Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

TIP 1507 – Zerotasking

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

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

Researchers have studied human multi-tasking for the past 25 years or so and have found that the brain cannot fully focus when multi-tasking. We take longer to complete tasks, often double or more the time, and are predisposed to error.  

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

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

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

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

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1506 – Upping The Happiness Factor

Does your company have a happiness engineer?

Should it have one?

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

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

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

His theory seems to be proving itself.

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

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

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

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1505 - Using Your Common Sense

Why is common sense not so common?

Common sense is one of the most revered qualities in the workplace. People with common sense are seen as reasonable, down-to-earth, reliable, and practical but here's the catch.

Common sense is neither common nor sense.

If common sense was common, then most people wouldn't make the kinds of decisions they do. Every day people wouldn't buy stuff they couldn't afford. They wouldn't smoke cigarettes or eat junk food. They wouldn't gamble.

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency

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

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

Gather the facts.

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

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

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

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

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1504 - Giving Up On Gossip

Most of us do it and some of us even started.

It is frowned upon publicly, but privately, it is often indulged in.

If you're a professional gossiper, then you can make money through publishing it in magazine and newspaper columns or even through your own talk show.

However, in some places around the world it is seen as downright criminal.

Workplace gossip can destroy.

Gossip is thought to empower one person while disempowering another, accordingly many companies have formal policies in their employee handbook against gossip.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Here are Today's Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating And Gossip Day:

Gossiping is a reflection of who you are at the core.

Consider the conversations that you have. Are they serving a purpose? Is that purpose constructive. Is it focusing on solving issues or just to draw people to your side?

It can be hard to avoid gossip. Become skilled at walking away or changing the subject. If you can, focus  the conversation on problem solving instead of allowing the attack to continue.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1503 – Be An Inspiration

“We love coming to your class. You are such a great role model for our kids.”

That blew me away. I didn’t really think of myself as a role model. I am just the karate Sensei at the front of the room.

But I guess I am a role model. I let the kids know how tough it is for me to go to a tournament and compete. And how nervous I get before and during my grading. I let them know that they can do all of these things too, even in they are afraid, and that I believe in them.

I hope that I can inspire them to believe in themselves. To move beyond fear.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

So Here Are Today’s Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating National Inspirational Role Models Month:

I hope that everyone has someone that inspires them to become the person they want to be.

If you haven’t found that person yet, look around. They may be a historic figure, an ancestor, a close family member, a friend, or colleague.

Strive to be a role model to others.

I have some great role models – some are my best girl friends. And I have been fortunate to have great colleagues who I look up to in the way that they innovate, persevere, and reach for success. I am fortunate to have had people who have encouraged me to reach further then I thought capable. I continue to learn from my husband in the way that he problem solves life’s challenges.

Think of the people who you most wish to emulate. If they are still with you, give them a phone call or thank them in person. If they are not here, tell someone about them and keep their legacy alive.

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

TIP 1502 – Giving Up The Shoulds

Should have. Could have. Would have.

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

Do you find that other people should all over you?

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

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

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

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1501 - Magic Spells To Relieve Your Stress

Do you believe in magic?

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

It goes like this:

Magic moon burning bright,

Let thy will be done tonight.

Answer now my earnest spell.

Let things with Beverly all be well.

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

Try These Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating International Magic Week:

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

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

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

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

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1500 - Fighting Forgetfulness By Using Checklist

Do you forget things?

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

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

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

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

Write it down or set up a reminder.

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

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

And reward yourself for getting things done.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1499 – Hermit Day

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

However, it is a Saturday, and you are likely busy.

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

Turn off your phone

Turn off your computer

Clear your mind of your worries

Rest

Enjoy your quiet time

Read, write or draw

Write in your journal

Meditate

Take a short nap

Go for a walk in nature

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

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Check out my website at WorkSmartLIveSmart.com.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1498 - Are You A Chocoholic?

I am a chocoholic. I love milk chocolate. Creamy. Rich. Sweet. Delicious. It picks me up when I am down.

Is this wrong?
 Not terribly. We all have comfort foods and mine is chocolate. I don’t eat it everyday. My addiction is quite mild most of the time. But there are days when I just have to give in. I have scavenged the cupboards looking for any type of chocolaty morsel. And when I do indulge, I try to do so with very little guilt, (which isn’t always possible).

It’s About Moderation

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate isn’t its own food group, but treats are not all bad. Moderation is the key. Eating healthy around the treats is also well advised.

But I do like my chocolate and I am always glad that my Christmas stocking, is lovingly filled with….Chocolate. My boys use to wondered why Santa only brought mommy chocolate…I told them, it was because daddy wanted mommy to be happy so he wrote it in his letter to Santa to bring me a stocking full of chocolate. And Santa hasn’t let me down yet.

So hats off to the Mayans and the Aztecs for creating the first chocolaty drink.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Chocolate Day:

I don’t have any, other than to indulge responsibly

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1497 – Cranky Co-Worker

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

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

Today is the day to celebrate being cranky.

To celebrate the crankiness in us all.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

Don't hold the door open for anyone.

Slam your office door.

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

Growl at anyone who seems perky.

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

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

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

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1496 - Family Needs During A Critical Illness

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

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

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

Anxiety is reduced when a sense of control is promoted.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1495 - Taking The Fright Out Of Halloween

I love Halloween.

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

I have decorations everywhere.

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So plan ahead and happy haunting everyone.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1494 - Getting A Massage Can Improve Your Mental Health

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

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

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

It increases oxygen capacity and loosens muscles.

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

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

Find a qualified massage therapist.

Ask your friends who they would recommend.

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

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

So lay back and enjoy.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1493 - We Can All Make A Difference

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

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

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

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

Build others up and truly value the contributions they make.

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

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1492 – Working With Difficult People

Our goal is to stop rewarding irritating behaviours and attitudes.

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

Celebrate Mediation Week.

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

So why are people difficult?

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

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace?

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1491– Burning Out The Babysitter

I find it very sad when I see someone who was dedicated and enthusiastic about their job, leaves because of burnout.

This is often the case in the childcare profession. 

Burnout is a state of fatigue, while feeling frustrated, overworked and unappreciated. It combines physical, emotional and mental symptoms. 

Workplace stress and burnout is very high in the childcare profession due to the stress of managing multiple children and their behaviours, the relationships with parents and peers, and often there is a lack of recognition and appreciation for what should be seen as such an important role in our society.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Childcare Professionals Day:

As a childcare professional be aware of the problem and recognize the danger signs of burnout, then take care of your health.

Learn long-term and short-term relaxation and stretching strategies.

Be realistic about goals and expectations.  Set limits.

Develop strong communication skills and strategies for dealing with children, parents and peers.

Develop activities that are separate from work.

As a parent whose child is looked after by a childcare professional:

Remember that parenting isn`t easy at the best of times, neither is looking after someone else`s child.  Not everything will be perfect or dealt with exactly as you would like it to be.

Let go of minor annoyances and deal appropriately and respectfully with those issues that must be addressed.

My children are many years out of their daycare setting, but they still have warm feelings for their childcare providers when they see them in person or when we look at pictures from the past.  So to JoAnne, Clare, Sara, Kelly, Julie, and Darlene – many thanks for taking good care of my boys.

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1490 – Information Overload

Preventing illness slowing down the aging process and living life to the fullest these are a few of the reasons many are reaching out towards a healthier lifestyle.

Another reason is dealing with the constant change that saps our energy.

According to one report 14 percent of workers identified new technology in the workplace as a significant source of stress.

Never before have individuals been asked to adapt as rapidly.

One of the simplest and most effective strategies is deep breathing. Deep breathing can interrupt the stress response and promote relaxation. I it can convert fatigue into energy and restlessness into calmness.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

My Tips For Building Your Resiliency On Information Overload Day:

Learn how to incorporate the complete breath. You can read more about this technique on my blog at WorkSmartLiveSmart.com.

You can use it when you need to get refocused during a difficult situation or project.

This incredibly simple technique can have a very powerful impact. It can be done by anyone, anywhere, and in any circumstance.

So try it today. Once started it will soon become one of the best stress busters in your arsenal.

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1489 - Evaluate Your Life

Do you have balance in your life?

Have you ever had balanced?

What does balance mean to you?

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

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

It is a time to pause and reflect.

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

It's not easy and often messy.

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

This takes effort.

So sit down and make notes.

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

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

Looking from more tips to build your resiliency?

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

#mentalhealth #hr

TIP 1488 – Coping With The Change

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

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

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

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

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

Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!     

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

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

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

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

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

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

#mentalhealth #hr