Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

TIP 2226 - What Do You Know About Medications

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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.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     
So Here Are My 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.

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TIP 2225 - Getting A Massage Can Improve Your Mental Health

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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.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

So Here Are My 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.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2224 - Family Needs During A Critical Illness

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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 their 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.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Knowing that one in nine women will develop breast cancer, Here Are Today's 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.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2223 – Working With Difficult People

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Our goal is to stop rewarding irritating behaviours and attitudes.

To do this, we must understand what employees expect to gain from being so difficult. 

Celebrate Mediation Week.

Understanding why some co-workers may become difficult or negative, and when they are more likely to act that way, can prevent the buildup of tension.

So why are people difficult?

Some employees learn very early on, that the more noise they make, the more likely those around them will respond to their squeaky wheel.

For some, negative attitudes and behaviors are expressed when they just don't have the energy to use better communication skills, judgment, or manners.

The difficulty behind these attitudes and behaviors is that they are highly toxic, and they can ripple out to those around us.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency

So Here Are Today's Tips For Building Resiliency In Celebrating Mediation Week:

Our goal is to stop rewarding those irritating behaviors. To do this we must understand what the person expects to gain from being so difficult.

Some want to feel more in control. Some want to feel important and listened to.

Be in the moment and treat each person as if they are all that matters. It is hard to be difficult with someone who makes us feel special.

And finally, move difficult people away from problem identification into problem solving. By understanding what employees expect to gain from using undesirable behaviors, we are in a much better position to deflect and defeat the difficult behavior.

Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace?

Check out my top ten tips under resources and courses at WorkSmartLiveSmart.com.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2222 – But You Look So Healthy

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But you look so good!

96% of illnesses are invisible. These people do not use a cane or any assistive device and may look perfectly healthy.

60% are between the ages of 18 and 64.

It's hard to know what to do when a person has an illness. It’s even harder when it's virtually invisible.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Invisible Chronic Illness Week

Don't be afraid to talk about what they're experiencing. Open the lines of communication and follow the other person's lead. If they want to go into details, they will. If they would rather talk about other things, they will let you know.

If you're living with an invisible chronic illness it's important to keep connected. Reach out for support. It's only by opening up about your illness that you can educate people and invite them to be there for you.

You may be surprised, but they may be dealing with their own invisible chronic illness and could really use your support, or they may become one of your biggest advocates or confidents. You won't know until you give them a chance.

Looking for more information on making your mental health matter? Check out my online courses at worksmartlivesmart.com

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2221 - Know Risks And Benefits Of Sarcasm

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Well everyone lobs a snarky remark here and there.

A sarcastic person expresses humor in verbal irony by making statements that defy their literal meaning.

For some it's as natural as breathing.

Some say that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but the highest form of intelligence.

Whether sarcasm is a sign of intelligence or not, communication experts typically advise us to stay away from this particular form of expression.

And yet, there is some research that suggests that there may be some unexpected benefits from sarcasm, including greater creativity in the workplace.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Today's Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Sarcasm Awareness Month:

Research shows that sarcasm can be easily misinterpreted, so use it sparingly and take great care that it doesn't damage your relationships.

It comes down to trust. Given the risks and benefits of sarcasm, your best bet is to keep salty remarks limited to conversations with those you know well.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2220 - Evaluate Your Life

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Do you have balance in 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.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

So Today’s 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.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2219 – Coping With The Change

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‘The change’, ‘the time of life’ – call it what you will, it is an unavoidable fact that all women go through 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.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here Are My 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.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2218 - Protect Yourself From The Flu

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Children have been 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.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Today's 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.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2217 - Building The Best Relationship With Your Boss

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Are bosses who are fair, supportive, and kind gone by the way of the dodo bird?

If we were to listen to the media, or the complaints from friends and family, you would think that this was true.

We hear about cut-throat bosses. Bosses who are bullies. The ones who steal all of the glory for themselves.

There are bosses who are perfectionists.

And then there are those bosses who only care about the bottom line.

In fact. in one survey, seventy five percent of workers said that dealing with their boss was the most stressful part of their day.

Bosses Day is the day for employees to recognize their boss for their positive traits.

Like it or not your boss plays an important role in your productivity, creativity, and overall health.

It is up to you to build the best relationship with your boss that you can.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Bosses Day:

Examine how you describe your work, your boss, and your company.

If you find that you are using all negative language, stop. It's undermining you mental and physical health.

Focus on solutions not problems.

Have conversations that move things forward.

And finally, don't be moody and don't let your boss’ mood impact you. You have no idea what they are dealing with. So reserve your judgments. Be the one that is in control of their mood.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2216 - Complain And Be Grouchy

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All goody two-shoes, beware. You are not welcome on this day.

Today is a day for all grouches to celebrate their way of life.

According to the Muppet Wiki, a grouch’s mission in life is to be as miserable and as grouchy as possible and pass that feeling on everyone else.

Only then will a grouch be in touch with his or her world and be happy.

Yet even though grouch may show happiness at anyone's misfortune, a grouch would never admit to being happy.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

My Tip For Celebrating National Grouch Day:

Be miserable. Complain over everything. And enjoy nothing.

Tomorrow will not be better.

There is no silver lining.

And the glass almost empty.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2215 - Let’s Talk Month

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Do you think the people have always been this stressed?

I'm often asked if we have more or less stress than we did a hundred or two hundred years ago. Our lives are stressful today, but they were way back then as well.

One of the things that helped people to cope was a sense of support. Back then we lived in smaller communities, had families around us, and we knew our neighbors.

Today we live in large communities, our families may live hours or continents away, and we have no idea who lives around us.

Our support circles have grown smaller and smaller.

Let's talk month embraces sharing your stories and asking for help as ways of gaining and giving support.

It is one of the three main strategies in positive stress management.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here Are My Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Let's Talk Month:

Learn to share your thoughts and feelings, your successes, and your challenges.

Learn to listen to other’s thoughts and feelings, successes, and challenges.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency?

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2214 - How Bloody Annoying Are Your Pet Peeves

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Squeaky doors. Slow internet connections. No subject heading in an email message. Cracking knuckles. Toilet lid being left up. Being put on hold. Music while on hold. Repeated messages while on hold.

Some of our pet peeves can move from simple annoyances into being rude or aggressive.

Think of road rage. It usually starts because one person was not paying attention or assumed that they had the right to do what they did, and then the offended party gets annoyed, then angry, and they may even retaliate.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here Are Today's Tips For Building Resiliency During Pet Peeves Week:

Make a list of your pet peeves.

There is something cathartic and humorous about doing this.

Often awareness can help us to see the lighter side.

Learn how to move on and not waste your mental energy or let your blood pressure skyrocket.

And finally, understand that someone else's behavior that annoys you wasn't targeted specifically to you.

Don't personalize it and read more into it than there is.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2213 – Healthy Workplaces

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It saddens me when we still hear stories of how employees feel hopeless and helpless to change negative situations, and the stress of it all ends up having a good employee leave. We know that engaged employees help our companies to be more creative, productive, and successful, yet some employers still look at employees as being a commodity that you push them to their limits, burn them out, and discard them for the next person standing in line.

It is easier to get new employees than to fix the things that are wrong within the system.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here are my Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Healthy Workplace Month:

Start a conversation.

If you are a leader, what are the sources of stress within your team, professionally personally? If you're not sure, ask. What impact is it having? What are the symptoms that you see in your employees and in the company?

Get support.

Bring together all involved to talk about strategies.

And finally, get involved in all of the programs that your company has to offer.

You never know what you will learn, or how it could positively impact your life or those around you.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2212 – Financial Planning

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Is financial stress one of your concerns?

According to one report, the number of calls related to financial counseling are rising at twice the rate of other EAP services.

The top financial issues people were stressed out about were cost of living, credit card debt, mortgage payments, retirement, children's tuition, health care costs, divorce and bankruptcy.

During these uncertain economic times it's essential that we find positive ways to take care of ourself.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     
So my tip for building your resiliency and celebrating Financial Planning Month:

Learn as much as you can about what is happening.

Talk to those who know your investments and your financial situation.

Find out what you do and do not have control over.

Keep the situation in perspective.

Try not to get caught up in awfulizing.

And finally make sure that you're taking care of yourself.

Reach out if you find that you are not coping as well as you could be.

Want to find more strategies about coping with stress check out my website at WorkSmartLiveSmart.com

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2211– Depression Screening For Better Mental Health

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Today is National Depression Screening Day.

There are many who are suffering in silence who are feeling that there is nowhere to turn. The guilt and the shame of not being able to effectively cope with day to day stressors leaves many feeling isolated helpless and hopeless.

Thankfully there is an anonymous online screening tool if you think that you or a family member may be experiencing depression.

Go online to mentalhealthscreening.org and follow the links.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Today's Tips For Building Resiliency On National Depression Screening Day:

Don't let fear, shame, or guilt prevent you from getting the help that you deserve.

Talk to your doctor if you're concerned. Use the online screening tool to help explain what you're feeling.

Keep an open mind. Treatment for depression may take a long time and the best treatment options may take time to find and have full impact.

Get educated. Know about the signs and symptoms.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2210 – Promoting Mental Health

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We are working in a corporate world where our teams are faced with a variety of stressors and a world where many of our teams are finding that their coping strategies are inadequate or ineffective at addressing the numerous stressors that they are facing.

According to research, one in five will experience a diagnosable mental illness.

Mental illness can affect anybody. Stigma and guilt play a role in preventing people from seeking help.

Only one in every three with a mental health issue will seek help, leaving millions trying to cope all on their own. Though some may be seeking medical help, fear of being criticized, or judged by those around them, may prevent them from reaching out to others for support.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Today's Tip For Building Resiliency On World Mental Health Day:

Care. Communicate. Connect.

Educate yourself. Educate others and examine policies and attitudes that prevent those experiencing a mental illness from getting the help that they need.

For more tips on how to promote mental illness awareness, check out my website at WorkSmartLiveSmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

Stigma, guilt and fear can prevent someone from reaching out. Awareness and support are key.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2209 – Facing Your Phobias

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I have a social phobia.

It produces extreme reactions in me.  I get tongue-tied. My voice shakes and my heart races whenever I have to perform in front of others.

I hate snakes. They give me the willies.

Many people have those things in their life that give them the heebie-jeebies. It may be snakes or it could be heights, needles, or even lightning.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here Are My Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Face Your Fears Day:

Know that it's okay to avoid your phobia if you can and as long as it doesn't interfere with your everyday living and happiness.

Thankfully I can stay away from snakes in my line of work and in my life. If you can't outright avoid them, learn how to challenge some of the unhelpful thoughts that the fear generates.

Plan and practice your stress and relaxation strategies ahead of time, so that they're like second nature during your exposure.

And finally, ask for help. Others can support you during those stressful times and they may be able to find strategies to lessen the stress that you feel.

For more information on phobias and other mental health issues sign up for one of my online courses at WorkSmartLiveSmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2208 - Let Your Friends Know They Matter

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True friends are precious, but often we take them for granted.

The saying goes that you can't have too many friends. I disagree. Trying to balance too many friendships, plus a lack of time, equals more stress.

Friendships can protect your health, so it's important to take the time and make the effort to hold on to the friendships that mean the most to us.

We need to let them know how much they matter to us.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here Are My Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating You Matter To Me Day:

First take stock of friends that you currently have. Do you have too few? Just enough? Or too many to currently maintain?

Let your friends know how much they mean to you. Plan to get together. Pick up the phone. Invest some time and effort into those friendships that you want to hang on to.

Over the years, I've had many friendships that have endured the test of time. It takes a great deal of effort for us to get together, but when we do, the energy that I gain from those connections is invaluable.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 2207 – Stop The Stigma Of Mental Illness MIAW

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For many years I was the educational consultant to the Canadian Mental Health Association in Toronto Ontario in that capacity I developed several mental illness awareness workshops for frontline workers agencies and caregivers.

The most satisfying part of that role was going into a group who may have been fearful of those with mental illness and opening their eyes to the realities. The proverbial light bulbs would go off, the stigma would be lifted, and their minds open on to how they could better the lives of those who are experiencing a mental illness.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

My Tip For Building Resiliency In Celebrating Mental Illness Awareness Week:

Taking the time to learn about mental illness can make all the difference to you or to someone you care about.

During this month open your eyes and find your own path to helping a family member a friend a co-worker or a person you meet sitting there on the street who may desperately need your understanding and compassion.

For more information on coping with mental illness sign up for one of my online courses at WorkSmartLiveSmart.com under the Resources And Courses tab.

#mentalhealth #hr