Archive for October, 2008

Turning Back the Clocks…getting an extra hour of sleep

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

Greetings! 

 

Today I heard an interesting medical finding presented on my local television station. When we turn back the clocks an hour there is a drop in heart attacks the Monday following the turn back. The medical research experts indicate that it is because people get an extra hour of sleep. That got me thinking about getting adequate sleep and our image. 

 

We know that when we feel good we project a more upbeat, positive image to others. Sleep of course is one of the components that make us feel good, and function more effectively; others are exercise and the right foods. I did some research of my own on the topic of sleep and found it is suggested that adults get 7-8 hours of sleep. So I inquired of several people on how much sleep they got nightly…it did not add up to those figures in any way shape or form. Most said if they got 4-5 hours they were lucky. When asked why, there were all kinds of answers ranging from children and family needs coming first and their well being last to house hold chores, work projects, watching movies or shows, and having trouble even getting to sleep. My goodness, those are a lot of reasons not to get a good night’s sleep even when we know it is good for us. 

 

So what should we do to combat this? Here are a few suggestions: 

  • Keep the bedroom for sleeping rather than watching TV 

  • Add soft music 

  • Go to bed at the same time nightly so as to develop a habit 

  • Finish eating at least three hours prior to bed time 

  • Take several deep breaths as you retire to bed 

  • Practice relaxation techniques 

 

What techniques do you use to get a good night’s sleep? 

 

Try to catch that extra this weekend and discover how good you feel, how better you project your image to others….I think you might find it beneficial to try and get some zzzz’s. 

 

Enjoy the weekend, 

 

Nyda 

 

 

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Birthdays…never older only better

Friday, October 17th, 2008

Greetings! 

Yesterday was my birthday and it was a delightful day! This is my favorite time of the year as the weather begins to cool and the humidity lessens.
 

There are those with traditions that they celebrate on this special day, but most try to do something they enjoy. I heard from a friend whose birthday was last week and she went diving. I on the other hand, ran my birthday race against myself which has become a tradition if I cannot get away to an actual race.
 

I spent time with clients in the afternoon, visited my Mom, created the blog and prepared for The Magnolia show which will air at 9am today. My husband treated me to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Winter Park. I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from friends and even a card from my dog “Z”.
 

Birthdays are special and should be welcomed not dreaded. As we journey through life, each birthday means you have achieved a milestone….one more year. People complain about another birthday and getting one year older. Rather than do that, look at these special days as yet another opportunity to experience life. I know that I have more wrinkles now than ever and in places I never thought possible. Sometimes I look at a new one and say “where did that come from?”
I view all of them as fun times enjoyed throughout my life…much better than complaining about them don’t you think?
 

Do you have any birthday traditions and how do you view these special days as they continue to roll around?
 

I am going to enjoy my birthday weekend, maybe you will see us on the Harley in Daytona; if so, honk the horn!
 

Nyda
 

 

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Time of Change…Behaviors and Your Image

Friday, October 3rd, 2008

Greetings!

Welcome to Fall 2008! For many the tree leaves are starting to turn beautiful colors and for others, they are still green-no matter the color, it is a wonderful time of the year. It is a time of natural change and opportunity for us to change our behavior.

I want you to consider what behaviors may not be working for you and not enhancing your image. Many of our habits, patterns, idiosyncrasies and quirks are invisible, so let’s look closely at the behaviors that may be holding you back. Below is a list of some that you may recognize especially when you look into the mirror.

They include the following:

• Not returning phone calls on time.

• Being late for meetings and appointments.

• Poor communication between colleagues and staff.

• A lack of clarity about expected outcomes, monthly targets,         goals, etc.

• Not attending to paperwork quickly and efficiently.

• Handling mail more than once.

• Talking instead of listening.

• Working long days with no exercise or regular breaks.

• Socializing too much on the telephone.

• Eating at your desk five days a week.

• Having your cell phone, blackberry, blueberry, whatever color         your berry is on all the time.

• Controlling every decision, especially the small stuff you need         to let go of.

• Making reservations at the last minute (restaurant, travel         plans, theatre, and concerts).

Now check yourself out by making a list of all the behaviors that keep you unproductive. Block off an hour of time to really think through this process. This is a worthy exercise and will give you a strong foundation for improving your results in the years ahead. In fact, identifying and modifying these bad habits really act as a springboard to your future success. Until you clearly understand what is holding you back and the behaviors you have that are not enhancing your image, it is difficult to create more productive ones.

I challenge you to spend time enjoying the wonderful weather we are experiencing and make your list. Then develop several strategies with action steps to rid you of these bad habits and replace them with positive and productive ones!

Enjoy the weekend,

Nyda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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