommuting isn’t the answer, at least you have opened the door to looking for other alternatives to maintaining work and life balance.

Though I am not a true telecommuter, I am an entrepreneur with a home-based office.  I appreciate the flexible work arrangements that I have.  Some days, I work all day and into the evening.  On other days, I may find myself helping out a family member or pulling the weeds from my gardens.  This flexibility gives me the balance that I want and need.

Want to find more strategies to coping with stress? Check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com.

Have you ever wanted just to get a way, but the timing didn’t work for your partner, children, or friends?

Why wait for the timing to be just right? Why not go solo?

Vacations are a great way to restore resiliency. They can be rejuvenating, and energizing.

And going solo is one of the best ways to learn about yourself.

So here are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Plan A Solo Vacation Day:

There is no such thing as the perfect vacation. But planning, especially when going solo, is essential.

The first step is to pick and choose your location and activities wisely. Choose a location and activities that meet with your particular goals. Decide if your upcoming vacation will be focused on relaxation, celebration or adventure. Then chose activities that meet those needs.

Don’t be afraid to step outside your typical vacation comfort zone and say yes to new experiences.

If you find yourself craving company, find a group tour of the city or local area. Or strike up a conversation with the bartender or barista and you will be sure to find out some insider secrets to exploring your vacation area.

Going solo means that nobody is going to kick up a fuss about whatever plans you decide. It’s your trip, your way.

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In

The quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world. This is the fourth avenue of service for the Rotary Club.

With all of the chaos and conflict happening in the world, we need courage to take a stand and promote peace in our communities.

We do this by digging in and learning how to understand other people's cultures, by promoting engagement with others, and by building strong, diverse communities.

So Here are Today’s Hot Tips for Building Resiliency and Celebrating National World Understanding Month:

The first part of expanding our understanding is to recognize that every cultural group has unique strengths and perspectives that the larger community can benefit from.

We need a wide range of ideas, customs, and wisdom to solve problems and enrich community life. It is by bringing non-mainstream groups into the center of civic activity that we get fresh perspectives and shed new light on tough problems.

Here are some questions that may help you think about and understand your community:

How would you define your community? Does it have geographical boundaries? Is it local or global?

Who lives in your community right now?

What kinds of diversity already exists?

What issues do different cultural groups have in common?

These are just a few of the questions that can expand your understanding and this insight can lead to an increase of goodwill, cooperation, and peace in your community.

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

 

Our greatness is limited only by our imagination.

Your road to your greatness takes courage, energy, and persistence. It is about being hungry for more for yourself, but also enjoying what you have achieved along the way. If greatness is the ever-expanding concept of your potential, you must have an internal urge to become your best.

So Here are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Plant The Seeds Of Greatness Month:

Pay attention to what is happening around you. Take time each day to think about your life and the opportunities for growth.

Be willing to try new things, take different approaches, and experiment. Ask different questions that will create a different reality. Greatness involves failure. It involves taking calculated risks. It is about learning through the journey. You’ve got to believe that you can make the changes necessary in order to achieve greatness in your life.

The more we learn, the larger our capacity for growth becomes.

And finally, have a picture of the best version of yourself. What does greatness look like for you? How would you act towards your self? How would you act towards others? What would you have achieved? This picture my change as you grow, but striving in this direction will put you on the path to your greatness.

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

When you expect success, you become successful!

But it is not just a matter of thinking good thoughts and good things will happen.

Positive and successful people expect success and they look for ways to bring success into their life.

Research shows that high expectations lead people to work harder and commit to problem solving the challenges ahead of them. 

So Here Are Today's Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Expect Success Month:

People who want to change their mental mindset:

1. Accept that life will have setbacks and disappointments and they don’t let the fear of failure cloud their judgment or allow them to aim too low
2. They build their resiliency by seeing the setback as only temporary.
3. They don’t quit trying just because there was a set back.
4. And finally, they wake up every morning and expect positive things to happen.

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In

The longer someone is bullied, the more likely they are to develop physical, emotional, and psychological scars that can last a lifetime.

The four most common types of bullying are: Verbal, Social, Physical and Cyber Bullying.

Bullying can be devastating, leaving a person withdrawn, shy, and insecure. It can trigger a variety of stress-related illnesses, cause relationship difficulties, and upset productivity and engagement.

Unrelenting bullying can lead a person to take their own life.

A study conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute, found that 37% of workers have been bullied, and that the majority of bullies were people in positions of authority.

So Here Are Today's Hot Tips For Building Resiliency During National Stop Bullying Day Using The Steps Of The Proactive Personal Response:

Number one, though it is not easy, communicate with the offender and let them know that you want the behaviour to stop.

Number two, document every incident, including witnesses, and every conversation.

And number three, if it continues, let your supervisor or designated officer know about what has been happening

And finally, keep reminding yourself that you are a good person and are worthy of respect.

As leaders, educating around bullying and developing strong policies and procedures to deter It, are the most effective means of minimizing its occurrence and impact.

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.”  Anne Frank

Studies show that even low-level chronic noise increases aggression and decreases cooperation and is associated with increased risk for peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.

Today is the day to lower the noise level. Being quiet reduces your stress.

It allows the mind to focus and be more creative. It can boost your immune system.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Quiet Day:

Breathe: Become aware of your breath and inhale and exhale slowly and deeply inhale for 5 minutes.

Try this meditation: Turn off the lights, light a small candle and watch the flame. This stills the optic nerve, and calms the nervous system.

At work, take advantage of a quiet room.  Many companies have developed quiet spaces where employees can take a moment or two during the working day to relax, have a break, meditate, pray or simply ‘take stock’ without the distractions and interruptions of office life.

Get out into nature:  Taking a walk along a park path or country road early in the morning or before bed can bring focus and serenity to one’s mind. 

Looking for resources to build your resiliency? Check out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com

 

 

We never seem to be able to find ‘the time’.  Stop looking.  You will never find it.  It isn’t lost.  You are living in it.

So what kinds of things waste our time?

44.7% of the more than 10,000 people polled cited personal internet use as their #1 distraction at work.

Today’s Time Truth:

If we fail to control the events in our life, then the events in our life will control us. Planning is key to performance. Not planning wastes time and energy.

According to one survey the average worker admits to wasting away 2.09 hours per 8-hour workday, which is twice as much time as their employers expect.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Time Management Month:

Eliminate useless meetings. Insist on short, well-planned, morning stand-up meetings. They are the least likely to waste your time and interfere with your work.

Stop thinking that you can multi-task. Prioritize and then break up your day accordingly. Don’t move on to the next task until you’ve really completed the previous one. Not only will you do a better job when you’re focused, you’ll also force yourself to finish something within the time allotted.

Come up for air. Productivity declines after a certain period, so pump up your productivity with scheduled breaks.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

Do You Find It Hard To Stay Focused?

Have you ever had your computer lock up when you have opened too many files or programs at once?

Sometimes when we try to multi-task, we may actually freeze up, lock up or quit performing at our peak. 

Researchers have studied human multi-tasking for the past 25 years or so and have found that the brain cannot fully focus when multi-tasking.  We take longer to complete tasks, and are predisposed to error. 

The pressure to get more and more done, and toggle between one task and another creates a great deal of stress and pressure on the mind and body. Developing the ability to focus completely on a single task can help in our energy management.  

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Single Tasking Day:

Single-Tasking should be our main way of operating when needing to accomplish important tasks

Let go of the idea that the more we tackle at any given time, the more productive we are or will be

We have become like junkies in many ways, by needing a ‘fix’.  We check our emails, notices and webpages out of curiosity.  By setting time aside for these activities, we fill our curiosity, yet we are more likely to stay on task and complete that task more efficiently and effectively

 Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

Did you know that people with few ties to others had 2 to 5 times the death rate as those who had more ties?

Support and connectedness can be a powerful tool in preventing illness by acting as a buffer to the effects of stress. We benefit from the emotional support of a community during difficult times.

Connectedness is so important to our overall well-being that workplaces are also recognizing the value of support to the success of their organization.

It is unfortunate that the busier we become, the easier it is to let our existing friendships go by the way-side, let alone develop new connections.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Friendship Week:

Look up. Smile and say hello to those around you

Try to connect with your co-workers about things other than the task at hand

Participate in social programs

Call, text, or email those friends that you have lost touch with

Connectedness and group involvement have exceptional powers in decreasing our stress, if we venture to put ourselves ‘out there’.

Looking for resources to build your resiliency? Check out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com

Have you ever looked at those websites that compare your real age to your chronological age?

I did and I was pleased to see that it covered a variety of areas related to positive stress management and resiliency. It also had some interesting questions regarding heart health.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a major threat to women's health.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Women’s Heart Week:

It is imperative that women learn the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke, see a doctor regularly, and learn their family history. Making a commitment to your health isn’t something you have to do alone either, so grab a friend or a family member and become accountability partners.

Nutrition and exercise essential.

But also consider the impact of being positive, being able to relax, using a sense of humour, being organized, being involved in hobbies/community, having a spiritual side, and striving to be a continuous learner.

Our heart pumps life through our body, so ensure that you are pumping your heart full of life.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

Their names are Carly and Misty. They are my source of stress at times as we train each other, and my cuddly companions when curling up on the couch at the end of the day.

Research shows that pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and numerous other health benefits including lower blood pressure

Pets Stave Off Loneliness and Provide Unconditional Love: Pets offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets, and are excellent snugglers.

Pets Encourage You To Get Out And Exercise

It’s important to realize that owning a pet isn’t for everyone. Pets can make additional work and add to our responsibilities. However, for most people, the benefits of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks.

So here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency and Celebrating Love Your Pet Day:

If you don’t have a pet and are considering one – carefully consider you and your family’s lifestyle and the needs of the pet you choose. A good fit will reduce stress and not add to your stress load.

If you have a pet – give them some extra attention today – throw the frisbee, snuggle on the couch, or give an extra treat – you will both enjoy and benefit from it.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

 

 

Grumble. Grumble. It is 2:00 in the afternoon and you find that your stomach is growling and your energy is fading. Time for a snack.

Snacks provide you with an extra little boost. If done right, they can help to keep energy levels going, and avoid weight gain.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Snack Food Month:

Get good at reading. Don’t trust the claims of the food’s manufacturer on the front of the package.  Judge whether a food is healthy for you by reading the ingredients and the nutrition information on the food label.

Prepare healthy snacks in advance. When you make something yourself, you get to control the ingredients.  Keep plenty of fresh fruit and veggies in the refrigerator. Cut up melons or vegetables like celery and carrots in advance.

Healthy snacking doesn’t have to be boring. Make it interesting.

Go the caveman way. Try:  Fresh Fruit, Salad & Vegetables. You can also add fish, eggs or meat, or dried Nuts & Fruits

Research shows that people who eat regular meals and healthy snacks are less likely to overeat and gain weight than people who skip meals or go for long periods without eating. Thinking ahead is the key to smart snacking.  So…happy snacking.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In

This day celebrates those entrepreneurs who had a desire to be their own boss and who went out and made it happen.  They are store owners, manufacturers, producers and service providers.  It is through determination and hard work that their success is possible.

The downside is that they probably sacrificed family time and personal care for this success.

In helping entrepreneurs in dealing with work-related stress issues, one of the key reasons I hear that many started their business, was to have control.  Control over the creative process.  Control over the service that they provided to others.  And most especially – control over themselves – How they worked and when they worked.

Often this control over when they worked and how they worked was quickly given away in an effort to grow their business. They became their own worse boss as they strived for success. 

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

Some advice if you are the business owner – remember why you started your own business and make sure that you are honouring that reason in the way that you conduct your business.

 Make sure that you are taking care of yourself so that you have the energy to continue to work hard in your business. Take several breaks throughout the day to restore your energy. Eat right. Have a life outside your business.  Stay connected to your family and friends.

The goal is to run a successful business and stay healthy and connected at the same time.

To everyone else: Thank those mom and pop business owners in your community who work hard to keep their business going strong

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

Today is My Way Day. Yes, it is MY way or the highway!

I like MY way, it is the RIGHT way. It is the ONLY way!

Why, because I said so. I know it is so.

You just haven’t realized it to be so.

And until you come around to my way of thinking, just do as I say, and life will be much better for all of us.

And don’t argue with me. When it is Your Way Day, I’ll do what you say, so, till then, remember it is MY Way Day!

I jest, but part of it is true.  I really do want things my way.  It’s all about control and I like to have control.  I can be seen as a difficult person and in fact I am one of the ‘characters’ that I talk about in my workshops.  When we understand what motivates others and what motivates ourselves, it is much easier to deal with the negative sides of these personalities.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating My Way Day:

Just because it is My Way Day, don’t expect that everything will go your way, because funny enough, others think it is their way day too.

Learn what pushes your buttons and learn what pushes other people’s buttons. 

Relaxation skills can help to reduce that overwhelmed, frustrated feeling, helping to prevent you from stomping around.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

I am really glad that February is the shortest month of the year, as it always seems tough to get through. I often get hit with the blahs during this time. Sometimes it is because of the busyness around me and sometimes it is weather related. Sometimes it is both.

Have you ever been caught up in the blahs and you aren’t sure that things are going to ever pick back up’ Do you worry that you may feel this way forever?

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Blah Buster Month:

Getting together with a friend is a sure way to put the blahs at bay. Social connections ground us.

Declutter Your Closet. Go through your clothes and pull out the things you no longer wear. Donate those items. Organizing and Decluttering open up space in our environment and our minds.

Get Active. Exercise is a mood enhancer and will naturally lift your spirits.

Go to the light. I often get caught staying indoors during this month, but the more I get outside the better I feel.

Finally, try something new. A new activity. A new recipe. A new technology. All of these can increase your brain’s plasticity and add a bit of a spark to a tough month.

For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

There are so many different aspects to health.

We hear daily about eating right and exercising, but health also involves our relationships.  

February is Relationship Wellness Month and it reminds us that we need to reach out to others and build stronger social ties with family and friends.

One key to happy, healthy relationships is the opportunity to spend quality time with the people you care about. Relationship Wellness encourages us to develop better communications with those around us including the ability to share our feelings and needs.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating During Relationship Wellness Month:

Relationships take time. Time to develop. Time to nurture. Time to sustain.

Spend time really listening to your family and friends.  Find out what is important to them.  What issues are they facing? Listening to someone else is one of the best things that we can do for them and it allows us to keep our own issues and challenges in perspective.

What is the one thing that you can do this month to pump up your relationships, on your road to a healthier you’?

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

One of the most important places for your signature is on your Donor Card. It can impact so many people. That signature can save lives.

Today we thank those individuals who already voluntarily donated their blood, organs and tissue to save someone else’s life or to improve the quality of their life.  

With our lives being so busy it is easy to forget to do this simple little act of kindness. But this little act can mean the difference between life and death.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Donor Day:

If you are okay with donating, take the opportunity today, to sign your card. Someone may be counting on you.

Discuss this decision with your family.

Sometimes starting the conversation can be difficult. Making the decision for yourself in advance makes it easier for your family to cope during a very difficult time.

If you are not sure about your family member’s wishes, #StarttheConversation.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In