2022 Apr Articles Archives

What is positive gossip?

We’ve been told that gossip, talking about a person who is not present, is wrong, but researchers are realising that not all gossip is harmful. As a form of communication, gossip can also be neutral or even positive.

We all know negative gossip when we hear it, or when we spread it. For example, a colleague receives a raise; someone says it’s only because he went to school with the boss. Negative gossip can destroy a person’s career and even their life if taken too far.

However, positive gossip can have the opposite effect. For example, if you tell people that he deserved the raise because he is really good at his job, you have said something to boost other people’s view of him.

But why do we gossip?

To build relationships with others
To influence other’s perceptions (either positively or negatively)
To learn about social norms and share information
To feel accepted; those who spread negative gossip sometimes feel better about themselves if they put others down.

You can be sure that everyone in an office environment gossips to some extent, even those who think they don’t. To move away from negative gossip, start using the THINK approach. Ask yourself, is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, or Kind? This will help you to rather share more neutral or positive gossip.

Here are some ways we can build positive gossip into our office lives.

At staff meetings, have everyone share something positive they notice or value about a co-worker. This can be done anonymously and be read as a group. For example, Patrick’s creativity and can-do attitude helped me solve a problem.
Similarly, your office could create a spotlight board, with sticky notes that recognise team members for their ideas, hard work and help.
Share “highs and lows” at a Friday meeting. A high is a positive thing that happened during the week, and a low is an irritation or problem. Ask your colleagues for suggestions to resolve the low. Make sure that the balance tips over to the side of sharing more ‘highs’ to keep the focus positive and appreciative.

Remember to THINK before you comment. If you need to talk to a counsellor, contact LifeAssist, at no cost to you.

zara2022-03-29T09:41:33+00:00

How to refuel when you feel emotionally drained?

Feel like you’ve used up all your energy trying to cope with stressful demands, conflict, or a lack of support? Your patience is wearing thin and you’re frustrated, even with family or friends. Be aware! Your emotional energy reserves are low and you need to refuel your tank.

Take Stock

The first step in refuelling is to identify the circumstances (e.g., situations, tasks, relationships) that deplete you. What can you avoid or change? Or what should you accept? Acceptance of situations you cannot change reduces some of the stress. Focus on what you can change i.e. when your colleague drains you with doomsday discussions or complaints, immediately switch the conversation to something that is going well.

Perspective

Imagine stepping outside your situation and looking at the bigger picture. Visualize yourself as a star looking down from the galaxy at your current circumstances. Realise that anyone in your situation may feel anxious; perhaps others are going through the same experience. Reminding yourself that you’re not alone and viewing your situation from another perspective, can help to calm you and refuel your empty tank.

Do the things you love

…like hiking, connecting with friends, or hobbies such as painting or gardening. This promotes relaxation and helps you detach from struggles. You may feel too emotionally exhausted for exercise, social interaction, or hobbies. Allow yourself to rest first, but then just do it. You’ll be so pleased you did.

Mindfulness

Being fully present in each moment, focusing on your breathing, counting your blessings, smelling the roses or watching the sunset, are excellent for refuelling when you’re running on empty. Research shows that people who practice mindfulness have lower levels of emotional exhaustion.

Laughter

Another way to refuel is to create joy. Watch a favourite comedy clip, the one that makes you belly laugh every time. Or start the 80s dance music and get everyone in the house to boogie for 15 minutes. Laughing and being silly together helps to release the day’s stresses, and jumpstarts your energy.

If you’re feeling like you’re running on empty and overwhelmed, please call LifeAssist and let us support you.

zara2022-04-19T09:26:20+00:00

Do you have wellness goals? How to set them and stick to them

What are wellness goals?

Wellness goals are targets to become an overall healthier, better you. They’re not only the numbers on a scale or steps on your fitbit. Wellness goals can include having more energy, thinking more positively, or getting better quality sleep.

Plan
Write down your ideal routines; don’t just think about them. Schedule that 30-minute walk, meditation slot, time for healthy meal preparation. You can be flexible, but following your plan at least 70 – 80% of the time will help you build good habits.

Sleep hygiene
Aspiring to achieve better quality sleep is essential for optimal health and wellness: it helps maintain energy levels and keeps you balanced and able to cope. Prepare for sleep around the same time every night. Create a dark, cool (a drop in temperature helps sleep), comfortable environment free of noise and light, and stop all electronics an hour before bed.

Connection
Most important for health and happiness is meaningful relationships! An experiment by the London School of Economics monitored 50,000 people’s happiness levels over three years. They found that people were happiest with their friends, followed by their partners. So make it a wellness goal to have more coffee dates with your friends– it’s good for you!

Recharge
In our fast-paced, demanding world – it’s easy to forget to prioritise self-care. Relax and recharge in ways that work for you e.g. enjoy nature, watch that series, write a gratitude list, visualize yourself happy, calm, and well.

Move!
Working out releases neurochemicals that can lift your mood, improve your focus, and reduce stress. Challenge yourself to sign up for a dance class, go solo on the treadmill, or play your favourite sport.

Whole Food
The quality of the foods and supplements we put into our bodies matter. Too much sugar and chemicals can trigger negative reactions in our bodies and brain. Make it a goal to choose whole foods, rather than take-aways, packaged, or processed food for better brain power and energy.

Nearly every behaviour can impact our wellness, from the food we eat to the way we respond to stress. For help with your goals, contact LifeAssist, and get assistance from our fitness dietician.

zara2022-03-30T10:43:44+00:00