Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

EP 1027 – Give It Away

Do you have stuff?

I have stuff. And sometimes that stuff gets overwhelming. It seems that my stuff piles up and takes up more and more space.

Regularly I go through my stuff and par it down.

Some of that stuff I can give away to others who may appreciate it more.

My oldest son just bought his first house and finally, I can get rid of all the stuff that I was saving for this day. I hung on to it, to help him out as he was starting out. It feels good to open up that space again and clean out the stuff that has been sitting on shelves in the basement all of these years.

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

Part of building balance is about simplifying. This includes closets, basements, mementos, cupboards … anywhere that stuff has piled up. In the workplace, look to see what is no longer being used. Can it be donated to a school, a youth home, a shelter?

Try to give something back to the world and not just the stuff that you have collected. Can you give someone your time? Can you share your expertise? Can you donate blood? Can you buy an extra bag of groceries for someone in need? Can you reach out and make a difference in some way?

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 1026 – Celebrating Your Body

Are you keeping cool today? It is the middle of summer and it is also International Nude Day.

Nudist groups around the world celebrate this holiday and take it quite seriously!

Today is the day to celebrate your birthday suit. However, I wouldn’t suggest it as appropriate attire for the workplace, unless you are like me and you work from home…with no chance that a delivery person will come to the door.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Nude Day:

Be proud of your birthday suit, no matter what shape or size it comes in.

Though there are some obvious benefits of going nude…like less laundry to do, but make sure that you don’t shock your family, co-workers, or neighbours.

If you are going to go outside, remember that you will still need to wear sunscreen and watch out for poison ivy, if you happen to go for a walk in the woods.

Finally, if going nude is not quite for you, treat your skin to some pampering.

Your skin is your largest organ. So slap on some moisturizing cream and give it a bit of attention as you celebrate your skin.

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 1025 – Life Balance

It is a gorgeous July morning. I have finished watering my newly planted grass seed and now it is time to focus on my business. I am finally feeling like my life is in balance.

This was a reflection on life that I had several years ago.  It didn’t mean that my life wasn’t chaotic, but I was feeling satisfied with the time and energy that I was spending on the various aspects of my life.

Sometimes my ‘balance’ lasts for a long time, other times, that balance is fleeting. Balance to me, does not mean equal. Balance means satisfaction.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Life Balance Month:

My First Strategy is the belief that I have a purpose in this world and that this world has a purpose.

Second, is being comfortable with who I am. I am not superhuman. I try my best to take care of myself. My family and my business need me to function.

Third, I enjoy the little things and look for the awesome.  In my reflection above, my day started outside, watering and weeding. For me, this is nature at its most glorious and it helps to ground and center me.

Each day I experience different challenges, but these beliefs keep me satisfied with where I am going. How do you create more satisfaction and balance in your life?

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 1024 – Simplicity

How are you doing? How’s work going? The kids?

We are busy! Most of us have a full plate. And many of us have a multitude of things vying for our attention.

So how can we find a better balance and simplify our life?

Balance is about maximizing what you love and minimizing what you loathe. Balance is about focusing on the fundamentals: health, security, relationships, personal development, purpose and making them a priority in your life.

Balance is not about equal it is about satisfaction.

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

Design the life that you want to live, by examining where you spend your time and energy.

Avoid blaming others and situations – WE have the ultimate decision on how OUR time will be spent.

Develop and set your priorities and say ‘No’ to those things which are not your priority.

Do not over-program yourself and make time to focus on yourself.

Don’t get caught up in trying to multitask. Stay focused. Work productively.

Finally, simplify routines and de-junk your physical space.

Simplifying means “letting go” of things that weigh us down. Worry, confusion, stress: these are all things can arise from complexity. Getting rid of the distracting parts of our lives, we can live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

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 1023 – Cheer Up The Lonely

Approximately 1 in 5 seniors say that they are lonely.  People can become lonely for any number of reasons, regardless of their age. Some people are lonely because they don’t feel like they fit in, while others may become lonely after the death of a loved one. Other people might just suffer from an illness that doesn’t allow them to see many people.

When my boys were little, they were blessed to have 3 sets of grandparents and 3 sets of great-grandparents.  Life was busy with two little ones, but we made it a point of visiting each of the great grandparents.  Sometimes the boys would complain, and we would have to explain that not everyone’s lives were busy like ours.  Grandmas and Grandpas loved us and looked forward to us visiting.  It made them happy. 

It doesn’t take much to cheer up the lonely and make a difference.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Cheer Up The Lonely Day:

Let your friend or family member know that you are thinking about them.  Send them a message, call them on the phone, or go for a visit.

We need physical contact, but giving a hug may not be appropriate at this time.  Did you know that giving 5 people a hug every day can lower your own stress level by 25%. Look for other ways to get connected.

Ask what they need.  It’s ok to ask.  And if they are not sure, let them know that you are there when they need you.

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 1022 – Grieving The Loss Of A Child

The loss of a child is the most stressful and inconsolable of losses to deal with. It violates the natural order of things and it’s not fair for an innocent to see their dreams unfulfilled.

I watched as my husband`s parents grieved for the loss of their son, my husband`s only sibling.  I watched how my brother-in-law`s wife`s parents grieved for the loss of their daughter. Together they were killed by a drunk and drugged driver. Their pain was evident and their grieving styles so different, as was the responses of their family and friends.

Often, we don’t know what to say or do for grieving parents, so we do nothing.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency Through Bereaved Parents Awareness Month:

Don`t avoid the parents. It is okay for you to not know what to say or how to help. A listening ear may be what they need the most. I love the sentiment that one parent received from a friend:  “Grieve well. One day you will cease to remember him with tears and instead remember him with smiles.”

Don`t avoid important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries, but provide an opportunity for the parent to grieve and remember and not feel like they must hold the grief under control.

Be aware and provide support for both the health of the bereaved parents and their relationships. According to research, bereaved mothers and fathers experience more physical and emotional issues than do non-bereaved parents, including severe depression. It is estimated that over 70% of marriages where a child has died, end in separation or divorce.

Be patient. Grieving parents may think, do, and say things that are very unlike who they really are and as their family and friends, our job is to be there for them and not judge their reactions as justified or unfair.

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 1021– Play At The Park

Frequently going to a park and being active can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, help ward off obesity and decrease feelings of depression. Research shows that:

Active users of public parks have a lower body mass index

People who visit parks for longer periods of time (one hour or more) have significantly lower systolic blood pressures

Playing in parks also helps children build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, improve self-esteem

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Recreation And Parks Month:

Take a look at what is available near you for a relatively low entertainment fee

From camping overnight to enjoying the day at the beach our parks can provide an opportunity to enjoy some of the best views and activities our countries have to offer. If you are camping overnight, plan for both the good weather and bad.

Let go of your everyday worries and be in the moment. Enjoy the sights and sounds that only our parks can provide.

Leave your technology at home or at least turn it off. There is nothing like cooking outdoors or sitting beside the fire. Resist the urge to bring modern conveniences with you. Check in for messages only when absolutely necessary

Our parks are one of our national treasures that many of us don’t take the time to enjoy. However, they can provide us with an opportunity to relax and get connected with ourselves, our family and friends and to nature itself.

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

 

 

EP 1020 – Cell Phone Courtesy

Have you experienced this?

The driver in front of you is going slower and slower on the highway as they talk on their phone

You are in the bookstore when the person walking beside you has their phone go off breaking the peace and silence.

You are sitting at a restaurant enjoying the company and the meal when the person next to you engages in cell yell.

I think that we have all been exposed to poor cell phone etiquette.

Are you attached to your cell phone?

I don’t particularly like mine.  In fact, I keep it off most of the time, unless I need to call my husband or remind my kids of something if I am on the road.  But it is getting harder and harder to do that.

Cell phones are an integral part of our technology-based world, and they won’t be disappearing anytime soon.  However, if we all practiced a little more courtesy using our phone, then maybe cell phones would not seem so annoying and intrusive.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Cell Phone Courtesy Month:

Evaluate your own cell phone practices:

Make sure you keep it down. No one wants to hear you on the phone

Love the vibration. Use your phone’s vibration mode when in public

Try to excuse yourself when accepting a call in a group gathering

Focus on the task at hand, not your cell phone

And try to make the Person You are With Feel Like the Most Important Person you want to talk to

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 1019 – Stretching The Truth

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

Have you ever told a lie?  Even a little white lie?

Is it ever okay to lie?  Do you think that stretching the truth is lying?  Or is lying by omission lying?

Have you ever lied about your spending habits or about an illness to a boss so that you could take an extra vacation day?  Is there such a thing as an acceptable lie?

Research out of the University of California suggests that people tell an average of two lies a day.  A survey conducted in the UK estimated that parents will tell children approximately 3,000 lies throughout their childhood and a US poll reported that 31% of moms said that they lied more often since having kids.

So is it possible to always tell the truth?  Probably not as sometimes we lie to protect the feelings of another or to prevent issues from arising. 

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Tell The Truth Day:

Take note of the things that you may be lying about.  Then, ask yourself why do you feel the need to lie about these things? The insights that you garner may be invaluable in measuring your morale compass.

See how long you can go without lying.  And avoiding all other human contact during this time doesn’t count.  Do you have a harder time not lying at work or at home?

REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE – Let the truth you share be in a manner that you would also appreciate.

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 1018 – Kissing For Happiness

Pucker up. Today is a lip-smacking day.

Is your technique more washing machine, cannibal, puppy, or prude?

Did you know that locking lips, increases your heart rate and causes your pupils to dilate? It also releases endorphins causing the feeling of happiness.

A kiss is a perfect way to tell someone you love them, to connect with that special someone and a perfect way to take your relationship to the next level.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Kissing Day:

Did you know that:

In Italy and Greece friends, commonly kiss each other on the lips when greeting each other, whereas in France one air kiss on each cheek is a customary greeting.

In Vietnam, China and Japan kissing between spouses is only done in private. While people from the Netherlands opt for 3 kisses as a form of greeting.

In one survey, 23% said that their kissing skills were amazing, while 2% said that they were horrible at it.

They also reported that the worst attributes of a bad kisser were bad breath, too much tongue, teeth gnashing, not enough tongue and no eye contact.

Funny enough, 11% of people said that there were grossed out by their parents kissing in front of them.

The act of kissing has many meanings and takes many forms. No matter which type of kiss you prefer, International Kissing Day is the perfect time to celebrate this powerful gesture. And if you don’t have anyone that you can pucker up with, you can always celebrate the day with a yummy Hershey’s Kiss.

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? Take my free on-line resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 1017 – Dealing With Change

Moving, having children, starting a new job, quitting a comfortable job, getting married, getting divorced, buying a car, buying a house, upgrading your technology, implementing a new system….

How Do You Feel About Change?

Change can be scary – it can be difficult – it can cause anxiety.

So why do we have so much trouble dealing with change?

1. Difficult saying goodbye – whether it be to a loved one or a world that has given identity, change can often mean that we lose something of value.
2. Dislike chaotic and confusing situations in which no one seems to know the new rules. This loss in direction can lead to a fear of the unknown.
3. Difficulty taking risk. We are creatures of habit which provides us with security, predictability, stability, and comfort. When this disappears, we become anxious and stay awake at night worrying about our choices.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Take Charge Of Change Week:

Dealing with change can be stressful. Achieve a sense of control by problem-solving around what you can control and letting go of what you can’t control. Control starts in your own mind. If you believe you have control of your life, then you probably do. Actions are the easiest to control, while thoughts and emotions are harder to control. Actions have a positive effect on our thoughts and emotions. Start by controlling your actions.

Finally, Let go and relax

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

EP 1016 – Combating Boredom

“I’m bored, there’s nothing to do”.

As summer vacation begins for thousands of children this is far too often a familiar complaint. But boredom is generally a totally self-inflicted problem.

The antidote to boredom is curiosity. Curiosity happens when you start to explore the world around you.

You will be less likely to feel bored if you go out, get active, pick up a new hobby, or even volunteer. You will be too busy learning new things or meeting new people to feel bored.

For children the anticipation of summer-fun wanes as the summer goes on and all those previously fun activities start to feel stale.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Anti-boredom Month with your family:

Make up a new sport. When you’ve created new rules for an old game, your mind in more engaged and time flies by.

Change the scenery – Set up a tent or a picnic area in your backyard.

Put out a challenge. Design the classic scavenger hunt or let the kids design the challenge for an activity and see what they come up with.

Come up with a list of the most boring things to do and see how the creative juices kick in.

And if all else fails – suggest a list of chores that they can complete. You will be amazed at how quickly they can find activities to entertain themselves.

Remember, 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 1015 – Positive Body Image

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall. A fairy tale question that can be the basis for our everyday ritual.  A mirror image is a reflected duplication of an object that appears identical but reversed, but often, what we see is not just reversed but often distorted.

Many women and some men spend much of their lives attempting to change their bodies. Only 4% of women globally consider themselves beautiful.

A positive body image involves understanding that healthy, attractive bodies come in many shapes and sizes, and that physical appearance says very little about our character or value as a person.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Compliment Your Mirror Day:

I am SO guilty of looking in the mirror and picking away at the things that are not perfect: my crooked toes and my short waist.  Not to mention my eye lids that are sagging with age and the loose skin on my arms. It is hard to look at yourself in the mirror and ignore what is not ‘ideal’ and to celebrate what is unique and beautiful.

We have a positive body image when we have a realistic perception of our bodies AND most of the time, we enjoy them just as they are.

Learn to de-emphasize the numbers and emphasize positive self-care choices. 

Stop comparing yourself to others. You’re are unique.

And finally, one that I am working on is setting a good example for others by refraining from “fat talk”  or “old talk” when you are with friends and family.  Think of it as the psychic equivalent of second-hand smoke.

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

EP 1014 – Oh No, I Forgot!

Ever been standing there, looking at someone directly in their eyes, knowing that you have a history together and for the life of you, you can’t remember their name?

Ever walked into a room and not remembered why you were heading there?

I hate forgetting things. I get annoyed when others seem to be able to remember the smallest details and I can’t even remember being there. Sometimes I think I have early Alzheimer’s.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating I Forgot Day:

I tend to believe that much of our ‘forgetting’ is based on interference theory. Interference occurs when the learning of something new causes the forgetting of older material on the basis of competition between the two.  Simply…we often have way too much on our mind.

Stress Affects Our Memory

There is competition for our attention and competition in juggling far too many things at once.  We are stressed out and this interferes with what and how we store these things.

So, slow down and try to live more in the moment.  Go from multi-tasking to single tasking and see if these stress reducers are memory boosters

Try boosting your memory with foods rich in Omega-3 such as seafood, nuts and seeds.

And if you are really concerned that you are forgetting more than you should, go and see your doctor. It may not be Alzheimer’s, but it could be the result of a number of different health issues including depression.

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

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

EP 1013 – Your Life Matters

Our world is changing and sometimes that change is difficult to keep up with. Sometimes we see the need for the change, but we don’t know how to move forward. Sometimes we want the change and we look for ways to push it forward.

I grew up in rural Ontario where my cousins and second cousins and so on were my neighbours and classmates. We looked like each other and we sounded like each other. I had 3 local TV stations, and we watched very little TV except for hockey, which I tuned out.

I don’t remember giving skin colour a second thought. I went to University and I still don’t remember giving it a second thought.

It wasn’t until I lived in Toronto that I remember hearing some of my first racial slurs.

I know that 30 years later, I have said or thought things that were racial generalizations in reactions to activities, sayings, or even music.

So here we are in the midst of turmoil and I am seeing arguments around Black Lives Matter versus All Lives Matter. I absolutely agree with both statements. Black Lives Matter. All Lives Matter. Your Life Matters.

My life matters.

However, I can not remember a time where my skin colour has not put me at a disadvantage, or made me look down upon as something less, or put me at risk or seen as dangerous.

So what can we all do…Listen and show up.

Listen to each other.

Show up and be willing to acknowledge someone’s experiences, no matter how different they may be to yours.

By listening and showing up, by opening up in this way, we can examine where we can push change forward. Where we can make the necessary impact. We all have a role to play in making that happen. It’s needed and long overdue as Every Life Matters.

EP 1012 – SOS To Stress

Coping with stress is simple…though not always easy.”

We hear so much about stress.  Most of it negative.  Most of it about the sources or symptoms.  Some of it inaccurate.  And much of it not helpful.

Today is SOS To STRESS Day

This day was conceived because we need to hear more about how to deal with stress and build our resiliency.  We already know that it is bad to be “under” too much stress.  We need to know what options we have to deal with it.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating SOS To Stress Day:

SOS To STRESS Day is about coping. It is about finding the right strategies to take care of the situations and ourself.

What Do Sleep, Sex and Sweaty Palms Have In Common?

They are all impacted by stress. Stress plays on our minds and keeps up awake at night. It can lower our libido. It brings about headaches, high blood pressure and sweaty palms.  So, how do we determine the right strategies to deal with so many different sources of stress and such a large variety of symptoms?

The S-O-S Principle helps us to ensure that no matter what we are facing we are able to best take care of the Situation and Ourselves and be Supported while we are doing this. 

There is no one way to deal with stress…despite what others may suggest or tell you.  It is about designing a plan with sufficient strategies to be successful, healthy and happy.

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, take my free on-line resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

 

 

EP 1011 – Stay Safe

I have done it. And I have watched others do it. You get caught up or too busy and you stop paying attention to what is right in front of you and BOOM, you walk right into that wall, post, or obstacle.

Injuries are one of the leading causes of death for those ages 1 to 44. The good news is there are many things people can do to stay safe and prevent injuries. Hazards exist, but creating a culture of safety protects and defends against those hazards.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Safety Month at your workplace:

What is the No. 2 cause of nonfatal disabling injury, in the workplace, following overexertion? Is it

1. Improper use of protective equipment
2. Stress
3. Improper ergonomics or
4. Slips, trips and falls

 

You guessed it, it is slips, trips and falls.

 

In your workplace, look to bring additional awareness to these hazards during the Safety Month by:

• Holding a safety trivia contest
• Making an activity out of identifying hazards where you work and live
• Hosting a safety fair, lunch 'n learn or celebratory luncheon
• Provide additional safety training

Finally, stay safe by being more aware of your surroundings. Be present and get rid of distractions.

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? Take my free on-line resiliency test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 1010 – Focusing On Professional Wellness

June is a time of reflection.

The goal of Professional Wellness Month is to encourage you to reflect on how your health and wellness intersect with your professional life.  

One of the main sources of stress at work is having too much to do and not enough time to do it in. Examine your workload. Are you working copious amounts of overtime? Have you stop taking breaks? Are you feeling vacation deprived?

If so, here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Professional Wellness Month:

If workload is the reason you're unable to take breaks or vacation, discuss the problem with your manager to find a solution. It is important to know when to ask for help, rather than letting the stress build to the point of burnout, anxiety or depression.

Eating well, exercising, attending to our health and feeling good, makes you more productive at work. So build in strategies to take care of your biological needs, as well as strategies to give yourself a break from your workplace stress.

Get a life outside of work. Focus on hobbies, friends, and family. Unplug and learn to focus on these activities and relationships. Focusing more on your time away from work will benefit your energy and creativity while you are at work.

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

EP 1009 – Post-Traumatic Stress

Our lives can become filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty and with little information on where to turn, we find ourselves struggling on our own. We know that this stress can have a profound effect on our health and the lives of those around us.

Traumatic events can bring about an extreme stress disorder. Whether it be living through an earthquake, surviving childhood abuse, witnessing violent acts of terrorism or being a first responder to an accident, all of these can bring about PTSD. Post-traumatic Stress can seemingly creep into our lives when we least expect it.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating PTSD Awareness Day:

Treatment depends on the severity and persistence of symptoms. Support, debriefing, therapy, and medications have all been shown to be effective ways of managing PTSD.

We do know that having the opportunity to share your feelings and memories with others who have also experienced similar tragedies can be helpful in processing and recovering from a trauma.

The number one tip, is Don’t Be Afraid To Reach Out For Support

We must develop our supports as they can provide a protective barrier. Talk to friends and family about your fears. If they seem overwhelming contact your doctor or a counselor. Your workplace Human Resources Department or Employee Assistance Program may also be a valuable support.

Remember, 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 1008 – Education Is The Key To Reducing Drug Use

The United Nations estimates today that more than 240 million people in the world suffer from illicit drug use. This represents 4.7% of the world’s population. The breadth of the global drug problem carries a heavy burden on public health systems and workplaces with respect to treatments, care and prevention.

In the world, a third of all substance abusers are women. Women are more inclined to consume opioids and prescription tranquillizers compared to men, who would be 3 times more likely to consume cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking:

Substance use may cause issues at work by:

impacting a person’s judgment, alertness, perception, motor coordination or emotional state which also impacts working safely or making safety sensitive decisions.

Certain elements of work may contribute to the use of substances such as

high stress, high demand/low control situations, low job satisfaction, long hours or irregular shifts, and fatigue.

Employers need to design policies which outline what is an acceptable code of behaviour and what is not. By establishing or promoting programs such as an Employee Assistance Program, employees can gain better access to community services.

Education is the key. Managers and supervisors should be educated on how to recognize and deal with substance use issues, and employees should be offered educational programs about positive coping strategies and where to go if help is needed.

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