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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 in your personal life or at work. Our goal is to help you address the sources of stress, take care of yourself during stressful times, and to find ways to reach out to those around you 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!
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 in your personal life or at work. Our goal is to help you address the sources of stress, take care of yourself during stressful times, and to find ways to reach out to those around you 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

Sunday Jul 21, 2024
TIP 2130 – Life Balance
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
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It is a gorgeous July morning. I have finished watering my newly planted grass seed and now it is time to focus on my business. I am finally feeling like my life is in balance.
This was a reflection on life that I had several years ago. It didn’t mean that my life wasn’t chaotic, but I was feeling satisfied with the time and energy that I was spending on the various aspects of my life.
Sometimes my ‘balance’ lasts for a long time, other times, that balance is fleeting. Balance to me, does not mean equal. Balance means satisfaction.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Life Balance Month:
My First Strategy is the belief that I have a purpose in this world and that this world has a purpose.
Second, is being comfortable with who I am. I am not superhuman. I try my best to take care of myself. My family and my business need me to function.
Third, I enjoy the little things and look for the awesome. In my reflection above, my day started outside, watering and weeding. For me, this is nature at its most glorious and it helps to ground and center me.
Each day I experience different challenges, but these beliefs keep me satisfied with where I am going. How do you create more satisfaction and balance in your life?
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 resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Saturday Jul 20, 2024
TIP 2129 – Releasing Regret
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
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Should’ve… Could’ve… Would’ve
…I should have taken that other job. Should have talked to my friends before I spent all that time and energy. I could have bought the blue one instead of the black one. I should have just left it alone.
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.
A great piece of advice that I was given is to “Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.”
Easier said than done.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Toss Away The ‘Could Haves’ and ‘Should Haves’ Day:
Today is the day that we write down our “could haves” and “should haves” on a piece of paper and then throw that list into the trash or fireplace. Then we make the pledge: “From this day forward, I choose not to live in the past—the past is history that I can’t change. I can do something about the present—I choose to live in the present.”
Or you can try this, write down these headings on a piece of paper:
My Regrets
- The Role I Played
- The Effect That The Regret Has On My Life
- Valuable Lessons That I Have Learned
- What Will Happen If I Continue To Hold On To The Regret
- What Will My Life Be Like If I Release The Regret
- Steps I Can Take To Release The Regret
- Steps I Can Take To Prevent Myself From Making The Same Mistake/Poor Choice
This exercise can take some time, but it can help us to learn from our past and release the regret that we have, so that we can move forward into a healthier space.
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 resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Friday Jul 19, 2024
TIP 2128 – Restless Leg
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
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Have You Ever Had The Sensation That Your Legs Are Unable To Relax When Trying To Go To Bed At Night?
Has it kept you awake or even made you pace the floors trying to get them to stop tingling?
If yes, you may have experienced Restless Leg Syndrome.
This is no joking matter for many people. Some research shows that Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) may affect 3 – 15% of the general population.
When I first experienced it, I was pregnant. I was awake for 3 days straight. It had me beside myself and stressed out trying to find ways to get them to relax. When I asked the doctor, his response was that he didn’t know what it was or what could be causing it and that I should just try and get some sleep.
It wasn’t till I found a name for this on-line that I knew what I was dealing with
Since then, I have experienced it a few times each year – especially when I get over-tired.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency By Dealing With Restless Leg Syndrome:
Ensure that it is not a reaction to a medication that you may be taking
Avoid getting over-tired or stressed out
Try massage, relaxation techniques and stretches to prepare your body for sleeping
Remove caffeine and other stimulants from your diet
If nothing seems to work, check with your doctor, as there are a variety of medications that may be useful in reducing the symptoms and allow for a better sleep
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 on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Thursday Jul 18, 2024
TIP 2127 – Focus On Fun
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
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Humour can help you thrive in change, remain creative under pressure, work more effectively, play more enthusiastically, and stay healthier in the process.
Humour and Stress – For some of us it is a lost art, but it can be one of our most powerful ‘life coping’ tools.
One definition I really like, is that humour is an attitude focused on generating positive feelings in yourself and for others. It is an active state and a choice that we make.
One other advantage of maintaining a sense of humour and being able to freely laugh is that it provides us with a powerful sense of perspective and ability to build relationships with those around us.
Humour and creativity originate from a lively imagination and the ability to recognize and to appreciate the incongruities of life.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Personal Health Month:
Part of ensuring your personal health is making sure that you have a positive and fun attitude towards life. So,
- When you’re feeling terrific – notify your face. Some of us forget to show that we are having fun
- Find funny friends and co-workers. Hang out with the people who’s attitude you admire.
- Develop a Humour First-Aid Kit and fill it with your favourite jokes, clippings, and stories to buffer yourself through hard times.
- Use humour in adversity to lighten up rather than tighten up – Laugh at yourself and your mistakes
- Finally, appreciate today and look for the ‘awesome’.
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 resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
TIP 2126 – Grieving The Loss Of A Child
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
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The loss of a child is the most stressful and inconsolable of losses to deal with. It violates the natural order of things and it’s not fair for an innocent to see their dreams unfulfilled.
I watched as my husband`s parents grieved for the loss of their son, my husband`s only sibling. I watched how my brother-in-law`s wife`s parents grieved for the loss of their daughter. Together they were killed by a drunk and drugged driver. Their pain was evident and their grieving styles so different, as was the responses of their family and friends.
Often, we don’t know what to say or do for grieving parents, so we do nothing.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency Through Bereaved Parents Awareness Month:
Don`t avoid the parents. It is okay for you to not know what to say or how to help. A listening ear may be what they need the most. I love the sentiment that one parent received from a friend: “Grieve well. One day you will cease to remember him with tears and instead remember him with smiles.”
Don`t avoid important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries, but provide an opportunity for the parent to grieve and remember and not feel like they must hold the grief under control.
Be aware and provide support for both the health of the bereaved parents and their relationships. According to research, bereaved mothers and fathers experience more physical and emotional issues than do non-bereaved parents, including severe depression. It is estimated that over 70% of marriages where a child has died, end in separation or divorce.
Be patient. Grieving parents may think, do, and say things that are very unlike who they really are and as their family and friends, our job is to be there for them and not judge their reactions as justified or unfair.
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 resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
TIP 2125 – Leaders Make A Difference
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
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What do you think… Kids will be what they see?
This seems to me to be one of those nature and nurture questions.
What I do believe is that all caring adults have the potential to positively impact the children and young adults around them.
As leaders in our organizations and in our communities, how we treat each other, and especially, how we treat our youth matters.
In a world filled so publicly with hate, prejudice, bullying and negativity, positive role models are desperately needed.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Make A Difference To Children Month:
None of us are perfect. Our goal should be to provide the best examples that we can. Here are three things that as leaders we can strive to do.
- We can inspire our youth to dream big and work hard to achieve those dreams
- To develop values based on gratitude and kindness
- And we can teach children to respect each other’s differences
One person can make all the difference in a child's life. This July, make sure that person is you!
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

Monday Jul 15, 2024
TIP 2124 – Everyone Deserves a Massage
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
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There is nothing more relaxing than having a skilled massage therapist work out the tension from overly taunt neck and shoulder muscles.
Massage can be an important component to promoting mental health.
Stress causes the blood vessels to constrict and reduce circulation. Muscles become tense. This decreased circulation to our brain hinders our ability to focus, problem-solve and be productive. When our muscles are tense, our bodies become tight and sore.
Massage can increase circulation and promote the body’s relaxation response. The other benefit is that a massage can takes you out of the hectic pace and forces you to be still and to let your mind wander for a period of time. When our mind is allowed to relax it is better able to focus when we need it to after the massage.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Everyone Deserves a Massage Week:
Remember that your needs are important. You need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Looks for ways, like a relaxing massage, that can promote your mental health.
As a massage therapist, consider the ways that you can get involved in promoting mental health during this week, especially to those who are experiencing a chronic or terminal illness, or in recognition of public service, such as your local firefighters, police officers or emergency responders.
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
#mentalhealth #hr

Sunday Jul 14, 2024
TIP 2123 – Celebrating Your Body
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
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Are you keeping cool today? It is the middle of summer and it is also International Nude Day.
Nudist groups around the world celebrate this holiday and take it quite seriously!
Today is the day to celebrate your birthday suit. However, I wouldn’t suggest it as appropriate attire for the workplace, unless you are like me and you work from home…with no chance that a delivery person will come to the door.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Nude Day:
Be proud of your birthday suit, no matter what shape or size it comes in.
Though there are some obvious benefits of going nude…like less laundry to do, but make sure that you don’t shock your family, co-workers, or neighbours.
If you are going to go outside, remember that you will still need to wear sunscreen and watch out for poison ivy, if you happen to go for a walk in the woods.
Finally, if going nude is not quite for you, treat your skin to some pampering.
Your skin is your largest organ. So slap on some moisturizing cream and give it a bit of attention as you celebrate your skin.
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 resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Saturday Jul 13, 2024
TIP 2122 – Combating Boredom
Saturday Jul 13, 2024
Saturday Jul 13, 2024
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“I’m bored, there’s nothing to do”.
As summer vacation begins for thousands of children this is far too often a familiar complaint. But boredom is generally a totally self-inflicted problem.
The antidote to boredom is curiosity. Curiosity happens when you start to explore the world around you.
You will be less likely to feel bored if you go out, get active, pick up a new hobby, or even volunteer. You will be too busy learning new things or meeting new people to feel bored.
For children the anticipation of summer-fun wanes as the summer goes on and all those previously fun activities start to feel stale.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Anti-boredom Month with your family:
Make up a new sport. When you’ve created new rules for an old game, your mind in more engaged and time flies by.
Change the scenery – Set up a tent or a picnic area in your backyard.
Put out a challenge. Design the classic scavenger hunt or let the kids design the challenge for an activity and see what they come up with.
Come up with a list of the most boring things to do and see how the creative juices kick in.
And if all else fails – suggest a list of chores that they can complete. You will be amazed at how quickly they can find activities to entertain themselves.
Remember, 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

Friday Jul 12, 2024
TIP 2121 – Simplicity
Friday Jul 12, 2024
Friday Jul 12, 2024
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How are you doing? How’s work going? The kids?
We are busy! Most of us have a full plate. And many of us have a multitude of things vying for our attention.
So how can we find a better balance and simplify our life?
Balance is about maximizing what you love and minimizing what you loathe. Balance is about focusing on the fundamentals: health, security, relationships, personal development, purpose and making them a priority in your life.
Balance is not about equal it is about satisfaction.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Simplicity Day:
Design the life that you want to live, by examining where you spend your time and energy.
Avoid blaming others and situations – WE have the ultimate decision on how OUR time will be spent.
Develop and set your priorities and say ‘No’ to those things which are not your priority.
Do not over-program yourself and make time to focus on yourself.
Don’t get caught up in trying to multitask. Stay focused. Work productively.
Finally, simplify routines and de-junk your physical space.
Simplifying means “letting go” of things that weigh us down. Worry, confusion, stress: these are all things can arise from complexity. Getting rid of the distracting parts of our lives, we can live a more balanced, fulfilling life.
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 resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Thursday Jul 11, 2024
TIP 2120 – Cheer Up The Lonely
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
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Approximately 1 in 5 seniors say that they are lonely. People can become lonely for any number of reasons, regardless of their age. Some people are lonely because they don’t feel like they fit in, while others may become lonely after the death of a loved one. Other people might just suffer from an illness that doesn’t allow them to see many people.
When my boys were little, they were blessed to have 3 sets of grandparents and 3 sets of great-grandparents. Life was busy with two little ones, but we made it a point of visiting each of the great grandparents. Sometimes the boys would complain, and we would have to explain that not everyone’s lives were busy like ours. Grandmas and Grandpas loved us and looked forward to us visiting. It made them happy.
It doesn’t take much to cheer up the lonely and make a difference.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Cheer Up The Lonely Day:
Let your friend or family member know that you are thinking about them. Send them a message, call them on the phone, or go for a visit.
We need physical contact, but giving a hug may not be appropriate at this time. Did you know that giving 5 people a hug every day can lower your own stress level by 25%. Look for other ways to get connected.
Ask what they need. It’s ok to ask. And if they are not sure, let them know that you are there when they need you.
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

Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
TIP 2119 – Are You Failing At Self-Care
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
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Are you running on empty?
Have you been neglecting your own needs because others' needs take priority?
Self-care is a necessity.
Self-care is not self-indulgence. Self-care refers to activities and practices that we can engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and build our resiliency.
Balancing work, family and self-care has always been challenging. The pressure to do it all, to be successful, and to put others first, can cause a great deal of stress.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Self Care Month:
Our list of things to do can get so long that we forget, even neglect, to take care of our minds and bodies. Be aware of your mental and emotional health, stress level, sleep habits, cholesterol level, blood pressure. It is important to honour and care for yourself.
Start with setting healthy boundaries around how you spend your time and energy.
Look for positive ways to recover, refocus, and re-energize.
Focus on sleeping, eating healthy, moving, learning how to pause, simplifying your life and remembering to play.
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
* The International Self-Care Foundation has developed the ‘Seven Pillars of Self-Care’ which provide a useful framework and starting point.
#mentalhealth #hr

Sunday Jun 30, 2024
TIP 2109 – Celebrating Marriage
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
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I have been married for over 25 years…and yes, to the same person. I love the way that we fit together. We have our own interests and our own, very different careers. We share in the chores and in being the ‘bad’ guy to our children. I like hanging out with him. I miss him when he is gone away. He can make me laugh.
Is it perfect? No. We argue, we’re loud, and we go to bed angry…but not very often.
Statistics show that about 90% of adults will get married at least once in their lives but many of them get disappointed because in the end, it is not the stuff that fairy tales are made of. It isn’t all “lovey dovey” or hot and passionate.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Happy, Healthy Marriage Day:
I was doing a web search of how to have a happy, healthy marriage…here are some of my favourites…
Marry someone that you enjoy listening and talking to.
Compliment more than you criticize.
Remember that people do fight. It’s how you do it that matters.
Never pass up an opportunity to say “I love you“.
Love isn’t always a feeling, it’s a decision.
Never compare your marriage to others. What you see on the outside is not always what it is on the inside. The grass always seems greener until you get there.
Remember, 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

Saturday Jun 29, 2024
TIP 2108 – SOS To Stress
Saturday Jun 29, 2024
Saturday Jun 29, 2024
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Coping with stress is simple…though not always easy.”
We hear so much about stress. Most of it negative. Most of it about the sources or symptoms. Some of it inaccurate. And much of it not helpful.
Tomorrow is SOS To STRESS Day
This day was conceived because we need to hear more about how to deal with stress and build our resiliency. We already know that it is bad to be “under” too much stress. We need to know what options we have to deal with it.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating SOS To Stress Day:
SOS To STRESS Day is about coping. It is about finding the right strategies to take care of the situations and ourself.
What Do Sleep, Sex and Sweaty Palms Have In Common?
They are all impacted by stress. Stress plays on our minds and keeps up awake at night. It can lower our libido. It brings about headaches, high blood pressure and sweaty palms. So, how do we determine the right strategies to deal with so many different sources of stress and such a large variety of symptoms?
The S-O-S Principle helps us to ensure that no matter what we are facing we are able to best take care of the Situation and Ourselves and be Supported while we are doing this.
There is no one way to deal with stress…despite what others may suggest or tell you. It is about designing a plan with sufficient strategies to be successful, healthy and happy.
Remember, 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 resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Friday Jun 28, 2024
TIP 2107 – Vacations For Your Mental Health
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
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Time off is essential to our mental health, yet three in ten put our holidays on standby and we leave them unused.
More hours spent on the job can often mean less quality time with friends and loved ones and can negatively impact our mental and physical health.
When we do not use our allotted time, we may experience more stress related symptoms such as mood swings, frustration, irritability, pessimism, feelings of being rushed, pushed or tired, more headaches, sleep difficulties and gastrointestinal disorders. Being overworked and vacation deprived may result in not communicating as effectively, problem solving as efficiently and are being as creative or energized as those who do take their allotted vacation time.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Our Mental Health:
Many of us are working under the false belief that more in always equals more out. Unfortunately our bodies and minds can only work at peak efficiency for so long before they start to break-down and shut-down. Make sure that you use all of your allotted vacation time.
It may not be the employee that is not valuing the benefits of vacation time. There are some leaders who see vacation time as a nuisance and a disruption to the productivity of the group. Employers can minimize vacation deprivation by lightening their workload and by encouraging them to take time off.
Vacation usage is one of the most common corporate wellness programs. Vacation usage needs to be evaluated, as it can be an early indicator of individual and team difficulties, which may negatively impact the corporate bottom line.
Remember, 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 resources to build your healthy workplace? Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr

Thursday Jun 27, 2024
TIP 2106 – Post-Traumatic Stress
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
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Our lives can become filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty and with little information on where to turn, we find ourselves struggling on our own. We know that this stress can have a profound effect on our health and the lives of those around us.
Traumatic events can bring about an extreme stress disorder. Whether it be living through an earthquake, surviving childhood abuse, witnessing violent acts of terrorism or being a first responder to an accident, all of these can bring about PTSD. Post-traumatic Stress can seemingly creep into our lives when we least expect it.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating PTSD Awareness Day:
Treatment depends on the severity and persistence of symptoms. Support, debriefing, therapy, and medications have all been shown to be effective ways of managing PTSD.
We do know that having the opportunity to share your feelings and memories with others who have also experienced similar tragedies can be helpful in processing and recovering from a trauma.
The number one tip is: Don’t Be Afraid To Reach Out For Support
We must develop our supports as they can provide a protective barrier. Talk to friends and family about your fears. If they seem overwhelming contact your doctor or a counselor. Your workplace Human Resources Department or Employee Assistance Program may also be a valuable support.
Remember, 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 on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
TIP 2105 – Education Is The Key To Reducing Drug Use
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
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The United Nations estimates today that more than 240 million people in the world suffer from illicit drug use. This represents 4.7% of the world’s population. The breadth of the global drug problem carries a heavy burden on public health systems and workplaces with respect to treatments, care and prevention.
In the world, a third of all substance abusers are women. Women are more inclined to consume opioids and prescription tranquillizers compared to men, who would be 3 times more likely to consume cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking:
Substance use may cause issues at work by impacting a person’s judgment, alertness, perception, motor coordination or emotional state which also impacts working safely or making safety sensitive decisions.
Certain elements of work may contribute to the use of substances such as high stress, high demand/low control situations, low job satisfaction, long hours or irregular shifts, and fatigue.
Employers need to design policies which outline what is an acceptable code of behaviour and what is not. By establishing or promoting programs such as an Employee Assistance Program, employees can gain better access to community services.
Education is the key. Managers and supervisors should continue to be educated on how to recognize and deal with substance use issues, and employees should continue to offer educational programs about positive coping strategies and where to go if help is needed.
Remember, 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 resources to build your healthy workplace? Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr

Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
TIP 2104 – Deliberate Communication and Connection
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
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What if you couldn’t connect using your computer or your cell phone? How would that impact your communication?
Interesting questions and a bit of a reality check as a while ago I found myself with no internet service. I felt very lost, as I had to change the way I carried out my business and they way I communicated with family and friends.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So how does this all relate to effective communication?
Two studies were released within days of each other that I found interesting. One found that we are working more non-standard hours and that we are feeling time crunched. The other saying that almost half of us are feeling vacation deprived, yet we are not using up all of our allotted vacation time.
We need to be more deliberate in our communications and connections with others.
So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Effective Communications Month:
Take the time to slow down and talk to your family about their day. Let the elderly members of your family know that you care about them not just care for them.
We often take our ability to communicate with others quickly and effectively for granted. However, recent research has shown us that we are often connected when we should be disconnected.
Vacations are a great way to get reconnected so take all that you are allotted. However, turn off your phone and put away your laptop. Take the time to find out what is important to the people around you. This can only be done by talking, listening and sharing.
Remember, 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 resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr

Monday Jun 24, 2024
TIP 2103 – Celebrating Our Senses
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
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Taste, touch, sight, sound and smell.
We are often bombarded and feel that we are on sensory overload.
Most everything we know, feel, understand, and struggle with comes through our senses, including pain and pleasure. But how often do you actually pay attention to your specific senses?
By focusing on all five of our senses, we can promote health and wellbeing in our workplace. We can use these individual senses to boost our creativity, productivity and happiness.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Celebration Of The Senses Day:
Look for ways to boost each of the five senses in your workplace.
Taste. Did you know that chewing gum can help you stay focused for longer on tasks that require continuous monitoring? And that chewing gum can improve concentration in visual memory tasks?
Touch. I like having squish toys to play with while I am on the phone or listening to an on-line learning course. It helps me to concentrate more on what is being said. And research has found that these fidget toys are most beneficial to those who are more kinesthetic learners.
Sight. Try adding a bouquet of flowers. One study found that including plants and flowers in your work environment improved productivity and creativity.
Sound. Research from Cornell University found that employees who listened to happy music were able to cooperate and make group decisions better than employees who worked without a background soundtrack. If you’re going to play music in your workplace, the most important thing you need to do is match the type and tempo of the music to the task and level of concentration required.
Smell. Scents are tied directly to the part of the brain that is linked to memory and emotion, so scents can influence both. Some scents are known to reduce stress, others are known to improve productivity. Play around with mild scents in your workspace to see what you prefer, just remember not to interfere with your colleagues and their ability to enjoy their workspace.
Remember, 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

Sunday Jun 23, 2024
TIP 2102 – Let It Go
Sunday Jun 23, 2024
Sunday Jun 23, 2024
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Make it a point to never regret. Regret is an appalling waste of energy. It is only good for wallowing in.
Regretful Situations and Difficult People.
These can play on our minds and lead us to becoming angry, frustrated, hurt, guilt-ridden or even embarrassed.
Moving past these situations can be difficult. Your logical mind wants to work it out so that it doesn't happen again. You focus on the “what if’s” and “if only’s”. You replay the situation over and over. Letting go feels like we are admitting that we were wrong in some way.
Holding on to pain doesn’t fix anything. Replaying the past over and over again, doesn’t change it, and wishing things were different, doesn’t make it so.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Let It Go Day:
Identify those situations or people that pushed your ‘buttons’
Try to look at the situation or person without judgement. What lesson can you learn, and appreciate that you have learned that lesson
Recognize the emotions behind these situations and then do something to relieve the tension. Try deep breathing, a hobby or exercise
Positive self-talk. Reaffirm that you are doing the best that you can and that letting go is not 'wrong'
Finally, rely on your positive supports to keep the situation in perspective
Remember, 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 resources to build your healthy workplace? Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr