Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

EP 1187 - The Sound Of Silence

What would a day of complete silence be like?

Would you love it or hate it? Would you be lonely?

Some people dislike being silent as they equate it with being alone. Would you know how to cope with silence for a day?

We live in a very loud world where TV, music, and smartphones fill the void with white noise. Many of us, never take the opportunity to sit and enjoy silence.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Be A Lover Of Silence Day:

Silence and solitude give us the space to think, act, and play "catch up" with our mind, and can be very healthy for our physical and mental wellbeing. By keeping external silence we are allowing our internal thoughts to be heard.

Shut it off. Noise has a negative impact on the brain, which can lead to elevated levels of stress hormones. Researchers found that silence can release tension in the brain and body in just two minutes. It was even more relaxing than listening to "relaxing" music.

Finally, if you can’t keep silent for an entire day, start off small. Engage in deep breathing exercises or meditation. This helps calm your mind and quiet it at the same time.

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 1186 – Look On The Brighter Side

Every one of us has heard the phrase “Look on the bright side!”

Look on the bright side is used to refer to focusing on the good part of something that is mostly bad.

As we head into a new year, let’s focus on these Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Look On The Brighter Side Day:

#1 It's difficult to look on the bright side when you're surrounded by negativity so be careful who you spend your time with.

Remove “can’t” from your vocabulary. A defeatist attitude will get you about as far as a car without an engine.

Be grateful. There are times when looking at the bright side of things can seem out of the realm of possibility. However, it’s important to take a step back and concentrate on what you do have, rather than what you don’t have.

Finally, It’s OK to make mistakes. Your past mistakes are meant to guide you, not define you. Remember, no one is perfect. Rather than looking at the negative aspects of a mistake that you’ve made, look at the bright side of that mistake and use it as a lesson moving forward.

So today, I challenge you to look on the bright side of a negative situation and use it to your advantage.

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

EP 1185 - Spreading Holiday Cheer

Have you ever gone caroling?

We used to when I was in public school. We would go to the nursing homes and entertain the elderly residents there. I probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I would today.

Christmas caroling is believed to have originated by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. Though caroling has slipped by the wayside, I still love watching the old Christmas movies that depicted the carollers dressed up going from door to door singing the old favourites.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Go Caroling Day:

While you might prefer to stay indoors with your eggnog, Christmas cookies, cozy blanket, the point of Go Caroling Day is to get out and share the spirit of the season, however, you celebrate it, with everyone.

And a quote from a favourite Christmas movie character, Buddy the Elf says that “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”

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 1184 – Stress-Free Family Gatherings

Holidays provide opportunity for celebration, and they often bring about family tension. By determining your goals for the holidays and by staying in control of your reactions, you can help to ward off excessive stress and have a stress-free family gathering – whatever that may look like this year.

So here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Stress-Free Family Gatherings Week:

The first and most important step to a less stressful family gathering is to determine who pushes your buttons. Then understand what the person gets from being so difficult. Some want to feel more in control over what is happening around them. Some want to feel important and listened to, and some want to avoid outright conflict, but will act out their annoyance or disagreement through other negative behaviours.

By understanding what people expect to gain from using undesirable behaviours, we are in a much better position to deflect and defeat the difficult behaviour and move the person towards more acceptable ways of responding. Our job is to help these family members feel more in control, more listened to and more important.

My second tip is to avoid ‘holiday perfectionism’. Thinking, saying, or planning for the best holiday ever can lead to certain disappointment. Be okay with disorganization, conflict, and family chaos. Going with the flow will help to reduce your stress.

Finally, stop and be in the moment. When you start to feel the tension rising, take a moment to notice the wondrous sights, sounds, and smells around. Changing focus helps to reduce your stress level.

Wishing you a meaningful, joyful, and Stress-Free Family Gathering.

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

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency during the holidays? Check out my holiday infographic at: https://worksmartlivesmart.com/mental-health-infographics/

or read a few of the articles posted at: https://worksmartlivesmart.com/?s=holiday+stress

EP 1183 - Fortify With Friendships

When was the last time you wrote a letter by hand’ We’re quick to email or text our friends, but nothing can replace the joy of receiving a personalized letter in the mail. December is the perfect time to stop what you’re doing and drop a note to a friend or a family member.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Write A Friend Month:

Researchers have found that people with few ties to others had 2 to 5 times the death rate as those who had more ties. Support and connectedness can be a powerful tool in preventing illness by acting as a buffer to the effects of stress. One way to continue building that sense of connection and deeper friendship is to continually communicate and writing allows us to contemplate, ask questions or show appreciation in a very different way than by calling or emailing.

One of my favourite quotes is: Life is to be fortified by many friendships.

It is a shame that for many of us, the more stressful life gets the less connected we become.

Remember your friends. Let them know that they matter. Connect when possible – but don’t leave it up to chance – or time may pass you both by.

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

EP 1182 - Bring On The Ugly

The Ugly Christmas Sweater trend has made its way online and in stores, with extravagant additions including light up Christmas trees, wine bottle holders and modern-day slogans. And naughty and nice two-person sweaters that you can share with your partner. There are even social media battles for the most likes, shares and comments on your Ugly Christmas Sweater.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day:

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is on the third Friday and is about proudly sporting your favorite ugly Christmas sweater for the entire day.

Don’t have an ugly sweater?

Make one of your own. Bedazzle an old sweater, add embroidered holiday motifs and some sequins, and voila, you are ready for Ugly Sweater Day

Why am I mentioning this so soon? Well because it is the day for light hearted fun and a day to not be that buttoned up corporate version of yourself, you will need some time to buy or make your sweater, get up the nerve to wear your sweater and get your colleagues on board to wear their sweater next week.

Remember that National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is a day to make the holidays fun...the way they were intended to be! And don’t forget to post the pictures for us all to enjoy!

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

EP 1181 - Chocoholics Rejoice

Today is my day to indulge. Chocoholics, rejoice! For today, we celebrate the treat of dipping anything in chocolate

Chocolate compliments so many different flavors. From chocolate covered pretzels to chocolate covered espresso beans, sweet, salty, and savory items can all be dipped. Love this quote from Charles M Schultz: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Chocolate Covered Anything Day:

If you don’t have access to a chocolate fountain, you can still have some chocolate dipping fun. Look up melted chocolate recipes and instructions and gather your favorite foods to dip in chocolate. Make it healthy and dip strawberries, pineapple spears, or really any fruit. Or go decadent and dip marshmallows, cookies, and cakes. You can really dip almost anything in chocolate, and it will be delicious. Though I may draw the line on chocolate covered bacon, jalapenos or fish.

Cover your food in chocolate today, and, in spirit of the holiday season, share some of your chocolate covered treats with your friends and family.

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

EP 1180 - Pearls Are Precious, As Are We

This day is a day of encouragement and inspiration. National Wear Your Pearls Day was created by best-selling author and motivational speaker DeAnna Bookert to celebrate life after she emerged from a deep depression.

She said, “I wear pearls as a reminder that I have purpose and value,”.

We are reminded that one irritating grain of sand can cause an iridescent pearl to form. 

National Wear Your Pearls Day reminds us that when life throws dirt our way, we can take that dirt build on it and turn it into something meaningful and precious.

Pearls symbolize wisdom acquired through experience and represent new beginnings.

So here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Wear Your Pearls Day:

Embrace the beauty of your life, a beauty that is often formed through hardships and trials.

And when life throws dirt your way, put on your pearls.

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 1179 - Time To Get Twisted

Yoga can give you a piece of time to observe your mind and your heart. People have different ways of relaxing, some of them healthier than others. Some people drink a glass of wine, some doze off in front of the TV, and some people prefer physical pursuits. One of the best and oldest ways to release the tension building up in both the body and the mind is practicing yoga. The benefits of practicing yoga, such as mastering countless techniques of controlling the body and the mind, have been widely recognized by the Western world for years.

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

If you are a devout practitioner, today is the day to celebrate as it is the birthday the man called “the father of modern yoga,” B.K.S. Iyengar.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a particularly fit person—don’t worry! Due to its slow, fluid movements, few people suffer any kind of injuries practicing yoga, and many of the meditation techniques, breathing exercises, and certain postures are considered safe and beneficial even for those suffering various illnesses as well as pregnant women. Just make sure you don’t attempt a headstand the first time you decide to give yoga a try.

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 1178 - Tis the Season of the Cookie Monster

Crispy or chewy’ Palm-sized, or bite-sized’ Sprinkles or no’

One of the first signs that the holidays are close is the invite to participate in the Cookie Exchange.  Have you ever been involved in a cookie exchange’ I have and it was so much fun…but for others I know, this is the last thing that they want to participate in.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resilience and Celebrating National Cookie Exchange Week:

A Cookie Exchange doesn’t have to be a strictly C2C (cookie to cookie) transaction. At your workplace you can enjoy the holiday spirit by giving out cookies in exchange for smiles, holiday singing, or anything else you can think of to bring cheer to your colleagues.

Use the cookies as a way of fundraising to support a family in need.

Finally, make sure that if you are involved in a cookie exchange that it is fun and for connection. It shouldn’t be extra work or add to your stress-level…especially at this time of year.

When looking up National Cookie Exchange Week, I came across a site that told me what kind of a cookie I was…I am a Peanut Butter Cookie. I am not one to skimp on the finer things in life, and keeping my finances in check is crucial. You may want to check out that quiz.

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 1177 - Thinking the Unmentionable

Unmentionable thoughts.

There is a Festival that celebrates these thoughts. Guess that is what today is. The Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts

Beverly’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating the Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts:

We aren't going to mention any subjects you could be thinking about today. Feel free to think about them yourself, but make sure not to mention them.

We don't even want to know what you're thinking. It’s not that we don’t care. Somethings should just stay unmentionable.

It’s surprising how little control we seem to have over the timing and content of “bad” thoughts. Researcher found that people have about 500 thoughts a day that are unintentional and “intrusive” and that last about 14 seconds on average. While most dealt with the concerns of everyday life, 18 percent were unacceptable, uncomfortable, or just plain bad—politically incorrect or mean thoughts. And a remaining 13 percent were ugly, out of character, or downright shocking.

So whether they are morbid, perverse, prejudicial, know that we all have them, but what we do with them and the significance we attach to them are key.

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

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 1176 – Apps For Busting Stress

What is your favourite app?

Do you have one that saves you time or reminds you to do something that you couldn’t live without?

Apps are so ingrained into the way we do things now and there are very few people who don’t use at least one app.

Apps can be used for communication, and entertainment.

Travel apps provide needed information and tools, helping with everything from transportation to finding the closest restaurant.

Other apps help people organize their homes or perform essential functions at work. Some can help build your resiliency.

Today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National App Day:

According to Flurry, mobile users spent 86% of their time on mobile apps. App Annie says that the average user now has around 80 apps installed and uses around 40 every month.

Look for apps that are easy to use and make sense in your daily life.

There are many apps now for almost any kind of stress therapy, be it meditation, mindfulness breathing, cognitive behaviour therapy, relaxation techniques, colouring in, or online therapy chat services. Use these apps to build in a pause to your day or as an aid to get a better night sleep.

Though keeping up with technology can be a source of stress, it can also be used to build our resiliency.

 

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

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 1175 – Write Your Business Plan

If you are a business owner, you may be looking at the end of the year as the time to review your Business Plan. I don’t enjoy doing this and I find it stressful to sit down and review where I have been and where I would like to grow my business. But I know that this is a necessary task as an entrepreneur.

Writing my business plan greatly improves my chances for success.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Write A Business Plan Month:

Keep it short. Your business plan should be a tool you use to run and grow your business. If it is too long, it becomes daunting, stressful, and relegated to the bottom of your to do list.

The biggest part of the business plan and the most helpful part of my plan answers the questions of what am I actually selling, how am I solving a problem for my market, and why me and not my competition. Your customers are stressed about something and you are there to solve it.

My customers are leaders who see that stress is negatively impacting the health, productivity and functioning within their team, and they need tools that they and their teams can use to manage their stress, promote positive mental health, and build overall resiliency.

Whether you are a business owner or not, the end of the year is a great time to review where you have been and where you are going. Set your intentions for a bright year ahead and make decisions that take you along this path.

Remember, 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 1174 - Connection Through A Card

I love Christmas Cards, however the sending of Christmas cards may be becoming extinct. In a world where we are already too busy, the thought of buying, writing, addressing, stamping, sealing and sending cards seems like an overwhelming task.

Just before my oldest son was born, I started a tradition of writing a Christmas newsletter and sending it with my Christmas cards. There have been times when I have thought that I wouldn’t send it out but then someone gives me a comment about looking forward to reading my annual update and seeing the pictures of how the family has changed.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Christmas Card Day:

Christmas cards and letters take time, but I have found the benefits to outweigh the cost. It let’s the receiver know that they are being thought about, which in this day of disconnectedness and isolation is especially important.

Another unexpected benefit of writing these annual newsletters is that I have logged many important family events. I have kept copies for myself and for my sons. They have a record of the special moments from their past.

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

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 1173 - Stress Free Holiday Preparation Week

Are The Holidays A Stressful Time In Your Household?

Are you ready for the holidays? This is the questions that you hear daily at the grocery store, the post office and in line at the bank? Some people ask because they want to feel like they are not the only ones struggling to get things done before the big day. Others ask because they are concerned about us as we may look a little haggard. Others may just want to gloat about they had in all done in July

Here are my hot tips for building your resiliency and avoiding that stressed-out feeling this holiday season while we Celebrate Stress Free Holiday Preparation Week:

Like many we tend to let our expectations, poor planning, and over-indulgence get in the way of truly enjoying and de-stressing during our ‘down-time’. The key to success in avoiding the ‘festive fizzle’ is to recognize those activities that energize, motivate, and please us, and to delete or change those activities that irritate, disappoint, and anger us.

Get back to basics and simplify to meet these priorities.

Stop often and be in the moment. Far too often the holidays come and go and we missed experiencing the joy, connection, and spirit of the season.

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

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 1172 - Spread the word, not the germs!

What do you call a germ who wants to have a good time?

A fungi (fun guy)!

I know that it is not pleasant, but think of yourself as a human petri-dish that grows all kind of icky bacteria and is the warm and cozy home for all kinds of viruses. 

Washing your hands regularly can prevent many flus, flu-like illnesses, common colds, conjunctivitis, , tonsillitis, bronchitis, , pneumonia, Streptococcus, Pneumoccous, TB and more from growing, spreading or from entering your body.

Tips For Building Your Resiliency and Celebrating Handwashing Awareness Week:

Henry the Hand says:

Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating

Use “Good” hand washing techniques including an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction and lift the germs from the skin.

DO NOT cough into your hands

DO NOT sneeze into your hands

Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth.  These are the only portal of entry into the human body for respiratory infections and washing can reduce your risk significantly

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

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 1171 - Be More Jolly Like St. Nicholas

Ever wondered who St. Nicholas was?

There once was a young boy named Nicholas, who was born during the third century. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic. Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating St. Nicholas Day:

We could all stand to be a little more like St. Nicholas.  Here is a boy, whose world dramatically changed when his parents died.  He could have let this beat him down. He could have drowned in self-pity.  Instead, he relied on his faith and did whatever he could to help those who were even less fortunate then himself.  Let’s get good at turning life around and focusing on what we have, and less on what we have lost or don’t have.

Today, we have the image of Santa Clause and we give gifts to the people we know and love.  But what about our giving to those less fortunate then ourselves? We are donating less each year. The average annual amount per donor is less than $500 with the median amount under $150. With the economy the way that it is, the demand within most charities has increased while their donations have decreased.  Make a difference in the lives of someone less fortunate than you.  It doesn’t take a lot to have a huge impact.

In 1998, my youngest son was due to arrive on Christmas Day.  We decided that boy or girl, their name would honour St. Nicholas as he was our blessed gift.  Nickolas arrived safely on December 22.

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

Don’t forget that you can find more tips for building resiliency, by checking out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 1170 - The Luxuries of Bathtubbery

A hiring manager was preparing for an upcoming interview. The supervisor asked why she had a bathtub brought in for the interviews. "Well," said the manager, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer the applicant a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket and ask them to empty the bathtub." "Oh, I understand," said the supervisor. " A smart person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup." "No," said the manager. "A smart hire would pull the plug."

I am not a fan of baths. I am too focused on getting what needs to be done, done and showers achieve this in a much more efficient manner. That being said, enjoying a hot bath, can be a very positive resiliency booster for some.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Bathtub Party Day:

"Bathtub Party Day" is supposed to be the time to slow down and immerse yourself in a long leisurely bath. It can be a party for one, two or if you have a hot tub, maybe even more.

One site had these recommendations: To enjoy a really good soak, take the ringer off the phone, light a few candles, tune into some favorite music & lock the door. If you want to add a few drops of essential oils to your bath, be sure to wait until the moment you are ready to step into the tub, to ensure the essence doesn’t evaporate before you benefit from it–whether you want the relaxation of lavender or chamomile or the stimulation of rosemary or peppermint. Don’t forget to have a big, fluffy towel ready for you! For after bath skin soothing, while your skin is still damp, apply a favorite body lotion or body oil.

Again, it seems like a lot of work…but the relaxation effects are likely worth it.

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

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

EP 1169 - Do You Work For An Extraordinary Work Team?

Are you good at recognizing others? 

Recognition works best when it acknowledges the Attitudes, Behaviors, and/or Contributions of the person or the team to the success of the organization.

Companies with a solid strategy to recognize team members enjoy stronger engagement, increased employee morale, better customer service, and lower turnover.

However, recognizing others in a meaningful way is not as easy as you think.

True recognition has to be meaningful and not superficial. It needs to make the employee feel valued, respected, and special.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day:

Be sure to recognize people on your team who make it possible for you to do what you do. I love the ‘Crush It’ calls that SnackNation does each week. They go around the room and “Crush” on someone on the team whose work they want to recognize and they also state something that they are grateful for.

Celebrate.

This can be done in many ways, but the point is to highlight and appreciate employees and teams who have made a spectacular effort, have achieved great results or helped others achieve them. Celebrating success is fun and energizing and shows employees that their efforts are being seen by leaders and by their peers.

 

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace? Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 1168 – Festive Fizzle Out

Do you know how many litres of eggnog are sold each December?

Here in Canada it is 5.2 million litres.

 

This will be a very different holiday for many of us. We know that our stress levels are elevated significantly by all of the challenges and changes that we have faced, and the holidays will just add to that overall stress.

 

This isn’t the season to be stressed, but many of us will experience Festive Fizzle Out even before the celebration begins.

 

Rather than skipping the eggnog or the holidays, the first step to a ‘stress less’ holiday is to determine your most important goal for the season.

 

Bring back the meaning of the holidays by taking care of yourself and by simply showing people you appreciate them. 

 

Here are today’s tips for Building Resiliency and Preventing Festive Fizzle Out

 

Get back to basics and simplify. Don’t be afraid to alter tradition. Try simplifying things and build in more time for relaxation. 

Avoid ‘holiday perfectionism’. Thinking, saying, or planning for the best holiday ever can lead to certain disappointment.

Stop and be in the moment. Have you noticed the wondrous sights, sounds, and smells around you or have you been too caught up in the to-do’s or the extra amount of work you have to do to notice?

Acknowledge your feelings. Take into account the changes, challenges, and losses that you have experienced. Remember to keep your perspective and to talk positively to yourself about past challenges that you have overcome.

Practice Self-Care. Remember your ultimate goal for the holiday and get support and assistance from those around you to meet those needs. Make sure to take care of yourself by resting well, and eating a balanced diet. Focus on gratitude. Research shows that the more that you do, the happier you will be.

 

Finally, I love this quote: “Gifts are all around us, but it is up to us to recognize them in our lives.”

 

If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.

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.