Monday 29 July 2013
Rebranded - now to be found at Feel Better Every Day
Thursday 3 June 2010
Short break
I'm taking a break from my blog but you can read archived (usually updated each week) newsletters - if you're not already a subscriber - at http://applecoaching.com/id2.html
You can also read some of the features and tips I'm contributing to a wide range of titles at www.evemenezescunningham.co.uk
You can also read some of the features and tips I'm contributing to a wide range of titles at www.evemenezescunningham.co.uk
Tuesday 18 May 2010
Workplace stress and how to counter it
I just read an interesting piece on workplace stress in the Guardian's G2 supplement - How to survive workplace stress in the recession http://gu.com/p/2h427/tw
I'm my own boss but still have to remind myself that I need balance.
Yesterday was a very long day and I happily worked until midnight. But I made sure I could sleep in a little this morning and yesterday's work was the kind of thing that makes a differece long term.
I've had jobs in the past where no matter how hard I worked, I didn't seem to make a dent in my workload. That did not involve my being happy about overtime.
It's easy to get caught up in the fear of a situation (what if I don't do what's being asked for me? What if I get made redundant next? What if I burn out and am unable to work at all?) but this kind of thinking is simply going to add to your stress.
Unless you use it positively.
Give yourself some time to actually think things through. What IF you simply can't manage? Let your mind wander? What's the worst case scenario you can think of?
Often, this can actually bring some relief. Once you've realised that you can cope even if your worst case situation occurs, you'll be better able to manage.
If you're doing the work of former colleagues who haven't been replaced, ask your boss if there's a timeframe in place for the hiring freeze to thaw.
You don't have to let your stress build up until it explodes. Instead, even if you feel no one else understands, empathise with yourself.
Trying to deny that you're under pressure when you're working long hours and trying to do too much is just going to add to your stress.
Acknowledging that you're under tremendous pressure and think about practical ways you can relieve it.
This might include making time for exercise, fitting in some meditation or other relaxation, eating nourishing food and getting enough sleep etc.
Even if, at the moment, it feels like complete fantasy, make a list. What would help you feel better right now? Some things may be impossible to put into action at the moment but you'll find at least a few ideas you can start integrating into your life today.
I'm my own boss but still have to remind myself that I need balance.
Yesterday was a very long day and I happily worked until midnight. But I made sure I could sleep in a little this morning and yesterday's work was the kind of thing that makes a differece long term.
I've had jobs in the past where no matter how hard I worked, I didn't seem to make a dent in my workload. That did not involve my being happy about overtime.
It's easy to get caught up in the fear of a situation (what if I don't do what's being asked for me? What if I get made redundant next? What if I burn out and am unable to work at all?) but this kind of thinking is simply going to add to your stress.
Unless you use it positively.
Give yourself some time to actually think things through. What IF you simply can't manage? Let your mind wander? What's the worst case scenario you can think of?
Often, this can actually bring some relief. Once you've realised that you can cope even if your worst case situation occurs, you'll be better able to manage.
If you're doing the work of former colleagues who haven't been replaced, ask your boss if there's a timeframe in place for the hiring freeze to thaw.
You don't have to let your stress build up until it explodes. Instead, even if you feel no one else understands, empathise with yourself.
Trying to deny that you're under pressure when you're working long hours and trying to do too much is just going to add to your stress.
Acknowledging that you're under tremendous pressure and think about practical ways you can relieve it.
This might include making time for exercise, fitting in some meditation or other relaxation, eating nourishing food and getting enough sleep etc.
Even if, at the moment, it feels like complete fantasy, make a list. What would help you feel better right now? Some things may be impossible to put into action at the moment but you'll find at least a few ideas you can start integrating into your life today.
Friday 30 April 2010
Is violence ever a good way to teach children respect?
I don't understand why so many people confuse discipline with violence.
I believe that children should be raised to respect others as well as themselves but don't understand how being hit, smacked, caned or otherwise harmed teaches them anything other than:
a) fear and
b) that it's OK for more powerful people to harm smaller, more helpless people in order to get what they want.
Even the callers who said "It didn't do me any harm" remembered being hit far more vividly than the reason for this punishment.
Surely it's far more effective to guide them by doing things like:
. taking your rubbish to a bin rather than dropping litter
. showing them that you respect them and other people you deal with
. listening to them
. explaining the difference between being disappointed in their behaviour and giving up on them (that you'll never give up on them or stop loving them).
To hear more of my (unpopular! For suggesting NOT beating children!) views on today's Sadie Nine show, please click here to listen - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_essex
We also talked about the election and different parties' proposed policies on education.
I believe that children should be raised to respect others as well as themselves but don't understand how being hit, smacked, caned or otherwise harmed teaches them anything other than:
a) fear and
b) that it's OK for more powerful people to harm smaller, more helpless people in order to get what they want.
Even the callers who said "It didn't do me any harm" remembered being hit far more vividly than the reason for this punishment.
Surely it's far more effective to guide them by doing things like:
. taking your rubbish to a bin rather than dropping litter
. showing them that you respect them and other people you deal with
. listening to them
. explaining the difference between being disappointed in their behaviour and giving up on them (that you'll never give up on them or stop loving them).
To hear more of my (unpopular! For suggesting NOT beating children!) views on today's Sadie Nine show, please click here to listen - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_essex
We also talked about the election and different parties' proposed policies on education.
Sunday 25 April 2010
Are you jealous? Is someone jealous of you?
Read more of my tips in Cathy Winston's AOL article on dealing with jealousy -
http://w18ceww.lemondrop.co.uk/2010/04/16/the-a-z-of-love-j-is-for-jealousy/
http://w18ceww.lemondrop.co.uk/2010/04/16/the-a-z-of-love-j-is-for-jealousy/
Friday 9 April 2010
Keeping kids safe and the impact of punk (BBC Essex)
If you'd like to listen to our discussions of topics including letting your kids play outside and punk, you can click here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0076334/Sadie_Nine_09_04_2010/
Thursday 1 April 2010
How do you feel about your Ex?
Read more tips and advice for dealing with them (whether you want to create a new friendship or make a clean break) here - http://www.lemondrop.co.uk/2010/03/20/the-a-z-of-love-e-is-for-exes/
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