Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

EP 830 – Look On The Brighter Side

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EP 829 463 - Are You A Chocoholic?

I am a chocoholic. I love milk chocolate. Creamy. Rich. Sweet. Delicious. It picks me up when I am down.

Is this wrong?
 Not terribly. We all have comfort foods and mine is chocolate. I don’t eat it everyday. My addiction is quite mild most of the time. But there are days when I just have to give in. I have scavenged the cupboards looking for any type of chocolaty morsel. And when I do indulge, I try to do so with very little guilt, (which isn’t always possible).

It’s About Moderation

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate isn’t its own food group, but treats are not all bad. Moderation is the key. Eating healthy around the treats is also well advised.

But I do like my chocolate and I am always glad that my Christmas stocking, is lovingly filled with….Chocolate. My boys use to wondered why Santa only brought mommy chocolate…I told them, it was because daddy wanted mommy to be happy so he wrote it in his letter to Santa to bring me a stocking full of chocolate. And Santa hasn’t let me down yet.

So hats off to the Mayans and the Aztecs for creating the first chocolaty drink.

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

I don’t have any, other than to indulge responsibly

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

EP 828 - A Year In Review

It is almost the last day of the year. This is the day that many news programs offer up a year in review. What happened that was newsworthy? Good, Bad and even the Ugly.

This is a good time of year to do the same for our own personal life.

What was great?
What successes did you achieve?
What challenges did you face?
What didn’t go the way you would have liked.
What lessons did you learn?

All of these questions can help you to put life in perspective and help you to recognize the skills that you have developed that have aided you along the way.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating the New Year ahead:

Reviewing Your Life Allows You to Know Where You Are. If you don’t want to live this upcoming year exactly the same as your last year, you need to take stock of all that has happened. It is only when you stop and reflect, that you are able to find out, if what you do, is getting you the results you want.

Ask yourself the question, What Am I Working Towards?
 If you are serious about living your ideal lifestyle, you must take stock of where you are and where you would like to be.

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 827 - It’s About Time

Are you overworked, over-scheduled and just plain stressed out?

There is a quote that says, “Time is the most valuable coin in your life. You and you alone will determine how that coin will be spent. Be careful that you don’t let other people spend it for you.”

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating It’s About Time Week:

Schedule downtime. At least once during the day, you should allow yourself the luxury of having a period of time to decompress. The simplest and easiest strategy to use is deep breathing. It can be done by anyone, anywhere and in any circumstance.

Create off-work zones. Determine what times during the day are off-limits for working, including no e-mail, or text messages. By defining these zones such as at meal-time, bed-time and days off, we are creating the space for rejuvenation and connection.

Learn to say no. Say no to things that are outside of your priority. Say no to working late, especially if it is self-imposed. Say no to extra activities if you are feeling stretched to thin. Saying no now, does not mean that it will be a no forever.

When you feel like it is a priority and you have the time to dedicate to the activity without compromising yourself, then it is okay to say yes.

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 826 Whiny Whiner

We can be a nation of entitled whiners.  “It’s too cold.”  “I am the only one around here who does anything.”  “Blah, blah, blah” or should I say “whine, whine, whine.”

Hunger, tiredness, boredom and feeling unwell are factors that can precipitate whining sessions at work, but some colleagues have learned from a very early age that whining gets them the attention that they are seeking.  Whining has become second nature and their predominant way of communicating.  Their behaviour is draining on relationships and it can poison a workplace.

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

If you catch yourself whining:

Try moving from an attitude of entitlement to one of gratitude.  It is hard to be whining when focused on the positive and being thankful.

Focus on problem solving.  It is okay to vent, but that venting must be followed by problem solving otherwise it is whining for whining’s sake.

If you are going to confront a whiner:

Understand that they are looking for attention, but give them attention for solving the issue, not for whining about the issue.

Finally, minimize the amount of time that you spend with the whiner.  They will zap your energy if you aren’t careful.

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

EP 825 - Christmas Day Blessing

It is Christmas Day for those of us who celebrate this time of year.

As we go into the holidays, I wanted to share this little blessing with you.

To you I wish all the blessings of Christmas.

May you experience the warmth of home,

The cheer and good will of friends,

And the hope of a child-like heart.

May love work its magic into your life,

And may you touch every life you meet.

May you provide compassion to those in need,

And have the courage to stand up for yourself.

May the stars light your way.

May you have unmatchable success in life and the ability to handle it with grace.

Have a blessed Christmas.

EP 824 - Christmas Eve Wish For You

It is Christmas Eve for those of us who celebrate this time of year.

As we go into the holidays, I wanted to share this little blessing with you.

To you I wish all the blessings of Christmas.

May you experience the warmth of home,

The cheer and good will of friends,

And the hope of a child-like heart.

May love work its magic into your life,

And may you touch every life you meet.

May you provide compassion to those in need,

And have the courage to stand up for yourself.

May the stars light your way.

May you have unmatchable success in life and the ability to handle it with grace.

Have a blessed Christmas.

EP 823 – Managing Family Conflict Through The Holidays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EP 822 – Write Your Business Plan

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

Writing my business plan greatly improves my chances for success.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget that you can find more tips for coping with mental health issues, by checking out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com.

EP 821 - The Sound Of Silence

What would a day of complete silence be like?

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

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

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

So here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Be A Lover Of Silence Day:

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

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

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

For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 820 - Spreading Holiday Cheer

Have you ever gone caroling?

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

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

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

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

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

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

EP 819 - Fortify With Friendships

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

Here are my Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Write A Friend Month:

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

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

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

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

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

EP 818 - Life Of The Under Dog

Do you hate it when the interviewer goes after the second place person and asks them how it feels to lose the race?  Do you always cheer for the underdog, the team not expected to win?  Are your favourite movies the one where the underdog prevails? Today is the day to salute all of the underdogs and unsung heroes.

An underdog is a person or group who is expected to lose. However, sometimes they pull off the unexpected. Isn’t that what life is like for most of us?

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

Who are the underdogs in your workplace, family or community who could use a little extra encouragement or know that someone is in their corner?  Go out and be their cheerleader.

Are you letting your fear of not winning, stopping you from even being a part of the game?

Most of the underdogs that we celebrate in our society and in our movies have a few things in common.  They don’t throw in the towel just because they aren’t expected to win.  They give it their all until the very end. 

When my son was just starting out in hockey, they use to rotate the goalies.  His team was badly beat by one particular team.  On the next re-match, my son was to be the goalie.  He donned his gear and was determined to stop the pucks that came his way. In the end, they lost by 10 goals.  I was fully prepared to go into the dressing room and provide my motherly comfort and ‘you’ll get them next time’ speech.  To my great surprise, my son’s first comment, was “Well at least we didn’t lose by 15 like the last time”.

Improvement is improvement and who knows what the outcome will be the next time….good lesson for all of us.

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

EP 817 - Breath and Relax

Did you know that flowers and plants freshen the air?

This is a day set aside to honor our clean air and to raise awareness of the many environmental issues that are changing our climate on earth. This is one of several official days to pay attention to your environment and the air we breathe. Air pollution is the largest environmental health risk in the country, ranking alongside cancer, heart disease and obesity in the scale of its health impacts.  Air pollution affects us all at work, at home and when we are out and about.  It causes heart and lung diseases, affects children’s lung development and shortens life. 1 in 8 deaths around the world is linked to poor air quality.

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

Clean Air Day 2018 is the perfect opportunity for people to ditch their cars and either walk or cycle to work.

Even the smallest contribution soon mounts up when large groups of people pledge their commitment.

Taking a walk in nature, breathing in the cool crisp air and slowing down for a moment is also a great way to celebrate

We need to protect Mother Earth and making sure that the air that we breathe is as clean and healthy as possible.

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

EP 816 - Chocoholics Rejoice

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

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

So here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Chocolate Covered Anything Day:

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

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

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

EP 815 - Pearls Are Precious, As Are We

This day is a day of encouragement and inspiration. National Wear Your Pearls Day was created by best-selling author and motivational speaker DeAnna Bookert to celebrate life after she emerged from a deep depression. She said, “I wear pearls as a reminder that I have purpose and value,”. We are reminded that one irritating grain of sand can cause an iridescent pearl to form.  National Wear Your Pearls Day reminds us that when life throws dirt our way, we can take that dirt build on it and turn it into something meaningful and precious. Pearls symbolize wisdom acquired through experience and represent new beginnings.

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

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

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

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

EP 814 - Time To Get Twisted

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

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

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

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

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 813 - Bring On The Ugly

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

So here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day:

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

Don’t have an ugly sweater?

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

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

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

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

EP 812 - Thinking the Unmentionable

Unmentionable thoughts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget that you can find more tips for coping with mental health issues, by checking out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 811 – Apps For Busting Stress

What is your favourite app?

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

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

Apps can be used for communication, and entertainment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.