Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

EP 947 – Over-Emotional Stress Eating

Do you reach for comfort foods when you are frustrated, tired, or stressed out?

I do.

I crave chocolate covered almonds, coffee flavoured Hagen Daas Ice Cream, and Cadbury mini eggs.

These cravings are worse when I am emotional or feeling out of control.

We know that cortisol increases food cravings for sugary or fatty foods. It also increases hunger hormones which can lead to us making poor nutritional choices.

So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Emotional Over-Eating Month:

Emotional overeating is a huge topic. Using food as a way of attempting to cope with or control feelings can lead to weight gain and poor nutrition. It is a problem when the emotional overeating leaves you feeling unhappy, guilty, and less than.

Eating can distract you and calm you. You may see it as a reward…a way of doing something special for yourself.

Start by understanding which emotions increase your cravings.

Create a clear picture of what “peace with food” means for you. Visualize yourself at your best and the role you want food and eating to play in your life.

Look for ways to indulge and reward yourself without turning to food.
One site suggested to look for things that smell good rather than taste good – I am attracted to hand creams and fabric sprays, so maybe that will work for me as a mood booster. Another suggested to look for things that feel good – like a fuzzy blanket or sweater.

It is all about addressing the habit to reach for foods that in the end, don’t satisfy or leave you feeling less than.

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

EP 946 – Dream More

Have you had a bizarre dream or a scary dream and wondered what it meant if anything? Do you have a recurring dream? Are you late for a test in high school? Can you fly? Do you visit the same places night after night in your dreams?

Do you remember your dreams?

I have very vivid dreams and for the most part, I remember them for a little while, especially the bizarre ones. Once I woke up and was super angry at my husband because in my dream on a very lovely and romantic walk, he mistakenly thought that a little black and white critter was a kitten. I awoke suddenly in my dream as we were sprayed by a skunk.

I wonder what my subconscious was trying to tell me? Was it a warning? Or was I releasing pent up emotional energy?

Dreams can give us guidance and inspiration and help us solve problems. At the end of April, you can phone the National Dream Hotline and from Friday through to Sunday night, the School of Metaphysics will be on hand to offer free dream interpretations.

So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Dream Hotline:

Sleep is one of the most effective things that we can do for our health. A good quality and quantity of sleep are needed to ensure that our minds and bodies repair and heal themselves. However, research clearly shows that people who overestimate their ability to get by on less sleep are sadly mistaken. As a lack of good quality sleep will have a negative impact over time. Tip #1 Know that sleep is essential.

Some research suggests that time spent in dream sleep is what specifically heals. Dreaming allows us to re-process upsetting memories and experiences in a safer, calmer environment.

Everybody dreams but not everybody remembers their dreams. Dreams are our picture language. Our dreams are not literal and so it may take a bit of work to interpret the pictures that we are seeing. If you do remember your dreams and have an interest in the meaning behind your dreams, you can call and learn how your conscious and subconscious relate to each other.

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

EP 945 – Neighbours Helping Neighbours

April is often seen as the month to focus on spring cleaning, but it is also the month to reach out and help your neighbours.

When I was young, our family dairy barn burned down. Neighbours came to help in the rebuild, and brought food to feed the construction workers and volunteers. It was just something that was done. Neighbours helping neighbours.

National Rebuilding Month is a campaign to highlight the connection between our homes and health. It encourages everyone to take steps to be safer and healthier at home.

So Here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Rebuilding Month:

This past year has certainly seen many people looking for ways to work at home, feel happier in their homes, and to relax in their homes.

National Rebuilding Month is also an annual month-long call to service, culminating with National Rebuilding Day, the last Saturday of the month. It encourages you to look out for those who need a helping hand in your neighbourhood. Volunteers eliminate health and safety hazards and help their neighbours live safely and independently in their homes.

Adopt a neighbour and provide the critical repairs that they need to stay safe in their home.

Maybe you are not handy, but you have a green thumb. Help a senior work their flower beds or pull weeds.

Provide a bag of groceries or a bag of pet food to alleviate a bit of the financial pressures someone may be experiencing.

As houses are transformed, neighbourhoods and communities find hope. And HOPE is so critical right now in helping us to look towards the future with joy and energy.

Want to check out more health and wellness related celebrations? Visit my wellness calendars under the resources and courses tab at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 944 - National Women’s Nutrition Week

It’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon, you are irritated, your head is fuzzy and your eyes are having trouble focusing. You would love to find a corner and go to sleep, but there is no time. How about a coffee or a chocolate bar?

Most of us instinctively reach for sweets or caffeine to give relief from the morning sluggishness or afternoon slump. We use sweets as a way of helping ourselves through stressful times. Those strategies might help, temporarily, but there is a downside to these methods. Poor eating strategies affect our brain chemistry and cause fatigue, apathy, apprehension, edginess and the blues.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Women’s Nutrition Month:

Avoid The Sugar Blues.

Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Smaller balance meals are preferable to large meals.

Use exercise or stretching to increase energy and lift the ‘fog’.

Include fish in your weekly diet as the essential fatty acids they contain increase energy and improve mood.

Don’t confuse thirst with hunger. Drinking a cool glass of water can boost energy in the middle of the afternoon slump.

Have healthy snacks readily available. Plan ahead and keep them in desk drawers, lockers or even in the glove box of your car

We have all heard the saying ‘We are what we eat’, but most of us connect this with the body’s physical reactions. Our brain is just as dependent on the food that we consume.

Healthy food choices help us avoid the erratic blood sugar levels and associated mood swings. Plan your snacks ahead of time and avoid the sugar blues.

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 943 – Mother Earth

I am very glad that the snow is gone and that my flowers are trying hard to poke their heads up to the sun.  A few years ago we celebrated Earth Day while we were on vacation. My boys were looking forward to the release of the Disney production of Earth, while we were at Disney.  It inspired them to do our annual clean up of the roadside where we live. They learned that each of us can do a little and we can all have an impact.

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

Be a Smart shopper. Buy what you need, not what you want. Consider renting and borrowing things that are seldom needed

Walk, cycle, car pool and use public transportation

Choose local foods that are in season and support local food producers

Wash full loads of clothes in cold water and hang to air dry

For summer air conditioning, set your thermostat to 24°C or 25°C

For winter heating, set your thermostat to 19°C or 20°C

Take short showers instead of baths

Don’t discard. Donate, reuse and recycle items before throwing them into the trash

Earth Day isn’t about a single action you can do to support a healthier environment. Instead, Earth Day is seen by many as a day to renew a personal commitment to support a healthier environment. Though my family and I have a long way to go, every little bit helps as we move to live more responsibly with the environment.

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

EP 942 – I’m A Princess

I want to be a princess. Not the entitled kind, but the kind who works at being secure, confident, and powerful.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Princess Week with me:

One site listed 10 Qualities of a Healthy Princess Mentality

A princess is humble. She doesn’t try to overtly call attention to herself. Her poise and confidence may draw attention, but she doesn’t go out of her way to get people to notice her.

A princess knows her self worth. She sets boundaries and doesn’t let others walk all over her.

After a princess has taken care of her personal needs, she helps those around her.

A princess is a leader. She carries herself with authority.

A princess has an opinion and can voice it on a subject with both strength and tact, not with judgment and force. I am working on the judgement issue.

So to all the other princesses out there, have a wonderful week!

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

EP 941 – Green Is For Life

Green is the symbol for life.  Appropriately, the green ribbon is the symbol of how we can save lives.

Over 4000 Canadians are awaiting a transplant and unfortunately more than 200 Canadians died last year waiting transplant.  

I believe that many of us want to donate, but life gets in the way and we forget to sign our donor’s card and have the discussion with our loved ones.   If you are okay with donating, take the opportunity during this awareness week to sign your card and discuss it with your family. Someone may be counting on you.

Here are some things I didn’t know…

Living donors can provide a kidney or part of their liver as well as bone marrow.

Between 80-95 per cent of patients are doing well one year after their transplant.

Spain has highest donation rate.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Organ and Tissue Donors Awareness Week:

Having “organ donor” noted on your driver’s license or carrying a donor card or provincial health card is not all you have to do to become a donor.

Organ and tissue donation are always discussed with family members prior to the donation. For that reason, it is very important that you discuss your wishes with your family.

Don’t let the busyness of life get in the way of saving a life.

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 940 – I’ll Do It

The most rewarding experiences that I have had have come from volunteering. Especially my time developing youth groups, being on boards for various charities and associations, and fundraising for my children’s sport programs. In fact, I would guestimate that about ¼ of my time is given to volunteering.

Over a quarter of Canadians aged 15 and over volunteered for a charitable or non-profit organization last year. And though we think of women volunteering more than men, men contributed more volunteer hours on average than women.

Volunteering is a way of connecting yourself to the larger society and connection is critical when it comes to dealing with the sources of stress that we face.

By far the most commonly cited barriers were those related to time.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Volunteer Week:

If you are a volunteer, talk about your experiences to others. Positive role models are needed, especially by our younger generations.

If you are looking for volunteers for your organization, be clear about the expectations, make commitments short and ASK. Many have difficulty holding up their hand to volunteer, but would say yes if asked in person.

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

EP 939 – Stress Decreases Your Chances Of Conceiving

In our early adult years we spent so much effort on prevention, who knew that conception could be so difficult, or that Stress Decreases Your Chances Of Conceiving.

For more than a couple of years my husband and I tried to conceive a child.  At that time we never heard that Stress Decreases Your Chances Of Conceiving. We endured months and months of taking temperatures, doctor visits, disappointments, crying, trying new medications, testing of all kinds and grieving.  It was a horrible roller-coaster ride.  We were not alone in our struggles. Infertility rates in Canada are increasing with roughly 1 in 6 couples experiencing fertility issues.

While we were going through this struggle, we told very few people, especially our families. 

Stress grew as the months passed.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency Increasing Your Chances of Conceiving and Celebrating Infertility Awareness Week:

Find Ways To Relax. I know that you may hate hearing this, but it is one thing that you can do.

Be Nutrition Wise. Our nutrition impacts the way in which our bodies function, both efficiently and effectively.

Aim For Emotional Balance. Watch out for negative emotions such as anger, guilt, or resentment, which many women may feel at some point in their journeys to conceive.

Laugh More. Laughter can take the edge off of a stressful day.

Take Advantage of Support and Counselling.

Keep the Romance Alive While Trying to Conceive.

If you know someone who is experiencing fertility issues, let them know that you understand how difficult this is for them and that you are there to listen to their frustrations, their fears, and their disappointments.

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 938 – Mustang Sally

It debuted at the World Fair on April 17, 1964. It was featured on the covers of Newsweek and Time magazines and appeared on the silver screen in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger” that same year.

Here’s another hint: It was built for the working man and it sold almost 400,000 in the first year.

What am I referring to: The Ford Mustang and today is the day that all Mustang owners and enthusiasts celebrate.

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

My husband and I own a 1965 Mustang. Sally is numbers matching, which means that she is in her original condition. She is part of our resiliency tool belt, as during the summer months, we take Sally out for drives in the country. Mostly to find a good ice cream cone or to enter her in a car show. Driving around is about savouring the summer.

Whether you're into gardening, fixing up vintage cars, or even soduko puzzles, research has found that hobbies are just as important to good health as exercise is, thanks to their ability to relieve stress.

This study found that people who engaged in leisure activities were 34% less stressed, reported feeling happier, and their heart rate was lower.

It didn't seem to matter what the participants did just so long as it was something they deeply enjoyed.

So on this day of celebrating the iconic Mustang, find something that you enjoy and be immersed in it. Your health will thank you for it.

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

EP 937 – Would You Wear Your PJs To Work

No need to get dressed up for work today. You can ditch the shoes too. Today is wear your pjs to work day, along with a pair of fuzzy bunny slippers.

For me, I regularly wear my pjs to work. 15 steps down from my bedroom and 15 steps into my office and I am at work. And since I am the boss, there is not a dress code. Unless, I am going out to speak somewhere, then, I shower up, beautify and dress in my best.

Whether or not you want to wear your pjs to work, today is a day to ditch the stress. Focus on self-care and let loose.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Wear Your PJs To Work Day:

Have fun with this day. Many celebrities, radio stations and tv shows are celebrating, so why not you? Have your own pajama party – even if it is on-line. You may want to ensure a few rules, such as ensuring appropriate body coverage. Give prizes for the loudest pajamas or the craziest designs.

If the day has passed and you didn’t wear your pjs to work in, put them on as soon as you are done. For me, there is nothing as relaxing as a cozy, comfy pair of pjs. My kids know exactly what to get me for my birthday and I love all of them. In pajamas you can be yourself.

Pjs are also great on Saturdays and Sundays that are lounge all-day days. How about Pjs, a movie and hot chocolate or ice cream or other wonderful treats.

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 936 – Life Sucks and Then It Doesn’t

Life as we know it has changed. And for many who are isolated from their school mates, friends, family and colleagues, or who have lost their job, or who have gotten sick, life may be pretty crappy right now.

Life isn’t fair. Life sucks. Then it gets better. Then it can suck again.

All we are required to do, is to take one day, or one moment at a time. To keep moving ourselves forward.

Like is a journey of a million steps and hopefully we don’t stop too often and want to turn back.

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

It is OK to be sad, or mad, to cry, to be frustrated, to feel angry, jealous, anxious and scared.

It is okay to feel.

Set you intentions on those things that you can control and use that sense of control to show you that 100% of your life, right now, does not suck. Some of it may, but not 100%

Focus in on the things that you can be grateful for. However small that may be.

Finally, hold on to HOPE.

HOPE for me stands for Hold On. Possibility Exists.

Strategic Hope forces me to take action and that action is based on problem solving what I can control. And when I have a sense of control, I don’t feel so sucky.

The circle of life.

Hold on…it’s going to be okay.

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 935 – Find The Positive In All Of The Negative

The pandemic continues. Social isolation for several more weeks. Jobs lost.

We get bombarded every day with negative news stories.  Often to the point where we see the world as a very difficult place to live.  For some, it may get to the point of wondering why any sane person would bring a child into this world.

All of this negativity has an impact.  It impacts our outlook, our relationships and our health.  Negativity is contagious and a major health hazard.

We need to balance these negative news stories with positive and inspirational stories.  Positive stories and experiences have a positive impact on our health.  A recent review of more than 160 studies on the connection between a positive state of mind and overall health and longevity has found that happier people enjoy better health and longer lives.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Inspirational News Week:

We need to be informed and I am not suggesting that we keep our ‘head in the sand’ when it comes to difficult issues. But make sure that you don’t get sucked into the negativity that is around you.

Be proactive and look for the positive ‘stories’.  Share these stories.

And if you have children, watch what you share with them.  We can easily skew their perception of the world if we only share the negative.  Inspire them with stories of how others have taken on a difficult situation and found ways to overcome.

Remember:  Negative breeds negative and positive can inspire positive.

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 934 - Make A Friend Not Foe

Have You Ever Had A Dog Bite You?

I was only two.  In my mind, I vaguely remember being in our living room with my mom while she was crying and talking on the phone to the hospital.  I remember being in the emergency room.  And before all of this, I have a fleeting memory of being out at the barn and our dog.  Somehow, our dog thought that I was going to steal his food, though I had been out there numerous times.  On this particular occasion, he snapped at me and bit me, just missing my eye.

Even the calmest, most loving dog can get snappy when sat on, stepped on or when they feel fear for themselves or their family.

My experience could have left me scarred in many more ways than just the one that I carry on my face.  Today, I am a dog lover. I don’t fear them, but I do have a very healthy respect for them.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Protecting Yourself And Celebrating Dog Bite Prevention Week:

The Canadian Safety Council estimates that in 70% of dog bite cases the victim knew the dog.  Parents need to teach their children how to interact safely with Fido.

NEVER disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

NEVER pet a dog, even your own, without letting him see and sniff you first.

Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.  Be a responsible pet owner.

Properly train and socialize your dog, and teach it submissive behaviors like giving up food without growling.

Cynophobia is an irrational fear of dogs. If you find that your fear of dogs is excessive and you can’t easily avoid them, seek out the help of a professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist.

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 933 – Walk On Your Wild Side

Do you walk on the wild side?

Or have you given in to the every-day routines of life?

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Walk On Your Wild Side Day:

Take the Walk On Your Wild Side Challenge.

Use this day to plan something out of the ordinary, unusual or even extraordinary.

Better yet, don’t plan something, just do it.

It doesn’t have to be something dangerous, just a bit quirky or different from the everyday.

What about spraying your hair your favourite colour?

Or dressing up like a famous rock star or movie character?

Or maybe it is to get up on stage and belt out your favourite tune at a karaoke bar? How about the 1972 song, Walk On The Wild Side, by Lou Reed?

Let yourself be free and unencumbered.

Share the moment with #wildside and encourage others to add more joy to their life too!

PS My most recent wild side display was going to a big-hair 80’s band concert…dressed in authentic garb of the day.

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 932– Mental Health Boosting Power Of Pets

Research shows that pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and numerous other mental health benefits.

Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can be the best antidote to loneliness.

Pets can increase your sense of purpose in life. Researchers found that elderly people who owned pets had better everyday well being than those that didn’t own pets. When you have meaning and purpose, you are less likely to feel depressed, isolated, and lonely.

Pets connect to our nurturing side. Pets learn to sense emotions from humans. If the human is withdrawn the pet senses that something is wrong or different and attempts to change the human’s behavior.

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

If you have a pet, take the time to be focused while in their presence

Today is the day to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home

One simple thing that we can do is to assist an ill, elderly or a financially struggling neighbor or friend by purchasing pet food, hay or needed items for their pets.

No one should be separated from their pet family member when they need them the most.

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 931 – Celebrating Siblings

It is usually the longest relationship in our life. If you have brothers or sisters, then you will know that rivalry and love can exist in the same relationship. Siblings are a part of who we are, and that shared history is what makes this relationship so valuable.

Did you know that research has shown that healthy sibling relationships can significantly benefit us later in life’ The quality of sibling relationships is one of the most important predictors of mental health in old age, according to The American Journal of Psychiatry. Research shows that people who are emotionally close to their siblings have higher life satisfaction and lower rates of depression later in life.

An agreeable relationship between siblings isn’t always a given. It takes work.

Today is the day to let your siblings know how much you appreciate them. Sibling Day is a way of honouring that special bond that can exist between siblings.

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

• Post a photo with your siblings using the hashtag #NationalSiblingsDay
• Reach out and share a special memory of the two of you growing up together
• Plan for connection time and share goals. Aging changes us into vastly different people, and it’s entirely possible your sibling might not even know who you truly have become as an adult. Open up, share, and learn about each other
• Finally, just as you might regularly tell your spouse or partner you love them, siblings need those reassurances too.

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

EP 930 – Express Yourself Through Poetry

Today is the day to share your favourite poem with your friends and co-workers. You may share the actual piece of paper you wrote it on, or you can Tweet it or FB it. Poetry can be shared at any time.

Poetry can be a mantra for living.  It can express your emotions.  Sometimes it can remind us of those we have loved or lost.  Poetry can give a spiritual connection.  It can provide you with a new perspective, and it can transport you.

One of my favourites for living my life is by Dylan Thomas.  Life is to be lived, not watched.

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Sometimes we find lessons in poems that are bang on.

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

Go through your old books and re-visit some of the poems that use to connect to your heart

Search through the Internet to find some old classics or to read what a younger generation is writing about

Write your own poem to express your gratitude or your emotions.  It can help you to go deeper and sort out all that you are experiencing

Share your poems with others

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 929 – Sleep Tight and Don’t Let The Bad Energy Bite

Getting a full night’s sleep is up there on the list of things that can make you an energetic, happier person. That quality and quantity can be impacted by poor feng shui in your bedroom. By being aware of some of the principles of feng shui, your bedroom can promote healing, love, and energy.

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

Meeting the feng shui bed guidelines starts with a solid headboard, good mattress, good frame height, and no storage underneath.

Choose Your Bedroom to be at the back-end of your home. The back-end of our homes are usually much quieter and your sleep is less likely to be disrupted.

Position your head so that you can see the door and have your headboard against the wall. This gives you a subtle sense of security that’ll help you fall asleep easier. The feng shui commanding position is the area furthest diagonally from the door, but not in line with it.

Only have things that bring you joy and help your energy

Work and sleep don’t mix, so avoid work-related furniture in the bedroom.

Get rid of “light pollution” that causes sleepless nights. Use black out curtains if necessary.

Remove all electronics from easy-access to your bed, and you can find your sleep quality improve.

Keep your bedroom free of clutter including underneath your bed. A clean and organized bedroom is more visually relaxing and less likely to invoke frustration and agitation that lower your sleep quality.

Feng shui is often misconstrued as a complicated, confusing process, however, just follow a few basic principles. Keep clutter at a minimum, have plenty of natural light and fill your home with rounded or curved furniture to allow energy to flow more freely throughout a space.

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

EP 928 - How Not To Let Social Phobias Derail You

I have a Social Phobia.  It produces extreme reactions in me. 

I am a stress and wellness speaker.  I can stand up in front of hundreds of people.  However, put me into a situation where I am being graded, evaluated, or tested and I fold. I think that I have FNE or fear of negative evaluation.

This became obvious when I went to a karate grading.  It wasn’t even really being graded. It was being pre-graded for my black belt.  When the big day came, it overwhelmed me. 

When I think back, I know that this happened at every skating competition and every piano recital.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Stress Awareness Month:

Many employees hate the performance appraisal to the point where they make them physically ill.  Often in these situations, they miss any positive comments and hear only the areas that were cited as needing to improve. 

As employers, flexibility is needed.  Not all performance appraisals need to be delivered in person.  Allow people to choose how they want to proceed. 

If you have a social phobia, know that to overcome a fear takes work. You need to slowly learn how to challenge some of the unhelpful thoughts that the fear generates.

Expose yourself to your social phobia in a safe way.  Plan and practice your stress strategies ahead of time so that they are like second nature during your exposure.

Ask for help.  Let others support you during those stressful times.

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