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Happy People Win/
WELLNESS WORKs Newsletter |
Volume 5, Issue 4
April 2011 | |
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 GREETINGS FROM JEAN STEEL...
One day last month I was meeting a friend for lunch that I haven't seen in a long time - AND she was bringing her new baby. Going to be a good day! Right before I left my office, I checked my e-mail. There was a note from PayPal that my account was empty. WHAT? All my book money that I have been too busy to move into my checking account was gone - someone hacked into it. Wow. Not such a good day anymore. Then on my drive I had my brand new smart phone with me, planning on catching up on calls I needed to make. I soon realize my smart phone is smarter than its owner, I couldn't even find the key pad. Poor me. I was now in a full-blown pity party. That wasn't acceptable, so I made myself list 10 things I am grateful for. #1. I have a PayPal account that someone can hack into! Not everyone does. #2. I have a smart phone that one day I will learn to use! #3. I was having lunch with my friend Sara and #4. going to meet her new son, Zack! #5. The hills of Santa Ynez are gorgeous and green. Soon, very soon, I was happy again. Seriously people, REALLY easy, really fun way to change from the poor me to happy dance. Trust me. BTW I love PayPal. They were wonderful AND I got my money back. Keep smiling, |
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Managing Your To-Do List
We know that a good time management technique is to make a to-do list. What you might not know is that those lists, if allowed to get out of control, can do more harm than good. The stress that comes from failing to complete your to-do lists day after day again is significant.
I have the best business mentor, Ed. Our last meeting I told him that have so many things I need to do and I am forgetting them. First he suggested that I write EVERYTHING I have to do down. Everything? When I read that people can only keep seven to nine different things in our working memory at the same time, it made me realize that the brain drain is exactly what I needed to do.
So I did it. My to-do list was way too long. Like finished in 100 years long.Then he suggested that I do six things a day from my to-do list. I can't tell you how happy that has made me, so simple and do-able.
I read this in "Real Simple" - to avoid feeling overwhelmed, keep your daily to-do lists manageable - no more than 6 or 7 items per day. Have more than 6 or 7 things that need doing? Try making a master list, then choosing what to prioritize from that at the beginning of each day. Your master list can have an unlimited of items on it, but your daily list can be a realistic representation of what one day can accommodate. You'll be much more likely to enjoy the feeling that comes with a completed task list while still keeping the rest of your needs organized.
People, happy days are here again! |
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"New You 2011"
Fabulous woman gathering on May 21st, in beautiful Los Olivos, Ca. to create life plans, set goals and learn how to communicate your needs.
Register before May 1st and be entered to win a fun raffle prize.
To Download the Flyer
Call 805.931.0932 if you have any questions.
Hope to see you there!! |
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Wishing Someone Luck Can Improve Performance
Activating a positive superstitious belief can boost people's confidence, which in turn improves performance: In an experiment, a dexterity task that normally took more than 5 minutes was accomplished in just 191.5 seconds, on average, if participants were wished good luck before they started it, according to research led by Lysann Damisch of the University of Cologne in Germany. Before trying to roll 36 little balls into little holes in a transparent plastic cube, the participants were told by a researcher, "I press the thumbs for you," the German equivalent of "My fingers are crossed for you."
- Harvard Business Review
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Quotes
Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. ~G.B. Stern
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart
Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. ~Author Unknown |
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Pay it Forward Challenge
Recently, I was book shopping at a thrift store ($3.26 for a dozen books!!). There was a woman and child behind me in line, discussing whether or not to buy a $3 stuffed animal for the little girl. I decided to pay for it while I was still at the register. They were so surprised and grateful; they didn't stop thanking me until I left the store. It was only $3, but it was a loving toy of comfort to that little girl. Spreading joy really can be that easy!
In the spirit of living in happiness and spreading it to others, I am challenging you all to get creative and pay something forward - literally! Here's the challenge:
In the next month, pay for something for a stranger, without being asked to! Maybe it's buying coffee for the person behind you in line at Peet's, or covering the dinner bill for a young family. You can do it anonymously, or you can let the person know. It doesn't matter how big or little, just that the effort comes from your heart. When you have a story to share, send it to me. I would love to feature some in future newsletters. |
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Find Instant Calm at Work
Frazzled at work but too busy to do anything about it? Think again. Just four "mini-relaxation" stress management sessions (1 1/2 to 2 minutes) over the course of the day reduced work-related stress as effectively as 15-minute blocks of progressive muscle relaxation, according to a University of Connecticut study.
Try this: Find a comfortable seating position. Next, focus on your breathing, each inhalation and exhalation. Count 1 to yourself as you exhale, then 2 on your next exhale breath, and so on until you reach 5. Then start over again at 1.
Do this for an hour each time. Just kidding. :) |
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People Who Could Teach Customer Service As I mentioned this month I got a new phone. It is definitely a love/hate relationship but that is another story. The best part of the experience? The great guys who work at the Verizon store on Main in Santa Maria. I went to a class they have called "Smart Phones for Dumb A**es." Not really, but that is what I felt like. I don't understand my phone; I was worried that I would go and feel stupid. So I walk in and there are three young men whose ages combined probably added up to mine. If I caught ONE eye roll I was out of there. Guess what? I loved them. They were fun, kind, professional and knew their stuff. No eye rolling at all. If you don't buy your phone from them, you are crazy. GREAT customer service. 
Kay's Country Kitchen in Orcutt doesn't just have great food, they have my new favorite person Shiloh. She is amazing. Why? She radiates joy, there is no way you could not be happy in her presence. She brought my food, set it down and said, "Are you excited because I am!" She takes orders asking, "Your regular?" remembering what they ordered. I think she is amazing. 
You know what? It's all about attitude. Loving your job is key. You love it and your customers will love it too. |
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Improve Your Work Life by Connecting with Others
Workers report higher rates of disengagement at work than ever before. Coworkers who work in different countries, locations, or even in the same building can go weeks without face-to-face contact. And the recession has created an environment of fear, anxiety, and mistrust. Positive work relationships have been shown to increase productivity, engagement, and commitment. 
Create meaningful relationships at work so that you look forward to joining your colleagues every day. Small talk may be annoying, but it lays the foundation for connection. Reach out to coworkers: ask them questions about their lives. Be appreciative of everyone from the maintenance worker to the receptionist. Most importantly, be genuine in these interactions. If you're fully present, these relationships will pay off. - Harvard Business Review 3-11 |
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Makes Sense
- from Body & Soul -
The latest trend in patient care has nothing to with medicine - and everything to do with well-being. With research indicating that essential oils reduce anxiety, nausea and other physical ailments when used in hospital settings, a growing number of medical centers now incorporate aromatherapy into treatment regimens. The aromatherapy workshops at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Austin, Texas for instance, teach those with cancer how to manage symptoms using essential oils, in baths, massage oils and fragrances. And more than 40 staff members at San Diego's Sharp Coronado Hospital are trained to do provide clinical aromatherapy at patient's bedsides. |
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