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Hope, Health, and Happiness. Would you like to live your life with less stress and more happiness? Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, more resilient you. Stress is a powerful force in life. It can bring about illness, destroy relationships and cause chaos. There is not a one-size-fits-all coping strategy for dealing with stress. Our goal is to put a plan together that helps us to deal with the sources of stress, take care of ourselves during those stressful times, and allows us to reach out to those around us for support. The Work Smart Live Smart flash briefing focuses on helping you to Harness Your Energy, Build Your Resiliency and Protect Your Mental Health!
Episodes
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
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Crispy or chewy’ Palm-sized, or bite-sized’ Sprinkles or no’
One of the first signs that the holidays are close is the invite to participate in the Cookie Exchange. Have you ever been involved in a cookie exchange’ I have and it was so much fun…but for others I know, this is the last thing that they want to participate in.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resilience and Celebrating National Cookie Cutter Week:
A Cookie Exchange doesn’t have to be a strictly C2C (cookie to cookie) transaction. At your workplace you can enjoy the holiday spirit by giving out cookies in exchange for smiles, holiday singing, or anything else you can think of to bring cheer to your colleagues.
Use the cookies as a way of fundraising to support a family in need.
Finally, make sure that if you are involved in a cookie exchange that it is fun and for connection. It shouldn’t be extra work or add to your stress-level…especially at this time of year.
When looking up National Cookie Exchange Week, I came across a site that told me what kind of a cookie I was…I am a Peanut Butter Cookie. I am not one to skimp on the finer things in life, and keeping my finances in check is crucial. You may want to check out that quiz.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
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I loved reading. I would read between homework assignments, favourite TV shows, or on the bus. I loved to stay awake until the wee hours if the book was enticing enough. That was before children. It seems that for many of us, our daily reading habits center around tweets, Facebook updates, or the ingredients of our morning cereal’ We read on average 5 or less books a year.
I find it difficult to add reading to my long list of daily to-dos. For me, the holidays give me the opportunity to slow down a bit and pick up a good book.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Read A Book Month:
Obvious tip alert – pick a book that you have an interest in. But also pick a book that you have time to read as well. If the book requires your unbroken attention and you have small children running around you or you plan on reading during your lunch hour, this may not be the book for you.
If you like to read, indulge yourself during the down times within your day or during your holidays. Reading can be a great way to regulate the rhythm of your day.
And finally, don’t let reading negatively impact your sleep. Poor sleep habits such as reading late at night or in bed can leave you sleep deprived, foggy-headed and often grumpy.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Saturday Nov 30, 2024
Saturday Nov 30, 2024
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It is something that we all know that we should do. But often, it is not until something goes wrong or we’ve had a close call that we actually do it.
What is it?
Backing up our computer files and taking care of our computer.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Today’s Tips For Building Resilience and Celebrating Computer Security Day:
Change your passwords.
Update your anti-virus program.
Check for computer viruses.
Back-up your data. (after being certain that it is virus-free.)
Store back-up data off site.
Delete unneeded files.
Install and inspect power surge protection as appropriate.
Install fire/smoke detection equipment in computer areas.
Don’t drink in your computer area.
Our computers have become one of our most valuable possessions. Not because of their purchase price, but because of all the important and often critical data that they contain. Mark off dates on your calendar to remind you to do the most important security work that you can do. Protect your computer.
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
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
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Have you seen any zombies walking around the mall?
These zombies want you to Forget Black Friday and instead celebrate Buy Nothing Day.
Today is the day to consider if you are on the road of over-consumption.
Are you in need of a retail detox? It is easy to get caught up in the ads that promise bargains and we end up jumping on the bandwagon purchasing things that we don’t really need.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Buy Nothing Day:
- Make a commitment to examine your purchasing habits
- Evaluate whether they are needs or wants
- Do your purchases end up having a negative impact on your budget or the environment?
Buy Nothing Day is not just about changing your habits for one-day, but about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste.
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
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
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It is easy just to plunk on the couch and watch TV.
Especially when you have been overwhelmed by deadlines, projects and family responsibilities. But this does little to build our family bonds.
So what can?
Researchers have studied the impact that gaming can have on cognitive abilities, interpersonal relationships and stress levels. The results are overwhelmingly positive: Games strengthen connections in the brain as well as improve connections among friends and family! Kids and adults who play games experience spikes in creative thinking.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating National Game And Puzzle Week
- Dust off your old games and puzzles
- Challenge your family members to a tournament and create some lasting memories filled with time talking, laughing, and playing together
- No family around. No worries, invite your friends and host a game night
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
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
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I belong to the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. As one of our chapter presidents, it was obvious that we were not the association of professional listeners. It took forever to get everyone focused to begin our events, as the chatter was so extensive.
Listening can be hard for us to do. It is an investment that sometimes we are not willing to make and because of this, we may miss out on hearing the other person’s story.
Originally this week was initiated to encourage people to interview a loved one, friend, or member of your community and to share this story with others. The feeling was that every story matters, and they need to be shared
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Better Conversations Week:
- Ask people about their journey and experiences and really listen in
- Interview a friend or family member. Record the interview and then share it with others.
By really listening to these stories, you will be conveying that they matter. This may be the most meaningful time you spend with someone all year.
If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.
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
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
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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.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating National Addiction Awareness Week:
Choose to recognize that substance use disorders are health disorders. They are not the result of any kind of character flaw or lack of personal willpower. In fact, substance use disorders are the most common mental health disorder.
Stigmatizing language can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and act as a barrier to seeking help and sustaining recovery. The truth is … WORDS MATTER.
Watch the language that you use. Here are some ways to avoid using language that stigmatizes substance use and addiction:
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”.
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.
#mentalhealth #hr
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
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My life is too complicated. I feel like I am always rushing to get somewhere. I feel like I don’t spend any quality time with my family. What suggestions do you have for getting my life under control? This is what one conference attendee asked me.
Many of us feel our lives are too complicated. We rush from one destination to the next – rush through traffic to get to work – then rush back again to pick up the children – and back to rushing from one sporting lesson to the next.
Rush! We get frustrated.
In the end we forget how to talk to each other. We don’t remember what it is like to spend quality time together just being.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Is My Tip For Building Resilience and Celebrating National Family Week:
Trends in our society have been to achieve more, get more, do more.
A contrary movement is underway called Simplification. It can be hard to do, but the rewards can be great. Simplification means reorganizing your life and routines to focus on the meaningful, and to minimize the chaos.
The more you can par down your life by simplifying your routines or de-junking your physical space, the less hectic it will be for you and your family.
Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
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We are all remarkable.
However, many of us have talents that we don’t share, as we believe that we are unremarkable, plain, or ordinary.
I love this quote by Henry Van Dyke: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Your Unique Talent Day:
- Embrace your uniqueness. You are truly a category of 1
- Share your talent. If it is a creative talent, share it so that others can appreciate it.
- If it is a quirky talent, make someone laugh. This can be the best gift that they received all day
- Host a talent break at work
So sing out loud, dance in the street, paint a picture, wiggle your eyebrows, talk in a cartoon voice or whistle through your nose.
Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you
by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
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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.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here Are Today’s 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
#mentalhealth #hr
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
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“What do you say?” “Thank you”
As parents, we probably said this a lot, as we taught our children to be thankful for the gifts that they received or when others did nice things for them.
Are You Thankful?
I think as adults we sometimes forget to be thankful. We often focus on the difficulties and on the things that are not going right and sometimes we lose sight of the things that are going well and the blessings that we have received.
A line of wisdom goes…You cannot welcome more abundance into your life until you have said thanks to the universe for all that you have.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating I Am So Thankful Month and Gratitude Month
Make a list of all that you are thankful for in your work and personal life.
Look at that list when you are feeling down and use it to pick up your spirits and keep you moving forward
Know that when we are full of thanks, we radiate this to the people around us and we impact them in a positive way.
Hang out with people who are truly thankful. It is contagious.
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.
#mentalhealth #hr
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
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Is Your Stuff Starting To Take Over?
I have a lot of stuff! I use some stuff regularly, some is more seasonal. There’s also stuff that hardly sees the light of day and other stuff, is just stuff taking up space.
Now is a good time to look and see how you can use less stuff or get rid of the stuff that you have.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Use Less Stuff Day:
As you are preparing to clean and decorate your home for the holidays, take a few extra moments to evaluate whether or not you need the stuff that you are organizing or cleaning around.
Get rid of items that are useful, but you have too many of.
As we cleaned out grandma’s house when she moved into a nursing home, it amazed me how much stuff we really do accumulate over the years. She had piles of bowls, though I could only remember her using one or two favourites. There were things that she had received as gifts that she was waiting for the right occasion to use…in 91 years, I guess that the right occasion never came around.
Use Less Stuff Day is an awareness day to take stock and make choices about the stuff that we gather, organize and clean around. It is the day to ask if our stuff is taking over our lives.
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
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
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I love de-junking. There is nothing better than getting rid of clutter and unused items. It changes my perspective. It helps me to think more clearly. I feel free.
Every couple of years I attack my closets. I get rid of the clothes that I no longer like, are worn out or have ‘magically shrunk’.
I often look at the bags of clothes in front of me and think, “What a waste”. However, it is not a waste. In most cases, these clothes have seen their share of special occasions, lounging days or workplace meetings. It is not a waste, because these clothes are donated to others who will continue to appreciate their beauty or their warmth.
I live where there is truly a winter. It takes a lot of money to stay warm and healthy in this bitter weather. Some can barely make ends meet and the clothes that we donate help them to survive.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating The Great Warm Up
De-Junk and Simplify. The Great Warm Up is a call for everyone to look into their closets and pare them down. Donations of coats, hats, scarves, mittens and boots are desperately needed, as are blankets and sleeping bags.
Donate to agencies, like the Canadian Mental Health Association in Toronto, that purchase hats, scarves and mittens and deliver them to the homeless and those with mental health issues at Christmas time.
Think twice before buying something new. Is it a need or a want’?
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
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
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Everyone Has Bad Days!
We all have a day that is off, but sometimes we feel pressure to pretend that all is good and that we are happy.
Have A Bad Day is permission to actually have a bad day or to take a mental health day.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Have A Bad Day:
Know that there are friends out there to support you through it. Let them know that you could use a pick-me-up.
Don’t try to suppress those negative emotions. Recognize them for what they are. Feel them and then move yourself through the situation.
Know that tomorrow will be different. It may not be better. It may be worse. But it will be different. Just because today was horrible, doesn’t mean tomorrow will be.
Your goal on these days is just to survive the day and minimize the long-term damage.
Remember those times that were good so that you don’t get so tainted by the bad day.
Try a do-over. Sometimes going back to bed and starting the day over can be just the cure that you need!
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
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
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Tis the season to think about what we are thankful for. It is also a perfect time to share our compassion. Being grateful is the number one personality trait that leads to happiness. And being compassionate to others has been found to be protective to our own mental health.
Within our communities there are many who are experiencing homelessness and hunger. No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. But the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating National Hunger And Homeless Awareness Week:
Practice daily gratitude. What are you thankful for?
Show compassion. Find ways to contribute to supporting those facing the challenges of homelessness and hunger.
6 children a minute are dying from a hunger-related disease, but this is not just in famine-stricken countries. 1 in 5 children in the US live in poverty and 1 in 8 families in Canada struggle to put food on the table. These families live in a state of food insecurity, which means they do not have reliable access to adequate amounts of safe, good-quality, nutritious food. Food banks are an important method of addressing this need. They may not be best solution, but they are necessary right now. So consider donating or volunteering.
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 #hunger #homeless
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
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“Hold On, It’s Going To Be Okay”
This saying is part of my family story, along with how my parent’s set up their farm, the struggles that they had, where my grandparents went dancing on the weekends and how they walked up hill both ways to get to school, through 10 foot drifts of snow, even in the spring.
Family stories shape who we are.
They directly impact how we see ourselves, our desire to succeed, and even our level of resiliency.
Family stories give us an idea of where we come from and how we fit into our larger, extended, family.
Research shows that teens who were able to recount details of their family stories had higher self-esteem and greater resilience than those who couldn’t.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Family Stories Matter Month:
If you have elderly relatives, ask them about their stories. Record them. Share them.
Ask about the traditions. Ask about the hardships and the triumphs. Stories of perseverance and resilience give us the faith and hope that we can too. Stories of different generations provide insight and understanding. They provoke curiosity to learn more.
Take the time during family gatherings to ask your children about their stories. You may be surprised at what you may not know about them and their story.
Finally, write your own story. Some of it is painful. Some brings a smile. Share these so that others can see your story in building their resiliency.
If you like today’s resiliency 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
#mentalhealth #hr #family
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
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“What do you say?” “Thank you”
As parents, we probably said this a lot, as we taught our children to be thankful for the gifts that they received or when others did nice things for them.
Are You Thankful?
I think as adults we sometimes forget to be thankful. We often focus on the difficulties and on the things that are not going right and sometimes we lose sight of the things that are going well and the blessings that we have received.
A line of wisdom goes…You cannot welcome more abundance into your life until you have said thanks to the universe for all that you have.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating I Am So Thankful Month and Gratitude Month
Make a list of all that you are thankful for in your work and personal life.
Look at that list when you are feeling down and use it to pick up your spirits and keep you moving forward
Know that when we are full of thanks, we radiate this to the people around us and we impact them in a positive way.
Hang out with people who are truly thankful. It is contagious.
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.
#mentalhealth #hr
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
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The weather is changing and for some of us, so does our skin. Our skin is often a reflection of our overall health. It can show signs of stress, lack of sleep and poor diet. How do we take the best care of our skin during this time?
Here are some quick skin care tips:
Exfoliate at least once a week.
Use sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go outdoors.
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated inside and out.
Get a good sleep – aiming for 7-9 hours of restful sleep.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Beverly’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Awareness During National Healthy Skin Month:
It is important to examine your body for marks
Check your front and back in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.
If you find a spot look for things like:
One half is unlike the other half.
An irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
If it varies from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown, or black; is sometimes white, red, or blue.
Look for anything that is changing in size, shape, or color.
Early detection is key.
Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you
by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
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I love my pajamas.
I could hang out in them all day. I could work in them all day. And I feel a sense of relief when I put my flannels on at the end of the day.
It is a huge trend right now to having matching family pjs for watching movies or playing games during the holidays.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So here is to Celebrating National Family PJ Night:
There is some confusion as to what day this should be celebrated on, however, I don’t think that it matters when you get together.
National Family Pajama Night is a time to relax, have fun, and create some memories.
Start your own new tradition just in time for the holiday season.
No matter what the age everyone can get into the spirit of connection and fun.
If you don’t have family to get together with, have a virtual PJ party with friends, or dress your pet up and snuggle on the couch.
It is the spirit of fun that matters the most.
If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.
Looking for resources to build your resiliency? Check out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
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Far too many of us are feeling isolated, overly challenged and highly stressed.
World Kindness Day Gives us a chance to reach to others and show them that they are not alone, and the world is not as gloomy as it is often made out to be.
Numerous scientific studies show that:
Stress-related health problems improve after performing kind acts.
Helping can enhance our feelings of joyfulness, boost our emotional resilience, and reduce the unhealthy sense of isolation.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating World Kindness Day:
Think of those that are closest to you and take a moment to connect with them…phone your grandmother, mother, father, uncle…nothing is more personal than a visit or a phone call so that they can hear your voice.
Make your son or daughter their favourite meal. Food is one of the main ways that we connect with others.
Leave a love note for your spouse. Let them know that you still hold them in your heart.
Make a donation to a charity on behalf of a love one.
Send an appreciation note to a colleague.
Being kind to another doesn’t have to cost us anything other than the energy to think of something
So my challenge to you is to do something to show someone you care!
#mentalhealth #hr