Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

EP 775 Pausing By The Fire

Gathering around a fire pit is a guaranteed way to instantly increase your relaxation factor.

The crackling sound and bright flames are mesmerizing. There is nothing better for me, than a snowy day, cuddled with a blanket beside the fireplace hearing the crackling of the wood.

These relaxing effects from fire may go back to prehistoric times when our ancestors socialized primarily around campfires – forging strong bonds with others and sharing the safety fire provided from predators. You may not have a campfire to sit by or a fireplace in your house, but you can now tune in to a TV station or Youtube video that broadcasts a wood burning fire experience all day long. One study found that that blood pressure decreased for those who watched and listened to the sound of a fire and the longer people watched the fire, the more relaxed they became.

Here are todays Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Firewood Day:

With the busyness that we experience all day long, it is important for our mental health to find ways to stop, pause and slow down. A campfire, or sitting by the fireplace is a great way to pause and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

EP 774 - 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.

So Here Are My Hot 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.

EP 773 - Have You Written Your Dear Santa Letter?

This is the time of year to start drafting your letter to Santa. Letters to Santa Claus have a magical Christmas power all their own — they share a child's hopes and dreams, contain wishes innocent enough to bring tears to a parent’s eyes and can save the day like in the classic holiday film, "Miracle on 34th Street."

One letter went like this Dear Santa, I have been good for the last week or so…let’s just focus on that.

Even if you don’t believe in Santa, what would you wish for?

Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Dear Santa Letter Week:

Try writing a letter of all of your wants for the upcoming holidays.

Don’t expect them to be delivered on Christmas morning. That only happens in those sappy Hallmark-movies, but it might actually do you some good to take a moment to think about what you really want and put it in writing. There's something to be said for putting into words the things you want in your life. It can be an eye-opening experience as you may find that your priorities are made clear. You may also find that many of the things that you are wanting are within your control.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line Vulnerability Test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the Resources And Courses tab.

EP 772 – 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.  

Here Are My Hot 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

EP 771 – 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.

So Here Are Today Hot 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.

EP 770 - 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 mood and 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?

Try these hot 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.

EP 769 - 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.

So Here Are Today's Hot 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

EP 768 – Hermit Day

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

However, it is a Tuesday, and you are likely at work or at school.

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.

So Here Are Today’s Hot 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.

EP 767 – But You Look So Healthy

But you look so good!

96% of illnesses are invisible. These people do not use a cane or any assistive device and may look perfectly healthy.

60% are between the ages of 18 and 64.

It's hard to know what to do when a person has an illness. It’s even harder when it's virtually invisible.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Invisible Chronic Illness Week

Don't be afraid to talk about what they're experiencing. Open the lines of communication and follow the other person's lead. If they want to go into details, they will. If they would rather talk about other things, they will let you know.

If you're living with an invisible chronic illness it's important to keep connected. Reach out for support. It's only by opening up about your illness that you can educate people and invite them to be there for you.

You may be surprised, but they may be dealing with their own invisible chronic illness and could really use your support, or they may become one of your biggest advocates or confidents. You won't know until you give them a chance.

Looking for more information on making your mental health matter? Check out my online courses at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 766 - Protect Yourself From The Flu

Children have bent back to school now for a month and we're starting to see the rise of colds and other ailments, both in our children and in our workplaces.

Though these are not usually cases of influenza, it is a reminder that the true flu season is just around the corner, and that we need to protect our families and our co-workers.

Influenza is an infection of the nose throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus. For most people the flu is uncomfortable, tiring, and can keep you bedridden for many days.

But for some, the flu can be serious.

Each year the flu causes many unnecessary deaths. The most common way the flu is spread is through flu germs on people's hands. If you touch something with the flu germs on it, then touch your face or mouth, you could get infected.

Flu germs can also travel through the air. If a person with the flu sneezes, or coughs, their spray can carry the virus to your nose, mouth, and our eyes.

Today's Hot Tip For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Flu Prevention Month:

Wash your hands often and consider getting the flu shot.

For some the flu shot is the best defense.

For more information, check me out on twitter at SOS To Stress.

EP 765 - 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.

So Here Are My Hot 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.

EP 764 - 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 haunted bush path through our trees when my children were small.

Here Are My Hot 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.

These are unusual times. No matter what you decide to do, talk to your young children so that they know what to expect. 

If they are going out in the neighbourhood, this is especially important. Being greeted by a mask creature can ruin the night if a child is not prepared.

It is also important to talk to older children so that they are not putting themselves at risk.

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

You can have a howling a good time without the spin tingling chills that give children nightmares or put them at risk.

Halloween can be a great deal of fun. So plan ahead and happy haunting everyone.

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

EP 763 - 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.

Today’s Hot 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.

EP 762 – 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.

So Here Are My Hot 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

EP 761 – 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.

So Here Are Today's Hot 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.

EP 760 – 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.

My Hot 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.

EP 759 – Substance Abuse Prevention

Sadly, one in 10 Canadians suffers from some type of substance use disorder. That could mean your colleague, your neighbour or someone in your own family. Addiction does not discriminate—it affects all walks of life.​

The total societal cost of substance abuse is in the billions. Whether the cost comes from lost productivity in the workplace, increased cost to our healthcare system or pressure on our law enforcement agencies, substance use disorders cost money.

People are dying. Substance use disorders can be progressive and fatal if left untreated.

So Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

Millions experience substance abuse issues, which includes underage drinking, alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications, and illicit drug use. Substance use disorders are health disorders. They are not the result of any kind of character flaw or lack of personal willpower.

Stigmatizing language can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and act as a barrier to seeking help and sustaining recovery. WORDS MATTER.

Use “people-first language.” For instance, refer to “person who uses substances”, rather than a “drug user”, “addict” or “alcoholic”. This is more neutral language that helps to maintain the individuality of the person.

Choose language that promotes the recovery process. This means not describing a person being “clean” or “dirty” but rather “not currently using substances” or “in recovery”.

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 substance use on-line course at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

 

 

EP 758 - Evaluate Your Life

Do you have balancing 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.

So Today’s Hot 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.

EP 757 – 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 the 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.

Here Are My Hot 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.

EP 756 - Health Literacy

This is health literacy month. So what do you know about medication safety?

I knew that my medicine cupboard had been neglected when I found a jar of Vicks Rub from when I was a kid. Yes, that was a long time ago and yes, it was about time that it was thrown out.

Medication safety isn't just about an expiry date.

It's about safe storage, knowing what medications may interact with other medications, food, and supplements.

And it's about telling your doctor but any side effects that you may have had from previous prescriptions.

So Here Are My Hot Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Health Literacy Month:

Check your prescriptions periodically for expiration dates.

If you're traveling through several time zones consult with your doctor or pharmacist to work out a plan for adjusting the timing of your medication. This will prevent you from taking too much or too little.

Remember the term natural does not necessarily mean safe. Treat all supplements and herbal remedies with the same respect as you would any prescribed medications.

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