Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

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... 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

Listen to today's podcast... Have You Ever Had A Dog Bite You? I was only two.  In my mind, I vaguely remember being in our living room with my mom while she was crying and talking on the phone to the hospital.  I remember being in the emergency room.  And before all of this, I have a fleeting memory of being out at the barn and our dog.  Somehow, our dog thought that I was going to steal his food, though I had been out there numerous times.  On this particular occasion, he snapped at me and bit me, just missing my eye. Even the calmest, most loving dog can get snappy when sat on, stepped on or when they feel fear for themselves or their family. My experience could have left me scarred in many more ways than just the one that I carry on my face.  Today, I am a dog lover. I don't fear them, but I do have a very healthy respect for them. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Protecting Yourself And Celebrating Dog Bite Prevention Week: The Canadian Safety Council estimates that in 70% of dog bite cases the victim knew the dog.  Parents need to teach their children how to interact safely with Fido. NEVER disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. NEVER pet a dog, even your own, without letting him see and sniff you first. Dogs that haven't been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.  Be a responsible pet owner. Properly train and socialize your dog, and teach it submissive behaviors like giving up food without growling. Cynophobia is an irrational fear of dogs. If you find that your fear of dogs is excessive and you can't easily avoid them, seek out the help of a professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist. For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr    

Listen to today's podcast... Do you walk on the wild side? Or have you given in to the everyday routines of life? Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Walk On Your Wild Side Day: Take the Walk On Your Wild Side Challenge. Use this day to plan something out of the ordinary, unusual or even extraordinary. Better yet, don't plan something, just do it. It doesn't have to be something dangerous, just a bit quirky or different from the everyday. What about spraying your hair with your favourite colour? Or dressing up like a famous rock star or movie character? Or maybe it is to get up on stage and belt out your favourite tune at a karaoke bar? How about the 1972 song, Walk On The Wild Side, by Lou Reed? Let yourself be free and unencumbered. Share the moment with #wildside and encourage others to add more joy to their life too! PS My most recent wild side display was going to a big-hair 80's band concert…dressed in authentic garb of the day. Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Research shows that pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and numerous other mental health benefits. Pets can be there for you in ways that people can't. They can offer love and companionship, and can be the best antidote to loneliness. Pets can increase your sense of purpose in life. Researchers found that elderly people who owned pets had better everyday well-being than those who didn't own pets. When you have meaning and purpose, you are less likely to feel depressed, isolated, and lonely. Pets connect to our nurturing side. Pets learn to sense emotions from humans. If the human is withdrawn the pet senses that something is wrong or different and attempts to change the human's behaviour. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Pet Day: If you have a pet, take the time to be focused while in their presence Today is the day to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home One simple thing that we can do is to assist an ill, elderly or financially struggling neighbour friend by purchasing pet food, hay or needed items for their pets. No one should be separated from their pet family member when they need them the most. Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... It is usually the longest relationship in our life. If you have brothers or sisters, then you will know that rivalry and love can exist in the same relationship. Siblings are a part of who we are, and that shared history is what makes this relationship so valuable. Did you know that research has shown that healthy sibling relationships can significantly benefit us later in life. The quality of sibling relationships is one of the most important predictors of mental health in old age, according to The American Journal of Psychiatry. Research shows that people who are emotionally close to their siblings have higher life satisfaction and lower rates of depression later in life. An agreeable relationship between siblings isn't always a given. It takes work. Today is the day to let your siblings know how much you appreciate them. Sibling Day is a way of honouring that special bond that can exist between siblings. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Siblings Day: Post a photo with your siblings using the hashtag #NationalSiblingsDay Reach out and share a special memory of the two of you growing up together Plan for connection time and share goals. Aging changes us into vastly different people, and it's entirely possible your sibling might not even know who you truly have become as an adult. Open up, share, and learn about each other Finally, just as you might regularly tell your spouse or partner you love them, siblings need those reassurances too. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #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... Getting a full night's sleep is up there on the list of things that can make you an energetic, happier person. That quality and quantity can be impacted by poor feng shui in your bedroom. By being aware of some of the principles of feng shui, your bedroom can promote healing, love, and energy. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Feng Shui Awareness Day: Meeting the feng shui bed guidelines starts with a solid headboard, good mattress, good frame height, and no storage underneath. Choose Your Bedroom to be at the back-end of your home. The back-end of our homes are usually much quieter and your sleep is less likely to be disrupted. Position your head so that you can see the door and have your headboard against the wall. This gives you a subtle sense of security that'll help you fall asleep easier. The feng shui commanding position is the area furthest diagonally from the door, but not in line with it. Only have things that bring you joy and help your energy Work and sleep don't mix, so avoid work-related furniture in the bedroom. Get rid of “light pollution” that causes sleepless nights. Use black out curtains if necessary. Remove all electronics from easy-access to your bed, and you can find your sleep quality improve. Keep your bedroom free of clutter including underneath your bed. A clean and organized bedroom is more visually relaxing and less likely to invoke frustration and agitation that lower your sleep quality. Feng shui is often misconstrued as a complicated, confusing process, however, just follow a few basic principles. Keep clutter at a minimum, have plenty of natural light and fill your home with rounded or curved furniture to allow energy to flow more freely throughout a space. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #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 #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Do you reach for comfort foods when you are frustrated, tired, or stressed out? I do. I crave chocolate covered almonds, coffee flavoured Hagen Daas Ice Cream, and Cadbury mini eggs. These cravings are worse when I am emotional or feeling out of control. We know that cortisol increases food cravings for sugary or fatty foods. It also increases hunger hormones which can lead to us making poor nutritional choices. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Emotional Over-Eating Month: Emotional overeating is a huge topic. Using food as a way of attempting to cope with or control feelings can lead to weight gain and poor nutrition. It is a problem when the emotional overeating leaves you feeling unhappy, guilty, and less than. Eating can distract you and calm you. You may see it as a reward…a way of doing something special for yourself. Start by understanding which emotions increase your cravings. Create a clear picture of what “peace with food” means for you. Visualize yourself at your best and the role you want food and eating to play in your life. Look for ways to indulge and reward yourself without turning to food. One site suggested to look for things that smell good rather than taste good – I am attracted to hand creams and fabric sprays, so maybe that will work for me as a mood booster. Another suggested to look for things that feel good – like a fuzzy blanket or sweater. It is all about addressing the habit to reach for foods that in the end, don't satisfy or leave you feeling less than. Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Check out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

I have a Social Phobia.  It produces extreme reactions in me.  I am a stress and wellness speaker.  I can stand up in front of hundreds of people.  However, put me into a situation where I am being graded, evaluated, or tested and I fold. I think that I have FNE or fear of negative evaluation. This became obvious when I went to a karate grading.  It wasn't even really being graded. It was being pre-graded for my black belt.  When the big day came, it overwhelmed me.  When I think back, I know that this happened at every skating competition and every piano recital. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Stress Awareness Month: Many employees hate the performance appraisal to the point where they make them physically ill.  Often in these situations, they miss any positive comments and hear only the areas that were cited as needing to improve.  As employers, flexibility is needed.  Not all performance appraisals need to be delivered in person.  Allow people to choose how they want to proceed.  If you have a social phobia, know that to overcome a fear takes work. You need to slowly learn how to challenge some of the unhelpful thoughts that the fear generates. Expose yourself to your social phobia in a safe way.  Plan and practice your stress strategies ahead of time so that they are like second nature during your exposure. Ask for help.  Let others support you during those stressful times. Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... April celebrates Conflict Awareness Month. Celebrates sounds like a funny word to use when we are talking about conflict, but there are benefits to conflict including: Becoming aware of issues within your team Encouraging change in the way things are done Stimulating creativity and bonding as you work to solve the conflict And Promoting decision-making. Conflict becomes difficult to manage when personalities hinder the process. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Conflict Awareness Month: Understanding why some team members become more difficult or negative, and when they are more likely to act that way, can prevent that build up of tension from happening, that may prevent the team from productively solving the conflict. So why are people difficult? For some, negative attitudes and behaviours are expressed when they are stressed out and just don't have the energy to use better communication skills, judgment and manners. Our goal is to stop rewarding these irritating behaviours. To do this, we must understand what employees expect to gain from being so difficult. Some want to feel more in control. 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 finding the strategies to meet their needs and lower their stress, they may be better able to focus on solving the conflict. The difficulty behind these attitudes and behaviours is that they are highly “toxic.” It is important that we practise good self-care so that our stress doesn't add more negativity to the situation. Want to find more strategies to coping with stress and dealing with conflict? Check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... I had no idea. There will be nearly 9,000 new cases of Testicular Cancer diagnosed during this year and more than 300 young men will die from the disease because they didn't catch it in time. That is more deaths than women in this age group who will die of breast cancer.) Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15-40, that time when we don't want to admit the possibility of illness.  However, if detected early, it is among the easiest to cure. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Testicular Cancer Awareness Week: You are never too young or too old to do a self-exam.  Teach young boys just like we do teen girls to do a self-exam.  It should not be embarrassing, and it does save lives. Know the risk factors: Age: Most testicular cancers occur between the ages of 15 and 40. The main risk factor for testicular cancer are undescended testicle(s). A family history of testicular cancer increases the risk. Race and ethnicity: The risk of testicular cancer among white American men is about five times that of African-American men and more than double that of Asian-American men. Talk about it. Private parts are private, but knowing how to detect an illness early is just as essential as the ‘birds and the bees'. 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... As wellness leaders and wellness cheerleaders know, it is often not a lack of information that our team's face.  It is about finding a stronger motivation to fight the no's and the excuses. Look for example at your smoking cessation programs.  I would venture to say that almost everyone who smokes know that it is harming them in one way or the other.  It is not until someone has a clear mental picture as to what the benefits are or how they see their life without smoking, that they can even hope to be successful.  Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Physical Wellness Month: Help people to have a picture in their head of what life will look like when they have achieved their wellness goal.   So, my picture, is to be able to still run a successful business and to have the creativity and motivation to keep trying new things.  It is to be teaching karate to young boys and girls when I am older.  I want to be that cool grandma that goes on the roller coaster rides and can walk along the beach. I want to be in my gardens, and I want to stay living in my two-story house.  I want to be sure-footed and not afraid to go out and about.  I want my back to be straight and my eyes looking forward, not hunched and looking at the ground.  So I try to walk at least a couple of times every week, sometimes, complaining the whole way.  I go to karate class as often as I can. I throw the frisbee in the snow, because even though it's only the dog getting exercise, I am taking in the benefits of the light that will positively impact my mood and energy. There are so many wellness programs that you could host at your workplace. How are those programs going to help your team be who they picture themselves being?  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... Today we fight the perils of FDS: Fun Deficiency Syndrome on this National Fun Day Today is also Wet Monday.  A tradition that was grew out of splashing holy water to a university wide water fight.  Now, that sounds like fun! It is also National Deep Dish Pizza Day – how about squishing some dough and making your own pizzas. That could be fun and probably not too messy! Cheap, But Fun Things To Do A lack of money shouldn't mean a lack of fun.  There are lots of fun things to do that don't require any money at all.  Play dress up or make-believe with your kids.  Go and ride your bike.  Take a walk at the beach or along a nature trail and see what spring has to offer.  Play catch or Frisbee with your dog. Fun can take place at work as well.  This is also Laugh At Work Week – so check out our posting on this celebration for things that you can do at work. When we are having fun we forget ourselves.  Fun includes happiness, amusement, exhilaration, laughter and joy.  However, we lose our sense of fun as we age if we do not nourish it regularly. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Fun Day: Do something fun today – anything – but don't let the day pass without having some fun! 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... What Is Optimism? Wikipedia states that Optimism is to anticipate the best possible outcome.  Optimists generally believe that people and events are inherently good, so that most situations work out in the end for the best. Optimism takes work.  Being pessimistic means you are stuck in identifying the problems over and over again.  Being optimistic means you have to move forward and do something about it. Optimistic people are better at problem-solving - they move quickly from problem-identification to problem-solving.  Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Optimism Month: Act like an optimist. Use the word choices and body posture of optimistic people. Use "upbeat" words instead of "upset" words - Challenged vs Overwhelmed.  Optimists take big steps, walk faster and stand taller. Pessimistic people shuffle their feet, take tiny steps, walk slowly and slouch. Move quickly from problem-identification to problem-solving. We all get angry and upset, but the challenge is to move past these emotions and start looking for strategies and solutions that will help you to deal with that challenge. Avoid emotional leeches. Minimize your contact with those who look on the down-side of everything, who criticize you or mock or sabotage your dreams and aspirations. Remember Optimists enjoy better health. They find more success. Optimistic people feel less stressed during stressful times. Optimists tend to have more supportive networks and resources. 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 in Control Day” is a call to action.  It is your chance to get things in order and under control. We humans have a powerful need to control the world around us.  In the same respect, not being in control, creates an enormous amount of stress.  As we evolved, being in control of our environment increased our chance of survival. It gave us a sense of certainty, completion, understanding, and predictability. When we can't completely control something, then we can use trust, routines and rules to help us with a sense of control.  We trust authority figures to keep us safe and make the right decisions.  We can also trust in a ‘higher' power.  Routines and rules help to keep things more predictable. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating I Am In Control Day: Take a deep breath and relax. The stress response can be fought by inducing the relaxation response.  Assess the situation.  Gather the facts.  Sometimes just having all the information about what you are facing can help you to feel more in control.  Be sure that you are not over-exaggerating the situation. Next, ask yourself what you can do to problem solve the situation? What choices can you make that will help you resolve this? Focus on the things that you do have control of, even if they are the little things.  “Remember, we always have choice about the way we live our lives.  We may not be able to control everything and often control is more of an illusion.  But when we give up choosing, we truly are out of control.” Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab. #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... This day celebrates those entrepreneurs who had a desire to be their own boss and who went out and made it happen.  They are store owners, manufacturers, producers and service providers.  It is through determination and hard work that their success is possible. The downside is that they probably sacrificed family time and personal care for this success. In helping entrepreneurs in dealing with work-related stress issues, one of the key reasons I hear that many started their business, was to have control.  Control over the creative process.  Control over the service that they provided to others.  And most especially – control over themselves – How they worked and when they worked. Often this control over when they worked and how they worked was quickly given away in an effort to grow their business. They became their own worse boss as they strived for success.  Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day Some advice if you are the business owner – remember why you started your own business and make sure that you are honouring that reason in the way that you conduct your business.  Make sure that you are taking care of yourself so that you have the energy to continue to work hard in your business. Take several breaks throughout the day to restore your energy. Eat right. Have a life outside your business.  Stay connected to your family and friends. The goal is to run a successful business and stay healthy and connected at the same time. To everyone else: Thank those mom and pop business owners in your community who work hard to keep their business going strong 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... Cabin fever took on a brand-new meaning during the pandemic. Cabin fever refers to the irritability or restlessness experienced when a person, or group, is stuck at an isolated location or in confined quarters for an extended period of time. Along with irritability or boredom, feeling Stir Crazy may leave you sleepy or on the other extreme, unable to sleep. You may have a distrust of anyone you are with, or have an urge to go out somewhere, even when you know that it is not safe to do so. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Cabin Fever Month: The cure is as simple as getting outside and interacting with nature. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the branches, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us. Research has demonstrated that even brief interactions with nature can promote improved cognitive functioning, and overall well-being. It is easy to let our perspective on life get distorted, especially during times of chaos and challenge. Sometimes we neglect doing the simple things that can help us to refocus, re-energize and restore our mental health. An easy way to do that is to move from looking inwards at ourselves and our situation to moving outwards and noticing the awesome things that are occurring all around us. 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... An effective leader shows their employees and their team that they appreciate all their hard work and loyalty. When an employee goes above and beyond on a project, a supportive leader shows their appreciation. When the team achieves a difficult objective, a great leader celebrates their accomplishment. Wondering what you can do for your staff to thank them for all their efforts? Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Employee Appreciation Month: Celebrate with food. It may be a breakfast, a catered lunch, or a smoothie break during the afternoon slump. What about a team cooking challenge? Provide each team with various ingredients and see what they can put together and enjoy the fun. Give the gift of time. Give your team a time off coupon that they can use at their choosing. Shout it out. Give a shoutout to a member who has completed a task or gone above and beyond to meet a deadline. Send it. A hand-written note, sent to the employee's home, is an unexpected and genuine way of showing appreciation. Bring in a massage therapist to do 15-minute chair massages. A little bit of pampering goes along way. Your employees are your most precious asset, let them know that they are valued and appreciated! 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... "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have more than enough.  I have learnt the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether poor or rich.  I have the ability to face all situations because of the strength God gives me."  Philippians 4:11-13 This is the sign above my desk that I read everyday that I am in my office. I am not there yet, but it is what I strive for.  Contentment.  A belief that things will be okay and that I will be okay. Spiritual Wellness is generally considered to be the search for meaning and purpose in human existence, leading one to strive for a state of harmony with oneself and others, while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world. The path to spiritual wellness may involve meditation, prayer, affirmations, or specific spiritual practices that support your connection to a higher power or belief system. Spiritual wellness involves having compassion, the capacity for love and forgiveness, altruism, joy, and fulfillment. Your religious faith, values, beliefs, principles, and morals define your spirituality. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Achieving Spiritual Wellness: Evaluate your own spiritual wellness with this brief quiz. Do you make time for relaxation in your day? Is there time for meditation and/or prayer? Do your values guide your decisions and actions? Are you accepting of the views of others? This month focus on the meaning and purpose of your life and try to bring more harmony and balance to it. 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... But the little boy said…There are so many colors in the rainbow. So many colors in the morning sun. So many colors in the flowers and I see every one. I love this song by Harry Chapin.  March is Colour Therapy Month and it reminds me that soon, the snow will leave us and the amazing colours of spring will surface.  These colours make me smile, they pick me up and they put the world back into perspective. Research has found that colour does impact our mood.  Colour therapy itself, is an energy healing method that has been used for thousands of years. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Colour Therapy Month: Deep breathing and visualization are powerful strategies that can calm and heal us.  You may want to vary this by using Colour Breathing.  While breathing in and out, the participant visualizes the various colours of the rainbow filling their body and then being released.  Red, orange and yellow come up from the ground through the body, to the top and leave through the ground.  Green is visualized coming in horizontally from the world to fill your body and then leaves out the back, while blue and violet come in from the head, to the toes and back out to the sky. Here are a couple favourites from the Colour Therapy Month website: Eat a salad that contains all 7 colors of the rainbow. Take a color therapy bath. Mix and drink your favorite colorful cocktail or fruit smoothie. Create a flower display of all the 7 rainbow colors. 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... Do you drink more than four cups of coffee a day? Do you often find yourself irritable, depressed or disoriented after drinking caffeinated beverages? When you don't drink caffeine do you find yourself experiencing headaches, drowsiness, or insomnia? National Caffeine Awareness Month draws attention to the risk associated with caffeine. At 200 mg of caffeine, you can experience irritability, restlessness, tension, insomnia, excitement, and gastrointestinal disturbance. If you consume more than 1 gram (1000 mg), you can receive irregular heartbeats, panic and anxiety disorders, muscle twitching, and incoherent speech. And, believe it or not, when you ingest more than 5 grams, the results can be fatal. Caffeine has a half-life of about six-hours. That means that if your 4 o'clock cup of coffee contains 200 mg of caffeine, by 10 o'clock that night, there will still be 100 mg of caffeine in your body, preventing you from falling into a deep and restful sleep. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Caffeine Awareness Month: Look at what you consume – caffeine is often a hidden ingredient in some of our favourite foods. Be aware of how much caffeine you are consuming in a day. Look at why you consume certain caffeinated drinks. Is it the flavour, the social aspect, the energy boost, or is it out of thirst or boredom? The answer will help you to determine if there is a healthier way to fill that need. 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... Long ago are the days where the onset of spring meant that housewives everywhere, opened the windows, shook out the rugs and cleared out the closets. Usually, we are far too busy to dedicate a week or even a couple of days just to tackle spring cleaning. Many of us have forgotten that spring cleaning can improve our mood. Apparently, just like other types of exercise, the act of cleaning causes our bodies to release endorphins. And using lemon-scented cleaning products can help you de-stress as studies show that a citrus smell reduces stress and leaves a positive impression on others. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Here are my Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Spring-Cleaning Week: Don't let other people should all over you, you get to decide what spring cleaning may look like for you. Pick one thing a week that you would like to tackle – it could be just the front closet or the upstairs windows. Enlist the help of family members. My long-time friend Laurie challenged her kids to organize her family photos. Find a way to get and keep your organization. Get rid of clutter. If it is not necessary – get rid of it and let someone else clean around it. With less to think about, there is bound to be less stress related to your physical space. 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 can give us life and it can kill us. Give us pleasure and cause fear. It can be found everywhere and in 20 years half of us may not have enough of it. It's more valuable than gold. People are dying to have it. What is it? Water It makes up to 78% of our body. To function properly, the body requires around two litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. It is the most important nutrient to our body. It is rather difficult to drink too much water, but it is dangerous to drink too little. Scientists have estimated that by 2030, in some regions of the world, water demand will exceed supply by 50%. We take water for granted. Everyone pollutes it without thinking of the consequences and many of us waste it without thinking of how valuable it is. Humans can live without food for several weeks, but we would be in dire straits without water, even for only a couple a days. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating World Water Day: Plastic water bottles are convenient but a huge waste of resources and pollute our planet.  Look for alternatives.  Use the water fountain.  Take water in a reusable container. Turn the water off when brushing your teeth. Make sure your taps aren't leaking. Don't pollute what you have. Look for biodegradable detergents and cleaners to run in your shower, dishwasher and washing machine. 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... Marilyn Monroe said, “I never said I was a good girl.” If you want to be a bad, then you've got to embrace the look and the attitude. Being bad is an art. One site I looked at, said that bad girls rock the sexy shoe. Apparently flip flops don't cut it. And sunglasses create an aura of mystery. Not sure my prescription progressive sunglasses count. I also learned that my flannel pjs just don't cut it. Better to go black leather. Can't see it. I am not into bows and ruffles, but I do like my jammies. I am not really hitting it out of the ballpark on this Be Bad Day. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Be Bad Day that may help you step into your Bad self: Being Bad is about being confident. Confident to express yourself in any way, shape or form that you see appropriate. You are not afraid to try something new, even if it isn't for everyone. Being confident is about being able to say what you want and go after what you need. It is not about stepping on others to get there, but it is showing the persistence to make it happen. Being confident attracts people to you. You aren't afraid to talk to others. Being bad means that you can rely on your friends and step into your independence when you need to. You have your own interests and know how to take care of yourself. Being bad, means that you are a survivor. So, I might have a little bad in me…after all Joan Jett was one of my rocker heros. 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... I am so done with winter. It is wearing on my nerves and making me seriously want to move to another country – preferably with snow only in the remotest of locations…just in case I do want to see it again. But that is not likely. Today is Snowman Burning Day. It is a day to celebrate the changing of season and where we hopefully can soon leave winter behind us. I am not sure that burning a snowman will bring me some spring juju, but at this point I am willing to try. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Snowman Burning Day: If you can't burn a snowman, try encouraging that spring feeling by bringing home some blooms. Even if it is not spring outside yet, some bright flowers can make the day shine a little brighter Make sure you have space to welcome spring into your home. Clear clutter from your display areas, closets, drawers and storage spaces. Donate, recycle or sell unused and unwanted clothing and household items. Host a Spring Party and break out the BBQ. Getting together with friends or family can lift some of the winter gloom. Finally, my favourite choice. Go out for ice cream. Nothing says good-bye to winter more than enjoying an ice cream cone. 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... Laughter Is Good For Us – So Why Don't We Use It More? It has been shown that laughter (not just a quick giggle) reduces physical and emotional tension. Muscles tense in laughter and then relax profoundly for as long as 45 minutes. The more hearty, the more relaxing it is and the longer the positive effect. Laughter helps the body to produces endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. A good belly laugh can stimulate your internal organs, increase your circulation, raise the level of oxygen in the blood and boost the immune system. A group of researchers found that laughing boisterously 100 times a day will give you the same effects as 10 minutes of rowing or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. We know intrinsically that laughter is good for us, yet as we get older our laugh quota drops further and further. As adults, we need to examine what happened to our playful, fun, humourous side. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Let's Laugh Day: Find funny friends and co-workers and make it a point to hang out with them Go old school and read the comics Watch funny TV programs, movies and videos Being able to laugh gives us the physical energy and mental resilience needed to survive. Smile, Laugh Large and Fight ‘Terminal Seriousness'. 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... My parents weren't perfect. As a new parent, I knew I was going to be a better parent than my own.  I was going to be kinder, hug more, talk more, connect more, love more. And my children would appreciate me, know that I was always fair, never ‘hate' me, and never doubt my love for them. Reality can be painful.  The realization that there is no such thing as a perfect parent, that no one had perfect parents, that you are not going to be the perfect parent and that no matter what, your children are going to take you for granted, think that you are unfair, ‘hate' you for the decisions that you've made and will probably doubt how much you love them at some point, is all part of our maturing process. Parenting is not easy.  We wing it, just like our parents did.  This realization can lead us to forgiveness. Sometimes there is a little to get past, sometimes there is a lot to forgive.  Sometimes the hurt and damage run very deep.  Hanging on to this ‘baggage' is damaging.  It can damage your current and future relationships.  Forgiveness is not forgetting.  It is awareness and it is moving forward.  The past can never be re-written.  But sometimes forgiveness allows the future to be much brighter. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Forgive Mom and Dad Day: In my teens, I wanted to change my parents.  As I got older, I have grown to accept them for who they were and are today.  They were not perfect, but they have some really good qualities.  Now, I see them through the eyes of my children.  They love their grandparents, the way I loved mine. When I look back, I see that they don't carry that same baggage when they see their grandparents as I do when I see them as my parents. They greet my parents with excitement and enthusiasm.  They laugh and joke around.   Now, I try too. Forgiveness is essential to living a healthy life. 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 spite of illness and in spite of difficult life circumstances, we all know someone who seems to not let those things take over the rest of their world.  It is not that they are blind to the impact that these things are having on their life, but they are choosing not to let these things be their entire life.  They choose to see happiness and miracles around them.  They appreciate the love and kindness they are offered.  They are eager to share that love and kindness with others. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Act Happy Day: The more that we focus on things to be happy about, the more evidence we find that there are things to be happy about. Belief creates reality. Become your ideal person.  How would a happy person act? Happiness is inside us. We have control over what side of the line we focus our attention on. It is not that bad stuff doesn't happen, but along with the difficult times of life, there is always a positive or beautiful side of life just waiting to be discovered.  Live with an attitude of gratitude.  What are you thankful for? How can you show that gratitude to those around you? Today, look for the good, the amazing and the awesome. Today act happy – not to be untrue to yourself – but by being more perceptive of the good. 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... We are becoming more self-centered and Narcissistic. “Selfie” was Oxford dictionary's Word of the Year in 2013. Since then, it's become a serious preoccupation. The cultural phenomenon of the ‘selfie' exposes a very basic human desire — to feel noticed, appreciated and recognized. Our addiction to selfies has turned deadly and selfie-related incidents now top shark attacks when it comes to unusual ways to die! One study in the U.K. revealed that women between the ages of 16 and 25 spent an average of five hours a week taking selfies. Research shows that selfies can make us feel lousy about ourselves to the point where we photoshop and filter our selfies in an effort to be picture perfect. How many pictures have you looked at and wonder why the person adjusted the picture so much that it no longer looks like the real thing? However, it is hard not to love the ego boost from sharing a selfie because of the positive comments we usually get. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating No Selfies Day: To celebrate today is easy – all you have to do is NOT participate in taking selfies! Be in the moment, rather than trying to capture and edit it. Finally, be careful that you are not falsely praising and reinforcing selfies that are over-processed. 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... Growing up on a dairy farm, I know first-hand how stressful this occupation can be. It is an all-encompassing lifestyle. Two-thirds of farmers say that they are stressed, with 20% saying that they are very stressed. Shortcuts or inattention can lead to disaster. Farmers are resilient. Stuff happens…to everyone…and you move on. Though there is a lot of complaining about what is going on around them, most couldn't imagine living or making a living any other way. Those that can't live this way, don't last and move on. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Canadian Agricultural Safety Week: Think Safety First. During Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, the message is that awareness is the key to staying healthy and safe on the farm. Know your priorities.  Don't let the business of farming become such a focus that you forget the connection to your family and friends, or the importance of your health. Finally, It is not a weakness to connect with others. In days gone by, it was a given that you had to rely on your community for survival. It is important that you have enough supports in your support circle in order to be resilient. 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... Millions are too sleepy for sex, according to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation. Many of us are sleeping poorly which is causing us to be sleep deprived, and it's taking a serious toll on professional relationships, productivity, public safety and even the most intimate aspects of our lives. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Sleep Awareness Week: A short nap of 20 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness and performance. It can be extremely effective at eliminating fatigue-related accidents and injuries. A 90-minute nap can be extremely effective, if you can schedule it into your day. Naps can be typed into three different categories: Planned napping involves taking a nap before you actually get sleepy. Emergency napping occurs when you are suddenly very tired and cannot continue with the activity you were originally engaged in. Habitual napping is practiced when a person takes a nap at the same time each day. I love my naps and I need my naps. They help me through my afternoon slump and allow me to carry on with my projects in a more productive and creative way afterwards. 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... Over half of drivers say that they have driven drowsy in the past year. Many of us are sleeping poorly which is causing us to be sleep deprived. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating World Sleep Day: Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Follow a regular schedule each night. This trains your body and brain and promotes relaxation. Do not adjust your ritual over the weekend. Do not nap if you have trouble sleeping, unless there is a need for alertness. Keep your room cool, dark, and block noises. Allow for thorough ventilation in the room to avoid breathing stale air The power of suggestion can be a powerful aid in getting a better sleep, especially if used in conjunction with deep breathing. The more that it is used, the more potent the effect it has. Suggestion works by gently reminding your mind. Try “Calm, Peaceful, Sleep, Dream” Do not tell yourself how tired you are going to be the next day, as this kind of suggestion is just as fulfilling  A good night's sleep can mean the difference between coping effectively with the daily stressors of life and completely losing your mental and physical health. 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 admit that I love the satisfaction after I have cleaned my office or purged my files. You don't have to be self-employed or work from home to have a home office. It's easy for this workspace to become messy, dusty, cluttered, and disorganized. As you work in your home office, things stack and layer around until one day, you realize that it has gotten way out of hand. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Organizing Your Home Office Day tomorrow: Start off small. Pick five things and throw them out or return them to their proper location. File, Shred or recycle unwanted paperwork that is sitting on your desk. Attack one file drawer at a time. Purge out-dated documents or notes. Take stock of those things in your office of everything you're no longer using, especially unused or broken office equipment, and cut back to only the essentials. Curb Cable Clutter. Use a surge-protected power bar to prevent your computers and other equipment from frying during an electrical storm or other power surge. Bind the remaining cables together with cable ties, so they stay out of your way. 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... How many of us couldn't use an extra hour each day? Planning before starting each day, is said to save us this hour, as we are more effective at using the time that we have. Sometimes though we just can't seem to get our act together. Maybe we just can't seem to get past our urge to procrastinate. It may be that we are being too perfectionistic, or we dislike the task or person that we have to work with. We could be too tired or fear that we might fail. Sometimes it is just a matter of the task not being a part of our goals and priorities. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Procrastination Week: To Avoid Procrastination, we need to: Find the answer to ‘What's In It For Me”. Why do I need to accomplish the task at hand and what benefit will there be for me when I finish it? Chunk your time – set a timer. The timer helps you to become more realistic about how long various tasks take. Watch out for time gobblers – internet, email, TV, phone, socializing, unimportant notices and forwards Delegate when the task is not part of your priority. Not everything has to be done or should be done by you. Let go of your need to control everything. Make it fun by rewarding yourself. It is easier to start and finish a task if there is a reward at the end of it…by the way, my chocolate covered almonds are waiting for me as soon as I finish this flash briefing. Till tomorrow have a wonderful day! #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Today is the International Day of Awesomeness! This day gives us the opportunity to celebrate every person, place, thing, or idea in the world that is awesome. I encourage all of the participants in my workshops to look for the awesome. As the official tag line points out, “No one's perfect, but everyone can be awesome.” Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Day Of Awesomeness: Today is the day to both perform and celebrate feats of awesomeness. Celebrate by posting about someone who epitomizes the ideals of awesomeness. It may be a family member, friend, or colleague who receive this special recognition. Be curious. Start a conversation with someone that you have seen everyday, but have not talked to. You may be surprised by their story or by the things that you have in common.  It will brighten their day — and yours. Build an awesome workplace, one smile at a time. Explore the “What If”. What if we didn't do blank anymore? What if we changed blank? What if we started blank? See where the answers take you. This simple exploration could improve your relationships or your workplace. Wishing you an awesome day! #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Help! It's Panic Day. This awareness day is not about panic attacks or panic disorder which is serious and affects 2-3% of the population. Today is the day to examine how we may over-react to the stress in our everyday lives and to find strategies that will keep us focused and healthy. You know the over-reactions that we are talking about.  We even have sayings that go with them… such as don't cry over spilled milk… Or don't make mountains out of mole hills. Anxiety and stress have their place in our life. They help us to avoid danger. They keep us thinking and being creative. And they keep us on our toes so that we don't become complacent. The point at which worry becomes unhealthy is when it stops pushing us to act and move forward.  This panic can be paralyzing and prevent us from thinking clearly enough to find the best strategies to deal with the source of our anxiety. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Panic Awareness Day: Listen to the way that you describe the situations that you find yourself in.  Do you use extreme-type words?  Do you awfulize everything?  Choose the words carefully.  Evaluate how you are feeling in relation to the situation.  Are you feeling helpless or hopeless?  Notice what happens to your body when you feel this way.  Where does it hit you the most?  Try different relaxation techniques to combat those anxious feeling. Evaluate the situation to see what options you have.  Keep yourself moving forward in the problem-solving mode and the anxiety will be kept in check. What is your release?  Sometimes we need a quick strategy to release the anxiety so that we can start to problem solve.  This may include a good scream, a run, or a round or two on the punching bag. 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

In most of Canada, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. local time on the second Sunday in March. Today! I have a hard time with these adjustments. I love having it brighter in the evenings, but that adjustment to darkness early in the morning again makes it less likely that I am springing out of bed…for a while any way. Daylight saving time isn't all bad. In fact, when we move an hour ahead, we enjoy more daytime hours, which hopefully we are using to get outside, connect and just become more active after the sluggishness of winter. There are definite other benefits to the clocks shifting, including decreased oil and energy usage. Daylight Saving Time seems to decrease the risk for accidents in the evening hours. However, a Swedish study found that heart attacks were significantly more common the first three weekdays after our spring transition. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating the switch to Daylight Saving Time: Though it's only one day, daylight saving time can throw off your entire schedule, and the sleep effects tend to linger for a few days. Therefore it is important to take note of the impact that the clock shifting has on your sleep, mood and focus. Ensure that you are getting a good night's sleep before this occurs to minimize the impact of this shift. More light can equal more time to do what you want or need to do, which equals a happier you. Make use of the extra daylight and enjoy the changing seasons. 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... Running a small business can be very stressful. One of the keys to success, is to be able to reach your customers. But it can be difficult to break through the noise, so that your customers know that you even exist. It can be just as difficult to be heard at work by your boss, or even within your family. Our minds are being constantly bombarded by messaging from other brands and social media, from colleagues and from friends and family. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here are today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Be Heard Day: Get to the point…you have 8 seconds! One website suggests that we are exposed to around 4,000 to 10,000 messages per day and less than 100 of those messages will be remembered. Human attentions spans are at an all-time low dropping from 12 seconds to less than 8 seconds. The key to cutting through the noise is through short messages. Use visuals. We process visuals faster than text and we remember visuals more than text. Create a picture in the mind of your listener if you can't use a visual. Provide value first. People are most engrossed in their own self-interest, so play into that. Make it about them, their needs, goals, wants and desires. Relate it to their own history, situation, reputation and behavior. As a small company, what do you do to make it easy to work with you? How do you assist your boss or colleagues before presenting issues or problems? Do they only hear negative comments or issues from you? In your family, do praise and recognize the positives or is all your communication negative? 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... We are missing out on living life, the more we have our noses buried in our phones or spend time chronicling our every move through Facebook and Instagram. Not to mention that constant connectivity negatively affects your sleep, takes a toll on your mental health and can lead to burnout. Ditching your devices gives your brain a much-needed rest. Have you tried to disconnect, but FOMO took over? Could you go unplugged for 24 hours? Do you check your phone or social media out of boredom or procrastination? Maybe it is time for a detox? Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Day Of Unplugging: Unplugging allows us to connect with ourselves, our loved ones and our communities in real time.  Take a walk out in nature today. Check out the parks, countryside or stroll along a beach, even if there is still snow on it. Share a meal with friends or family. Play together. Try a board game or use conversation starters like ‘would you rather' to create some fun. Write a gratitude list. Meditate and fully relax. This can leave you feeling less stressed, and positively change your brain. Immerse yourself in the moment. Take in the awesomeness of a sunset without Instagramming it. 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's not a bird. Nor a plane…It's the Telecommuter! A survey of employees who telecommute three days a week experienced a 46% decrease in stress, 45% increase in job satisfaction, and 30% increase in job productivity.   In addition, telecommuting provides an opportunity to create a more harmonious balance between home and work commitments. Three-quarters of employees polled said the ability to work from home was their most desired family-friendly job perk. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Telecommuter Appreciation Week: For some, telecommuting may be a viable option that allows for an increase in productivity and more sense of control over when tasks get accomplished. If you think that this is for you, sit down with your work team and discuss how this may be implemented.  If telecommuting isn't the answer, at least you have opened the door to looking for other alternatives to maintaining work and life balance. Though I am not a true telecommuter, I am an entrepreneur with a home-based office.  I appreciate the flexible work arrangements that I have.  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. Want to find more strategies to coping with stress? Check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Everyone has problems that they need to deal with. Because problems can cause anxiety, many people will try to avoid, ignore or procrastinate when dealing with difficult issues in their lives. Ignoring them is useful sometimes. Unfortunately, with most problems, avoiding them just causes them to come back, and a small problem can become a big problem over time. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Do Something Day: The most difficult step in problem solving is getting to the doing part. To help you carry out your solution, make an action plan. If you know how you are going to carry out your solution, you are more likely to follow through. Don't let your own voice derail you. Be aware of and challenge negative self-talk that can stop you from moving forward. List all the obstacles. Great problem solvers take a high-level view of the issues and list of all the potential factors that could get in the way of implementing their solution so that they don't get taken off task. Want to find more strategies to coping with stress? Check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Yesterday was the day to encourage each other, to avoid selfishness, and do something to make other people happy. I know that you can't make someone happy, but you can remind them of their value and you can help change their focus, all of which can allow their happiness to flourish. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Building Resiliency and Celebrating I Want You To Be Happy Day: Buy a friend a flower to brighten up their day. Remind your kids how much you love them and how proud of them you are.  Leave a sticky note for a co-worker letting them know something that you appreciate about them. Compliments make us feel valued, and they give us a positive boost to our thoughts and self-esteem. Smile. Research has shown that a smile is constantly rated as the number one thing that makes other people feel emotionally better. This day was created as a day encouraging us to do something to make others happy.  The benefit is that putting a smile on someone's face tends to put one on ours, too.  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... Whether out in the field or occupying the leader's chair, everyone has a stake in reporting incidents of suspected or actual wrongdoing. However, being a whistle-blower feels like a violation of that playground rule not to be a tattletale. Creating a culture that encourages an individual to raise the red flag when something unethical or illegal is taking place is critical. So how do you get past the feeling of not wanting to cause trouble for someone else? It's by understanding that the consequences of keeping silent can be significant and harmful. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Ethics Awareness Month: Create a culture within your organization that encourages employees to report wrongdoing. Work with your teams to understand that the cost of silence is high. This silence may impact the safety of colleagues or damage the reputation and bottom-line of the organization. According to an article in the Harvard Business Review, a survey of 195 global leaders located in 15 different countries reported that high ethical and moral standards were the most important leadership trait in the workplace. Those whose word is their honor and who can be absolutely trusted to be fair, honest, and forthright, are more likely to command the respect of those around them. High ethical and moral standards create a safe and trusting environment in the workplace where employees can thrive. When employees feel that they can depend on and trust their leader, they feel safe and will go the extra mile for the organization. While leaders have an obligation to set the ethical tone of the organization, it is everyone's ethical behavior that matters. 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... Have you ever wanted just to get away, but the timing didn't work for your partner, children, or friends? Why wait for the timing to be just right? Why not go solo? Vacations are a great way to restore resiliency. They can be rejuvenating, and energizing. And going solo is one of the best ways to learn about yourself. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So here are Today's Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Plan A Solo Vacation Day: There is no such thing as the perfect vacation. But planning, especially when going solo, is essential. The first step is to pick and choose your location and activities wisely. Choose a location and activities that meet with your particular goals. Decide if your upcoming vacation will be focused on relaxation, celebration or adventure. Then chose activities that meet those needs. Don't be afraid to step outside your typical vacation comfort zone and say yes to new experiences. If you find yourself craving company, find a group tour of the city or local area. Or strike up a conversation with the bartender or barista and you will be sure to find out some insider secrets to exploring your vacation area. Going solo means that nobody is going to kick up a fuss about whatever plans you decide. It's your trip, your way. If you like today's wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app. Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In #mentalhealth #hr

Listen to today's podcast... Did you know 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. We benefit from the emotional support of a community during difficult times. Connectedness is so important to our overall well-being that workplaces are also recognizing the value of support to the success of their organization. It is unfortunate that the busier we become, the easier it is to let our existing friendships go by the way-side, let alone develop new connections. Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating International Friendship Week: Look up. Smile and say hello to those around you Try to connect with your co-workers about things other than the task at hand Participate in social programs Call, text, or email those friends that you have lost touch with Connectedness and group involvement have exceptional powers in decreasing our stress, if we venture to put ourselves ‘out there'. Looking for resources to build your resiliency? Check out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com