Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

Listen to today's podcast... There are all kinds of headaches. Some are sharp and painful. Others are a long, slow ache from somewhere deep inside.   Chronic headache sufferers know that headaches can interfere with work, social activities and even completing the simplest task such as getting dressed.   Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Headache Awareness Week:   Learn what triggers your headaches – Is it conflict, noise, food, wine, odours or all of the above Keep a headache journal to give you some clues as to the triggers Let go of anger and frustration and try to lower your stress Get plenty of sleep Eat a balanced diet Get outside Exercise Learn relaxation techniques such as utilizing pressure points, deep breathing, visualization and muscle relaxation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your headaches to see if you have explored all the possible treatments. Finally, deep breathing is one of the easiest and effective relaxation techniques available to reduce headaches. Learn how to utilize this skill to reduce your headaches and improve your life.   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 vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... “Control the events in your life or the events in your life will control you.” In these busy times, leaving early may seem like a death sentence to your career. We know that in spite of the advances in technology, many of us are working longer hours than our parents and chronic illnesses such as burnout, heart disease and depression are on the rise. In order to maintain our health and our productivity, we must ensure that we have energy. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Leave The Office Earlier Day: Leaving early is just one strategy in an attempt to not let time control you. By consciously planning to leave early one day this week, I am betting that you will be much more focused and will feel a renewed sense of balance in your life. What would you do if you had 20 minutes of ‘free time' time today? What would you do if you had 1 hour or 2 hours extra? What priority would you focus on – your health – your kids – your spouse – your gardens – your dog – your community? Leaving Early Day is an awareness of how time slips away from us. It's about failing to make our priorities a priority in our life. Our work is important, and we owe it to ourselves and our employer to be present, creative and healthy. How? Control your schedule and be purposeful with your time. 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 vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... It has been six months since the hats, horns, bells and whistles that rang in the New Year. With all that has been going on, the commitments and promises of making changes that were destined to make us healthier, happier or more connected to the people around us, may have moved to the background of our lives. I like the quote that says, “Who you are in each moment creates your future.” This gives you the opportunity to restart and refocus each month, each day, or even each hour. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating New Year's Resolution Recommitment Day: Examine your life. What are your priorities and over-riding values? Know why you want the things you want. Too many people resolve to do things because they think that they should rather than because they feel that it is the right thing for them. Know what the benefits are of making this change or correction. What will the ‘new' picture of your life look like and feel like? Share your picture with others – post it, talk about it, find others who have a similar picture. Re-commit, don't quit. If you have lapsed for a day or two or fallen off the path completely, so what. Re-picture and jump in again. 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... What you think upon grows. Philosophers through the ages have said that 'thoughts are things' and 'as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.' We are the master weavers of our circumstances and our thoughts can set us up a life of ignorance and pain or enlightenment and happiness. But it is not just as simple as thinking positively to attract what you want.  It is also about tapping into the emotions of life and monitoring them to see how satisfied you are with what is happening in your life.  Simply dreaming about happiness isn't going to necessarily bring more happiness.  Thinking and focusing on all the ways we can be happier and taking steps to bring in and allow more good stuff to happen, may bring in more opportunities for happiness. Certainly the opposite is also true.  Focusing on pain, will reinforce the strength of that pain.  You will notice more the impact of that pain. Your attitude and motivation may sink as you feel helpless to get rid of the pain and then you will let that pain engulf everything about the world that you are in. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating What You Think Grows On You Day: Our reality today is based on our thoughts from yesterday. Today's belief creates tomorrow's reality. Become your ideal person, as if you have what you are desiring.  How would a happy employee act? How would a loving partner respond? What way would a caring parent see their children? What would be on your bucket list for work, your relationships, your health, your personal life?  Describe them in detail.  Our mind will look for ways to make these a reality for us. 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... So today is Heat Awareness Day and it feels like the coldest spring that we have had in a while. Soon however, the sun will be shining down and we will spend days either playing or working outside in the heat. Heat exhaustion and dehydration due to heat are some of the leading weather-related killers in the United States and Canada. Extreme heat is defined as at least 2-3 days of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius. In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body. Remember that extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning and that older adults, children, and those who are ill are at greater risk from the impact extreme heat. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Heat Awareness Day: When we are under an EXTREME HEAT WARNING: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Find air conditioning when possible. Know places in your community where you can go to get cool. Keep your home cool by covering the windows and using fans. Avoid strenuous activities. Watch for the signs of heat illness, such as HEAT CRAMPS, HEAT EXHAUSTION and HEAT STROKE   The summer heat is welcomed after a long cold winter, but as the slogan goes, Be Aware and Stay Safe in the Heat. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all, said Bill Clinton Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Mental Health Month: In the spirit of eliminating the stigma around mental health challenges here are some Do's And Don'ts Do:         Educate yourself about mental health challenges and issues Foster a healthy workplace environment Emphasize abilities, not limitations Use respectful language Refer to the person not the disability or illness Tell people when they express a stigmatizing attitude   Do Not: Portray successful people with disabilities as the exception Use generic labels such as “retarded” or “the mentally ill” Use terms like “crazy,” “lunatic,” or “insane” in general conversation Don't let stigma create self-doubt and shame   It is everyone's responsibility to reduce the stigma, prejudice and discrimination associated with mental health issues. Education, understanding, and support are key to creating a psychologically safe and healthy workplace. If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Do you eat breakfast? Research found that people who skipped breakfast had a higher risk of obesity, depression and perceived stress. They also found that performance, problem solving skills, and mood are all affected by breakfast consumption. What is your approach to breakfast? Are you The Pauper, The King and The Maestro? The Pauper - These people almost always skip breakfast. They are either too busy, not hungry in the morning, or are on a diet. Or just like the pauper who was given a small piece of bread to eat, these people may eat a doughnut, or a piece of toast and wash it down with coffee or juice The King - The ‘feast' consists of a large quantity of food, including eggs, pancakes with syrup, and sausage.  Though it contains a variety of food groups, it usually is heavy on the carbs and fat and very high in calories, which can lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes. The Maestro - Breakfast is a priority for this group, and so is conducting themselves in healthy way.  They make good choices so that they manage their energy effectively and add the right kinds of foods that promote health and longevity. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Egg Month: Make it portable.  If time is an issue, look for things that can be taken on the road such as hard-boiled eggs. Make it fun.  Eggs and waffles can be cooked using a variety of shapes to add some fun.  Keep it balanced.  Try to cover the basic food groups.  Look for variety. Just keep it balanced and don't get stuck in a rut. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... With so many companies investing in workplace wellness, it comes as a surprise that research shows that few companies assess the health needs of their employee population before deciding which wellness services to invest in. Even more surprising, is that only about a third of companies evaluate and measure how their programs impact the health and wellness of their employees or their bottom line. A productive employee wellness program assesses the health, wants, and needs of your employees and then addresses these issues, wants and needs in a meaningful and measurable way that the employer can track over time Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating the Mental Health Month: Simply offering a wellness program, no matter how well-intentioned, provides no guarantee of improving employees' well-being or having any value or return-on-investment. Workers must be aware the program exists and be persuaded to use it. Engaging company managers are key. Managers that engaged their workers were 28% more likely to participate in a wellness program offered by their company than were average employees. Wellness is a commitment. It is a commitment by the individual, their manager and by the company. It can take several years for the investment to be realized, but is well worth doing, because a healthy workplace is clearly a win/win situation for both employee and employer. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... The weather is warming up. We are getting outside more. And it is time to play. It's National Backyard Games Day. What is your favourite game to play outside with your family or friends? As kids we would run through the sprinklers in a game of dare to see who could stand the cold well water the longest. Maybe you were more the baseball or soccer ball group. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Backyard Games Day: From tag, to horseshoes, to backyard challenges, it is time to have some fun. It is time to get out of the house, to let go of the uncertainty, and to remember that we need to balance all aspects of our life. Balance means satisfaction. For many of us the fun factor has dipped to an all time low, so look for ways to play again. Put the kids in charge of setting up the games. Or allow everyone to pick or create one fun activity and enjoy the laughter and memories that they can create. Even if you are alone and not able to socially connect with others, grab your camera, head outside, and take some pictures from the oddest angles. Guaranteed to give you a different perspective and boost your mood. Remember, like when you were a kid, you are only limited by your own imagination. 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... I am missing my family reunion. Living so far away means that it is tough to make it to this family function. I have some wonderful memories of family reunions. The games that we would play. The prizes that were given out. The laughs that we would have, and the food. The awesome, glorious, delicious potluck that would follow. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!  Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Family Reunion Month: Family reunions can be a cherished tradition. But being around your family or going back to the town in which you grew up can stir up implicit memories that can automatically trigger feelings we felt in our past. No matter how mature we feel, memories of our 10 or 15-year-old selves can cause us to act like we did when we were 10 or 15. If we fail to recognize how we are affected by old emotions and negative early experiences, we run the risk of projecting our past onto our present interactions and relationships. So all of this is to say that family reunions can be fun and a point of real connection, but be aware that there is the potential for past memories and experiences to interfere with this enjoyment. Being aware of your triggers and emotions is the first step in being present and just enjoying the moment for what it really is…a chance to create a new memory. 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. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... You remember those times…You had one hour to get to the airport, and you find yourself still stressing out about what clothes to pack and where you've hidden the sunscreen. Though we may not be able to go on vacation right now, it may be the perfect time to plan what you would like to do for your next vacation. Time away from work is needed to restore our resiliency. Vacations were meant to be rejuvenating, but sometimes our expectations around having the perfect vacation lead to further stress. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Vanquishing Vacation Stress Month: Even researching and daydreaming about your next vacation can be good for your mental health, so look at pictures, and explore the possibilities for when the time is right. Remember that there is no such thing as the perfect vacation, so stay flexible in your thinking. When you get a chance to actually go on vacation, choose your activities wisely. Choose activities that meet with your particular goals. Is your vacation for relaxation, celebration or relationship renewal? Plan to ease into and out of vacation mode. There is nothing worse than returning from a vacation saying you need a vacation from your vacation. Finally, take the time to breathe deeply, laugh and nurture your soul now. You don't have to wait for your vacation to spend time on protecting your mental health.  Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Gone are the days that some well-meaning teacher would take their knuckle and drive it into the middle of your back and tell you to sit up straight. The Chiropractic Association has found that even young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations. Though a major cause of back and neck pain is kids and their backpacks, it is also our overall poor posture. Hours of computer slouching, hunching over while texting and laying around as a couch potato have serious repercussions on our posture.  The good news: there are easy things people can do to Reduce Your Stress By Correcting Your Posture. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Correct Posture Month: Practice the wall stand. Back up to a wall so your heels, buttocks, shoulders and head all lightly touch the wall while you keep everything level, relaxed and aligned– and take 3 slow breaths, feeling your body's best posture. Shoes matter. For women, there is no such thing as a good high heel for your posture. Trade in the stilettos for a shoe that gives you the proper support. It is critical to understand that the body impacts the mind. Standing up straight and walking tall will help you to think and feel better. Reduce Your Stress By Correcting Your Posture and remaining calm, more relaxed, and more physically and mentally healthy. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... We are what we eat. And what we eat can impact our mood and our ability to cope. Deficiencies in vitamins C, and A, can have a negative impact on the body's production of neurotransmitters, which directly affect our mood and energy…Not to mention digestive ailments, as well as increasing your risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day: The Heart Association recommends filling at least half your plate with fruits and veggies in order to make it to the recommended 4 ½ cups of each per day. Include more color. The best way to get all the various nutrients is to eat fruits and vegetables from the five main color groups. Can you name these groups? Red and Pink such as beets, Blue and Purple like blueberries, Yellow and Oranges like squash, Green like Brussel sprouts, and White and Brown like bananas and cauliflower. Finally, have healthy fruits and vegetables readily available. Plan ahead and keep them cut up in your fridge, in a container in your desk drawer, or even in the glove box of your car for when you are travelling. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... National Employee Health & Fitness Day was created to promote the benefits of physical activity for individuals through their work site health promotion activities. There are two types of fitness: Performance-related fitness - Linked to athletic performance and is tied to speed, reaction time, and coordination. And Health-related fitness - Linked to fitness components that may lower risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or low back pain. Health-related physical fitness includes: Aerobic fitness – which is the ability of the heart and lungs to deliver blood to muscles Muscular strength and endurance – enough to do normal activities easily and protect the low back Flexibility – which is the ability to move your many joints through their proper range of motion Body composition – not too much body fat, especially around the waist. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Promoting National Employee Health And Fitness Month: As an employer provide and promote opportunities for fitness: help employees to measure and track their fitness level co-ordinate lunch hour walking or running groups offer off-site fitness center discounts encourage sport team participation sponsor step by step challenges promote community fitness groups and reward fitness involvement As an individual find an activity that you can get excited about. With our busy lifestyles it is important that we make the time to take care of ourselves. Make the commitment to do one thing to increase your health-related fitness. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace' Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... They are true heroes in our public healthcare system. They save lives daily in communities across Canada, US and around the world. At some point, many of us may need to rely on the skill and abilities of these EMS workers. However, our EMS workers are at risk. Funding cuts to healthcare have resulted in increased workloads. They deal with shift-work stress and burnout. And they are at great risk for PTSD. When extremely difficult and life-threatening situations are mixed with common everyday stressors, it can be hard to effectively cope. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Emergency Medical Services Week: While EMS workers are trained to care for others, when it comes to their own well-being, the training may be lacking. If you are an EMS worker, loss of sleep, and not eating on a regular schedule can push you over the edge. Be very focused on ensuring that these basic needs are taken care of. Find ways to vent and talk through highly emotional calls. It is tough to manage when you can't share these situations with your family and friends who are our usual natural supporters, so it is important to make use of colleagues and other workplace resources to manage this stress. And finally, to combat burnout, focus on an attitude of gratitude, and increasing your awareness of the positive aspects of your life. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in 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. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... What are the first words that come to mind when you think about Schizophrenia? Some of those may include: crazy, psycho, or dangerous. Often, someone with schizophrenia is portrayed in the media and through film and television as dangerous or violent, however, this is not the case. A person who is affected by schizophrenia is not more dangerous than anyone else Most of us are not really aware of what Schizophrenia all entails. Schizophrenia is an example of a thought disorder, characterized by a history of acute psychosis and chronic deterioration of functioning, and affecting thinking, perception, mood and behaviour. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Schizophrenia Awareness Week: There are still many misconceptions about schizophrenia, and it continues to be a mental health challenge that is rarely spoken about. These misconceptions lead to further stigma, prejudice and discrimination. Stigma is perhaps the biggest barrier to mental health care. This stigma can prevent people from getting hired, promoted or keeping a job, getting proper health care, feeling loved, needed and accepted, contributing to communities or feeling productive. Find ways to Educate yourself about all mental health challenges and issues Foster a healthy workplace environment Emphasize abilities, not limitations It is everyone's responsibility to reduce the stigma, prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illness. Education and understanding are key. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in 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. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... I found it very hard and often stressful staying connected to family and friends.  Our lives were too busy and setting up time to connect seemed like a major exercise in the calendar shuffle. It wasn't that I didn't want to visit with them, it was just that there never seemed to be enough time to do it all. Now we are physically distancing and I would so love to be visiting, even though I am still just as busy. I loved visiting my grandma, especially when we would just sit and play cards for a while.  I can still remember the family reunions at the local community center with everyone sitting out on the grass, playing baseball and eating all that amazing food that was set out on the picnic tables, or our Christmases where Santa would come to surprise everyone with a gift or two. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Visit Your Relatives Day: Family and friends can provide the support system needed to get us through these hardest of times. Visit Your Relatives Day was intended to give us the opportunity to get closer to our relatives, stay connected to family and friends, and to strengthen family ties and relationships. It is still a good day to consider how you are keeping these special connections strong during this time. Even though you can't go and visit them, research suggests that even just viewing photos of family members prompts brain activity that can positively affect how you feel about them and even yourself. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... May is Hypertension Month and health professionals from across Canada are encouraging Canadians to know their numbers to help prevent and control hypertension and avoid its serious and deadly complications. Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of death and disability around the world, and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and dementia. Over 7.5 million Canadians have hypertension, and 7.4 million more have high blood pressure that will lead to hypertension without preventative action. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating World Hypertension Day: In those who have hypertension, about 30% is related to increased salt consumption, and about 20% related to low dietary potassium, so chose foods wisely. Physical inactivity is related to about 20% of hypertension, so get moving and active. Obesity is related to about 30% of hypertension, so keep your weight in check. Excess alcohol consumption also causes hypertension, so don't over-indulge. Being tobacco free is especially important for people with hypertension. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Most individuals with hypertension are unaware that their blood pressure is high, so get checked and keep your blood pressure in check. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Are you a 9 to 5er or are you a night shifter? Or do you work from home? Whatever your schedule, the key is making it and your life work together in harmony. It is not about work life balance, but about life satisfaction. Are you satisfied with all of the different aspects of your life? Are you spending the right mix of time and energy on each area so that you are feeling fulfilled and complete' If not, it may be time to look over your commitments, including your work schedule and deciding if it needs to be tweaked. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Revise Your Work Schedule Month: This month reflect on how to best achieve balance between your job, your commitments, and free time. Now is the time to take a hard look at the time we're actually spending in each of these areas of our life and truly evaluating how satisfied we are with them. We have the ability to work from more places, more times of the day, using more devices than we ever have before. The key is to take control of our time and make active choices about how we spend that time. I am not suggesting that you quit your job, but maybe a small tweak to when you start, when you leave or when you shut your technology off for the night, may have a big impact on your life satisfaction and energy. Something to consider. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Our minds can not operate on ‘full throttle' all day long. Focused meditation helps to clear the mind of racing, cluttered thoughts by focusing energies on a particular image or thought. Gradually distracting thoughts will decrease during meditation. This strategy helps to restore mental balance by providing a break in our hectic day. By allowing our mind to slow down, it is better able to focus when we return to our tasks at hand. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Meditation Month: One of the key areas that we neglect is time for self. Yet if we do not take care of our physical and mental needs, we will not be in a position to achieve our goals. We need to maintain a healthy rhythm to our life and we can do that by finding ways to ensure our physical needs for food, sleep, water, and exercise our met. Then we need to find ways to alternate the stress and challenges in our life with some relaxation or down-time. There is no way we can not get rid of all of our stress, nor do we want to. What we want to do is to reduce our negative reactions to stress so that we don't become sick, worn down, and worn out. Start by adding one relaxation technique to your daily checklist of things to do. Remember, If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.   #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... “Night shift can kill the body.” Today is the day that we celebrate National Night-Shift Worker Day and the introduction of the 24-hour society. One repercussion of the nightshift work schedule is that a typical night shift worker sleeps one or two hours less per day than a day worker and often has less deep and REM sleep. Shift Work Maladaption Syndrome is where shift work is leaving the worker so sleepy that they fear for their safety on the job. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Ensuring Resilience In Our Night-Shift Workers: As a leader, it is important to educate employees on what shift work entails and provide annual screening for shift-related illnesses. Promote and educate on healthy lifestyle strategies. Organize mandatory stretch breaks especially during the dangerous hours. As a Night Shift-Worker: Understand the hazards and consequences of shift work. Pay attention to sleep strategies and avoid going into sleep debt. Shift work is a lifestyle and in order to minimize stress and build resiliency, the worker and their family must ensure that they follow a healthy schedule, focus on their sleep strategies, and ensure that they have support from those around them. Looking for Tips To Promote Mental Health Week In Your Workplace, visit worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab for my Top 10 Tips. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... It is out there. We all know that it's out there. Yet, many of us still ignore it, pretend that we don't hear it or worse yet, we laugh and join in on it. Sometimes out of embarrassment. Sometimes out of fear. Recent results show that more than a quarter of working Canadians have experienced sexual harassment or been affected by it. This can result in a variety of stress-related illnesses, relationship difficulties as well as upset productivity and engagement. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Stopping Sexual Harassment In The Workplace: Know that when faced with unwanted and unsolicited sexual harassment, victims feel confused, frustrated and angry. They may not know how to react to the situation and may become very anxious or depressed. Some employees will suffer the humiliation and harassment silently and when they can no longer take it, they will quietly quit. Not addressing sexual harassment in the workplace is bad business and can create a toxic environment. Education around sexual harassment and developing strong policies and procedures to deter it are the most effective means of minimizing its occurrence and impact. Companies can protect their employees, and create a positive workplace culture, by implementing a comprehensive policy and providing training to employees and leaders on that policy. 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 vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... “Reading opens a window to the world; giving us a vision of things we never dreamed possible.” Reading for fun has become like a long-lost luxury, especially in this busy age of 24/7.  Relaxation and ‘luxury' activities are often met with the guilt that we should be doing something worthwhile and productive…not indulging and pampering ourselves. One survey found that nearly a third of adults across our country didn't read a single book for pleasure in the past year. The discouraging figure puts Canadians behind the U.S., where an identical poll showed 27 per cent of Americans hadn't picked up a book.  Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Reading Is Fun-damental Week: Reading can transport us to another time or place.  It stimulates the right side of our brain and can engage our imagination and strengthen our creativity. It can expand our understanding of other cultures, help us to find new ways to express our ideas, and expand our vocabulary. Reading forces us to be still and slow down when we are used to running on high-speed. Reading can stimulate our emotions and give us an appropriate way to vent out our frustrations, sadness and joy.  I have a very hard time limiting my time when I get a really good book.  I have been known to read an entire day (or night) away, just because I couldn't put the book down. Generally I only start a good book when I am truly able to ignore the phones and my work, like while I am on vacation.  If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Allergies occur when the immune system becomes unusually sensitive and overreacts to common substances that are normally harmless, such as pollens, molds, dust or even food. Food allergies are serious business. They impact over 2.6 million Canadians. Everyone is entitled to a safe working environment. Unlike many conditions, anaphylaxis is not visible unless someone is having an allergic reaction. That is why it is extremely important to communicate about your food allergies before a reaction occurs. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Food Allergy Awareness Week: Be open about your food allergies. It's important that your co-workers and boss know about them. Always carry at least one auto-injector on the job. It's better to have two in case you need a second dose during an allergic reaction. Educate co-workers. Your co-workers may have no experience with food allergy. Teach your co-workers how to prevent reactions from happening, recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to use an epi pen properly. Say thanks. Make sure your colleagues know that you appreciate their support. Those who don't have food allergies can help by understanding the condition and doing their part to create a safe environment to prevent serious reactions from occurring. Simple things like washing your hands well and often. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent cross-contamination as well as the spread of general viruses and bacteria. If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Are you protected from the sun under an umbrella? How about on a cloudy day? Do you think you're protected from the sun under the water? Does a baseball cap protect you from the sun? Are you protected from the sun if you go to a tanning salon first? Not sure of the answers, then you need to find out, as it could save your life. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer since it's more likely to spread to other parts of the body. It is increasing in both men and women. Non-melanoma skin cancer, a less deadly type of skin cancer, is the most commonly occurring cancer, accounting for about one-third of all cancer cases. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Sun Awareness Week: Reduce sun exposure between 11am and 4pm. Seek shade or create your own shade. Think Slip – Slap – Slop Slip! on clothing to protect your arms and legs. Slap! on a wide-brimmed hat. Slop! on sunscreen with SPF #15 or higher. Be Prepared and Stay Safe In The Sun 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Could you unplug your TV for 7 days? How about that PS4? What role does screen time play in your daily life?  Entertainer, pacifier, babysitter, time filler and/or a distraction? Many parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend with screens. And with good reason! Research shows that screen time gets in the way of activities known to be good for young children, however kids who spend less time with screens fall asleep faster, sleep longer, eat healthier, and get more exercise. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency During Screen Free Week: Turn your living room into a place for family interaction and play by arranging the furniture so the TV is not the focus of the room. Take a break from your smartphone and other screens during periods of the day and model good screen time behaviour. TV and screen time is not all bad.  It becomes a negative when we let it take over our lives. We grow accustom to the silence of watching TV and it allows us to avoid communication with those around us. It separates us from those we love, even when we are in the same room. It can taint our perspective and the way we see the world as it is full of negative images.  During Screen Free Week, challenge yourself.  Move outside of your comfort zone and focus on being creative, an active participant and connected to those around you. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Canada became the first country in the world to have a national standard for psychological health and safety in the workplace. This Standard contains a voluntary set of guidelines, tools, and resources aimed at promoting employees' psychological health and preventing psychological harm due to workplace factors. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Mental Health Week: Get Clear On What's Required For Building A Psychologically Healthy Workplace Foster overall psychological health and a respectful workplace based on trust, honesty, fairness and recognition. As employees, ask questions, report issues, and propose new ideas for building a positive culture. Be sure to train leaders and employees at all levels on awareness and prevention strategies. Look beyond the workplace to what resources are available to help meet personal, as well as workplace challenges. If you like the tips in this briefing, please leave me a review on amazon or in your #alexa app. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... A friend of mine, had been promoted over the years, rewarded for her achievements and was a solid employee.  During a major corporate transition she was given a new department that needed a lot of help in restructuring.  She worked hard through long days, with little progress. And the results were devastating for her health to the point where she had to leave. What could have been different?  Her supervisors should have seen that the new role was unrealistic for one person to handle. They should have noticed the excessive overtime. They should have spotted the impact it was having on her health. And they should have worked with her before she felt that she had no choice but to leave, or feel like a failure. We know that engaged employees help our companies to be more creative, productive and successful. Disengaged or stressed out employees cost our companies in job turnover, disability and lowered productivity.  Yet, some employers still look at their employees as being a commodity. Ensuring that your teams work in a healthy environment is a priority. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating the start of Mental Health Week: Start a conversation. What are the sources of stress within your teams-personally and professionally? If you are not sure – ASK!  What impact is it having? Benchmark this information. How much is this costing in absenteeism, turnover, lowered productivity, healthcare costs? Decide what programs would help reduce this impact on the individual and the company Looking for Tips To Promote Mental Health Week In Your Workplace? Visit worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab for my Top 10 Tips. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... It is hard to understand how a child can experience depression.  As caregivers and parents, we need to remind ourselves, that while a child's problems may seem minor to us, they can be overwhelming to them. Your first warning signs will probably be changes in behaviour that may suggest a troubled and unhappy state of mind. If a student becomes depressed, they are unlikely to talk about it. Very likely, a depressed child will think that no one else feels the same way and that no one will understand their problems. Often a depressed child will feel that they are disliked. Clinical Depression is more than just the ‘blues'. It is a “biochemical disorder where a person feels very sad for an extended period of time and where this state interferes with their everyday life.” Depression affects about 3% of our children, 8% of adolescents and 10% of adults. Stress can act as a ‘trigger' for Depression. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Mental Health Week and Childhood Depression Awareness Day: Be aware of the signs and symptoms of Depression. As an employer, hold awareness sessions for your employees. Provide support and understanding. Be aware of the signs of suicidal thoughts – Suicide is one of the top killers of our youth. 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. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Love this advice…If your shadow is shorter than you are, you should seek the shade. Do you annually check your skin?  Wear your sunscreen faithfully?  Do you go and see your doctor for regular check ups? If so, you are helping to ensure that you prevent skin cancer or at least ensure that you catch it in its early stages. The spring is an easy time to forget to use your sunscreen. It is essential that we protect ourselves and our kids and know the early signs of Melanoma, that way we can all be safe in the sun.  Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Melanoma Monday…and Being Safe In The Sun Check it out.  Melanoma can be found anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the legs, back, head and neck. Do an annual scan to check for changes. Visit your doctor regularly and make sure that they do a body scan too. Be safe in the sun.  Enjoy the spring, summer and fall sunshine, but cover up and use your sunscreen. Cancer changes lives, impacts families and hinders workplace productivity. Employees coming back to work after cancer treatments describe a variety of challenges that employers may not be aware of/or consider in their return-to-work accommodations. As a leader, look for ways to educate on prevention and look for ways to successfully support a team member who has been impacted. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... What superhero reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 per cent, overcomes gridlock faster than a speeding train, and leaps over distraction barriers in a single bound? Hint: Often seen wearing pajamas while on the job…It's not a bird. Nor a solar plane…It's the Telecommuter! So, here I sit in my pj`s working at my computer.  No stress spent on deciding what to wear to the office. I appreciate the flexible work arrangements that I have.  It strengthens my resiliency while running a successful business.  Some days I work all day and into the evening.  On other days, I may find myself helping out a family member or pulling the weeds from my gardens.  This flexibility gives me the balance that I want and need. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Flexible Work Arrangements Week: Companies that aim to provide a flexible working options encourage a healthy work-life balance, build resiliency and retain key workers. Develop a flex work policy that outlines what best practices they are expected to adhere to. As an employee, if you are interested in flexible work arrangements, consider how this might positively or negatively impact your job, your family, your employer, your team members. There are many adjustments that need to be made both by the employer and by the employee to make flexible work arrangements work.  Good communication and problem-solving skills are the foundation to working out any kinks. So here`s to all superheroes working in their pj`s – May it be a productive day! Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace' Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lifetime. Mental health disorders are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability world-wide. 17% of Canadians report that they have taken time away from work and school,  to deal with a personal mental health issue. According to Guarding Minds At Work, when employers adopt policies and programs to address psychological safety and health, they incur 15% to 33% fewer costs related to psychological health issues. Employers and employees both have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of their employees. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Mental Health Month: Know What Mental Health Is Mental Health is a state in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stressors of life, can work productively, and is not overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Know What The General Mental Illness Indicators Are In The Workplace. Some of the most common include: Excessive lateness or absences Increased need for extra supervision Reduced productivity and loss of pride in work Inconsistency in work or habits   Exhibiting several of these, may indicate that someone may be experiencing a mental illness and intervention and assistance is needed.  As a leader and a co-worker, being alert to these indicators can ensure a healthy work environment. 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. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Have you seen the videos? Someone doing a zoom meeting and they get caught wearing no pants, just their jockies. Today is the unofficial holiday – No Pants Day. And prior to this business disruption, it wouldn't cross my mind that wearing no pants would be widely celebrated…but here we are and the joke and often asked question is…who isn't wearing pants on this call? We have the zoom mullet. All business up top and no pants on the bottom. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency So just in case this may not be for you, Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating No Pants Day: Though the idea of today is about wearing no pants in public and to pretend like it is nothing out of the normal, I'm not sure I am a fan   I do love my PJs and I often wear them all day long…and even more so in these days of zoom calls and working from home. The idea is comfort rules. I am spending way less time on getting ready for work and more time on being creative and getting things done.   Remember:  Use your best judgment in celebrating today, you don't want to be remembered as that person who got caught wearing no pants. 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Being burned out and being stressed out are not the same thing. Many of us can tell when we are stressed out, but often, we cannot tell if we are burned out. Burnout may be the result of unrelenting stress, but it isn't the same as too much stress. Stress is often about too many pressures that need to be dealt with.  Burnout is about feeling empty, lacking in motivation, and beyond caring. Employees experiencing burnout often don't see any hope of positive change in their situations. Burnout may occur over a short period of time or take several years to manifest. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are Tips For Combatting Burnout and Celebrating Mental Health Week: First: Slow Down. Take a break. Cut back whatever commitments and activities you can. Give yourself time to rest, reflect, and heal. Change What You Can.  Maintain Balance. Talk to a Professional. And Make A Plan. Part of the problem with burnout is the lack of control that's associated with it. Burnout can be a serious consequence of an unbalanced life and of an environment where the individual experiences little control and high demands. Leaders can help by ensuring a clearer understanding of what their job is and is not, providing as much control as possible, ensuring that demands are realistic and by recognizing the employee's contributions and achievements. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Today we encourage honesty and straightforward communication in politics, relationships, consumer relations and education. Most of us have told a few lies. Lying can bail us out of awkward situations. Spare the feelings of others. Preserve or strengthen alliances. Enhance social standing. Keep us out of trouble. Even save our lives. In today's world of so many false truths, it is even more essential to build relationships based on honest and clear communication. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Honesty Day: Practice telling the truth. Studies have shown that human children begin practicing deception as early as six months of age through such attention-getting gambits as fake crying or laughter. Try answering questions honestly all day today and see where the difficulties lie for you. Be more transparent. Honesty goes a long way in building solid relationships. Leaders get ahead by making the right choices and showing that they are trustworthy. This builds trust, which is essential for teamwork. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Part of spring cleaning is tackling your cupboards and drawers.  Well how about that medicine cupboard? Do You Know About Medication Safety? I know that mine had been neglected when I found a jar of Vicks medicated rub from when I was a kid.  Yes, that was a long time ago and yes, it was about time that it was thrown out.  I have no idea if that stuff ever goes bad, but I probably should have thrown it out years ago.  I have carted it from my bedroom, to my residence room, to my first apartment, and then from one home to the next with my family. Medication errors are said to affect at least 1.5 million Canadians per year according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.  And those mistakes can be disastrous. Medication safety isn't just about an expiry date.  It's about safe storage.  Knowing what medications may interact with other medications, food and supplements. It's about telling your doctor about any side effects you may have had from previous prescriptions and what supplements or over-the-counter medications you may be taking. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Medication Safety Week: Check your prescriptions periodically for expiration dates Don't share medicines with friends or family Dispose of medications properly. Most pharmacies will take your old drugs for proper disposal. Avoid putting them in trashcans or into the toilet Remember that the term “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe”.  Treat all supplements and herbal remedies with the same respect as you would any prescribed medications  Make Sure That Your Family Stays Safe And Healthy Want to find more strategies to coping with stress? Check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Tick tock. Tick tock. Can you hear your biological clock ticking away?  I am pretty sure that I can, though, I am certainly not looking at having anymore children! So What Does Your Biological Clock Tell You? Our biological clock does so much more than tell us the perfect time to get pregnant. In fact, both men and women and the young and old are subject to the influence of the biological clocks that we all have. Circadian rhythms are controlled by “clock genes” that carry the genetic instructions to produce proteins. These instructions control everything from when we sleep and rest, body temperature, heart activity, hormone secretion, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and metabolism. They may even influence our mood, particularly in the form of wintertime depression known as seasonal affective disorder. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Biological Clock Day: Celebrate – whatever age you are, or whatever life stage you are in. Sleep is essential to our mental and physical health.  Clock genes normally keep us awake during the day and asleep at night.  But when a clock gene mutates, it can disrupt the normal sleep cycle. Sunlight, air travel and even the seasons can disrupt our Circadian Rhythms and the quality and quantity of sleep that we get. So avoid night light. When possible, avoid bright and outdoor light close to bedtime and keep your surroundings as dark as possible at night. Cover the lights of your alarm clock, so that you are not tempted to look at it or have its glow disrupt your sleep. Avoid eating or exercising too close to bedtime. Also watch out for caffeine and nicotine, both of which are stimulants. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... I remember date night…That was before hockey and weekends at the rink. That was before school projects and helping out with math homework.  And that was before going to bed before 9:00 was a matter of survival.  With today's chaotic pace, it is easy to take your partner for granted. When we first fall in love, everything is excitingly-new. But, as the novelty factor starts to wane, we settle into more of a routine. That's when excitement can be replaced by boredom. But it doesn't have to be that way. Research shows that couples can regain that excitement in their relationship by trying something new together.  Experiencing new things triggers the release of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine — the same ones released when you're newly in love. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Couple Appreciation Month: Start going on dates again. Plan a road trip to nowhere. Go for a walk in the park and hold hands the entire time. Cook a special dinner together just for the two of you. Leave a quick note on the mirror, their gym bag, or their briefcase/purse to make them smile. Take a minute to think about how much more enjoyable they make your life, and then tell them. These are my suggestions, but I am sure that there are things that you did before that you would like to do again or new things that you would like to try with your partner.  So go ahead – what's stopping you? (nothing should be stopping you!)  Nothing can be more important then ensuring that your relationship stays rock solid. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Rebuilding Month: These past couple of years have 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... I find it very sad when I see someone who was dedicated and enthusiastic about their job, leaves because of burnout. This is often the case in the childcare profession.  Burnout is a state of fatigue, while feeling frustrated, overworked and unappreciated. It combines physical, emotional and mental symptoms.  Workplace stress and burnout is very high in the childcare profession due to the stress of managing multiple children and their behaviours, the relationships with parents and peers, and often there is a lack of recognition and appreciation for what should be seen as such an important role in our society. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Childcare Professionals Day: As a childcare professional be aware of the problem and recognize the danger signs of burnout, then take care of your health. Learn long-term and short-term relaxation and stretching strategies. Be realistic about goals and expectations.  Set limits. Develop strong communication skills and strategies for dealing with children, parents and peers. Develop activities that are separate from work. As a parent whose child is looked after by a childcare professional: Remember that parenting isn`t easy at the best of times, neither is looking after someone else`s child.  Not everything will be perfect or dealt with exactly as you would like it to be. Let go of minor annoyances and deal appropriately and respectfully with those issues that must be addressed. My children are many years out of their daycare setting, but they still have warm feelings for their childcare providers when they see them in person or when we look at pictures from the past.  So to JoAnne, Clare, Sara, Kelly, Julie, and Darlene – many thanks for taking good care of my boys. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... It's quiet. Well, almost. There is the ticking of the clock, the rattle of the furnace, the birds chirping outside of my window and my computer humming along. For some this silence is uncomfortable or we feel guilty, so we turn on the TV, though we aren't really watching. It is important in the chaos of everyday living that we take a few moments and shut out as many sounds of the world and just be. It is here that we can rest, that we can rejuvenate, that we can be creative, and we can reflect. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Noise Awareness Day: Pay attention to the noise you make and respect your neighbour's right to peace and quiet. Turn down the volume two notches on your radios and personal stereo systems with headphones. Turn down the volume one notch on your television and turn it off during dinner. Do NOT honk your horn, except in the case of imminent danger. Replace noisy activities with quiet ones such as taking a walk. Wear adequate hearing protection if you must be in a noisy environment and if you are concerned, get a hearing screening test done. Try to observe one minute of no noise everyday. Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... I want to be a princess. Not the entitled kind, but the kind who works at being secure, confident, and powerful. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Now, I must admit that I am not the best at letting my husband know how much I appreciate everything that he does. He is a wonderful man, a great friend, a good listening post, a terrific father, handyman excellence and very supportive of all of the things that I am involved with. Like many people, I spend more time thinking about what could be different, what hasn't been done and what I wish he would do, then letting him know what I am thankful for. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Husband Appreciation Day: Take a moment and think about how life would be terribly different without this person in your life Let them know a couple of the little things that they do that make you smile Give a hug for no reason Use funny Post-It Notes and stick them in their car, their briefcase or lunch bag Send a cheerful email to them at work (not one that reminds them to pick up a few groceries on their way home) Being able to appreciate others benefits not only your relationship but also your own mood and perspective on life. Look for the things that are going right and they will start to over-shadow those things that may not be just as we would like them to be. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency Here are today's 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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's 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. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... 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. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's 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 #mentalhealth #hr