Bridges Edition of 12/6/2007

2007-12
Bridges - December 2007
Welcome to Bridges, a monthly newsletter published by Robin Fogel, Executive and Career Coach & Consultant. My goal is that these newsletters include practical information that you can use in your work and in your life. If you found the newsletter helpful, please forward it to your colleagues, friends and family.
If you would like to take advantage of a business consultant or executive coach, please email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com for a complimentary coaching session or visit my website - www.coachrobinfogel.com
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STRESS
With the holiday season upon us, I often hear folks saying, "I have so much to do, I'm feeling so stressed." Let's face it, the holidays can be the best time of the year and they can also be the most stressful.

Stress can be both good and bad - good stress can be a source of energy and productivity, it can help you focus, help you achieve goals. But it is the bad stress that most folks are referring to come December. Medical evidence continues to build with reports that harmful stress, left unchecked, can cause major health problems. Recently I read that doctors estimate 75% of all medical disorders are directly related to stress.

In December, many of us try to balance myriad personal and business tasks and end up overwhelmed. So as you close out the year, if your schedule is filled with end of the year deadlines at work, office parties, and family obligations, what can you do to reduce the stress in your life?

- First, don't deny the stress. Identify the sources so you can
determine how to deal with them. Is it an end of the year work project
you are trying to complete, an office holiday party you "should"
attend?

- Analyze your to-do list and don't over-commit. Do you really have
to attend every event or send 300 holiday cards? Can you show up for
an hour instead of the whole evening? Can you schedule that meeting early in 2008 as an alternative?

- Find an outlet. Exercise, meditate, take a few deep breaths, or as we used to do with young kids - take a five minute time-out. It can
help induce that needed state of calm and lower your blood pressure. *************************************
QTIP
In November I had the pleasure of teaching a colleague's Emotional Intelligence class. One of the participants, a lovely lady, shared something she had learned at a communication workshop. She said they learned about QTIP, and suggested keeping one on your desk as a visual reminder. Then when there is a stressful situation at work or with a colleague, she suggested you look at that QTIP which stands for "Quit Taking It Personally".
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GOOD READS
Two books on my nightstand, "Thank You Power", by Deborah Norville and "Happier", by Tal Ben-Sharar, Ph.D.,have slightly different takes on the same topic. Both tackle the latest research on the impact positive emotions have on our lives and health. Dr Sharar's book is based on a course he teaches at Harvard. Ms. Norville's book reports on the scientific literature in the newly emerging field of positive psychology. After laying out the research, the common theme that both focus on is giving the reader the tools to live a happier and healthier life.

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As the year draws to an end I am so thankful for all the support of colleagues and clients as my consulting and coaching business has continued to grow. I wish you all the joy of the holiday season.

Final Thought - Remember, "Stressed spelled backwards, spells desserts".

COPYRIGHT: 2007, Robin Fogel & Assoc., LLC. All Rights Reserved. May be distributed and reprinted in its entirety with copyright, subscription instructions, and contact information intact. However, you may not copy it to a website.