Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

EP 1147 - 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 1146 - The Great Warm Up

I love de-junking. There is nothing better than getting rid of clutter and unused items. It changes my perspective. It helps me to think more clearly. I feel free.

Every couple of years I attack my closets. I get rid of the clothes that I no longer like, are worn out or have ‘magically shrunk’.

I often look at the bags of clothes in front of me and think, “What a waste”. However, it is not a waste. In most cases, these clothes have seen their share of special occasions, lounging days or workplace meetings. It is not a waste, because these clothes are donated to others who will continue to appreciate their beauty or their warmth.

I live where there is truly a winter. It takes a lot of money to stay warm and healthy in this bitter weather. Some can barely make ends meet and the clothes that we donate help them to survive.

Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating The Great Warm Up

De-Junk and Simplify. The Great Warm Up is a call for everyone to look into their closets and pare them down. Donations of coats, hats, scarves, mittens and boots are desperately needed, as are blankets and sleeping bags.

Donate to agencies, like the Canadian Mental Health Association in Toronto, that purchase hats, scarves and mittens and deliver them to the homeless and those with mental health issues at Christmas time.

Think twice before buying something new. Is it a need or a want’?

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 1145 – Drowsy Driving Kills

Some days I am so tired that I can’t think straight or even focus my eyes. This is an awful feeling, especially if this fatigue hits while I am driving. Has this ever happened to you?

Over 60% of adults say they have driven drowsy in the past year. And 4% have had an accident or near accident because they were too tired, or they actually dozed off while driving.

Drowsy Driving kills

Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week:

Know that even one night of sleep loss or poor sleep can put you at risk of drowsy driving. But certain people have a higher risk of drowsy driving than others. So be aware if you have a sleep disorder, work shifts or are taking medications as these can increase your risk for drowsy driving.

Rolling down the windows or turning up the volume on the radio will do little to increase your alertness while driving. So try to get a full night of seven to eight hours of sleep before driving. Avoid driving late at night or alone. And if you need to pull over at a rest stop and take a nap.

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 1144 - Appreciating The Right To Choose World Freedom Day

Our freedom is not something to be taken for granted. We could say that we are lucky to have the freedom to choose any religion we want, the freedom to be in a relationship with the person we love, the freedom to vote for our government officials…the list goes on.

We are not lucky. People fought for our rights and our freedoms. Our freedom to chose should be celebrated, and that’s what World Freedom Day is all about.

World Freedom Day was first observed to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of loved ones separated by differing ideologies.

Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating World Freedom Day:

Read, listen and watch news stories about what is happening around the world. Expand your knowledge so that you can appreciate what you have because of the freedom to choose. Recognize that many people in the world who are still fighting for their own freedoms and liberties.

With Remembrance Day only a few days away, give appreciation to all those who had and have the courage to insist on a better future for themselves, their families, and their country.

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EP 1143 - Wishing You Had More Time?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have ample time…Really?

More than enough time to get the things done that we would like to be able to get done?

Do you remember the 1996 movie “Multiplicity” with Michael Keaton? 

I would love to have several clones of myself all existing at the same time to get all of the many things done that I wanted to get done.  There would be the Magnificent Mom. The Grateful Gardener. The World Renown Stress Speaker and the Magnificent Marketer who could pump out websites and create marketing materials faster than a speeding bullet.  I am sure that I could think of more me’s that I would need, but even 1 or 2 would be a great start.

Since this is not likely to happen, Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Ample Time Day:

Know what your priorities are in each area of your life.  Write them down.  Once we know what is important to us, it is a lot easier to make decisions about how we use our time in the best way possible.

Watch out for ‘black holes’ that seem to suck a lot of our time away.  These activities may be enjoyable, they may be part of your relaxation program, but they also tend to eat up more time then we allocated or expected.

Finally, make sure that you are taking care of yourself, otherwise you will be tired out and lack the energy to use your time wisely. 

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 1142 – 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 1141 – 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.

So Here Are Today's Hot 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

EP 1140 - 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.

Here are Today's Hot 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.

EP 1139 - 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 1138 - Giving Thanks

“What do you say?”  “Thank you”

As parents, we probably said this a lot, as we taught our children to be thankful for the gifts that they received or when others did nice things for them.

Are You Thankful?

I think as adults we sometimes forget to be thankful.  We often focus on the difficulties and on the things that are not going right and sometimes we lose sight of the things that are going well and the blessings that we have received.

A line of wisdom goes…You cannot welcome more abundance into your life until you have said thanks to the universe for all that you have.

Here Are Today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating I Am So Thankful Month

Make a list of all that you are thankful for in your work and personal life. 

Look at that list when you are feeling down and use it to pick up your spirits and keep you moving forward

Know that when we are full of thanks, we radiate this to the people around us and we impact them in a positive way.

Hang out with people who are truly thankful.  It is contagious.

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 1137 – 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.

So Here Are Today’s Hot 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

EP 1136 – 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 1135 - 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?

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 1134 - 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 1133 – 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 1132 - Protect Yourself From The Flu

Children have been 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 1131 – 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 1130 - 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 1129 - 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.

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.

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.

EP 1128 Emotional Intelligence and Coping Skills

It is so much easier to teach our children the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic then it is to develop and maintain a positive mental health and to build positive, healthy relationships.

Bully, harassment, disciplinary issues, and conflict often occur because we have not been taught how or have not worked at our own Emotional Intelligence.

It starts with the basics: No emotion is ‘wrong’, but there are ways of acting out or expressing those emotions that are inappropriate.  

So what is EI and how is it different from well-being, and emotional health. Well-being is your emotional state at any given moment. Are you sad, mad, happy?.

Emotional health is a set of malleable skills, habits, and beliefs which impact on our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Developing your emotional health helps you to manage the ups and downs of day-to-day life and build positive relationships. Emotional health relies on the skills of Emotional Intelligence and how they are used in the person’s current environment and interactions.

Today’s Tips For Building Resiliency And Celebrating Emotional Intelligence Month:

Focus in and develop the 5 components to Emotional Intelligence to help you manage the day-to-day challenges that you are facing.

Self-Awareness is all about recognizing your moods and emotional drivers. It is about building self-confidence, not taking yourself too seriously and being realistic about who you are.

Self-Regulation is the ability to control your impulses, suspend judgment and to think before you act. Are you open to change, comfortable with the unknown and trustworthy?

Are you focused on Internal Motivation? This is motivation that goes beyond money and title. It is doing something for pure joy, curiosity, and with a sense of optimism and hope.

Exercise your Empathy muscle. Emotional Intelligence is not only about self-awareness, but an awareness of the emotional state of others. Can you easily recognize facial expressions and language cues and read them appropriately?

And finally develop your Social Skills. This is the ability to take this empathy and build positive relationships and manage conflict effectively.

 

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