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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
Saturday Feb 26, 2022
EP 1253 – Can’t Find The Time
Saturday Feb 26, 2022
Saturday Feb 26, 2022
We never seem to be able to find ‘the time’. Stop looking. You will never find it. It isn’t lost. You are living in it.
So what kinds of things waste our time?
44.7% of the more than 10,000 people polled cited personal internet use as their #1 distraction at work.
Today’s Time Truth:
If we fail to control the events in our life, then the events in our life will control us. Planning is key to performance. Not planning wastes time and energy.
According to one survey the average worker admits to wasting away 2.09 hours per 8-hour workday, which is twice as much time as their employers expect.
So Here are today’s Hot For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Time Management Month:
Eliminate useless meetings. Insist on short, well-planned, morning stand-up meetings. They are the least likely to waste your time and interfere with your work.
Stop thinking that you can multi-task. Prioritize and then break up your day accordingly. Don’t move on to the next task until you’ve really completed the previous one. Not only will you do a better job when you’re focused, you’ll also force yourself to finish something within the time allotted.
Come up for air. Productivity declines after a certain period, so pump up your productivity with scheduled breaks.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Friday Feb 25, 2022
EP 1252 – Stop The Bullying
Friday Feb 25, 2022
Friday Feb 25, 2022
The longer someone is bullied, the more likely they are to develop physical, emotional, and psychological scars that can last a lifetime.
The four most common types of bullying are: Verbal, Social, Physical and Cyber Bullying.
Bullying can be devastating, leaving a person withdrawn, shy, and insecure. It can trigger a variety of stress-related illnesses, cause relationship difficulties, and upset productivity and engagement.
Unrelenting bullying can lead a person to take their own life.
A study conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute, found that 37% of workers have been bullied, and that the majority of bullies were people in positions of authority.
Building Resiliency During National Stop Bullying Day Using The Steps Of The Proactive Personal Response:
Number one, though it is not easy, communicate with the offender and let them know that you want the behaviour to stop.
Number two, document every incident, including witnesses, and every conversation.
And number three, if it continues, let your supervisor or designated officer know about what has been happening
And finally, keep reminding yourself that you are a good person and are worthy of respect.
As leaders, educating around bullying and developing strong policies and procedures to deter It, are the most effective means of minimizing its occurrence and impact.
If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.
Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In
Thursday Feb 24, 2022
EP 1251 – Happy Snacking
Thursday Feb 24, 2022
Thursday Feb 24, 2022
Grumble. Grumble. It is 2:00 in the afternoon and you find that your stomach is growling and your energy is fading. Time for a snack.
Snacks provide you with an extra little boost. If done right, they can help to keep energy levels going, and avoid weight gain.
Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Snack Food Month:
Get good at reading. Don’t trust the claims of the food’s manufacturer on the front of the package. Judge whether a food is healthy for you by reading the ingredients and the nutrition information on the food label.
Prepare healthy snacks in advance. When you make something yourself, you get to control the ingredients. Keep plenty of fresh fruit and veggies in the refrigerator. Cut up melons or vegetables like celery and carrots in advance.
Healthy snacking doesn’t have to be boring. Make it interesting.
Go the caveman way. Try: Fresh Fruit, Salad & Vegetables. You can also add fish, eggs or meat, or dried Nuts & Fruits
Research shows that people who eat regular meals and healthy snacks are less likely to overeat and gain weight than people who skip meals or go for long periods without eating. Thinking ahead is the key to smart snacking. So…happy snacking.
Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
EP 1250 – Keep Focused
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Do You Find It Hard To Stay Focused?
Have you ever had your computer lock up when you have opened too many files or programs at once?
Sometimes when we try to multi-task, we may actually freeze up, lock up or quit performing at our peak.
Researchers have studied human multi-tasking for the past 25 years or so and have found that the brain cannot fully focus when multi-tasking. We take longer to complete tasks, and are predisposed to error.
The pressure to get more and more done, and toggle between one task and another creates a great deal of stress and pressure on the mind and body. Developing the ability to focus completely on a single task can help in our energy management.
Building Resiliency and Celebrating Single Tasking Day:
Single-Tasking should be our main way of operating when needing to accomplish important tasks
Let go of the idea that the more we tackle at any given time, the more productive we are or will be
We have become like junkies in many ways, by needing a ‘fix’. We check our emails, notices and webpages out of curiosity. By setting time aside for these activities, we fill our curiosity, yet we are more likely to stay on task and complete that task more efficiently and effectively
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
EP 1249 – Making The Time
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
There are so many different aspects to health.
We hear daily about eating right and exercising, but health also involves our relationships.
February is Relationship Wellness Month and it reminds us that we need to reach out to others and build stronger social ties with family and friends.
One key to happy, healthy relationships is the opportunity to spend quality time with the people you care about. Relationship Wellness encourages us to develop better communications with those around us including the ability to share our feelings and needs.
Building Resiliency and Celebrating During Relationship Wellness Month:
Relationships take time. Time to develop. Time to nurture. Time to sustain.
Spend time really listening to your family and friends. Find out what is important to them. What issues are they facing? Listening to someone else is one of the best things that we can do for them and it allows us to keep our own issues and challenges in perspective.
What is the one thing that you can do this month to pump up your relationships, on your road to a healthier you’?
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Monday Feb 21, 2022
EP 1248 – Start A Conversation
Monday Feb 21, 2022
Monday Feb 21, 2022
As parents we worry about assisting our children to become competent, capable and healthy adults. We are concerned about their self-esteem and their overall emotional health. We wish we had more time to spend with them. Today, where I am it is Family Day. It’s a day to sit down, talk, eat dinner and connect with your kids and other family members.
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Family Day:
When caring on a conversation, constructively express both negative and positive feelings and thoughts – children learn how to cope and express themselves through us
Help your child to put a name to their feelings. Assist them to expand their vocabulary beyond using ‘happy’, ‘sad’ and ‘mad’. Help children to find positive ways of expressing difficult emotions
Challenge unrealistic expectations when they become interpreted as a self-failure or become expressed as frustration
Remind the child of the number of different people that they can go to in difficult situations
Teach children the importance of developing friendships and what it means to be a ‘good’ friend to someone else
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.
Sunday Feb 20, 2022
EP 1247 – Love Your Pet
Sunday Feb 20, 2022
Sunday Feb 20, 2022
Their names are Carly and Misty. They are my source of stress at times as we train each other, and my cuddly companions when curling up on the couch at the end of the day.
Research shows that pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and numerous other health benefits including lower blood pressure
Pets Stave Off Loneliness and Provide Unconditional Love: Pets offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets, and are excellent snugglers.
Pets Encourage You To Get Out And Exercise
It’s important to realize that owning a pet isn’t for everyone. Pets can make additional work and add to our responsibilities. However, for most people, the benefits of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks.
Building Your Resiliency and Celebrating Love Your Pet Day:
If you don’t have a pet and are considering one – carefully consider you and your family’s lifestyle and the needs of the pet you choose. A good fit will reduce stress and not add to your stress load.
If you have a pet – give them some extra attention today – throw the frisbee, snuggle on the couch, or give an extra treat – you will both enjoy and benefit from it.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Saturday Feb 19, 2022
EP 1246 - Hearty, Hot Breakfast
Saturday Feb 19, 2022
Saturday Feb 19, 2022
It is a cold February morning and our warm beds are tough to escape. A hearty, hot breakfast can be the solution. While that used to mean day after day of the same old porridge, we now have a variety of choices to bring about that warming feeling. Not only are these choices comforting in cold weather, they can be a part of a healthy, complete diet.
One of the most popular and easy to prepare hot breakfast choices is hot cereal. Studies indicate that the insoluble fiber in grains might help prevent colon cancer. There is also the potential reduction in overall cholesterol, and therefore a reduction in heart-disease risk.
So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Hot Breakfast Month:
A hearty, healthy breakfast can improve our energy, concentration and creativity not to mention the healthy impact on our bodies. So during Hot Breakfast Month make breakfast one of your priorities.
Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com.
Friday Feb 18, 2022
EP 1245 – On My Own
Friday Feb 18, 2022
Friday Feb 18, 2022
Many entrepreneurs started their own business so that they could be happier by having more control over their life, but often the demands of running the business leave them feeling out-of-control. In order to be successful it is important the entrepreneur not only works hard, but takes the time to take care of themselves, and stay connected to those around them.
Burnout is a state of fatigue while feeling frustrated, overworked, and unappreciated. Burnout can be a serious consequence of an unbalanced life. Often this is the case for a new entrepreneur or a small business owner.
Some of the other signs of burnout include needing more hours to get your work done, lack of focus, decreased creativity, sleep problems, distrusting, complaining more, and feeling more isolated. When these occur it becomes extremely difficult to carry on with your business.
So here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week:
Know your priorities – have a clear understanding as to why you started your own business and the benefits of owning your business
Set very clear expectations for yourself and for those around you based on those priorities
Take care of your mental health
Develop a life outside of your business
Take care of your physical health
Develop family, friend and peer supports
Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace? Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
EP 1244 – It is My Way
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
Today is My Way Day. Yes, it is MY way or the highway!
I like MY way, it is the RIGHT way. It is the ONLY way!
Why, because I said so. I know it is so.
You just haven’t realized it to be so.
And until you come around to my way of thinking, just do as I say, and life will be much better for all of us.
And don’t argue with me. When it is Your Way Day, I’ll do what you say, so, till then, remember it is MY Way Day!
I jest, but part of it is true. I really do want things my way. It’s all about control and I like to have control. I can be seen as a difficult person and in fact I am one of the ‘characters’ that I talk about in my workshops. When we understand what motivates others and what motivates ourselves, it is much easier to deal with the negative sides of these personalities.
Building Resiliency and Celebrating My Way Day:
Just because it is My Way Day, don’t expect that everything will go your way, because funny enough, others think it is their way day too.
Learn what pushes your buttons and learn what pushes other people’s buttons.
Relaxation skills can help to reduce that overwhelmed, frustrated feeling, helping to prevent you from stomping around.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Wednesday Feb 16, 2022
EP 1243 – Goodwill, Peace And Understanding
Wednesday Feb 16, 2022
Wednesday Feb 16, 2022
The quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world. This is the fourth avenue of service for the Rotary Club.
With all of the chaos and conflict happening in the world, we need courage to take a stand and promote peace in our communities.
We do this by digging in and learning how to understand other people's cultures, by promoting engagement with others, and by building strong, diverse communities.
Tips for Building Resiliency and Celebrating National World Understanding Month:
The first part of expanding our understanding is to recognize that every cultural group has unique strengths and perspectives that the larger community can benefit from.
We need a wide range of ideas, customs, and wisdom to solve problems and enrich community life. It is by bringing non-mainstream groups into the center of civic activity that we get fresh perspectives and shed new light on tough problems.
Here are some questions that may help you think about and understand your community:
How would you define your community? Does it have geographical boundaries? Is it local or global?
Who lives in your community right now?
What kinds of diversity already exists?
What issues do different cultural groups have in common?
These are just a few of the questions that can expand your understanding and this insight can lead to an increase of goodwill, cooperation, and peace in your community.
If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency?
Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
EP 1242 – If You Can Be Anything, Be Kind
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” Seneca
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 acts of kindness result in significant health benefits. Performing kind acts can help reverse feelings of depression, decrease feelings of hostility and isolation, decrease intensity and the awareness of physical pain, and increase sense of self-worth, happiness, and optimism.
Building Resiliency and Celebrating Random Acts Of Kindness Week:
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. Let them know how much they mean to you.
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. You are letting your love one know that you are thinking of them and you are helping out a worthy cause at the same time.
Send an appreciation note to a colleague. Many of us receive little or no appreciation at work. Let’s change this and help increase the engagement of each other.
Being kind to another doesn’t have to cost us anything other than the energy to think of something.
Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com
Monday Feb 14, 2022
EP 1241– Have You Signed Your Card?
Monday Feb 14, 2022
Monday Feb 14, 2022
One of the most important places for your signature is on your Donor Card. It can impact so many people. That signature can save lives.
Today we thank those individuals who already voluntarily donated their blood, organs and tissue to save someone else’s life or to improve the quality of their life.
With our lives being so busy it is easy to forget to do this simple little act of kindness. But this little act can mean the difference between life and death.
So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Donor Day:
If you are okay with donating, take the opportunity today, to sign your card. Someone may be counting on you.
Discuss this decision with your family.
Sometimes starting the conversation can be difficult. Making the decision for yourself in advance makes it easier for your family to cope during a very difficult time.
If you are not sure about your family member’s wishes, #StarttheConversation.
Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
EP 1240 – Get A New Name
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
Do you know who Dianne Belmont was? I think that she was a comedic genius. Still not sure?
Dianne later became known as Lucille Ball.
Have you ever wished you were given a different name by your parents?
If so, today is the day, as it is Get A Different Name Day. If you could, what new name would you give yourself?
In some religions they have or had a practice or ceremony during which you selected a new name. Sometimes taking a new name is a case of a celebration, such as getting married. Some actors or musicians choose a new stage name, especially if they had a hard to pronounce name.
Taking on a new name can help affirm a new identity, like when transitioning from one gender to another. It’s all about getting a fresh start, and that’s what Get A Different Name Day is about!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Get A Different Name Day:
If you are not seriously looking for a new name, have fun with a different name anyways, just for today.
Choose a character from a movie or TV show or from folk lore and post it on your social media to let your friends and family know about this new or hidden identity
Are you a Sheldon Cooper, a Zena Warrior Princess, Taz for Tasmanian Devil, or a Lucy because of your sense of humor?
Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com
Saturday Feb 12, 2022
EP 1239 - Are You A Successful Leader?
Saturday Feb 12, 2022
Saturday Feb 12, 2022
Though everyone may want something unique from their job, there are some common things that employees want their job to provide.
Employees want to gain a sense of confidence, competence and control.
What motivates employees is having interesting work that challenges them, along with increased responsibility, autonomy, and recognition for a job well done. These motivating factors fill our need for growth and achievement, and bring about long-term happiness and fulfillment.
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Leadership Success Day:
Successful leaders build confidence, competence and control by treating their employees with respect and by giving positive recognition for performance and dedication.
Successful leaders focus on building two-way trust within the organization.
When employees feel that they are trusted and respected, they will share issues openly and are more productive and creative. They are more likely to develop meaningful relationships and take pride in contributing their skills and abilities. All of this increases overall confidence, competence and control.
Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace?
Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com
Friday Feb 11, 2022
EP 1238 - Do Your Best To Be Electrific Today
Friday Feb 11, 2022
Friday Feb 11, 2022
Electrific. I have no idea what this word means, but isn’t it a great word’ When I hear it, I think of great, terrific, electrifying, bubbly, energizing…..
How can you be electrific?
Often, we find ourselves just going through the motions. Days run into each other. Life can become boring and stagnant.
If we don’t purposefully attack each day, we can become anything but electrific.
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Electrific Day
Share a smile with those around you. Greet your family the way you wish to be greeted
Do something fun – just because
Say thank you to your co-workers, to your boss, to your spouse
Think of something positive to say to each person that you connect with today
Get plenty of sleep so that the energy you have bubbles out from you
Wear something bright to pick you up from the winter blahs
Do your best to be electrific 🙂
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency?
Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Thursday Feb 10, 2022
EP 1237 – Foiling The February Blahs
Thursday Feb 10, 2022
Thursday Feb 10, 2022
I am really glad that February is the shortest month of the year, as it always seems tough to get through. I often get hit with the blahs during this time. Sometimes it is because of the busyness around me and sometimes it is weather related. Sometimes it is both.
Have you ever been caught up in the blahs and you aren’t sure that things are going to ever pick back up? Do you worry that you may feel this way forever?
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Blah Buster Month:
Getting together with a friend is a sure way to put the blahs at bay. Social connections ground us.
Declutter Your Closet. Go through your clothes and pull out the things you no longer wear. Donate those items. Organizing and Decluttering open up space in our environment and our minds.
Get Active. Exercise is a mood enhancer and will naturally lift your spirits.
Go to the light. I often get caught staying indoors during this month, but the more I get outside the better I feel.
Finally, try something new. A new activity. A new recipe. A new technology. All of these can increase your brain’s plasticity and add a bit of a spark to a tough month.
For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
EP 1236 – Read In The Bathtub To Help Relax
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
CEO Jeff Bezos admitted that he reads in his bathtub. He took a one-gallon Ziploc bag, and puts his e-reader inside it. Book in hand…safe and sound.
An interesting way to combine two popular stress-relieving past-times. I am not sure that I am co-ordinated enough to master this even with a Ziploc bag.
Bathtubs are the picture-perfect scene to the end of a hard day for many people. I have trouble sitting in a tub. I don’t find it very relaxing and my mind usually wonders off to what else needs to be done.
Part of the S-O-S Principle that I developed involves finding strategies that get your mind off of the stressful situation. The key is to find something that works for you.
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Read In The Tub Day:
If you have trouble slowing down to relax, ask yourself why. Are you too caught up in what needs to be done next’ Keep the superhuman syndrome in check – we need to take time to take care of ourselves.
If the bathtub or a good book don’t do it for you, find something else that does. Find something that changes the speed, changes your focus and helps to renew your energy.
If you are still willing to try the book and bathtub combo to relax, start with a magazine or book that doesn’t matter if it gets wet.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency?
Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
EP 1235 – Does Your Employer Care
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
A study found that 20% of workers felt that their employer didn’t care about them. Imagine what that would look like in your organization. What impact do you think that this would have on productivity and engagement?
Quality leaders are aware of the value of recognition. During Leadership Week, I encourage supervisors, managers, directors and the C-Suite to look closely at the relationship that that they have with their employees. A poor relationship – one in which employees feel powerless, uninformed, disrespected, used and stressed – will lead to high rates of heart and cardiovascular problems, anxiety, depression, and alcohol and drug use. It can also leave the company with higher rates of absenteeism, lowered productivity, higher rates of job turnover and more difficulty in attracting and retaining high quality workers.
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Leadership Week:
Quality relationships take time to develop. They require that leaders allow for participation in decision-making, provide information and support on stress, develop support strategies between team members and that the leader ensures the proper resources are available to get the job done.
Challenge yourself to evaluate your leadership skills. Would your team consider you a quality leader?
Want to check out more health and wellness related celebrations?
Visit my wellness calendars under the resources and courses tab at worksmartlivesmart.com
Monday Feb 07, 2022
EP 1234 – Refuse Shame
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Accept Yourself. Accept Your Body. Celebrate Yourself. Celebrate Your Body.
Fact #1 Eating Disorders affect people of all gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic class, ability, race, and ethnic background.
Fact #2 Eating disorders are not choices, but seriously biologically influenced mental illnesses and need to be treated as life threatening conditions
Fact #3 You can’t tell by looking at someone whether they have an eating disorder.
Tips For Building Resiliency and Bringing Awareness To Eating Disorder Week:
Whether you're a parent concerned for a child, a friend or someone who just wants to make a difference, there are many ways to shine a spotlight on eating disorders to help those in need and celebrate people who have made a recovery.
Find ways to show your support. US News & World Report recommends:
Be honest: Tell the person you're concerned about his or her health.
Be sincere: Compliment the person on their intrinsic qualities – like their ability to make people laugh or their ability to work as a team player.
Be caring, but firm: Let them know that you care and want to help in the recovery process.
For more tips on how to Promote Mental Illness Awareness check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com under the Resources and Courses tab