Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

 

One minute you’re changing diapers and wiping noses, the next minute they have moved out and on.

“empty nest,” does not need to mean an empty life. At least I hope not. With my two sons starting to venture out on their own, I am actually looking forward to our new life.

For many parents becoming empty nesters can be a “joyous” time.  A time for exploring, getting involved in new activities and new developing their adult relationships.

When much of your life has been defined as a parent it can be hard to adjust to life without kids in the home. Research points out that some parents have a hard time adjusting and they do experience depression and emotional distress when their children left home.

So Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Empty Nester Month:

Grieving is normal. Be gentle with yourself.

Explore other activities that can give you meaning and purpose.

Did you have any hobbies that you slowly gave up as parenting took over your life’

Coming to terms with this new phase in your life can be tough. But most parents find they’re able to adjust to their new roles as being parents of young adults and they develop a new sense of normal.

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

This is the time of year to start drafting your letter to Santa. Letters to Santa Claus have a magical Christmas power all their own — they share a child's hopes and dreams, contain wishes innocent enough to bring tears to a parent’s eyes and can save the day like in the classic holiday film, "Miracle on 34th Street."

One letter went like this Dear Santa, I have been good for the last week or so…let’s just focus on that.

Even if you don’t believe in Santa, what would you wish for?

Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Dear Santa Letter Week:

Try writing a letter of all of your wants for the upcoming holidays.

Don’t expect them to be delivered on Christmas morning. That only happens in those sappy Hallmark-movies, but it might actually do you some good to take a moment to think about what you really want and put it in writing. There's something to be said for putting into words the things you want in your life. It can be an eye-opening experience as you may find that your priorities are made clear. You may also find that many of the things that you are wanting are within your control.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line Vulnerability Test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the Resources And Courses tab.

Some days I am so tired that I can’t think straight or even focus my eyes. This is an awful feeling, especially if this fatigue hits while I am driving. Has this ever happened to you?

Over 60% of adults say they have driven drowsy in the past year. And 4% have had an accident or near accident because they were too tired, or they actually dozed off while driving.

Drowsy Driving kills

Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week:

Know that even one night of sleep loss or poor sleep can put you at risk of drowsy driving. But certain people have a higher risk of drowsy driving than others. So be aware if you have a sleep disorder, work shifts or are taking medications as these can increase your risk for drowsy driving.

Rolling down the windows or turning up the volume on the radio will do little to increase your alertness while driving. So try to get a full night of seven to eight hours of sleep before driving. Avoid driving late at night or alone. And if you need to pull over at a rest stop and take a nap.

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

 

Why is common sense not so common?

Common sense is one of the most revered qualities in the workplace.

People with common sense are seen as reasonable, down-to-earth, reliable, and practical but here's the catch.

Common sense is neither common nor sense.

If common sense was common, then most people wouldn't make the kinds of decisions they do.

Every day people wouldn't buy stuff they couldn't afford.

They wouldn't smoke cigarettes or eat junk food.

They wouldn't gamble.

In other words people wouldn't do a multitude of things that are clearly not good for them.

So Here Are My Hot Tips For Building Resiliency In Celebrating Use Your Common-Sense Day:

Trusting in common sense can cause us to make poor rather than sound judgments.

Gather the facts.

Look at past experience and talk to others before making decisions which could have dire consequences.

Keep an open mind to all the possibilities, rather than just confirming the solution that you want to see.

And finally, while we often think with our emotions, this can lead to negative outcomes.

There are times when it's better to think with our analytic brain instead of our heart.

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

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

There is so much pressure to get things done in a day, that we try to split our focus and work on several things at once. 

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, often double or more the time, and are predisposed to error.  

Here Are My Hot Tips For Building Resilience and Celebrating ZeroTasking Day:

Today is the day to take it easy, give up multitasking, and try doing nothing. Not for the whole day. But try for an hour. And if that is too long, try 20 minutes. See how you feel and if being anxious was the only thing that you could focus on, know that being able to be still for a moment and quiet your mind and body takes practise. If you weren’t successful, try again next weekend.

Finally, let go of the idea that the more we tackle at any given time, the more productive we will be.

Maintain your productivity by setting your priorities for a focused period of time and don’t let distractions take you off course. 

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

Don’t forget that you can find more tips for coping with mental health issues, by checking out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com

Does your company have a happiness engineer?

Should it have one?

Big Viking Games in London, Ontario hired happiness engineers to create a low stress work environment in a high-stress industry.

Their arsenal of happiness includes daily catered lunches a soft-serve ice cream machine and even puppies.

The founder hopes that this will help them to attract the best people.

His theory seems to be proving itself.

His company was named one of the Top 10 Medium Business Employers in Canada by the Great Places To Work Institute.

Hiring a happiness engineer may not be an option for all companies however, all companies can benefit from upping the happiness factor in their workplace.

So Here Are Today's Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating International Games Day:

Bring fun to your workplace. It may include games or challenges.

Ask your team what suggestions, large and small, will create a happier workplace for them. Even small steps are noticed and appreciated.

Remember you will not be able to please everyone or make everyone happy, but the majority will respect your efforts.

 

Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace? Check out my top ten tips under resources and courses at www.worksmartlivesmart.com

Should have. Could have. Would have.

I should have taken that other job. I should have talked to my friends before I spent all that time and energy. I should have just left it alone.

Do you find that other people should all over you?

You should do this. Or you should act this way.

Most of us have things that we regret, or wish were different in our lives. However, it is both our good and bad decisions that mould us into who we are today.

What we can do is learn from our past and try not to make the same mistakes again.

So Here Are Today Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Giving Up Your Shoulds Day:

I follow this quote as much as possible. It goes: never look back unless you are planning to go that way. Regret is a waste of energy and leaves you feeling guilty.

Remember, we need to follow our own path and not let other people's expectations rule our life.

Want to make sure that you don't miss out on any of my weekly posting? Follow Work Smart Live Smart on Facebook.

 

 

EP 404 - Magic Spells To Relieve Your Stress

Do you believe in magic?

Did you know that there is a magic spell that can relieve your stress?

It goes like this:

Magic mood and burning bright,

Let thy will be done tonight.

Answer now my earnest spell.

Let things with Beverly all be well.

Not sure about the spell? Not sure you believe in magic, but wishing that you could let magic relieve your stress?

Try these hot tips for building your resiliency and celebrating international magic week:

Fun is a stress reliever, as is laughing, and sharing with others. So go and see a magic show and let the magic take you away.

Learn a magic trick and amaze your co-workers. Fun things added into your workday can increase productivity and creativity.

And finally, one of my most loved stress relievers is my magic bag. It has nothing to do with magic other than the way the heat warms me up and relaxes me completely.

Remember those who don't believe in magic will never find it.

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

Do you forget things?

Is it because you forgot to write them down somewhere or tell Alexa to remind you?

Sometimes we push it out of our mind because the task doesn't rank in importance or urgency.

Sometimes it's because we want things to turn out just right and then we get overwhelmed by the details.

I love this quote. If we fail to control the events in our life, then the events in our life will control us.

Failing to plan and failing to keep moving forward, will ensure that we are stuck.

So Here Are Today's Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Checklist Day:

Find the answer to what's in it for me. Why is this task or decision important? What will I achieve once it's completed?

Write it down or set up a reminder.

Build systems and procedures to follow that will keep you on track.

Make appointments with yourself for breaks, planning, visioning, and even napping.

And reward yourself for getting things done.

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

Today is the day to spend time alone. In seclusion.

However, it is a Tuesday, and you are likely at work or at school.

Most of us never will - or want to - live in a cave for years and years like an actual hermit, but we can still celebrate Hermit Day.

We can consider using seclusion at least once in a while as a way to rest up from the normal busyness of our lives.

So Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resilience And Celebrating Hermit Day:

Turn off your phone

Turn off your computer

Clear your mind of your worries

Rest

Enjoy your quiet time

Read, write or draw

Write in your journal

Meditate

Take a short nap

Go for a walk in nature

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? Check out my website at WorkSmartLIveSmart.com.

I love Halloween.

I love getting dressed up now almost as much as I did as a kid.

I have decorations everywhere.

I even created a hundred bush path through our trees when my children were small.

Here Are My Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Halloween Safety Week:

With so many kids, teens, and adults joining in on the Halloween fun, it's important to remember a few simple tips to ensure that the night won’t end up a fright.

Talk to your young children so that they know what to expect. Being greeted by a mask creature can ruin the night if a child is not prepared.

Remember Halloween activities for kids don't have to include squishy eyeballs and big monsters.

Have a howling in a good time without the spin tingling chills that give children nightmares.

If you are worried about ghouls and goblins include line on your party invitation that simply says, no scary costumes please.

Halloween parties and trick or treat can be a great we'll have fun.

So plan ahead and happy haunting everyone.

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

 

 

Sadly, one in 10 Canadians suffers from some type of substance use disorder. That could mean your colleague, your neighbour or someone in your own family. Addiction does not discriminate—it affects all walks of life.​

The total societal cost of substance abuse is in the billions. Whether the cost comes from lost productivity in the workplace, increased cost to our healthcare system or pressure on our law enforcement agencies, substance use disorders cost money.

People are dying. Substance use disorders can be progressive and fatal if left untreated.

So Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

Millions experience substance abuse issues, which includes underage drinking, alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications, and illicit drug use. Substance use disorders are health disorders. They are not the result of any kind of character flaw or lack of personal willpower.

Stigmatizing language can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and act as a barrier to seeking help and sustaining recovery. WORDS MATTER.

Use “people-first language.” For instance, refer to “person who uses substances”, rather than a “drug user”, “addict” or “alcoholic”. This is more neutral language that helps to maintain the individuality of the person.

Choose language that promotes the recovery process. This means not describing a person being “clean” or “dirty” but rather “not currently using substances” or “in recovery”.

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

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

Though everyone may want something unique from the job, there are some things common that unite us.

One of them being that we want to know that we are making a difference.

A good leader knows how to recognize and value their team members, to let them know that they matter.

They make a point to notice, show respect and appreciation for a job well done. And they ensure that the team is not just receiving negative criticism.

Today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Make A Difference Day:

You don't need to be a leader to make a point of recognizing someone for their contribution, their energy, or their hard work.

One of the greatest gifts that we can give to one another is the gift of encouragement.

Build others up and truly value the contributions they make.

You do not need to be best friends with every one at work, but communicating in a positive way can help to build a positive, productive, and enjoyable place to work.

Want to make sure that you don't miss any of my weekly postings, follow WorkSmartLiveSmart on FaceBook.

 

 

Do you have those days when you are more prickly than others or feel that you woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

Sometimes we have these types of days when everything seems to just go wrong. We couldn't find our keys. We had a battle with our teenager. We got stuck in traffic or we're getting a cold.

Today is the day to celebrate being cranky.

To celebrate the crankiness in us all.

So Here Are My Hot Tips For Being Cranky On Cranky Co-Worker Day:

Don't hold the door open for anyone.

Slam your office door.

Don't say goodbye when you hang up the phone.

Growl at anyone who seems perky.

Say it can't be done to any suggestion that is made.

Complain about the rain, snow, wind, sunshine, heat, blue sky, and wear really tight underwear, or at least the kind that seemed to want to climb up higher and higher.

And finally, if these just don't sound right, smile and ignore the crankiness in someone else and maybe offer them a simple act of kindness.

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

There is nothing more relaxing than having a skilled massage therapist, work out the tension from an overly taunt neck and shoulder muscles.

But how is a massage an important component to mental health?

Massage can increase circulation by manually applying pressure and movement. It stimulates nerve receptors causing the blood vessels to dilate.

It increases oxygen capacity and loosens muscles.

All of this is great for promoting the body's relaxation response.

The other benefit is that it forces you to be still and to let your mind wander.

When the mind is allowed to relax, it is better able to focus when we need it after the message.

So Here Are My Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating National Massage Therapy Awareness Week.

Find a qualified massage therapist.

Ask your friends who they would recommend.

Book the time. If you wait for the perfect time. you will never find it.

Our mental health is important, and massage can play an important role in helping us to relax.

So lay back and enjoy.

Looking for better ways to build your resiliency? Take my free online vulnerability test at WorkSmartLiveSmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

According to the health index almost 45% of people don't put their health at the top of their priority list and for some it's not on the list at all.

Many of us will experience a critical illness at some point in her life. It's just a matter of rolling the dice. Medical advances mean that we have a better chance of surviving a critical illness.

However surviving a critical illness, such as breast cancer, can be one of the most difficult challenges in life and often brings overwhelming medical and financial burdens on the person and their family.

Knowing that one in nine women will develop breast cancer, Here Are Today's Hot Tips For Building Resiliency In Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Know that supportive families have a beneficial impact on the patient's response to treatment, however if the family anxiety is high, they may be unable to support the patient and may transfer their anxiety.

So understand what family members need during this difficult time. The most important of these needs is assurance and hope they want to remain near their patient, and they want to receive information and support.

Anxiety is reduced when a sense of control is promoted.

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

This is health literacy month. So what do you know about medication safety?

I knew that my medicine cupboard had been neglected when I found a jar of Vicks Rub from when I was a kid. Yes, that was a long time ago and yes, it was about time that it was thrown out.

Medication safety isn't just about an expiry date.

It's about safe storage, knowing what medications may interact with other medications, food, and supplements.

And it's about telling your doctor but any side effects that you may have had from previous prescriptions.

So Here Are My Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Health Literacy Month:

Check your prescriptions periodically for expiration dates.

If you're traveling through several time zones consult with your doctor or pharmacist to work out a plan for adjusting the timing of your medication. This will prevent you from taking too much or too little.

Remember the term natural does not necessarily mean safe. Treat all supplements and herbal remedies with the same respect as you would any prescribed medications.

Want to make sure you don't miss out on my weekly postings? Follow WorkSmartLiveSmart on Facebook.

Children have bent back to school now for a month and we're starting to see the rise of colds and other ailments, both in our children and in our workplaces.

Though these are not usually cases of influenza, it is a reminder that the true flu season is just around the corner, and that we need to protect our families and our co-workers.

Influenza is an infection of the nose throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus. For most people the flu is uncomfortable, tiring, and can keep you bedridden for many days.

But for some, the flu can be serious.

Each year the flu causes many unnecessary deaths. The most common way the flu is spread is through flu germs on people's hands. If you touch something with the flu germs on it, then touch your face or mouth, you could get infected.

Flu germs can also travel through the air. If a person with the flu sneezes, or coughs, their spray can carry the virus to your nose, mouth, and our eyes.

Today's Hot Tip For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Flu Prevention Month:

Wash your hands often and consider getting the flu shot.

For some the flu shot is the best defense.

For more information, check me out on twitter at SOS To Stress.

Do you have balancing your life?

Have you ever had balanced?

What does balance mean to you?

Without taking the times to evaluate how things really are, it’s nearly impossible to make the changes you need to make in order to create the life you wish to lead.

Evaluate your life day is an opportunity to sit down and review.

It is a time to pause and reflect.

In my workshops, I help people look at what they're spending their time and energy on and then we discuss how they would like their life to be.

It's not easy and often messy.

So Today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Evaluate Your Life Day:

First, it's easy to wish that things were different, but to be different, we must evaluate first.

This takes effort.

So sit down and make notes.

Understand your priorities, then make active decisions to make these things a priority.

This isn't about wishing. It's about doing.

Looking from more tips to build your resiliency?

Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out! 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In.

‘The change’, ‘the time of life’ – call it what you will, it is an unavoidable fact that all women go through the menopause as they age into their 50’s, and 60’s.

However, for some women this natural process is a time of anxiety and distress.

Menopause is influenced by hormones – or more correctly, by a change in hormone levels. Less oestrogen is produced, causing the body to behave differently. However the body does not stop producing oestrogen overnight, and the process can take several years, during which negative symptoms can arise.

Hot flushes are the most common symptom of the menopause, occurring in three in every four menopausal women.

Other common symptoms include night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, irritated skin*, more frequent urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections, low mood and a reduced interest in sex. Symptoms vary hugely in duration, severity and what impact they have on women.

Here Are My Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating World Menopause Day;

Some women experience increased anxiety during the menopause. Regular exercise helps to convert stress into positive energy.

Talk to your doctor about health screening tests such as bone density, heart health, and depression to minimize the impact of menopause.

Some women breeze through a problem-free menopause, but most experience some symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you feel that you are struggling, consult your doctor for advice. Whatever the symptoms, help is available in a range of ways.

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

Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com.