Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

EP 1095 – Pause The World Day

Sirens, television, computers, printers, car stereos, endless talking — Most of us accept this daily racket as normal.

It is not until we step away, into a peaceful setting, such as when we are walking in a park or camping at the lake, that we notice how loud our life can get.

And it is odd what we can get use to as normal. During the heat and humidity of this summer, I had the fans on high and it didn’t keep me up at night. A few weeks later, when it cooled off at night and there was no need for the fans, I was kept up by a cricket outside my window.

Constant or uncontrollable noise can stress our bodies by raising our blood pressure and heart rate and by releasing stress hormones.

Part of Pause The World Day on September 21st is to relax and to enjoy the silence. Most of us rarely experience true silence, but silence can help us to get in touch with our emotions, provide us with a sense of calm and leave us feeling rejuvenated.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Pause The World Day:

• Listen for the sounds of nature – the birds singing, the bees buzzing and the trees whispering
• Turn down the volume
• Seek out silence
• Sit with only your thoughts to focus on and tune in to the quiet within

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.

EP 1094 – What’s Your Image?

Your image is the way you appear to others Some say that it shouldn’t matter how others perceive you. But life Is all about relationships. And for most of us, everything that we do involves other people.

Building a better image is about making improvements in order to change the way we appear to others. It is about ensuring that when people think about us that they have a positive perception about who we are and the benefits of connecting with us.

Our image encompasses your personality, values, culture, and beliefs.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Build A Better Image Week.

Take stock. Before changing your personal image take a step back and consider what you want others to perceive. What are your strong qualities? What do you want to showcase? What first impression do you want to convey?

Next evaluate. What do others think about now when they do think of you and is that different from the image that you want to present? Get feedback from those that you trust to provide honest information.

Beware. Caring too much about how others perceive us, is not good for our mental health. However, aligning how we want people to perceive us with how they actually do, can help to eliminate some of the stress that we may be encountering in our day-to-day relationships.

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

EP 1093 – How To Be A Healthy Road Warrior

Have you ever found yourself exhausted or caught a cold after flying for a business trip or a vacation?

Whether it's for business or for pleasure, stress from travelling can cause a person to experience many physically and mental symptoms.

The stress of being on the move can become overwhelming.

Today is International Road Warrior Day and Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Road Warrior Day

Number one: Be healthy.

Road warriors can burn themselves out, so know how to relax and take care of yourself regardless of the environment.

If you're a road who flies learn the tricks and tips around avoiding jet lag.

Number two: Stay connected to your family and friends. Leave them notes. Make use of social media and plan for social times when you are not on the road.

And finally keep things simple and uncluttered.

For more tips my book on amazon called Stressed Out: 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In

EP 1092 – RESPECT

I disagree with the usual sentiment. Respect is earned, not given. I believe that Respect is given, first. But you can lose my respect and you may have to earn it back.

Our default setting should be to respect every person we meet. Every single one.

Respect is not just deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Respect is due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Respect Day.

Start by treating people with a more polite approach. Are you saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’?

Respect their time, energy, and experience.

Treat people they way you would hope that they would treat you with.

Sometimes, people mistakenly think that they must agree when showing respect. That is not true. It is very possible, to disagree in a manner that demonstrates politeness and consideration. That can be done without berating the person, without insulting them or their opinions, and without causing hurt, guilt or shame.

Respecting everyone can create a ripple out effect to others. Respect is like kindness and once demonstrated, it can have a profound impact on the person receiving it.

If after getting to know a person you realize they are very cruel or bigoted, or they have demonstrated a lack of respect and understanding towards their fellow humans, you don't have to continue to respect them. But it is always best when we start from a place where we believe people are good.

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.

EP 1091 – Time’s Up

Life is too short. Some Day will never come. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Time’s Up Day is here. Today is the day to make the most of your life.

It is also the time to get over whatever is standing in between you and someone else: Arguments, disagreements, feeling slighted, jealous, or whatever it is. It is time to address the situation head on.

Hurt is inevitable in significant relationships. Yet pain and strife do not have to mean a relationship is going to end.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Time’s Up Day.

Time is fleeting. Waiting until tomorrow, may be too late. Tell yourself that time is up and reach out to the person today. Call them on the phone, or send them an email.

It takes two people to mend a broken relationship. There is no sense in trying to fix something if you are the only one willing to do the work. If the other person is unapologetic, dismissive, or continues hurtful behavior, it might be time to move on.

If it is a worthwhile relationship to work on, then use your best communication skills. Instead of trying to think of what you need to say next, stop and try to understand what they are telling you. Careful listening shows respect and will help you both figure out what to do next.

The time for repairing relationships is today

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

EP 1076 – Words Hurt

“You can’t do anything right”. “This is your fault – It’s always your fault”.

Those who are emotionally abusive, are just as dangerous as those who are physically abusive.

People can be emotionally abusive by:

Rejecting the person by undermining self-esteem, criticizing, humiliating, blaming, or ridiculing

They can withhold affection or threaten to take away possessions

Abuse my also be restricting access to people or money, or exposing the person to inappropriate situations

Emotional Abuse can lead to many emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural issues. It can impact social development, future success, and relationships outside of the abusive relationship.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Bringing Awareness To Emotional Abuse:

People who are the target of emotional abuse are made to feel insignificant and incapable. Often, having an advocate or a person that they can confide in, can help them to see the abuse is not their fault.

If you are being emotionally abused, talk to someone – find someone you can trust – a family member, friend, co-worker, EAP, supervisor, spiritual leader, community advisor or health professional. These resources can help you to examine all of your options so that you can decide what is best for you.

Emotional abuse is a serious issue faced by many, but help is available. Recognition is the key.

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.

EP 1085 – Building Resilience As We Age

Do you find yourself creaking, cracking, groaning, or moaning, more as you age?

I recently took a look at a website that tried to determine your real age compared to your chronological age.

I was pleased to see that it covered a variety of areas related to positive stress management and this sparked some interesting reflection regarding healthy aging.

Studies show that regularly exercising our brains by problem-solving, organizing, and prioritizing helps our bodies age healthy.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Healthy Aging Month.

Well besides the obvious of healthy eating and staying hydrated, along with regular exercise, make sure that you're getting an adequate amount of sleep.

And finally, look for creative ways to stimulate your brain.

If you'd like some more tips, follow me on twitter at SOS to stress.

EP 1088 – Stress Still The #1 Lifestyle Risk

Stress (83%), lack of physical activity (49%), and obesity (41%) are often cited as the top three health risks.

Stressed out workers incur healthcare costs 50% higher than the norm while 60% of lost workdays each year can be attributed to stress

Research indicates that stress is still the number one lifestyle risk and that employers and employees couldn’t be any farther apart when reporting the top sources of stress in their workplace.

For the Employer: the number one source of stress for their employees is a Lack of work-life balance.

While for the Employee: they identified inadequate staffing as the number one cause of stress.

Leaders need to address the main sources of stress for their employees and this can only be done if they have been clearly identified for your particular workplace.  Until you have talked to your employees or surveyed them for their opinions, you may be addressing the wrong issues.

The programs that you implement should address the sources of stress at the corporate level and promote skills and resiliency at the individual level.  Ensure that the right strategies are considered for your unique situation. By specifically addressing your challenges and stresses, by utilizing strategies to maintain your health during stressful times, and by building a supportive network, you can find the right tools for coping with the situations that you face.

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

 

 

EP 1087 – Celiac Disease

It is invisible.

It is hard to live with a disease that no one around you can see. Celiac Disease is one of those illnesses that no one else can see, but living with this serious genetic autoimmune disease has a profound impact on the way that you live your life.

Celiac Disease it the only autoimmune disease with a known trigger – Gluten. When a person with Celiac eats gluten, their body’s immune system begins to attack their small intestine.  This can lead to lactose intolerance, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, infertility, miscarriages, cancer, and diabetes.

Accidental exposure puts those with Celiac Disease at risk and 70% report being accidentally exposed, even while on a gluten free diet.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Bringing Awareness To National Celiac Awareness Day.

I have a couple of friends who have Celiac Disease.  What many people don’t know is that it is a serious genetic autoimmune disease, not part of a latest diet trend.

I know that it must be hard for them. Most restaurants may carry some menu items that are gluten free, but they often are not good at ensuring that there isn’t cross-contamination.

Many people with Celiac Disease have missed school or work because of hidden or unknown ingredients or because of this cross-contamination.

If gluten touches a celiac patient's food, he or she can no longer safely eat it. So show support. Be an advocate and definitely don’t encourage them to ‘just take a bite’ of something with gluten!  Having one bite causes as much harm as eating the whole thing. 

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.

EP 1086 - Day For Encouragement

I find the transition from summer into fall a tough one. I feel draggy, and sometimes not very creative or motivated to work on my business.

What gets me kicked into gear is connecting to those around me. My friends and colleagues who cheer me on and get my creative juices flowing.

Encouragement, as they say, goes straight to the heart. In fact, the word itself comes from a combination of the prefix en which means “to put into” and the Latin root cor which means “heart”.

We all could use a little encouragement and a few words of inspiration now and again.

Here are today’s tips for building our resilience and celebrating National Day of Encouragement.

Encouragement lifts up someone when they are down, so be deliberate and reach out today to someone who could use a boost.

Send a card, give a call, or send a text to a colleague who may be struggling. 

Provide reassurance and inspiration to the people around you. Be deliberate in your words to others.

Encouragement matters.

Simply having others believe in you is enough to keep you moving forward in tougher times.

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

EP 1084 – Stop Suicide

“A permanent solution to a temporary state.”

We often don’t hear about those that died by suicide. Because we don’t talk about it, those around us can suffer in silence, unaware of the supports that may be available to them. There is little funding because there is no public outcry. But the issue of suicide touches us all – whether directly or indirectly.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and it is celebrated on September 10th each year as a way to improve education about suicide, disseminate information, decrease stigmatization and, most importantly, raise awareness that suicide can be preventable.

Around the world, every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating World Suicide Prevention Day:

Read and learn as much as you can about suicide – it’s prevalence, the signs and symptoms, and personal stories from survivors. Understand the pain that those who even consider suicide as an option, must be in.

Be open and not afraid. Don’t be afraid to ask directly about the issue of suicide.

Know the resources that are available to help.

Suicide is a difficult issue to discuss, but it is even a more difficult issue to experience. Let’s help support those who are in pain so that they can find a better solution to living a peaceful and purposeful life.

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.

EP 1083 – Opposites

Did you ever play ‘Opposites’ in school? Any time you were asked a question you had to give the opposite answer. You wore your clothes the opposite way around, and you ate your lunch in the opposite order.

Opposite day is a day to have fun and be silly. Especially as you kick it back up into high gear after summer vacations. Some celebrate Opposite Day a month after Christmas, other’s today…the idea is just to add some fun to your life.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Opposite Day:

Adults can get in on this silly holiday.

Try having dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner.

Eat, write and use your mouse with your non-dominate hand.

If you are the super achiever, ask for help.

If you are a procrastinator, try getting the tough stuff done first.

Flip that button-down shirt around and wear opposite coloured socks and shoes.

Just be sure to let your family, friends and colleagues know that you are celebrating Opposite Day. Otherwise, it could get very confusing for everyone around you.

Have a great day. Sorry, I mean hello, how are you?

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.

EP 1082 – Children and Suicide

Children do not attempt or die by suicide

False. In fact, 3% of our children are suicidal at any given time and our rates are increasing among our youth. It is the second leading cause of death among our children ages 15-19 and studies show that 1 in 7 students have seriously considered suicide.

Identifying those children at risk for suicide can be problematic in that communication skills may be limited, emotional development may lead to spur of the moment decision-making, and support networks limited.

It is estimated that about 80% of people give some sort of clue that they are considering suicide. Behaviourally, children may give away their prize possessions, or they may lose interest in their hobbies, activities, school-work and friends.

Verbally, children may communicate a sense of hopelessness around their situation, self-hate or self-esteem statements such as ‘everyone would be better off without me around’, or they may express more physical complaints.

Though most people give some sort of clue, it is important to remember that it is not a family member’s ‘fault’ if that clue is not recognized or given significance at that time. There is not a parent out there who is superhuman, totally tuned in, and able to tell the future.

Giving support, providing information and alternatives, and finding the appropriate helping strategy is not easy but resources are available.

Children do die by suicide even in the most supported situations. However, as caregivers and parents we can look for the clues and not be afraid to address the issue of suicide.

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.

 

 

EP 1081 – Back To School Chaos

Back to school and the kick-off of fall can be exciting and full of energy. It may also be dreadful for both children and parents. Not many parents cherish the thought of forgotten textbooks, missing permission slips, making lunches or lost backpacks. For many children, success is dependent on their ability to effectively manage the stress of the morning routine.  For both parents and children, having to deal with morning chaos can throw everyone off course.

So what can you do to reduce your stress?

Enlist everyone’s help in establishing a smooth morning and evening routine. Decide what needs to be done, who can do it and who is responsible for it.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Reducing Back To School Chaos:

Post a calendar of all weekly or monthly events and activities. Predictability helps to relieve anxieties. By seeing what needs to be accomplished for the week ahead, everyone can plan to complete tasks accordingly.

Do not over-schedule. If it starts to look crowded on the calendar, it is probably going to increase the difficulty in transitioning.

Establish a ‘drop zone’. Have a set place for everything so that it is all easily and predictably found.

And finally, keep a sense of humour. This is not the time to panic, get angry or impatient. It sets an awful flavour for the rest of the day.

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

EP 1080 – Just Do It

Can you find time?

Stop looking. You will never find it. It isn’t lost.

Sometimes we lose time because we are procrastinating. This could be because jobs or tasks are difficult or time consuming, but it is not procrastination if the job doesn’t rank in importance or urgency.

So why else do we procrastinate?

Perfectionism – have you ever wanted something to turn out ‘just right’, that you got overwhelmed by the details and couldn’t move forward?  There are 3 books waiting to be written, but the thought of them being less than spectacular keeps me from sitting down to write. 

Fear of failure, success, or finishing – Like the examples above, sometimes procrastination is also fueled by the fears that we have. 

Dislike task or person – I hate tackling my monthly finances.  It wouldn’t be so bad if I actually did them monthly.  However, I procrastinate, and I end up doing them every 3 months or so.  I get frustrated and annoyed which makes me want to put the task off even more.

Too tired – I need my sleep. If I am worn out, all those little tasks are easy to draw out or avoid all together.

So here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Do It Day:

Find the answer to ‘What’s In It For Me”.  Why is this task/decision important?  What will I achieve once it is completed?

Use positive self talk to keep you moving forward.

Watch out for time gobblers.

Reward yourself.  Make it fun.

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

EP 1079 – Be Late

Procrastinators Rejoice!

Today it is okay to be late.

I hate being late. But I am not quite as bad as my dad, who arrived early and often unexpectedly for almost everything. He even had a hard time with me being the last one to arrive for my wedding.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Late For Something Day:

While it is okay to be late for somethings, it is not okay to be late for everything.

It is not okay to be late for a meeting, especially if others are depending on your input. It is not okay to be late in paying your bills. And if grandma was making dinner, it was most definitely not okay to be the last one to the table.

There is an incredible pressure to meet challenging deadlines, and to regulate our lives by tightly defined schedules and calendars. Wouldn’t it be nice to just stop for a little bit and see what happens?

Be Late For Something Day encourages you to take a step back from your schedule and intentionally be late for something. You may find that people can still function without you, and maybe all of the stuff that you fuss about is not all quite as important as you thought.

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.

EP 1078 – The Secrets To A Healthy Happy Marriage

I find it sad that we are often more polite to strangers then we are to the people we love the most.

Statistics show that about ninety percent 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.

I think that I have a healthy marriage.

Is it perfect? No. We are loud, and we go to bed angry, but not very often.

We know that a happy, healthy marriage is created. It doesn't just happen.

So here are my Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Health Marriage Month:

Know that marriage is more than love and passion.

It's about commitment, respect, and believing in your future together. Marriage is not fifty-fifty. It's two people giving all of themselves to each other.

And finally. never compare your marriage to others. What you see on the outside is not always what is on the inside.

Looking for more health and wellness celebrations? Check out my wellness calendar under resources and courses at WorkSmartLiveSmart.com.

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

EP 1077 - Self-Care During Challenging Times

You may be like me and feeling that the challenges and changes that we are currently facing are taking their toll on your energy and your mental health. We have buckled down, and hunkered down.

We will never feel at ease or in control if our task list is so long that it doesn’t allow for a little downtime.

A lack of self-care causes more stress. Self-care during challenging times is critical. Without it, we can not be resilient. We need to give ourselves permission to do less and to focus on our needs.

To take care of ourself is restorative. People who focus on self-care are happier and have more stamina to get more accomplished.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Self-Care Awareness Month:

This pandemic is taking a toll on our work, our economy, our social lives, and also on our mental health.

These are challenging times and now is the time to be kind to yourself. Now is the time to focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do.

Look for ways to engage in self-care that works for you. If you hate yoga, don’t force yourself to workout in an on-line yoga class. You don’t need the extra pressure, guilt, and challenge.

Self-care is about focusing on your priorities and including yourself in those priorities.

When you find yourself reacting negatively, remember the acronym STOP.

Stop

Take a couple of Deep Breaths

Observe what is happening

Proceed by recognizing your fears, frustrations, guilt, sadness, hunger, tiredness etc and take an appropriate action by making amends, satisfying the need, diverting, re-energizing, refocusing, or relaxing.

Test out a variety of calming techniques. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to relaxation, meditation, or mindfulness.

Taking a mini-break will remind you that you’re worth it. Make a list of 10 self-care activities that resonate with you. Try to take at least one mini-break a day where you incorporate a self-care activity from your list.

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 tips check out my book on Amazon called Stressed Out: 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In.

EP 1075 – Enthusiasm Makes Ordinary People Extraordinary

Enthusiasm makes ordinary people extraordinary.

Enthusiasm originally meant inspired by a god.

So how can you be enthusiastic about your life?

Be present. Be involved.

Make active choices about your life including what priorities you will focus on and what activities can wait.

This is how ordinary people achieve extraordinary lives.

They enthusiastically go after what is important to them regardless of whether it is a business idea or cheering for their child sport’s team.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Enthusiasm Week

Examine your priorities

Be clear about what areas of your life are your priority.

Don't let other people determined your priorities.

Watch out for the peter pan syndrome of jumping from one flavour-of-the-day to the next.

Working at our priorities isn't always fun and it can be frustrating and hard work.

Being enthusiastic is pushing forward, in spite of the tough times.

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.

EP 1074 – Preventing Overdose Through Education

The tragedy of overdose is preventable. While street drugs often come to mind, an overdose can happen with many different types of drugs, from alcohol to opioids, in all segments of the population.

Worldwide, almost 200,000 people die prematurely due to drugs every year—the majority due to the use of opioids.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Promoting International Overdose Day:

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of overdose, can help prevent death and injury.

These include:

Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness

Passing out or a “slumped over” posture

Shallow or irregular breathing, or no breathing at all

Choking or gurgling sounds

Purple lips and fingernails

Vomiting

Seizures

Loss of coordination

Panic, paranoia, or symptoms of psychosis

Confusion or disorientation

An overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Always call 9-1-1 if you suspect someone has overdosed.

Education and preparation can be one of the most important things that you can do to help prevent an overdose from happening or leading to death.

For more information on how to recognize the signs and how to be a supportive family, friend, or co-worker, sign up for my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.