(W)inning the Game of Stress

Stress.  Who hasn’t felt it on a daily basis.  There is so much going on in each of our lives it becomes overwhelming to think about adding more to our plate.  Some of our lives are upside down and spinning out of control.  “The Inner Game of Stress” (W. Timothy Gallwey, Edwards S. Hanzelik, M.D. and John Horton, M.D.) explains that chronic stress ” …is caused largely by the way people perceived the events and circumstances of their lives-and not the realities themselves.”  Perception is reality.  Change the perception and change your stress level.

The big misnomer is that stress happens to us and not something we cannot control.  It’s the way in which we internalize and handle events and activities that causing stressful feelings.  Do you have control over stress to some degree?  Absolutely, 100 %, yes. 

Honestly ask yourself these questions to gain an understanding on where you can begin to decrease your stress levels.

  • What outcomes or people am I trying to control for my own personal gain or benefit?
  • What is controlling me that I could or should be saying “no” to?  Will people still “like” me?  Yes!
  • What are unproductive thoughts of situations, events or “what if’s” that probably won’t come true?
  • What are external conflicts that I play over and over in my head or continue to tell others about which revives these feelings?
  • What am I yearning for that is causing me to stall my future?
  • In my personal circle, who am I associating with that is devaluating me and my future?
  • What types of time management tools am I utlitizing to protect myself against time stealers?
  • Do I have goals for the future and have a way to reach out to others in the community to help me?

 Once we have clarity around these questions we can begin to control our perception of the external factors of our lives.  We begin to establish new thought patterns and ways to set boundaries around our priorities in a way which still maintains positive relationships.  We look for tools that can help us maintain control.

The only person we have control over is ourselves and what situations we allow ourselves to be in.  In addition, we control our attitude and feelings towards others as well as thoughts of the future.  Make your perception a positive move towards your priorities.  You’ll feel more in control and perceive events and people with less stress.  I highly recommend ….

The Inner Game of Stress: Outsmart Life's Challenges and Fulfill Your Potential

Be healthy and fabulous!

Sandra Larkin, CWPM
Certified Wellness Program Manager

June 11th, 2010 - Posted in ABC's, attitude, emotional, habits, health, stress, workplace wellness | | 0 Comments

Nearly Half of American Workers See Wellness Programs as an Important Employee Retention Tool

Forty-five percent of Americans working at small to medium-sized companies said that they would stay at their jobs longer because of employer-sponsored wellness programs, according to the latest Principal Financial

Well-Being Index(SM).

The survey also found that as a result of workplace wellness programs, 40 percent of workers say they are encouraged to work harder and perform better and 26 percent miss fewer days of work by participating in such programs. As in previous years, 51 percent of workers believe wellness programs are very or somewhat successful in reducing health care costs.

(Read More) …. http://alturl.com/2ofb

January 18th, 2010 - Posted in workplace wellness | | 0 Comments

Healthy Snacking In The Workplace

Offering healthy snack food alternatives is an easy start to showing your commitment to workplace wellness. Keep records to see that they are actually being used. Make sure the supply is fresh, clean, and attractively presented. If necessary, charge a fair price, but remember that the continued wellness of your employees impacts morale and your bottom line.

Here are some helpful tips and things to keep in mind:

  • Read the label!  If you can’t pronounce the names of the ingredients inside, chances are it contains chemicals and additives and its best not to eat it.
  • Choose snacks that are nutritious and unsweetened.   Sugar lowers immune system function for several hours after being eaten.

(Read More)  http://alturl.com/c3to

January 18th, 2010 - Posted in health, physical, workplace wellness | | 0 Comments

Steps To Improve Workplace Wellness

 With employees spending eight to 10 hours of their day in the workplace, it is important for businesses to have an environment of wellness present. Studies show that when companies provide wellness programs, employees feel valued and businesses save money while improving their productivity.Our nation is in a health crisis. About 65 percent of American adults are not physically active, contributing to astounding rates of heart disease and a huge increase in type II diabetes. This costs the U.S. billions in health care each year. According to the American Heart Association, “Obesity-related diseases account for nearly 10 percent of all medical spending in the United States.” Heart disease and type II diabetes are obesity-related diseases that stem from poor nutritional habits and sedentary lifestyles.(Read More) …  http://alturl.com/8tnr

January 18th, 2010 - Posted in workplace wellness | | 0 Comments