Channel Islands Edition ISSN 2516-3426
No.21
May/June/July/August 2019 Happy | Healthy | Inspired
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FEATURING
Energy. How Do You Define It? Kindness in Leadership Sun Safe Working Environments Unlock Your Child’s Energy and Potential
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Eating for Energy 13 Signs of Emotional Intelligence Change and Check Urges Us All to Look out for the Signs of Cancer How to Age Gracefully and Enjoy Our Precious Twilight Years … and much more to inspire, relax and make you FEEL GOOD!
£3.99
Sand and sun, the summer has begun!
WELCOME
Welcome
WORDS: Beverley Le Cuirot, Founder and Editor
Welcome to our ‘Energy’ edition. It is said that Energy is currency. When you ‘pay’ attention to something, you’re buying an experience … it’s an investment so ‘spend’ carefully and only on things that will bring you a good return. Be selective. Treat your time and your health with as much care as your finances. Both are equally, if not more, valuable. This has come home to roost with me personally this year following an out of the blue breast cancer diagnosis in January. I am pleased to say that with the support of the outstanding medical practitioners in Jersey, I have had the necessary surgery and am well on my way to a full and strong recovery. I am also fortunate to have been working and researching in this field for the best part of a decade, and am surrounded by the most wonderful health and wellbeing practitioners, I am truly grateful to them all. There is nothing more valuable than our time and our health, so treat them both respectfully. What did I learn? I know that no-one is immune, so always attend routine checks (I was VERY lucky). Be unapologetic with self-care and soul nourishment, eat healthily, stay active, remember gratitude, practice forgiveness (of self and others), pay attention to the critical importance of sleep … live with less stress, know when to say ‘no’, don’t over-do it … and rest, even before you are tired. This is why we have combined our Spring and Summer editions this year – to manage the workload a little more sensibly! I hope you will understand.
contributors, and experts from the UK, USA and Canada, and one all the way from Beijing. A new section will keep us on top of trends and we have more news about the Leaders in WellBeing Summit and Awards, the effects of which will continue to have a beneficial impact long after the winners are announced. There is a lot going on in the health and wellbeing world that’s for sure … and as we go to print, Jersey’s States Assembly has voted with an overwhelming majority to declare a climate change emergency, committing to an aim for carbon neutrality by 2030 – good news indeed, and more of which in our NEXT edition! I am as inspired as ever by the content in this edition, and I hope you feel the same way when you read it. Thank YOU for your time and support, as always!
Beverley beverley@wellbeingworld.je
It’s another great edition, with even more contributors finding their way to our pages, we have lots of local If you would like to buy yourself, a friend, colleague or loved one a subscription to WellBeing World magazine, please visit: www.wellbeingworldmagazine.com Alternatively, please speak with your Employer and suggest to them that they join our Employer Scheme to purchase copies for your organisation – we’d be eternally grateful to you. Thank you.
Creating a WORLD of Difference
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CONTENTS
Contents
Stress Less Now
Introducing our International Guest Contributors … And our Local Expert Contributors
FEATURE – LESS STRESS Stress Less Now The Least Stressful Work Day of the Week
WHAT’S NEW Keeping on Top of Trends Change and Check Campaign
LEADERS IN WELLBEING Leaders in WellBeing Summit & Awards 2019 Why Wellbeing in the Workplace is So Important Thinking like an Entrepreneur to Innovate and Be Resilient Kindness in Leadership
SPECIAL FOCUS: OUTDOORS Reconnecting with Nature to Improve Health and Wellbeing Sun Safe Working Environments
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6 8 10 12 14 18 20 24 25 26 28 30
Five Reasons Empathy is Becoming the Number One Leadership Skill 32
WORK Five Reasons Empathy is Becoming the Number One Leadership Skill What is the Healthiest Human System? The Key to Energy Management that is Most Often Neglected Organisational Energy – When the Words and Pictures Don’t Match Managing Stress At The Top Neutralising a Negative Workplace
LIFE Energy. How Do You Define It? 10 Reasons I’m Fed Up with Work: Life Balance Energy with a Smile Modern Careers: Fulfilment, Flexibility and Purpose
BODY Acupuncture – A Safe, Effective Option to Low Back Pain
FITNESS Energy on the Move Making the Body Healthy with Qigong
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CONTENTS WELCOME
An Energy Secret Shared
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CHILDREN Unlock Your Child’s Energy and Potential Using Strength-Based Parenting
AGEING How to Age Gracefully and Enjoy Our Precious Twilight Years
EAT WELL, SLEEP WELL An Energy Secret Shared Eating for Energy
MIND Stoke Your Inner Fire Strength in Mind 13 Signs of High Emotional Intelligence
How Space Impacts Your Mindset When Travelling
SPACE 58 60 62 64 66 68 70
How Space Impacts Your Mindset When Travelling The Perfect Environment for Business Meetings
INTENTION/GOALS The Power of Intention Energising Your Recovery Exploring the Secret Resilience Strategies We Can All Apply to Thrive Creating a Positive Snowball Effect Energy and Empowerment
BOOKS Book Review – Great Reads to Boost Energy
WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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10% of the sales proceeds of this edition of WellBeing World will be donated to the Stroke Association. The Stroke Association helps people to rebuild their lives after stroke. More info: www.stroke.org.uk
Thank You and Disclaimer: WellBeing World would like to thank all of our contributors, members and advertisers for making our magazine what it is; and to you, our readers, for your support. We aim to bring you properly researched information that enables you to make wise health decisions and which support your general health and wellbeing.
Creating a WORLD of Difference
Although every effort is made to ensure the veracity of published information, WellBeing World and its Directors and Publishers cannot be held responsible for the information contained herein or for the views and actions of individual contributors. All contributors are qualified to practice in their own fields of expertise. If in doubt, please consult with a medical practitioner before acting on health information received.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Introducing our International Guest Contributors:
We are delighted to welcome so many distinguished authors, thinkers and inspirational experts from around the world.
Aidan Kearney Performance & Business Psychologist
Dr Amina Aitsi-Selmi MD PhD Founder & MD, Next Generation Coaching & Consulting
Dr Clare Murray
Dan Keeley
Organisational Psychologist and Leadership Coach
Mental Health Activist and Founder & Mission Director at #WEAREOKUK
Amy Blankson
Amy McCae
Positive Psychology Researcher and Author of The Future of Happiness
Certified Life Coach & Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
Professor David Gibson
Dina Emser MA PCC CPDLT
Founder of the E Factor
Co-Creator with Jane Nelsen of Empowering People in theWorkplace
Emma J Bell
Faith Canter
Gay Haskins
Harvey Deutschendorf
Founder, The Global Resilience Project
Health, Wellness & Self-Love Coach and Author
Associate Fellow, SaĂŻd Business School, University of Oxford
Internationally published author of The Other Kind of Smart
Dr Jane Nelsen
Jodie Hill
Justin Bariso
Dr Justin Varney
Co-Creator of Empowering People in the Workplace
Mental Health Campaigner and MD Leeds-based Thrive Law
Author of EQ Applied
Director of Public Health, Birmingham City Council
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CONTRIBUTORS
Prof. Lea Waters (PhD)
Dr Paul White
Sophie Clyde-Smith (BSc)
Dr Xiaolei Liu
President International Positive Psychology Association, Melbourne
Psychologist and President, Appreciation at Work
Founder, The Modern Career Coach,Certified Transformational Life Coach.
Professor, Beijing Sport University
...And our Local Expert Contributors:
Aimee Purgal
Amanda Bond
Catherine Laine
Elvina Aghajanyan
Milon Expert and Personal Coach, Healthhaus
Founder, Edgewalker Nature Therapy
On behalf of Silkworth Charity Group
Head of HR at HSBC, Channel Islands and IOM
Lorna Jackson 1st BSc (Hons) MBAcC AFN
Jasmine Khanani
Kerry Petulla
Lisa McCabe
Integrative Health Coach, Yoga and Meditation Teacher
Chair, Donna Anand Melanoma Charity
Mind Body Manager, Club Soulgenic
Lucie Filipponi-Amy
Simon Nash
Co-owner, Les Hoรปmets Care Home
Co-Founder, The Insight Group & Jersey Good Business Charter
Susan Burry, RD, BSc, MBA, MSc (Obesity)
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Nutrition Consultant/ Registered Dietitian Healthhaus
Founder, Health Point Clinic
Beverley Le Cuirot Founder, WellBeing World, WellBeing At Work, and Leaders in WellBeing
FEATURE: LESS STRESS
Stress Less Now WORDS: Amy McCae Certified Life Coach & Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
What if I told you that at any given time you have the power to make the decision whether or not you feel stressed? Your power always lies in your awareness of this moment. For many years I have shared a set of skills with specific tools to help people manage stress, create healthier and happier lives, and think more positively. Originally there were only four main concepts but about four years ago I revised it and even added a 5th. Now this tool box has developed into a journey of self-discovery that even supports improving relationships. Challenging boss? Crazy family member? Selfish spouse?
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The path to less stress begins with self-empowerment. The five ideas you will do well to consider are; Awareness, Acceptance, Attitude, Action, and Acknowledgment. AWARENESS because ignorance is not always bliss. This is first because it is most important. If you don't know the details of a situation how can you resolve an
issue? If you don't know yourself, how can you be authentic and make conscious decisions? Awareness begins with understanding yourself, your core values, and my favourite: your emotional processes. When you think, speak, and act in-line with your core values you live an empowered and successful life. You can find lists on the internet or set up a free call with me – core values worksheets and meditation would be my first set of suggestions for developing any level of selfawareness. ACCEPTANCE. Have you ever heard that phrase that being angry is
FEATURE: LESS STRESS
like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die? Well ... get over being mad (you are only hurting yourself ). AND learn to love yourself. Yes, I am aware that it sounds corny and that is suggested sometimes half-heartedly but ... these are absolutely necessary steps to peace of mind. Imposter Syndrome runs rampant it seems. Try "Heartfelt or Living Kindness" Meditation to cultivate compassion for yourself. Consider writing a list of the people you are upset or angry with, why, the emotions you feel, and then burn it. You don't have control over other people and what they do don't allow their behaviour to control you. You may not have control over people but you do have control over your ATTITUDE. Attitude is all about your perception. Think about this for a moment ... Let's say you are looking at an image of an optical illusion and you are only seeing it one way, but then someone comes along and points out an entirely different image. YOUR perception just changed and you now have two ideas and BOTH are correct! Always, take a moment to take a breath before you speak or act. This will save you and others so much heartache. You never really know what the other person is going through and you never know what you may learn. Make authentic and conscious decisions in-line with your values. Ready, set, ACTION. Let's keep this simple. Set some clear goals in only one or two areas of your life and write specific steps. CHOOSE WHAT YOU LOVE, not what you think you are supposed to
do. Then, get an accountability partner or hire a life coach. Just be clear on your vision and purpose. Last but most certainly not least, we have ACKNOWLEDGMENT. This is simply gratitude. There is no easier way to shift energy and create happiness than to practice being appreciative. Some creative ways to be grateful are to volunteer/be of service or create a joy jar where you make notes of happy moments and put them in a jar to read at a later time. I found it much easier to get into the actual feeling of being grateful when I shared my appreciation with a friend. Just do it. Do it regularly. It will bring more things to be grateful for into your life. Each one of these ideas/skills has the potential to lower your stress level. AND more! If you would like more ideas and more specific practices for each one please contact me. I offer a downloadable extended version as well. Choose wisely. Stress Less. Be Happy.
More info: www.amymccae.com and for a free phone consult: https://amymccae.as.me/focussession
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FEATURE: LESS STRESS
The Least Stressful Work Day of the Week
Revealing results from recent research: Monday is the least stressful ‘work day’ November is the most stressful month of the year August is the best month of the year for recovery What is the most stressful day of the week? Are people more stressed in the summer or in the winter? And, what impact does alcohol have on stress and recovery? These are some of the questions answered in the Firstbeat Research Database. Stress is a complex and growing epidemic in the UK. A 2018 study by the Mental Health Foundation found that 74% of UK adults were so stressed at some point during the year that they felt “overwhelmed or unable to cope”. However, when balanced with effective recovery, being in a physiologically stressed state for a short time can actually help focus attention and boost productivity. The Firstbeat Research Database includes over 18,000 days of data collected in the UK between March 2017 and March 2019. These results show when stress peaks and troughs, as well as uncovering which days and months see the most recovery take place. Monday can claim the crown of the least stressful day of the ‘working week’ (Mon-Fri) but it is a tight run race for the unwanted title of the most stressful day. Meanwhile, August ranks as the least stressful month of the year – a result teachers would probably agree with!
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Using Heart Rate Variability to monitor stress
Firstbeat monitors stress levels and periods of recovery in individuals by tracking heart rate variability (HRV) – the time between heartbeats – to identify activity occurring within the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls our bodily functions and plays a key role in regulating cardiovascular activity. It includes the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous systems. Interpreting which is the dominant system at any one time by tracking HRV shows the levels of stress and recovery reactions in the body. Stress can be identified by decreased HRV, whilst increased HRV is emblematic of recovery.
I don’t like Mondays
According to Firstbeat’s database, the least stressful day of the traditional working week in the UK is Monday, when just over 50% of the day is spent in a stressed state. That’s compared to over 54% for the four days that follow. That’s welcome news for those people who experience #SundayNightFear on the eve of a new working week! Especially when you add in that Monday sees more time in a state of recovery (28%) than any other day of the week, including weekends.
FEATURE: LESS STRESS
Interestingly, there is a correlation between drinking alcohol and increased stress. Across the board, from January through to December, the data showed people spent a reduced amount of their day in a ‘stressed state’ when those days did not include alcohol consumption and recovered far worse when alcohol was involved. At times the difference was more than 2%. Previous Firstbeat research has shown the effect of alcohol on recovery.
When the sun shines
Summer really is a recipe for relaxation according to the data as August days see the smallest proportion of stress and the highest proportion of recovery. Maybe this has something to do with the fact this is traditionally the month most of us go on holiday and enjoy some down time. Meanwhile, October, November and December are among the most stressful months of the year and take gold, silver and bronze when it comes to least recovery. This could be down to chasing end of year deadlines at work or burning the candle at both ends during the festive season?
“When considering these findings, it is important to note that not all stress is ‘bad’,” commented Firstbeat Exercise Physiologist, Tiina Hoffman. “Stress is a physiological response to a situation and also works in a positive way to help you focus and complete tasks. It’s not possible, or even meaningful, to completely eliminate periods of stress. The important thing is to find the appropriate balance for an individual between stress and recovery.”
About the Firstbeat Research Database
Data used in the study came from the Firstbeat research database. Each of these individuals participated in the Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment, which typically utilizes a 72-hr recording of HRV data along with other tools to explore the relationship between stress, recovery, physical activity and well-being. HRV data was recorded using the Firstbeat’s Bodyguard 2 professional-grade HRV recording device in real-world conditions of daily life. The Firstbeat research database is used to investigate topics of sleep, stress, recovery, and physical activity. As of 2019, the global database has grown to include over 350,000 days of assessment data from approximately 120,000 individuals.
About Firstbeat
Firstbeat is the leading provider of advanced performance analytics for sports, fitness and well-being. Firstbeat technology transforms heartbeat data into personalised and actionable information on stress, recovery, sleep and exercise. Firstbeat’s physiological analytics are used by over one thousand elite sports teams, thousands of corporations, and millions of consumers worldwide to improve performance and well-being. Firstbeat’s revolutionary analytics technology has created a digital model of users’ physiology through advanced modelling of heart function and heart rate variability (HRV).
More info: www.firstbeat.com Read more about Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment
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WHAT’S NEW
Keeping on Top of Trends: Eight of the Latest Wellness Trends
Each year, the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) identifies new trends that will have a meaningful impact on the $4.2 trillion wellness industry. This forecast that draws from the insights of the 600+ executives who were delegates and presenters at the 2018 Global Wellness Summit. In addition, the GWS Trends incorporate the perspectives of renowned economists, medical and wellness professionals, academics and leaders across all sectors of the wellness industry. 1. Well Fashion – Way Beyond Athleisure
The Report predicts that 2019 will be the pivotal year for change, with a huge wave of sustainable, ethical, intelligent, healing, more inclusive, and meaningful fashion on the rise. A more “well” fashion market and mindset is ahead. We’ll see radical innovation in sustainable textiles, with clothing/shoes made from recycled plastic bottles, algae, mushrooms and food waste. More vegan, cruelty-free fashion, with alt-fur, alt-leather, alt-everything collections that are trendier than the real thing. The next-gen of smart, connected and healing clothes that actively boost your wellbeing is straight ahead. New technologies mean that fitness wearables will move seamlessly into clothing while self-regulating fabrics will adapt to all kinds of environmental and bodily changes (heat, cold, air flow, movement, UV rays, etc.). We’ll see antibacterial clothes that clean themselves, collageninfused clothes that moisturise your body all day, clothes that broadcast your mood, pajamas that help you sleep – even clothes weaving in “ancient wellness,” such as lines suffused with Ayurvedic medicinal plants. And more brands will rip off the constricting “labels,” such as “plussized” and “man/woman” to create clothes that are truly inclusive around body shape and gender identity. 2019: the year more people trade in the addictive endorphins of manic fashion consumption for the serotonin (true happiness) of choosing clothes that are sustainable, ethical, actively healing and meaningful—one of the most impactful wellness trends we’ve ever seen.
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2. Wellness Takes on Over-tourism
Over-tourism – when a crush of tourists overwhelms a destination – is the #1 issue in the travel industry today, making headlines everywhere. With the growth in wealth worldwide, international travel is exploding, with annual trips jumping from 500 million in 1995 to 1.3 billion today. The problem is that this tourism expansion is hyper-concentrated: Roughly half of all travelers go to just 100 global destinations; everyone wants to see the Mona Lisa and Machu Picchu, the Ginza in Tokyo and Venice’s canals. The damage to those destinations’ infrastructure and environment (and to their residents’ lives) is a wellness issue: from pollution and noisy, garbage-filled landscapes to the destruction of local heritage and culture to pricing locals out of the property market. And it’s not well or pleasant for the tourist, either. As cities get bombarded by tourists, more travellers will crave healing, serene oases in metropolises, so another major trend is the rise of the urban wellness resort. It seems counterintuitive, but some of the world’s top wellness travel brands are moving beyond their roots in idyllic locations to set up shop in big cities. This will see the first One&Only Urban Resort opening soon in Dubai, famed Balinese wellness resort Fiveelements launching a wellness retreat in Hong Kong this year, and Six Senses opening in NYC in 2020.
WHAT’S NEW
3. Meditation Goes Plural
Meditation will evolve from a singular to a plural practice, from a generic concept to understanding specific types and their unique brain impacts, just as this explosive market blooms, like yoga and boutique fitness before it, into many varieties. It’s the fastest-growing health trend in the US, and after years of talk, now people are actually doing it. But the growth in people practicing has been matched by profound confusion around the very concepts of “meditation” and “mindfulness” (which also infects medical studies): They get used interchangeably when the research shows that, while there are hundreds of meditation breeds, there are three core types/mechanisms: 1) focused attention (clearing the mind of thoughts), 2) open monitoring (which includes mindfulness meditation), 3) self-transcending (involving silent mantras). Each is a different practice, activating different brain waves and neuroplastic changes, leading to different outcomes. More clinical trials will study these core types head-to-head and more people will grasp that different meditation practices can help them reach different goals. The future? It’s not either/or it’s yes/and – as meditation becomes a plural toolbox for mental wellness. Meditation will “go plural” in a whole other way. If you used to take that “meditation class,” now ancient and modern varieties will multiply in 2019 - whether straightout-of-Europe sophrology (marrying Eastern meditation practices with Western relaxation concepts) or Kundalini yoga (an ancient, spiritual mash-up of chanted mantra, breathing techniques and movement). “Mindful fitness” brands will surge, where you move with intention or where workouts work in meditation sessions – just as mindful spa experiences will get more creative. More mindful apps and new drop-in meditation studios and wellness centers/ clubs (all booming) will become one-stop shops with full meditation menus. The wellness market always pushes the “next” button and meditation just approaching an adoption and conceptual tipping-point (and there’s no expiration date on 5,000-year-old solutions). The future is meditations, more types tailored to what you need most.
Creating a WORLD of Difference
4. Prescribing Nature
Imagine going to your doctor, and instead of a prescription for pharmaceutical medication, you received a prescription for a 30-minute walk in nature. Nature as medicine; this is not far-fetched. Perhaps less reliance on Prozac (having consulted with your GP), and instead pick up your walking shoes. This is happening all over the world, and it’s only going to become more prevalent. As people continue to be overworked and overwrought, Nature Deficit Disorder has taken hold, and it’s real – this 24/7, digitally dominated, Instagram-able world is depriving humankind of some very basic, very important nourishment that comes from being outdoors. Much has been written about the evils (and glories) of technology, but the resulting dissociation from our natural surroundings leaves us emotionally and physically worse off. We are bereft of nature. Our bodies, and our minds, need nature. And as more evidence becomes available in mainstream media, more people will seek this “treatment,” and more physicians will be prescribing it. The medical evidence for doses of nature is wide-ranging, from a study by the European Society of Cardiology finding that a brisk walk outdoors daily for 25 minutes could add at least three years to your life to others finding it helps repair DNA and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers. It’s powerful medicine for our minds too, with studies indicating walks in nature engage the “default mode” brain network associated with stress-reduction and a boost in cognition, creativity and short-term memory. 15
WHAT’S NEW
6. China – Uncovering the Wealth in Wellness
China’s unprecedented economic growth, political influence and technological advances have transformed the country into a global powerhouse. Given the size of the market and its growing middle class, China’s influence is now impacting the global wellness industry. With a population of 1.4 billion, China’s middle class will skyrocket from 430 million today to 780 million by 2025. The country already drives more than half of all global e-commerce. Wrap your mind around China’s outbound travel growth, which has expanded 20-fold since 2000— now at 145 million international trips annually, to rise to 200 million in two years, and then doubling to 400 million by 2030 (when China will represent 30 percent of the entire international travel market).
5. MediScent: Fragrance Gets a Wellness Makeover
The sense of smell is having a wellness renaissance. Once dismissed as the least relevant of the five senses, today, evidence-based studies around scent’s powerful impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing are being released fast and furiously. A new understanding of scent’s crucial role in our physical and emotional wellbeing is transforming how we think about, nurture, and use our sense of smell. At the same time, new aromas are being discovered, including Glossier You’s personalised perfumes to enhance your own skin’s scent. New scent-based applications and products are being announced, that are used not only for feel good, functional scents in homes and offices but are also being tested as alternatives to pharmaceuticals in medical trials. And there is much innovation in how we harness the power of scent, such as Scentee’s smart diffuser that lets you change up scents from your smartphone. There are candles and oils to evoke a precise sense of place (to trigger positive memories) and scents used as mental wellness supplements, and art installations, such as JeanMarc Chaillan’s Mood Cloud, are exploring the not too far-fetched concept of melding wellness with big data, using micro sensors that measure stress levels and showering calming aromas over stressed-out parts of a city. There’s simply ever more research that scent impacts cognitive health, such as the discovery that tasting and smelling wine works the brain harder than a math problem. NanoScent, an Israel-based start-up, is trying to turn our smartphones into “scent catchers” and has developed a matchmaking app that uses scent to help identify suitable mates (based on the same technology that detects breast cancer by recognising changes in the tissue’s smell). It is predicted that neuroscience of scent will become more pervasive in everything we do, and fragrances will be used in ways we would never have dreamed of—both in public and personal spaces. 16
China is undergoing a wellness (and beauty) revolution; one could cite hundreds of stats. Over 70 percent of its middle class exercise regularly and purchase organic food, 104 million Chinese have at least one fitness app on their phones, and China accounts for 41 percent of all global cosmetic procedures. Chinese tourists will rewrite the wellness travel market: They’re now rejecting the old shopping/sightseeing tours to embrace authentic cultural and wellness experiences. (China is the fastest-growing wellness tourism market, jumping to third globally in lightning-fast time). The wellness boom in China is being driven by forces like the roaring “she-conomy” (incredible growth in women’s spending power) and the fact that so many more Chinese are now seeking their authentic roots and a spiritual purpose in life. The country is also facing a health crisis – from an unsupported aging population to ballooning obesity rates – and the government has launched a superambitious “Healthy China 2030” initiative with wellness targets such as having 530 million more people take part in regular exercise. China’s indigenous wellness traditions and unique destinations will increasingly grab the world’s attention, from new, authentic wellness travel destinations to its 425,000 TCM practitioners to its Buddhist and Taoist spiritual cuisine. Napoleon famously said, “When China wakes…she will shake the world.” She will certainly shake the future wellness world.
WHAT’S NEW
7. Nutrition Gets Very Personalised
What we put in our bodies – whether it’s food, drink or supplements – has never been more scrutinised. Many would argue that this obsessional focus, from where our food is sourced to its nutritional content to the rise of vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free diets to the growing food tribes of keto, paleo and the like, has led to a healthier population. Enter the age of personalised nutrition where science, low-cost medical testing and new technologies identify what foods are right just for us – not only for weight management but, more importantly, to boost overall health and wellbeing. This includes companies which rely on blood and DNA analyses to specify what foods are right for you.
In the near future, we will know much more about what the enormous ecosystem inside each of us is telling us, including how much exercise you really need to how our bodies react to specific nutrients. Fad diet confusion, new tech, and the “power of me” will propel personalized nutrition into the mainstream.
As “one-size-fits-all” health and wellness practices fall by the wayside and the understanding of epigenetics – the study of how our genes are shaped by our behaviour – grows, personalised nutrition will hit the mainstream in increasingly surprising ways, such as Gatorade’s chipenabled skin patch that measures hydration so its drinks can deliver exactly what an athlete needs.
8. Dying Well
It’s called the “death positive” movement, and everything around dying is getting radically rethought – from making the experience more humane to mourning and funerals getting reimagined, to people actively exploring death as part of a mentally healthy life.
Funerals are becoming less gloomily formal and more deeply personal: from the rise of celebratory “living funerals” to the return of the creative home funeral. As people become aware of how environmentally toxic traditional embalmment, burial and cremation is, we’ll see out-of-the-box, eco-friendly “burial” options: from mushroom burial suits lined with
flesh-eating fungi that speed your return to nature to biodegradable burial egg-pods where your body/ ashes grow the tree you most want to become. People are even travelling to have the caring and spiritual death they seek, and there is the rise of the Death Doula to assist a “better death” as an integral part of a “well life.”
More info: www.globalwellnesssummit.com/2019-global-wellness-trends/
Creating a WORLD of Difference
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WHAT’S NEW
‘Change and Check’ Urges Us All to Look out for the Signs of Cancer WORDS: Beverley Le Cuirot Founder, WellBeing World
A new campaign which has been launched by ITV Presenter, Lorraine Kelly, urges women (and men) to get to know their own breasts and to look out for changes which may indicate the signs of cancer. Inspired by her friend and ‘Lorraine’ producer, Helen Addis, who was diagnosed last year aged 39, the campaign has rolled out in changing rooms across the UK. Lorraine, 59, is on a mission to get ladies across the UK checking their breasts for any signs of change. 'Reminder stickers' showing what to look out for will be displayed in hundreds of changing rooms nationwide in major retail stores and gyms. John Lewis & Partners, David Lloyd, ASDA, Monsoon are taking part, as well as all ITV offices. They will also be on set at Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
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Speaking on her eponymous show, Lorraine said: “We check everything, our phones, what the weather is like, do I need an umbrella? But just check yourself. Helen's story is a stark reminder we need to be vigilant. So check your boobs. Of course all our boobs are different. What is normal for you might not be normal for me. If there's a little reminder, the time it takes for you to try that frock on, you could check yourself for the signs of breast cancer.”
WHAT’S NEW
Lorraine has dedicated a lot of airtime to raising awareness around breast cancer, over the years including showing live breast examinations. On the same show, women who had their lives saved from the earlier ‘You Know Breast’ campaign expressed their thanks for helping them detect their cancer early.
Breast cancer is often thought of as something that only affects women, but men can get it in rare cases. It develops in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind their nipples. It usually occurs in men over 60, but can very occasionally affect younger men.
Nicola, 49, explained: “I noticed a ‘dent’ in my right breast, but I remembered Dr Hilary's words about noticing any change of colour, shape or feeling in the breast.” Jean, 69, also shared her story. “I happened to see the breast examination item in October. I went on to do the check and I noticed a dimple. Tests detected a tiny cancer. My consultant told me this cancer is so small that she's very proud of me for detecting this.” Diane, 45, told the show how she discovered her cancer on her birthday. “I was watching Dr Hillary's breast examination when I decided to do one myself and found a lump. I was then diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma and had surgery to remove the lump and lymph nodes.” Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer. About one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There's a good chance of recovery if it's detected in its early stages. For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always get any changes examined by their GP.
The exact causes of breast cancer aren't fully understood. However, there are certain factors known to increase the risk of breast cancer, which include: Age – the risk increases as you get older Family history of breast cancer Previous diagnosis of breast cancer Previous benign breast lump Being tall, overweight or obese Drinking alcohol
Creating a WORLD of Difference
Signs of breast cancer in men include: A lump in the breast – this is usually hard, painless and doesn't move around within the breast The nipple turning inwards (inverted nipple) Fluid oozing from the nipple (nipple discharge), which may be streaked with blood A sore or rash around the nipple that doesn't go away The nipple or surrounding skin becoming hard, red or swollen Small bumps in the armpit (swollen glands) My own story was a little different; there were no outward signs at all and no change in appearance was evident. Instead, my diagnosis was due entirely to a routine mammogram. So whether we are able to detect changes ourselves or whether we make sure we attend routine checks, both are equally important and vital to our health – don’t delay.
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LEADERS IN WELLBEING
First-Ever Leaders in WellBeing Summit & Awards for the Channel Islands WORDS: Beverley Le Cuirot Founder and Director, WellBeing World, WellBeing At Work and Leaders in WellBeing
We are delighted to have launched the inaugural ‘Leaders in WellBeing Summit & Awards’ to celebrate the wellbeing related activities of organisations and individuals in the Channel Islands; including corporates, entrepreneurs, health and wellbeing practitioners, government departments, schools, and not-for-profit organisations. Promoting a culture that improves the health and wellbeing of employees is good management and leads to healthy and productive workplaces. High levels of physical and psychological wellbeing amongst employees has shown to lead to lower absence levels; attraction and retention of talented people; and more satisfied customers, clients and service users.
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First and foremost, this is the right thing to do for employees, but it is also beneficial for the businesses, and ultimately for the community as a whole. It is in everyone’s best interests to use everything in their power to find the edge in business; employees hold the key to this. The time is right for all employers, large and small, to embrace these principles.
LEADERS IN WELLBEING
This important, all-day, thought leadership conference will be held during World WellBeing Week at the end of June, and will celebrate the organisations, government departments, charities and practitioners who make health
and wellbeing a core priority within their workplace and encourage a consistent, positive approach to the health and wellbeing of all employees. Specifically the Awards will recognise organisations which:
• Create a work environment that is a safe and inspiring place to be. • Lead from the top ‘being the change you want to see in your organisation’. • Empower employees to work in a way that will bring out their best ‘work self ’. • Give employees a voice and encourage them to use it. • Participate in ongoing dialogue to drive a healthy culture. • Invite continuous improvement through new ideas, creativity and monitoring.
"High levels of physical and psychological wellbeing amongst employees has shown to lead to lower absence levels; attraction and retention of talented people; and more satisfied customers, clients and service users." Keynote speakers at the Summit will include: Aidan Kearney, Founder and Director, Malleable Mind, a company dedicated to assisting people to reach their full potential through harnessing mental skills and psychological flexibility
Gay Haskins, Associate Fellow of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, former Dean of London Business School, and co-author of ‘Kindness in Leadership’ Eugene Farrell, Mental Health Lead, AXA PPP
Dr Amina Aitsi-Selmi MA MD, Transformational and Executive Coach and Founder and MD of Next Generation Coaching & Consulting Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health, Birmingham City Council Emma J Bell, Founder, The Global Resilience Project
Professor David Gibson OBE, Founder of the E Factor Dr Glenda Rivoallan, Founder & Director of Soulgenic
Simon Nash, Founder & Director of The Insight Group and the Jersey Good Business Charter
Elvina Aghajanyan, Head of HR at HSBC, Channel Islands and Isle of Man Dr Paul White, President, Appreciation at Work (by video from Kansas)
Topics for this year’s conference will include:
‘Creating a Healthy Workplace Culture’, ‘‘Kindness in Leadership’, ‘EAPs, Wellbeing Programmes and Technology – How Employees can be Encouraged to Use These Services More’, ‘The Key to Energy Management that is Most Often Neglected’, ‘Managing Stress at the Top’; ‘Exploring the Resilience Strategies We Can All Apply to Thrive Every Day’; An Entrepreneurial Skill Set for Corporates and Government’; ‘Mindfulness for Resilience’, ‘Practical Steps for Mental Wellbeing’, ‘Doing Good Business is Good for Business and Its People’, and ‘The Basics of Being Heard, Understood and Appreciated’. There are three Business/Community focussed Awards – WellBeing Ambassador Award; Inclusion and Belonging Award; and the Giving Back Good Business Award … two Practitioner Awards – Best Newcomer and Lifetime Achievement Award … and a host of Awards aimed at the employers, who understand the value of wellbeing and are treating it as the business imperative it should be. These include: Best Workplace Culture; Caring Employer of the Year; Healthiest Workplace; Mental Health Award; and Financial WellBeing Award.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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LEADERS IN WELLBEING
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
The Leaders in WellBeing event has attracted high profile support from the Channel Islands business sector, including main sponsors HSBC, and Awards sponsors, Rossborough Healthcare, Rossborough Financial, and The Insight Group. Jersey Business, The Jersey Good Business Charter, and The Busy Queen Bee are also supporting the event; all are leading organisations who are already demonstrating their own commitment to employee, client and community wellbeing. Main sponsor, and Mental Health Award sponsor, Sue Fox, CEO, HSBC in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man commented: “The importance of personal wellbeing can’t be understated, whether in our professional or private lives. We have a collective responsibility to lead our organisations to prioritise and promote wellbeing.” Sponsoring the Inclusion and Belonging Award, Kim Davies, Corporate Health and Wellbeing Manager of Rossborough Healthcare said: “We are passionate about health and wellbeing and actively encourage employers to support this with effective workplace wellbeing strategies which deliver benefits to their staff, their families, the business and ultimately our broader society.” Financial WellBeing Award sponsor, Steve Warner, Managing Director of Rossborough Financial Services Limited added: “Financial security is at the core of an employee’s wellbeing, the key components which constitute a comprehensive employee benefits package focused on financial wellbeing include income protection and death in service cover and an employer sponsored retirement savings plan, together these benefits help provide employees with the peace of mind that their financial needs and requirements are protected.”
The Giving Back Good Business Award sponsor, Simon Nash, Co-Founder of The Insight Group and the Jersey Good Business Charter said: “We live and work in a beautiful Island. My vision is for Islanders to experience their work as beautiful too. This means building workplaces in which human beings may flourish, become the best versions of themselves and generate good products and services, of which we can all be proud.“ And Caring Employer of the Year sponsor, The Busy Queen Bee, Claire Boscq-Scott added: “I am so proud to be sponsoring this award, as it is completely aligned with what we do at The Busy Queen Bee. Nurturing a truly caring culture isn’t easy but it is the only way to have a thriving business, with happy employees, happy customers and a happy bottom line.”
Book Your Ticket Now!
The full day conference will be held in Jersey at the Pomme D’Or, St Helier, on Friday, 28th June 2019, commencing at 8.30am for 9am to 4.15pm, including a healthy lunch and refreshments throughout the day. The Awards will be announced at a celebratory Drinks Reception to be held immediately after the conference from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite at: www. eventbrite.com/e/leaders-in-wellbeing-summit-2019tickets-57993937428?ref=estw World WellBeing Week is a national awareness event we have registered. It will be held during the last week of June annually; Monday, 24th to Friday, 28th June in 2019.
More info: www.awarenessdays.com/ awareness-days-calendar/worldwellbeing-week-2019/
If you are reading this article after Friday, 28th June 2019, don’t worry, we will feature the details of the Leaders in WellBeing Awards Winners in our next edition, and you will be able to enter next year’s Awards from January 2020. It is our intention for the Leaders in WellBeing Summit & Awards to become an important event in the business and social calendar, one that will grow in momentum year on year. Please help us to raise the awareness for the event this year and going forward, in order to encourage as many businesses as possible to embrace wellbeing and everything that it means to individuals, the businesses themselves, and the community at large. Your help is appreciated.
More info: www.leadersinwellbeing.com and www.wellbeingworld.je/about/wellbeing-events/leaders-wellbeing-awards-19/
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LEADERS IN WELLBEING
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LEADERS IN WELLBEING
Why Wellbeing in the Workplace is So Important WORDS: Aidan Kearney Founder & Director, Malleable Mind, and Speaker at the Leaders in WellBeing Summit 2019
I’ve always had a passion for understanding and helping people. That may seem self-evident given my line of work but let me give a little more depth to that and how it links with why I got involved with the Leaders in WellBeing Summit and Awards. I’m fascinated by how we interact with other people and the world around us and how this impacts how we think, feel and behave. I’ve experienced; how the human mind can both help and hinder performance in challenging settings like policing, investigatory roles and high level sport. Similarly I know the value that comes from studying and applying psychology to each of these challenges. It’s this passion, fascination and a desire to make psychology accessible which underpins the work I do and motivated my involvement in the Leaders in WellBeing Summit and Awards. Psychological, as well as physical and nutritional, wellbeing are foundation stones upon which so much else is built and I jumped at the chance to share my insights and expertise with others; to learn from the other leading experts and to promote wellbeing in the workplace. I’m delighted to be involved in such an important event and heartened by how it is now a focus of many agendas.
Why do I see wellbeing as being so vital in the workplace? A workplace thrives on the quality of its output and for this we make use of various processes, harness machinery and technology. We maintain machinery, deploy firewalls to protect IT infrastructure and evolve our processes. Yet there’s one piece of kit that’s with us in every work environment we inhabit. We carry it with us 24/7 and never go anywhere without it: the human brain. 24
Our physical brains and psychological minds are marvels of nature, equipping us with the ability to collaborate, innovate and solve seemingly intractable problems. Think of technological advances; how we communicate instantaneously over huge distances; how we continue to evolve our methods of energy production. All this change has come about in a relatively short period in human history and the speed of change has never been faster. Yet the three pounds of matter inside each our heads, so central to all of this progress, has structures and functions that are pretty much the same as they were when we had to hunt for food; fend off wild and dangerous animals and when the threats that we faced were more often lifethreatening and it has an enormous capacity to hijack our thinking and behaviour. So my point of view; in a fast changing digital environment and from my psychological perspective, wellbeing in the workplace is about harnessing what science can offer us to help us manage our personal and business critical machinery; our brain and mind. This enables us to build trust and high performing productive cultures, understand and manage stress, minimise conflict and enhance collaboration and innovative thought.
LEADERS IN WELLBEING
Thinking like an Entrepreneur to Innovate and Be Resilient An essential skill set for us all. WORDS: Professor David Gibson Founder of the E Factor
I am delighted to be speaking at the forthcoming Leaders in WellBeing Summit. The event will highlight the importance of wellbeing to us all. It is not only a corporate responsibility but the key to anyone wishing to achieve their business and personal goals and to lead a healthier, happier life.
I have spent the last twenty years developing a competency model called "The E FACTOR" which has been endorsed by the President of the USA and also by the Chinese Government. It recognises that it is not simply a question of luck, nor is it limited to the world of entrepreneurs; these same skills are needed by everyone including corporate and government employees who have to deal with constant change and innovation in the global economy. We all need to think
like an entrepreneur to innovate, to be creative and to be resilient to survive and thrive. I have influenced universities and other organisations ensuring staff and students develop theses competencies and have been awarded the "Outstanding Global Entrepreneurial Educator" Award twice in the USA. My new book "E FACTOR: Entrepreneurial Skills for the Executive" will be launched at the Leadership in WellBeing Summit."
Mental and physical wellbeing is not only the key to a happier life but a fundamental for success in any field on a sustainable basis. I have tracked 40,000 people over ten years and can confirm that anyone who develops these skills will enhance their career and personal life. There are eight "E Factors" which anyone can learn and practice in their everyday life, and particularly in the workplace. Developing and maintaining these skills is possible for anyone who is prepared to learn and to develop habits and competencies. I truly believe that somewhere like the Channel Islands could significantly benefit through the enhancement of wellbeing for employees at all levels, in a situations – can’t wait to meet you!
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LEADERS IN WELLBEING
Kindness in Leadership: Should Kindness Have a Place in Your Organisation? WORDS: Gay Haskins Associate Fellow of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and Organisational Psychologist and Leadership Coach, Dr Clare Murray
Have you ever thought that you should be emphasising kindness as a key feature of organisational success? Is kindness a core value of your organisation? Does the importance of kindness often come up in performance assessments in your place of work? The probable answer is, “No.” Yet those of us who live in English speaking countries, will hear the word “kind” very often. It is one of the five hundred most frequently used words in the English language. Kind actions are remembered: they have a “boomerang” effect: Kindness begets Kindness. Such acts cost nothing but create significant value.
An erosion of trust
In our recent book, ‘Kindness in Leadership’, we obtained input from 200 female and male leaders around the world in the public and private sectors. In both sectors, we found that there had been a significant erosion of trust in leaders, and a decrease in levels of employee commitment and engagement in organisations in recent years. In response to these developments, our interviewees underlined the need for organisations to focus more on people and relationships and to give a greater emphasis on attributes like Compassion, Empathy and Kindness.
Acts of kindness
Findings from research reported in Chapter 3 by Dr Clare Murray and Alison Gill show that kindness was defined as relational act or behaviour, a typical response being: “Kindness is active. Acting with the interests of the recipients at heart” and to
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be something that can be learned and developed through practice. These leaders emphasised that kindness in leadership is characterised by a variety of kindness-based behaviours, all of which reflect a strong relational style. These include: fostering a sense of inclusion; accommodating personal issues; treating others with respect; generosity in both giving and receiving; caring and empathy; communicating with a personal touch; sharing information transparently; giving time and listening intently; counselling and mentoring; valuing the views of others while giving truthful and constructive feedback; demonstrating tolerance and embracing diversity.
Kindness as a core value
Leaders also subscribed to philosophies about kindness as core to the values of their organisations. These included beliefs that: people are central to the success of any organisation; equity and fairness as important ideals in enhancing employee confidence and loyalty; and that respect and care stimulate ownership and commitment.
"Everyone can aspire to kindness: individually our own actions add to the whole and together kindness becomes stronger."
Kathleen Kenehan Henson is Founder and CEO of Agency
LEADERS IN WELLBEING
H5, a successful PR consultancy in Chicago is committed to Kindness as a core value. In her Epilogue to ‘Kindness in Leadership’, Kathleen writes: “I made a conscious choice to create a company on the foundation of most important value in life: kindness. I’m very proud to know that we are known for that value throughout the USA and beyond … As a leader, I’ve found that when people are genuinely happy, they practice kindness to each other and that makes our clients happy and it’s an ongoing cycle of kindness. I firmly believe that if more companies focussed first on making their employees happy … they would have better retention, results and profitability.”
Giving life a richer meaning
This positive outcome was encapsulated by Richard Everard, Chairman of Everards Brewery Ltd. When endorsing the messages of ‘Kindness in Leadership’, he wrote: “Kindness is at the very heart of our philosophy, but it demands that everyone lives and breathes it every day. The human, financial and societal outcomes are tangible and will endure through future generations.” The wellbeing of individuals, organisations and communities will improve if leaders demonstrate that they care, that they develop
themselves and help others to develop, that they show respect to all who work with them in their organisations and treat them as equals and that they strive to know and understand diversity and different views. Everyone can aspire to kindness: individually our own actions add to the whole and together kindness becomes stronger. Kindness leads to engagement and supports the development of self-fulfilment. It gives life a richer meaning, and has been shown to make us happier in the process.
Gay Haskins is Associate Fellow, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. She is the co-editor, along with Professors Lalit Johri and Mike Thomas, of ‘Kindness in Leadership’, published by Routledge, 2018 and author/co-author of Chapters 1, 2, 5, 9 and 10. Dr Clare Murray is an Organisational Psychologist and Leadership Coach and co-author of Chapter 3 and 10. 27
SPECIAL FOCUS: OUTDOORS
Reconnecting with Nature to Improve Health and Wellbeing through Biophilic Design WORDS: Amanda Bond BSc MA BCST BACP ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Mentor Co-Chair of ANFT Europe Council Founder, Edgewalker Nature Therapy
Change is our only certainty in life. Managing change to effect a more congruent way of being has been a recurrent pattern of my life to date. Responding to the environment I find myself in is something that I do intuitively. When my surroundings have negatively impacted me, and I have been unable to take action to meet my needs, some form of chronic illness has catalysed change. Not the ideal mechanism, however invariably this is the human body’s line of defence through its primal stress response. Our behaviour, physiological, mental and emotional state is governed by this earliest evolutionary system – overwhelm of our stress response alters the harmonious functioning of the entire body’s systems. We are an ecosystem, within ever greater ecosystems – relational beings responding and reacting to what goes on around us. So, co-creating an environment that supports and nurtures us is therefore of paramount importance in order to live and function well. One of the most significant impediments to this is the prevailing
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paradigm of design and development of the built environment. Contemporary living means that most people now live in an urban environment, indoors for 90% of our time. The need for positive interaction with nature is essential for our health, fitness and wellbeing. Inadequate contact with natural light, ventilation, materials, vegetation, views, natural shapes and forms, and in general beneficial contact with the natural world has resulted in an increasing disconnect between people and nature. Humans have a natural tendency to love other living things, whether that be the animals, birds and other creatures they share their homes with, or the more-than-human world you
encounter when spending time in nature. This is biophilia. E.O. Wilson, a Harvard entomologist, went further in defining biophilia saying, it is “the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms. Innate means hereditary and hence part of ultimate human nature.” Biophilic design is a sustainable design strategy that includes reconnecting people with nature in their work and home surroundings. Nature has the power ‘to create better, more liveable, sustainable, and resilient urban neighbourhoods and environments. (Beatley, 2016). Biophilic theory and research suggest that other elements such as water are preferred, indeed a large study of UK residents found that reported health was strongly related to proximity to coastal environments. (Wheeler, White, Stahl-Timmons, and Depledge, 2012).
SPECIAL FOCUS: OUTDOORS
Other research has found that spending time amongst trees counters the negative effects of stress. Since the 1980’s, Japanese researchers, such as Dr. Qing Li, have carried out extensive studies in nature on what they refer to as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, (shinrin = forest, yoku = bathing, basking). Significant positive biophysical benefits of a walk in a forest have been recorded: reduced stress, enhanced immune response, improved and stabilised moods, sharper cognition, lower blood pressure, and more besides. Natural elements in the workplace have been shown to promote creativity and productivity. The effect of green space on reducing levels of stress, increases focus and clarity in thought processes, so that performance on problem-solving tasks is enhanced. (Atchley, Stayer, and Atchley, 2012). Biophilic design then offers an approach that creates buildings and spaces that respond to our human needs. · It fosters a repeated and sustained engagement with nature. · Focuses on human adaptations
to the natural world that over evolutionary time have advanced people’s health, fitness and wellbeing. · Encourages an emotional
attachment to particular settings and places.
· Promotes positive interactions
between people and nature that encourage an expanded sense of responsibility and stewardship for the human and natural communities. · Encourages ecologically connected, mutually reinforced and integrated design solutions. (Kellert and Calabrese, 2015).
I am developing a working relationship with Liz Calabrese, since meeting her at the ‘ABC: Activating
architect, Gayle Souter-Brown, on a project that will hopefully see fruition in 2020. As a social scientist, ecopsychologist, and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, I concur with Marc Bekoff in that reconnecting urbanites with nature is a major challenge of our time, and that as he says, “what we need is a rewilding of our hearts.” (Bekoff, 2014). This may be facilitated by guided Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy walks. Living on an island
‘Biophilia’ - “The passionate love of life and of all that is alive; it is the wish to further growth, whether in a person, a plant, an idea or a social group.” ~Erich Fromm, social psychologist. Biophilic Cities Conference’ hosted by the University of Greenwich in September 2018. Urban planners are recognising the need to pursue a more holistic notion of health – a salutogenic model. Biophilic design and planning is helping to advance the concept of resilient and sustainable cities and communities. (Beatley, 2009). I am currently working with an awardwinning salutogenic landscape
like Jersey, we are fortunate that varying terrains and natural elements are in close proximity, so that a guided Shinrin-yoku experience may offer green and blue space.
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SPECIAL FOCUS: OUTDOORS
Sun Safe Working Environments WORDS: Kerry Petulla Chair, Donna Anand Melanoma Charity (the DAMC)
As we approach the summer months, the Donna Anand Melanoma Charity (the DAMC) prepares itself to use the rising UV index and long sunny days as a platform to promote sun safety and prevention amid the rising rates of skin cancer and malignant melanoma (Melanoma) cases in Jersey. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and to mark this important time, the Charity has launched its first ‘Outdoor Workers Campaign’. Skin cancers are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. Sunburn is a reaction to over-exposure of UV radiation caused by the sun and/or sunbeds. Without sun protection UV radiation penetrates deep into the layers of the skin causing damage to the skin cells. There are trades and professions where workers spend more time exposed to the sun and the harmful UV radiation, meaning they are at a greater risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Outdoor workers can work in environments that involve water, sand, concrete and light surfaces which typically promote an enhanced level of damaging rays
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as the UV reflects of such surfaces. Donna worked for local building firm Camerons, who are supporting the DAMC’s outdoor worker campaign, and the DAMC is now encouraging local firms to join the campaign and raise awareness amongst their workers and, where possible, make provisions for sun safe working environments. The DAMC is encouraging workplaces to recognise that sunlight is an occupational hazard for people working outdoors and start taking steps to raise awareness amongst workers for sun safe working.
SPECIAL FOCUS: OUTDOORS
Applying sun safety measures for outdoor workers may include: · Clothing that covers the shoulder and provides a barrier between the workers skin and the sun
· Wear a hat that provides protection to the face, ears and neck · Wear sunglasses, preferably with a high European CE mark · Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and preferably water resistant
· And, wherever possible, work in the shade more particularly between 11am and 3pm when the UV is at it strongest Those measures are preventative and it is important that workers are aware that they should also start getting to know their skin better, checking it on a regular basis for any changes in moles. People should make sure they check their entire body and not forget the soles of their feet, between fingers and toes and also under nails. Knowing the warning signs to check is important and workers should look for a mole that has changed shape, colour, is growing quickly or starts to itch, bleed or becomes painful. If any of these signs are present the worker should consult their doctor.
"The DAMC is encouraging workplaces to recognise that sunlight is an occupational hazard for people working outdoors" Workers may also want to become familiar with the ABCDE of Melanoma, which develops those warning signs above: A – Asymmetry where one half of the mole is not the same as the other half B – Border the mole has irregular ragged or blurred borders C – Colour the mole has a variation of colour and pigmentation throughout
D – Diameter the diameter of the mole is greater than 6mm E – Evolving changes in the mole
The DAMC hopes that by launching its ‘Outdoor Worker Campaign’ the awareness message will spread further across the Island’s population with people taking positive steps towards working safely in the sun and knowing the warning signs, as early detection is absolutely key!
More info: about DAMC and the DAMC Outdoor Worker Campaign: www.damc.co The DAMC is a local charity that is governed by a small group of volunteers, who in turn call upon the generosity of volunteers, local GP’s and nurses to help them achieve the DAMC’s objectives. The DAMC was established in 2011, following the death of beautiful Donna Annand (nee: Le Saint) aged 29 years. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and Donna died from Stage IV Melanoma and it was her wish that there was more awareness on the Island of the dangers of the sun.
Construct a sun safe work site 55% of skin cancer patients work within the construction industry. Be sun safe and wear sunscreen.
#damc #applydontfry #mindyourmoles
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Five Reasons Empathy is Becoming the Number One Leadership Skill WORDS: Harvey Deutschendorf Internationally published author of The Other Kind of Smart
“Real empathy is sometimes not insisting that it is okay but acknowledging that it is not.” ~ Sheryl Sandberg
According to recent studies carried out by the Development Dimensions International, empathy is the biggest single leadership skill needed today. www.ddiworld.com/global-offices/unitedstates/press-room/what-is-the-1-leadership-skill-for-overall-success. In a global survey DDI discovered that the top ten performing businesses in the 160 studies the “Global Empathy Index” generated 50% more net income than the bottom ten performers. According to Richard S. Wellins, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of DDI, “Being able to listen and respond with empathy is overwhelmingly the one interaction skill that outshines all other skills.”
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Other research has backed up DDI findings. Dianne Crampton at Gonzaga University found that “Empathy is a universal team value that promotes high commitment and cooperation in the workplace. “ Becoming aware of the importance of their leaders’ developing empathy, companies are responding with sending their leaders to empathy training.” According to the Wall Street Journal 20% of employers now offer empathy training which is up substantially from ten years prior. www.wsj.com/articles/ companies-try-a-new-strategy-empathy-1466501403
Here are five reasons that empathy is becoming the number one leadership skill:
Increased Employee Retention
One of the struggles that every organisation faces is retaining talented staff. One of the most common cited reasons for people leaving an organisation is lack of trust in and appreciation from those they report to. Empathy increases trust, a sense that staff are valued and cared about. Whether in our personal relationships or part of an organisation, we will be more likely to stay when we feel like we are heard, appreciated and cared about. Developing and use of more empathy by leaders goes a long ways towards effecting people to stay.
Increase in Staff Engagement
Have you ever noticed that when someone close to you notices how you are feeling or tells you much they appreciate something you have done for them? You automatically have the urge to do more for them. In terms of employee engagement, it is known that when leadership demonstrates to employees that they care, the reciprocity reaction kicks in and they want to put in more effort. Somehow many organisations miss this basic, yet very important point when it comes to leadership behaviours. Successful organisations are aware of this and their leaders continuously look for ways to notice, compliment and look for ways to show their appreciation to their staff.
Increased Collaboration between Team Members
Not only do employees that feel valued and appreciated want to do more in their work, they want to do more for
their fellow employees. When empathy is demonstrated at the top, it is passed down throughout the organisation resulting in an increase in teamwork, a decrease in staff conflict and a decrease in workplace disruption. This collaboration will result in better coordinated work effort and increased productivity
Increase in Job Satisfaction and Decrease in Absenteeism
Staff that feel witnessed, heard and appreciated feel more satisfied with their work and as a result miss fewer days on the job. As the level of job satisfaction decreases, so does the level absenteeism. Staff who feel less commitment to the organisation will feel less motivated to come to work. Their rational is that since nobody cares, so why should they. Increased absenteeism decreases morale as coworkers who have to pick up the slack become resentful. This can create a downward spiral in terms of employee morale and absenteeism rates.
Increase in Bringing Up New Ideas and Creativity
People who perceive they are part of an organisation and feel heard and appreciated, tend to risk more and look for ways to add increased value to the organisation. They are more likely to put time and energies coming up with new ideas, processes and methods to improve their own work and move the organisation forward. Their commitment to the organisation makes them feel that their success and that of the organisation are interrelated, boosting their desire to find new, better and more efficient ways of working.
Putting it All Together
Increased empathy of management in any organisation results in many benefits to the wellbeing, commitment and desire for staff to give their best. This is a win-win situation for all concerned as the final outcome is an increase in efficiency, productivity and success of an organisation. As rising numbers of studies come to this conclusion, businesses will increasingly come to realise that greater leader empathy is not some feel good, soft skill, but rather an essential tool that their leaders will need to keep their organisation competitive and successful.
About the Author: Harvey Deutschendorf is an emotional intelligence expert, internationally published author and speaker. To take the EI Quiz go to theotherkindofsmart.com. His book THE OTHER KIND OF SMART, Simple Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Personal Effectiveness and Success has been published in 4 languages. Harvey writes for FAST COMPANY and has a monthly column with HRPROFESSIONALS MAGAZINE. You can follow him on Twitter @theeiguy.
Creating a WORLD of Difference
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What is the Healthiest Human System?
And why it matters for nearly a quarter of a million people and their families … WORDS: Elvina Aghajanyan Head of HR HSBC, Channel Islands and Isle of Man
What is the Healthiest Human System? This was the question our Group CEO, John Flint, asked the Bank in 2018. For the last year, HSBC employees globally have been discussing the concept, what it means to each of them individually and how the Bank can review its own approaches and priorities and continue being a supportive, flexible and diverse workplace. A workplace that embraces individualism and enables everyone to bring their true selves to work. It’s unquestionably a bold commitment by the Bank to the wellbeing of its people and as a Human Resources expert, it has been a fascinating process to have been involved in. From the outset, John Flint made the decision not to prescribe what the Healthiest Human System (HHS) meant to him so that everyone had the flexibility to interpret what the concept meant to them. This was absolutely the right decision, reaffirmed by the wonderfully diverse range of feedback collated from the thousands of dedicated discussions that took place globally. Of course, any organisation can talk about supporting the wellbeing of their people, but the mark of a truly
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supportive employer is the one that takes action on their feedback. As one of the world’s leading and largest international banks, with a network of around 3,900 offices in 67 countries and territories, employing 238,000 people, implementing a framework on this scale is undoubtedly challenging. However, with absolute support from the top, as demonstrated by our Group CEO, it isn’t impossible. For HSBC locally in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, we’ve already made incredible inroads in supporting the wellbeing of our people, which across the islands represents more than a thousand people.
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Setting the supportive tone from the top, our Executive Board was the first senior board locally to be trained by MIND Jersey, in order to understand and be able to spot mental health signs. This and the Bank’s HHS work has undoubtedly placed wellbeing at the top of our people agenda and we are absolutely keen to promote, live and breathe a workplace culture that supports and improves the health and wellbeing of everyone who works for us. As well as training our top twenty executives, we’ve also trained an additional 18 people across the islands as Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA), a major step in our goal to improve and support the mental health wellbeing of our people at work. The role of an MHFA is to spot if a colleague has the symptoms of a mental health issue, offer initial help and guide them towards support, such as our HSBC dedicated Open Line counselling and support helpline. The MHFA aren’t trained to be therapists, but to listen, reassure and respond. In conjunction with the Mental Health First Aiders we’ve recently launched a dedicated wellbeing team, which again has employee representatives from across each island and based in-branch and our offices. The team’s aim is to help educate, raise awareness and provide our people with top tips on mental, physical and financial wellbeing by putting on events, classes, workshops, speakers and personal wellbeing challenges. Their purpose, quite simply, is to have a positive impact on the lives of the people they work with. Vital to wellbeing support is the way in which companies structure their working day and how and where their people can work. HSBC fully supports flexible working and acknowledges Monday to Friday, nine to five, simply doesn’t work for everyone or their individual, private or family needs. The Bank’s policy enables part-time, condensed hours and working from home, to name just a few elements. It’s a policy that every member of staff can
apply for, regardless of their grade, role or seniority and we’ve recently encouraged all our people again to discuss flexible working with their line managers. I’m extremely proud of the Bank’s global and local work around the Healthiest Human System and how we’re positively living and breathing wellbeing support for our people at work and home. We are also supporting wellbeing in the communities we’re based and our free community event ‘HSBC Let’s Ride Jersey’ is returning this year on Sunday, 30th June, actively encouraging islanders to get out and about on their bikes in the fresh air to benefit their physical and mental wellbeing.
We are also delighted to be the main sponsor for the inaugural Leaders in WellBeing Summit & Awards being launched in 2019, about which our new CEO for the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, Sue Fox, said ‘The importance of personal wellbeing can’t be understated, whether in our professional or private lives. We have a collective responsibility to lead our organisation to prioritise and promote wellbeing.’ It’s a statement I couldn’t agree with more.
More info: https://ciiom.hsbc.com/about-us/careers/ Creating a WORLD of Difference
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The Key to Energy Management that’s Most Often Neglected WORDS: Dr Amina Aitsi-Selmi M.D. Ph.D. Founder, Next Generation Coaching & Consulting
Working as my own boss over the past two years has taught me a lot about energy management. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world (through medicine, science, policy, and now as a coach to professionals and leaders who want to find their path outside the beaten track). It’s a career journey that I’ve loved and has required a lot of energy channelled in mostly the right places. However, I’ve occasionally thought of what it would be like to give it all up and live a quiet life in a monastery. This thought often seems related to my energy levels. As an employee, the option existed to complain about the boss, the organisation, the workload, etc., knowing that a pay cheque would hit my bank account at the end of the month, anyway. As the person responsible for running the show, things are different. Your biggest asset is your energy. That’s what fuels the whole machine. If you run out, it’s over. Burn out is a big liability. Saying “yes” to something you don’t really want to do may not seem like a big deal in the moment, but the consequences on your energy, time, relationships, and dreams catch up eventually.
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In fact, most high performers I work with have to learn this the hard way. They’re at risk of burnout because they hate saying “no”. It feels weak or irresponsible because they’re conscientious and dedicated. But in a work culture with unrealistic performance expectations, their health, relationships and, ultimately, their ability to perform sustainably all suffer, and they begin to understand what’s at stake. This got me thinking about how boundaries help to protect energy by stopping it from leaking into unproductive blackholes. Here’s what I learned about boundaries:
1. Boundaries are external and internal
Most people understand boundaries in relation to external demands on their time and energy. But the most powerful boundaries with the greatest return on your effort are the internal ones.
For every demanding boss who asks you to do one thing too many, there’s an even harsher innerboss who expects you to say “yes”. Understanding this will relieve the guilt and pressure you might experience at saying “no”. Understanding these dynamics gives you have a chance to shift things exponentially in your life.
2. Boundaries are the secular version of “renunciation”
When we feel out of balance, lost or uncomfortable in our bodies, it’s often that somewhere we haven’t used our “yes” or our “no” in alignment with our deepest values and truest potential. When I ask clients why they feel uncomfortable saying “no”, it’s usually to do with not wanting to disappoint others. Disappointing others is outside their comfort zone.
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Conversely, the possibility of pleasing someone or ticking a box and getting their validation may feel irresistibly compelling. These ways of thinking and behaving are habitual if not compulsive and become hard to break out of i.e. it’s easier to give in to the habit than to refrain from it. This is where the concept of renunciation can be useful psychologically: you renounce the easy option that satisfies your habitual conditioning (the need to please/ avoid rejection) and tap into the courage to do the right thing in the moment. You channel your energy in the right direction having faith that things will turn out alright over time.
3. Saying “no” is the linguistic expression of boundaries (but there are others)
Where attention flows, energy goes, says the aphorism.
they mean it. They're compassionate because their boundaries keep them out of resentment.” Brené Brown.
4. Boundaries can be too loose or too rigid
While the source of our boundaries is invisible, their effects aren’t. You may have had conversations with people who are so reserved you can’t hear or understand what they’re saying (their boundaries are too rigid). At the other extreme, you may have met people who are so expressive that
Hearing and understanding your intuition is a practice that top performers in all areas of life, whether the arts, sports or business, learn to develop. It’s a self-leadership skill. “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.” Einstein. While we can look to societal norms or organisational culture to set some
"Next time you’re faced with a decision to do something that doesn’t feel right to you, rather than caving in to the misplaced guilt of saying “no”, focus on the courage and power you’re tapping into to do the right thing."
Your boundaries create the riverbanks that direct your attention and therefore your energy to the right places. “No” is how we express a boundary verbally. Here are four other ways your boundaries can be placed around your energy: • Not going to places that drain you • Not spending time with people who drain you • Not doing things that aren’t aligned with your values • Not engaging in negative thought patterns that judge you or others Being intentional about your boundaries and where you direct your attention and energy can bring up fear. But it’s ultimately an act of truth and compassion.
within minutes of meeting them you know an inordinate amount of detail about their life (their boundaries are too loose). Similarly, there are people who seem to do very little work and appear bored and uninspired (too rigid) while others seem to pick up all the work and feel frazzled (too loose). It takes continuous self-awareness to check in with ourselves and intentionally adjust our boundaries to the situation, so that they’re neither too rigid nor too porous, and are appropriate to the situation and our intentions within it.
parameters for our choices and behaviours, ultimately, we have to honour our own inner-guidance as to what is right for us or not. Energy is your life capital. By channelling it in the right places in good faith and with a healthy dose of intuitive wisdom, you’ve got an excellent chance of fulfilling your true potential and making a positive difference to those around you. So next time you’re faced with a decision to do something that doesn’t feel right to you, rather than caving in to the misplaced guilt of saying “no”, focus on the courage and power you’re tapping into to do the right thing.
“Compassionate people ask for what they need. They say no when they need to, and when they say yes,
How do you know when to tighten or loosen your boundaries? Your intuition is key.
Let go of the habitual compulsion to say “yes” so you can honour your true values and mission in life. The world will be a better place for it.
5. Your intuition will always guide you…
Dr Amina Aitsi-Selmi is an international Career and Executive Coach to professionals and visionary leaders. She helps them let go of their five-year plans, embrace uncertainty and focus on what energises them and their organisations to get back in flow. More info: www.doctoramina.com Creating a WORLD of Difference
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Organisational Energy – What Happens When the Words and Pictures Don’t Match WORDS: Aidan Kearney Director, Malleable Mind and Guest Lecturer, University of Salford
Have you ever been in a work environment where ideas spark into life; conversations and interactions trigger creative thought, problem solving and innovation; energy spurs ideas and solutions? It’s fantastic to watch and even better to part of a setting like this; but what does it take to create the type of environment? Just like industrial energy production, the right elements need to be present and be there consistently otherwise that spark can easily fizzle out. How might we understand this energy in organisational language … how about culture? Organisational culture; how the organisation lives and breathes and how it conducts itself, is at the heart of stimulating this collaboration and innovation and more importantly it’s the aspect that supports and maintains these productive, high performing relationships longer term too. So if culture is critical in terms of stimulating and maintaining energy in a team; how then, do we build it? That’s easy, isn’t it? Values, we’ve got organisational values so we’re set. Just hold that thought for minute and let’s dig a little bit into the connection of values to culture. First off, what are values? They’re guiding moral and ethical principles. In an organisational sense, if we express values, we’re making statements how the organisation conducts itself and we’re creating expectations of how
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we behave with each other. Get this right and expectations of behaviours, conduct and interaction are met; values support a stable culture and energy in the organisation is positive and productive. So it’s simple, we set our values, behave accordingly and this builds a culture which supports productive energy. Or is it that simple? First, the values you adopt need to support that energy. Think of power and dominance; values in their own right but potentially more about the self than the collective. What impact might they have in terms of fostering effective collaboration and team energy if the values focus on the self ?
actually say protectionism, me first and individuality? Then we’ve got an issue. We can perceive the disconnect; the stated values are not living within the behaviours. Does this scenario resonate with anyone? This mismatch, real or perceived, promotes the same brain response as if we were being physically threatened and the brain can easily go into defensive mode. This happens because our brain surveys our world for threats in order to take action to keep us alive.
But then even when we set more collective values, challenges could present themselves.
But this system doesn’t just activate to tell us something is wrong when there’s a physical threat. Making use of our experience and learning, our perception can, for example, very rapidly tell the difference between a real and a fake smile.
I’m sure we all know organisations who espouse teamwork as one of their values. That’s a laudable value to hold and if lived through can really bring teams together; but what happens when this value (the words) say teamwork but the behaviours displayed (the picture)
We can all think of some such encounter and how rapidly our thoughts told us something isn’t right here. Did that thought encourage us to move towards, to trust and collaborate in that setting or keep our distance and put our psychological defences up?
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So when values and behaviours don’t match, our expectations which help to inform and guide our emotional responses can be fractured, our psychological defences start to go up and all of sudden our organisational energy starts to fizzle out. One instance of incongruent behaviour might not be fatal to culture and energy but it awakens our system to look for and attend to cues where values and behaviours (the words and picture) don’t match. And sometimes the value and the associated expectation might not be written on a wall somewhere, but is about what’s said. I once recall hearing someone say: “We don’t do ego here”. What’s wrong with this statement? Nothing, as long as the words and the pictures match. But look at that statement again. What are the challenges with it? Statements like this fascinate me in my line of work because they’re
Creating a WORLD of Difference
"All the values in the world mean nothing without the authenticity of behaviours which actually create the culture and harness the energy."
binary in nature, they’re all or nothing. And here, it didn’t leave room to explore what ego meant to each of the people hearing it. It left no room for flexibility in behaviour so when ‘ego’ cropped up all over the place, it was predictable to note and observe psychological barriers going up, cultural energy dissipating and trust, with its centrality to high performing teams and organisational energy, packing up its stuff and leaving the building. So yes, set your values but exercise caution. All the values in the world mean nothing without the
authenticity of behaviours which actually create the culture and harness the energy. But that authenticity requires each of us developing self-knowledge and self-awareness and practising self-management. It also means accountability for our actions and behaviour which can be a challenge when we’ve got it wrong. Without this the values are just words; just epithets on a wall and the behaviours are pictures which don’t match; the culture isn’t authentic and the energy ebbs away.
Aidan will be exploring these concepts in greater detail during his Keynote address at the Leaders in WellBeing Summit in Jersey in June. Not to be missed!
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Managing Stress At The Top WORDS: Dr Justin Varney Director of Public Health, Birmingham City Council
Being a leader is rewarding; you are in charge of others and can influence the business’ outcomes more readily than most. However, this can also come with a lot of added stress, it’s the paradox of delegation – the context that as you delegate the easy stuff, the stuff you are left with is more complicated and more demanding. If something goes wrong, you will be the one that takes the lead on fixing it as well as telling the Board. You have the most responsibility in the team, and you are also likely to have few, if any peers, with whom to share the daily ups and downs of the role. With all of this stress that you are under, you will have to learn the art of stress management. Here are a few ways that you can handle all that added weight on your shoulders without needing to book an expensive day at the spa (although spa days are great self-care!).
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Prioritise Your Personal Needs
It has been proven time and time again that you will be unable to lead others if you don’t look after your own personal needs. It is understandable that as a leader, you want to do what is in the best interest for your group or the business. However, if there is a problem in your personal health, wellbeing or things going wrong at home, you need to address that in order to free up your mental focus for work. You will do your company a great service by ensuring that you are okay first.
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Prioritise your individual needs first before you tackle the problems of the business, this includes putting your health first, if you need to see a doctor, take the time off work and go, if physical activity helps you maintain your physical health then blocking out gym time is essential and protect it religiously. If something is stressing you at home, look to fix that issue and protect the time you need to make it happen. Otherwise, you bring that added stress to work, you will end up amplifying the stress because it will be niggling at your mind and it will impact your work negatively.
Work With People Who Understand
Have a team that knows how to empathise with others. Not only that, but realise that you don’t need to tackle issues on your own. Play to your teammates’ strengths and ensure that you bring them on for projects that they would excel on. Don’t feel that as a leader you need to struggle on your own, nor that you have to hide issues from your team, especially your direct reports. Being honest and authentic about your weaknesses as well as your strengths is not going to damage your leadership and with most teams will help them see you as someone who is authentic. You are given a team to work with, so ensure you utilise them to their fullest extent. When you have the right people around you, you have a better team, and they can help you during your times of need. For example, if you aren’t the greatest with technology and you are given a task that deals strictly with that, delegate the assignment to a member of your team that excels with it. That way you don’t put undue stress on yourself when you struggle to finish the task. But don’t forget to work with them so you can improve your skills and knowledge.
Effectively Manage Expectations
Managing stress entails that you know how to handle expectations. Many individuals, especially young entrepreneurs, want instant success without taking a moment to assess the realistic nature of what they want to achieve. If you set attainable goals and reach them, they can slowly but surely build the confidence that you need to see your business prosper.
"When you have the right people around you, you have a better team, and they can help you during your times of need." Trying to chase something that is unreasonable will stress you out and affect your business practice. Take the time to learn how to reset expectations with members of your team and external sources, such as customers, other businesses, or clients. It’s often said you can’t boil the ocean, but it is a difficult adage to hear and really absorb, but it is true and your team will really value a clear path and trajectory of change as much as those you report to. At the end of the day, only you can address your own stress levels, because you control how you respond to situations and you are the one who can make decisions about how to handle the challenges, personal and professional. Setting out each day with the clear intention to find balance and pay attention to your own needs is essential to being a good leader, it’s not easy, but it is essential to good leadership.
More info: http://drjustinvarney.uk
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Neutralising a Negative Workplace WORDS: Dr Paul White Psychologist, Appreciation at Work
At Appreciation at Work, our focus is on building positive, healthy relationships in the workplace, and we largely do this by helping people learn how to communicate authentic appreciation, build trusting relationships, and relate to others in a respectful way. But we also have to deal with life as it exists, and another avenue to build positive relationships is to address the issues that interfere with that process. This is the focus of my book, ‘The Vibrant Workplace’, which is subtitled: Overcoming the Obstacles to Building a Culture of Appreciation. Negativity is one of the most common, and deeply ingrained, obstacles to a healthy work environment. When working with front-line employees, supervisors and mid-level managers a frequent question I hear is, “What can I do to create more positive interactions in my workplace? People are so negative here!”
Negativity: What is it, really?
Believe it or not, the term “negativity” does not mean the same thing to everyone or display itself consistently in all work settings. Each facility, or even departments within a facility, can be “negative” in different ways. So the first step is to behaviorally define: “What does ‘negativity’ look like in your work setting?” In getting feedback from supervisors and employees, we came up with a long list of behaviors and characteristics. Here is our current list. 42
Examples of Negative Behaviours in the Workplace Grumbling & Complaining Blaming Others Yelling Sarcasm & Cutting Remarks Condescension Criticism Gossiping Embarrassment Resistance Glaring Distrust Irritability Sabotage Arguing
Pessimism Physical Aggression Undercutting & Undermining Bullying Walking Away (Without Answering)
Cynicism Mocking Defensiveness Emotional Reactivity Conflict Passive Aggressiveness Humiliation Cussing
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Where Negativity Comes From
Negative reactions are created by a variety of factors, and often a combination of issues. One of the most frequently ignored set of factors are physiological ones. While it becomes obvious once mentioned, we need to remember that we are more likely to react with negative behavior when we are tired, hungry or thirsty, if there are life changes occurring, or when we generally don’t feel well, have a headache, or are in pain.
1. Don’t engage in the negative.
When others are complaining, keep quiet. If a group is gossiping about another team member, just walk away. When someone acts in a hostile way toward you, respond appropriately and calmly. Don’t add to the negative energy others are displaying.
Probably the most common source of negative reactions is when expectations aren’t met. We get angry (at different intensity levels) when what we think should happen doesn’t, or when something happens that we think shouldn’t. So, if a team member is (or a group of employees are) consistently displaying negative reactions in the workplace, it is quite likely that they are experiencing a mismatch between their expectations and what they are experiencing in day-to-day work life. Hundreds of books have been written on the topic of controlling our emotional reactions by examining our thought patterns and belief systems which can be of help.
How to Begin to Neutralise Negativity
So what can be done? Do you just have to accept the level of negativity expressed in your workplace? No, you don’t have to resort to “walking on eggshells” waiting for someone to explode, or try to avoid colleagues who seem angry much of the time. Nor do you have to endure the seemingly endless complaining, grumbling and cynical comments made by others. We do not have the power to change others’ attitudes, and often we have minimal ability to shape their behaviours. But each of us do have the capability to impact those we work with on a daily basis. Here are three practical steps to begin with:
2. Contribute to the positive.
A positive comment is like throwing water on a fire trying to get started. Smile. Make a humourous (non-cutting) comment. Tell someone thanks for a job done well. Comment on how nice the weather is or being thankful for air conditioning. A little positivity and gratefulness can douse a developing “negativity” wildfire.
3. Explore your and others’ expectations and compare them with reality.
Examine whether people’s expectations are reality-based. (Tip: It is best to start with yourself rather than others.) Compare your situation with other situations worse than yours, and see how that impacts your perspective. Consider doing some in-service training with staff on what are realistic and unrealistic expectations for their jobs and workplace. Unfortunately, negative attitudes and behaviours seem to reign in many workplaces. But don’t let others dominate and take control of your workplace environment. Each person can begin to take steps to help create a more positive workplace, and when employees work together to do so, a far healthier workplace culture can develop.
More info: www.appreciationatwork.com
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Energy. How Do You Define It? WORDS: Jodie Hill Mental Health Campaigner and MD of Leeds-based Thrive Law
Energy. A simple, three-syllable word comprising only six letters, and yet potentially such a complex subject matter. But what is ‘energy’? On the one level, it can be purely a physical entity – something measured in joules, watts or maybe even calories. On the other hand, it may be the intangible ‘presence’ that someone exudes – their magnetism, if you like. And, on yet another level, it might also be the verve, the gusto, the vitality that a person uses when engaging in a task. The fact remains though, however you choose to define ‘energy’, it always means something positive. It’s a force, a definition of spirit, an enthusiasm, even a joie de vivre. And that’s the essence I want to address with you in this article. In our day-to-day lives at home or in the office or place of work, energy can manifest itself in many diverse ways. I know that, when friends, family, colleagues, clients and others meet me, they often comment on my ‘latent energy’, as they sometimes put it. Now, I hope I’m not flattering myself but, when I ask them to define what they mean, they suggest that I have a positivity, an inner confidence and strength of mind, with which I approach my day-to-day routine. But of course, the secret is that, this ‘energy’, with which they suggest I approach the day isn’t God-given. Far from it, in fact. The reality, as I’m sure the vast majority of people feel, is that my ‘energy’ is often the product of persistence, determination and
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self-motivation. And the truth is, we will all agree that these characteristics are learned behaviours, often hardwon and easily squandered. Many is the time when I – and I’m sure 95% of the people reading this article – would much rather kick back, relax, take the weight off our feet and watch some trashy TV when, instead, we have to go to work and do what we’re good at. And that’s the key – there’s really nothing wrong with taking a little time out of our routines and exercising some self-love. Indeed, having due regard for our own personal wellbeing and
known times when the theory and the practice have been miles apart, and felt like they’re drifting over the horizon. But, no matter how hard the times might be, how urgent the deadline, how crucial the task in hand, your mind and body will reward you for actively managing your energy, by adopting some wellrespected techniques. Now, I’m not going to insult your intelligence by littering this article with examples of stress-management tips, tricks and techniques. This article isn’t the place for that, and many more expert that I will be able to guide you more capably to your own personal happy place. Instead, I’d like to share with you how my
"At the end of the day, I find that having a passion – a cause I can espouse, believe in and drive forward – is a positive channel for my personal energy" happiness makes us more rounded human beings. It enables us to pause, take stock of the fact that we are living, breathing entities, and focus on our own personal worth. Okay, so it’s easy to say “look after yourself, because no-one else will”, especially when you’re surrounded by loving, appreciative friends, family and partners. I have certainly
own journey through life has been helped by adopting a few areas of mindfulness – my own personal ‘anchors’, if you like. First of all, while I have a busy and potentially stressful professional career, I find that one of life’s great levellers for me is nature. I adore the outdoors, taking deep breaths, restoring my energy levels by
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communing with the outdoor world. Whether it be thorough walking in the wilderness or taking a brief trot round the block with my adorable four-legged canine companion (step forward Baxter!), I can find meaning and solace in nature. Just as vitally, I also find that surrounding yourself with people who share your energy can lift your mood. This is an oft-overlooked element of self-help, but one that I find is very relevant on a day-to-day basis. So, seek positive people – their wellbeing will reflect in your own mood. And then, I find that having a ‘cause’ is also a great way of anchoring me, a wonderful way in which to remind myself that, despite the stresses of my daily work, there is always a
‘greater good’ that we should strive to achieve. My cause is unashamedly that of mental health wellbeing in the workplace. I have recently started a campaign to petition the government to change the law to require organisations to conduct an audit of their readiness by making mental health risk assessments mandatory in the workplace.
personal energy, as well as being a focus that, in fact, helps energise me, even when I feel too drained to do anything other than relax with a large glass of something chilled. Perhaps I’ve finally managed to stumble on a manifestation of perpetual motion. Who knows? Now, that would really be something we could all celebrate.
As someone who is only too aware of the stresses of professional life, this is an area that I remain passionate about, and I am committed to ensuring that people benefit from my own experiences in the subject. At the end of the day, I find that having a passion – a cause I can espouse, believe in and drive forward – is a positive channel for my
More info and Jodie’s #OneMind petition: www.change.org/p/onemind-we-allhave-one-mind-and-we-need-to-protect-this-starting-in-the-workplace
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10 Reasons I’m Fed Up with Work: Life Balance WORDS: Simon Nash Co-Founder, The Insight Group and Jersey Good Business Charter
OK, so this is one of those articles that starts as a rant and ends up with a fairly sensible proposal. So, if you want the TL:DR then skip to the top of the page opposite. But for those who like to debate the odds, here goes.
I have been fed up with the whole idea of Work: Life Balance “WLB” for a very long time. The notion that there is something in my existence called “work” which has to be balanced, as if on a see-saw, against my “life” is deeply problematic for a number of reasons.
First, and I appreciate not everyone consciously thinks of this when they use the phrase, having work and life at opposite ends of a fulcrum, implies two things. It implies that that while I am at work I am not alive, suggesting that I adopt a zombie-like existence every time I walk through the office door. Now I know that work sometimes feels like that for some people, especially before the second cup of coffee, but do
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we really want to posit that our alive existence is at the other end of a balance from how we make a living? The second thing implied in the metaphor is that my “life” part of the equation contains everything except those things I do with my talents, skills, vocation, ambitions and my colleagues. Again, this might chime with some people’s experience, but my own experience is radically different. Some of the times I have felt most alive have been when in a flow state of working with great colleagues, for fantastic clients, using the skills I have spent years honing. I’m not saying my work is my life, but I do say that my work is a part of life that I deeply value alongside others.
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So, if we move on from Work: Life Balance, what might be a better way to think about the different parts of life, and the way we live? Here are my ten alternatives: One, Indoor: Outdoor Balance
Seven, Quiet: Noisy Balance
Two, Alone: Together Balance
Eight, Busy: Calm Balance
Take a look at your day. How much of it did you spend outside? What about the whole week or the rest of the month? Human beings evolved on the African Savannah to spend hours each day hunting and gathering, covering tens of kilometres of walking and running. How could you increase your Outdoor: Indoor Balance and feel the benefits? Many of of have jobs that involve some solo working and some opportunities for social contact. Take a check during the day. How much of the day has been spent with other people? Too much for you? Then hole up somewhere with that report you have been meaning to read. Not enough for you? Then take the long route round to the office kitchen and catch up with a few people.
Three, Awake: Asleep Balance
The scientific risks of sleep deprivation are becoming more and more widely known. The right amount of good quality sleep is a strong indicator of health outcomes as well as other measures of happiness and work performance. If your Awake: Asleep level is out of balance then make this a top priority, with napping, earlier bed time and good night routines.
Four, Work: Play Balance
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. When was the last time you played? Is your level of play in balance with your level of work? What could you do to move the equation back into balance?
Five, Hard: Easy Balance
How much of what you do is really hard to do? We all benefit from having work that is stretching and which engages us with the challenge of difficulty, but if everything is too hard then work can become oppressive. Similarly if our work is too easy then our motivation drains away. What can you do to get the right balance?
Six, Reading: Writing Balance
We all like to read and what we read can also be a subject of a balance question; from trashy pulp fiction to “improving” literature. But it is really valuable to also be a creator of the written word. How much have you written in the last month? It’s a hard habit to build for some people, but it’s one which can reap huge rewards.
Some people say they work best in total silence. Others insist they like a bit of background sound to help them focus. The truth is that most of us need both. If your life feels too noisy, find a quiet space of reflection. If you are feeling your environment is just too quiet, then why not take your laptop to a coffee shop for a while? Some people think that the goal in life is to have a blissful, calm existence. Others like to be continually busy, phone non-stop, texts pinging, inbox bursting at the seams. What is more useful than either of these extremes is to strike the right balance between busy and calm.
"The notion that there is something in my existence called “work” which has to be balanced, as if on a see-saw, against my “life” is deeply problematic for a number of reasons." Nine, Learning: Teaching Balance
We hear that life-long learning is a key to fulfilment, and quite rightly so. But actually learning is only one part of the equation. Take a look at how much of what you have learned you have shared with others. According to time management guru Stephen Covey you haven’t fully learned something until you have taught it to someone else and Joseph Joubert memorably wrote "To teach is to learn twice." Where is your balance on this one?
Ten, Planned: Ad Hoc Balance
Time management and good planning are essential to getting things done, but too much planning can stifle your creativity. Take a look at your diary and to-do list. If your planning is out of balance than book a clear afternoon and start with a plan sheet of paper. So, ditch Work: Life Balance and tune up the balance of your work and life in more interesting and creative ways.
More info: www.insight.je Creating a WORLD of Difference
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LIFE
The Energy of a Smile.
When someone smiles at you, do you smile back? WORDS: Amy McCae Certified Life Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
Have you ever walked into a familiar room or into a meeting in a bad mood and suddenly be uplifted by the positivity you feel? Is there someone in your life that every time you are with them you walk away feeling drained? We often refer to this as the "energy" of a room or being "empathetic." Google defines energy as the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity. Quantum physics states that absolutely everything in the Universe is made up of energy. Einstein said that energy could not be created or destroyed it could only be transformed. Everything is energy including your emotions. There is a phenomenon referred to as emotion contagion. In its simplest terms this means that you unconsciously mimic another person's non-verbal clues and feel the reflection of those people's emotions. You can "catch" emotions." Think of a time when someone was crying and you began to cry, they may even stop crying when you start. Imagine a time you were sitting at your desk angry and a co-worker walked in and knew to walk out without you saying a word. How about when a child was sad, how did you feel? You are designed to be empathetic so that you can develop compassion.
"Compassion is the basis of morality." Arthur Schopenhauer
Mirror neurons are brain cells that react both when you perform an action as well as when you observe someone else performing that same action. When you watch someone get pricked with a needle you know what they are feeling but you don't physically feel the same pain in your finger. You may even almost move your hand but you won't because of your brain circuitry. Mirror neurons enable you to view another's state from a virtual reality standpoint and you become empathetic. This allows you to feel compassion which will motivate you to action. Isn't the world a better place when you are compassionate? Sending you all the joy, peace, and love you can imagine!
More info: www.amymccae.com and for a free phone consult: https://amymccae.as.me/focussession 48
LIFE
Modern Careers: Fulfilment, Flexibility and Purpose
How some individuals are consciously curating careers, on their own terms, and paving the way in achieving career fulfilment. WORDS: Sophie Clyde-Smith (BSc) Founder of Sophie Clyde-Smith: The Modern Career Coach. Certified Transformational Life Coach.
Thanks mostly to technology, but also in part to the cross-generational workforce (Boomers, Gen X, Y and Z), new societal norms and other factors, the modern working environment is in a constant and rapid state of evolution. Whilst some may be feeling a little left behind, others are leveraging this new terrain and curating careers that are driven by a desire to take ownership of a newfound sense of purpose, fulfilment and professional flexibility. But what does this new terrain look like in reality? What are the upsides and downsides of this new way of working? And how can you tap into this modern career marketplace to enhance your overall wellbeing? In case you hadn’t noticed, in recent years there’s been a shift in the makeup of the workforce with a trend towards self-employment and the gig economy – a way of working popularised, amongst others, by Emma Gannon in her book The Multi Hyphen Method: work less, create more, and design a career that works for you. For many, this way of working is anxiety inducing and shrouded in mystery, however, if we take a closer look at some of the reasons behind these shifts, then we start to notice some interesting insights that calm the nerves and ramp up the excitement. In my experience, this shift towards self-employment i.e. freelancing, being a small business owner or an entrepreneur, is driven by a desire to regain control over one’s life. A conscious awakening to the fact that this type of career can provide an outlet for creativity, space for entrepreneurial energy to thrive, a chance to make an impact, to cultivate your purpose and for work-life integration. Where in the past, according to the CIPD, selfemployment was reserved mostly for men aged 50+ in specific industries such as agriculture and construction, we are now seeing younger generations staking their claim. And these individuals are driving the growth of social enterprises, wellbeing businesses, tech start-ups, food & drink innovations, fitness related and product based companies, plus many others. In addition to the professional fulfilment that this growing workforce enjoys, there are a host of holistic and lifestyle benefits that come with the self-employment territory. As humans, the different pillars of our lives – career, 50
relationships, spirituality, physical and mental health, etc. – do not exist in isolation, they are all interdependent and linked. So when you are able to carve out a career that offers remote working, flexible hours, ownership, responsibility and contribution, the positive effects felt in your career inevitably spill out into the other areas of your life, increasing your overall wellbeing and energy. This way of working isn’t, however, for everyone and it is by no means a silver bullet for fulfilment and wellbeing. Every single person has their own unique character and personality and some just simply might not suit this type of professional lifestyle. You may crave security and stability in a way that you can only get from having a regular pay cheque from an employer. Or you may love the collaborative team environment of an office that you would miss when working on your own (although, arguably, collaboration in the self-employed world is equally as achievable). For those who do make this leap, there are also ongoing and real challenges; financial pressures, difficulties in ‘switching off ’ and the competitive landscape, to name but a few. As we all know however, the best things in life don’t come easy – it takes hard work and persistence to make this lifestyle work but the pay-off can be huge. There is a half-way option, a happy middle ground for many; the side hustle. Defined as any type of employment or project undertaken on top of a full-time role, in a freelance or volunteer capacity. The side hustle gives people a chance to turn their passion into profit and with a reported 32% rise in side hustlers in the past decade which is contributing £14.4 billion to the UK economy each year, this is a legitimate and achievable way of making steps
LIFE
"It takes hard work and persistence to make this lifestyle work but the pay-off can be huge." towards positive change in your career. Side hustles aren’t just about profit and creating multiple income streams, for many it is a way to generate variety in their life, to incubate curiosities that can grow into passions and find a newfound sense of meaning. Side hustles can also be the gateway into full-blown selfemployed life and offer the chance for a more measured, risk-averse approach, with real-time feedback, where you can truly tap into the possibility of transitioning your career fully. The modern career landscape is an exciting place to be, full of opportunity and it doesn’t need to come with significant risk or personal investment. As you’ve seen in this article,
there is a continuum for these alternative ways of working to the normal office based role that starts at a couple of hours a week spent on a side hustle all the way across to being a full-time self-employed business owner. The main message is that you have options, you have a chance to create something special and do something exciting that, if all else fails, would be an exciting adventure that could enhance your wellbeing. So if you’re feeling disenchanted or disillusioned with your career but you’re at a loss as to how to make changes, take some time to think about what lights you up. What most people do in their 5 pm – 9 pm, rather than their 9 am – 5 pm, is what defines them – how can you make a shift to find more time for you and curate a more fulfilling career?
Sophie Clyde-Smith is a Jersey born, London based Career Coach. With a degree in Biomedical Science and a passion for careers and health, Sophie has spent the last 10 years working in careers and more recently in the coaching field. Her own career journey has taken her from recruiting for the Jersey financial sector to heading up the Career function of a digital wellness start-up, Welltodo, in London. After embarking on a side-hustle and completing a Diploma in Transformational Life-Coaching, Sophie made the leap and now runs her own Careers Coaching business; Sophie Clyde Smith - The Modern Career Coach, where she helps others to reconnect with their career, generate more meaning and purpose and build a life on their own terms.
Creating a WORLD of Difference
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BODY
Acupuncture
A Safe, Effective, Non-Pharmaceutical Option to Low Back Pain WORDS: Lorna Jackson, 1st BSc (Hons) MBAcC AFN Health Point Clinic
More than 540 million people suffer with low back pain (LBP), the most common cause of disability in the world. In many cases, acupuncture can safely and cost-effectively reduce this pain. Low back pain not only impacts the individual’s quality of life, it is also a socioeconomic problem associated with work absenteeism, disablement and high healthcare costs (Van Tulder, 2006). According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) work related LBP is a major ill health condition in Great Britain, with 2,957,000 working days lost in the 2014/15 financial year alone. Given this impact across both the individual’s quality of life as well as the Great British economy, it is imperative to offer safe, effective and low-cost treatment options.
While acupuncture forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is now being supported by a growing body of scientific research and clinical evidence. Such research has supported that acupuncture may result in pain relief and increased range of movement (Irnich et al. 2002). This reduction in pain and increased mobility allows patients, who would otherwise not be able to fully partake in physical treatment programs, to engage fully as their pain is less likely to limit them, increasing the likelihood of improved results and an increase in quality of life.
Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs, LBP being the most common complaint) are one of the largest patient population groups treated by acupuncturists in the UK. Acupuncture treatment reduces the amount of time people are off sick and plays a vital role in preventing new problems developing into chronic and long-lasting disorders (CSP, 2013). Acupuncture treatment aims to manage pain and inflammation and therefore aid recovery.
Inserting a fine, pain-free acupuncture needle sends a signal through the nervous system to the brain, where chemicals such as endorphins, norepinephrine and encephalin are released. Some of these substances are 10-200 times more potent than morphine! Certain
More info: www.healthpointclinic.co.uk
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acupuncture points coincide with pressure points or trigger points which help release muscle tension, ease pain and aid relaxation. (Dung HC. 1984).
At Health Point Clinic we aim to keep your healthcare simple, understandable and achievable so that you can: 1) Recover – with support and
an evidence-based step-by-step personalised treatment plan to suit your own personal health goals.
2) Understand – why you feel the
way you do.
3) Prevent – we will teach you
how to look after and maintain your health in the long-term.
4) Relax with confidence - leave refreshed and get back to doing what you love!
FITNESS
Energy on the Move WORDS: Aimee Purgal Milon Expert and Personal Coach, Healthhaus.
‘What does 15 minutes mean to you?’ Now I want you to remember that question as you’re reading this. Being on the move is such a crucial part of our lives in today’s society. Obesity and secondary illness that come with it are on the rise and because of this, we need to make more of a conscious effort to move more. Over the last 10 years we have seen a dramatic decrease in manual jobs meaning that we, as a community are becoming more and more sedentary.
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The biggest complaint that I hear as a trainer about physical activity is not having the energy to do it. When in fact, increasing your physical activity levels increases your energy levels. Exercising even just a little bit can have several major benefits to your body: Releases endorphins (hormones that make you feel happy) Helps you sleep better Helps you manage stress levels
FITNESS
How can I make the change to get active, you may ask?
I wanted to touch a little bit in here on adherence to exercise. When you make a change, you want to make it for the long term – and a lot of the time this doesn’t happen. There are five stages to exercise adherence; can you identify yourself in any of these stages?
1. Precontemplation – This stage is marked by a sedentary lifestyle. This is where you do not engage in any form of physical activity and do not see the importance of living an active/healthy lifestyle. 2. Contemplation – The next stage is still marked as a sedentary lifestyle. However, you are starting to think about changing some aspects of your life and the dangers of being inactive, yet you are still not able to commit to physical activity. 3. Preparation - This stage is marked by some physical activity. You are willing to adopt some form of physical activity but it is sporadic. For example, you go for a walk and then not again for a long period of time or also a periodic visit to the gym. You are ready to adopt the form of an active lifestyle. 4. Action – You are engaging in regular physical activity and have been doing so for less than six months.
5. Maintenance – This last phase is marked by you undertaking regular physical activity participation.
It’s all about changing your mindset about physical activity and getting on the move! Now when I say this, I do not mean running 10k and putting yourself through
Creating a WORLD of Difference
an incredibly lung-busting workout routine in that gym that you hate going into and takes hours to do. I’m talking about making those little changes that are not so exhausting, that don’t take up too much time, which are enabling us to get more active! A few examples of this could be; the typical walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift. Going for a walk on your lunch break instead of sitting behind your desk and eating. Getting off that bus a stop earlier and walking those extra few minutes to work. Even doing some house work is a good way to increase your physical activity levels. By making little changes one step at a time you are working towards one big change of living a happier and healthier life. So, why wouldn’t you take the time to get more fit and active? What is stopping you from making that change? Too many of us use time as an excuse, but really if we got out of bed 15 minutes earlier, that’s 15 more minutes we have in the day to get a little more active. 15 more minutes you have to stop making excuses. 15 more minutes to make your life a happier and healthier one and as a community, we can do this together. There are endless things we can do to get active in a short space of time. So I’m asking again, what does 15 minutes mean to you?
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FITNESS
Making the Body Healthy with Qigong INTERVIEW WITH: Dr Xiaolei Liu Professor, Beijing Sport University
“Qigong is all about balance: balancing the energy of mind, body, emotions, and spirit. The mind and body, the emotions, and spirit are not separate things. They are all part of you. You can’t focus on one and ignore another without causing problems for yourself. Qigong is the simplest and most powerful way to bring about that perfect balance. It is one of the most powerful self-healing practices ever developed.” ~International Qigong Master Chunyi Lin
Qigong (pronounced chee-gung), is the study and practice of cultivating vital life-force through various techniques, including:
Breathing techniques Postures Meditations Guided imagery
Qi means "breath" or "air" and is considered the "vital-life-force" or "life-force energy." Qigong practitioners believe that this vitallife-force penetrates and permeates everything in the universe. It corresponds to the Greek "pneuma," the Sanskrit "prana," or the Western medical conception of "bioelectricity." Gong means "work" or "effort" and is the commitment an individual puts into any practice or skill that requires time, patience, and repetition to perfect.
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Through study, the individual aims to develop the ability to manipulate Qi in order to promote self-healing, prevent disease, and increase longevity. Classes are also said to provide participants with a sense of camaraderie and common purpose. With the kind assistance of our good friend, Manchi Wan, we spoke with Dr Xiaolei Liu, who is a Professor and Expert Practitioner with Bejing Sport University. She told us (and she also sent us some photos of her practicing her art): “Health Qigong is a national and traditional sport that combines physical activity with breathing and mental regulation. It is an essential part of Chinese culture. Practicing Health Qigong plays a unique role in enhancing mentality, improving physical functions, improving the quality of life, and enhancing moral cultivation.
“In February of 2003, China’s State General Administration of Sports established Health Qigong as the 97th sports item. It is the basic premise that cannot be ignored when people explore Health Qigong exercise. It is necessary to explore Health Qigong in the context of sports. Health Qigong exercise must embody the basic spirit and purpose of sport and determine its own unique form of exercise. “Health Qigong exercise is a composite phrase that combines ‘health exercise’ with ‘Qigong’. Accordingly, Health Qigong exercise is considered to be a sport. The meaning of health exercise is clear. ‘Health’ and ‘exercise’ is the ‘method of use’, the he latter dominates the former. The two words together mean ‘making body healthy’.
FITNESS
“Health Qigong is a national and traditional sport that combines physical activity with breathing and mental regulation." “In daily life, the phrase is often associated with various kinds of sports, such as ‘body mechanics’ and ‘exercise ball’. Making the body healthy is a goal, and to achieve this goal, a specific behaviour must be followed. Although the primary purpose of these activities is body health exercise, the physical education curriculum focuses more on the development and training of body functions. Athletes in competitive sports aim to compete for gold medals and break records. The purpose of these sports may not be limited to health alone. “We refer to the concept of Qigong in the textbook, ‘Chinese Medical
Qigong’, published in 1999. It is the first and only general Qigong textbook to be used at traditional Chinese medicine colleges and universities; thus, it is said to be authoritative. This textbook basically explains that Qigong is mind body exercise that combines the body, breath and heart. The regulation that combines the body, breath, and heart is referred to as the 3 tunes. This interpretation is characterised by the operational skills of Qigong as a ‘unity of 3 adjustment’; the mental activity that is achieved through the 3 adjustments can be seen as the Qigong. The state of the ‘unity of 3 adjustments’ is the basic characteristic of Qigong practice.”
There are various forms of Qigong, some are done with no movement at all, in standing, sitting and supine positions, some with gentle movements and some with movements mixed with stretching of the body or dynamic exertion of power. There are more than 10,000 styles of qigong and 200 million people practicing them all over China and the world. Currently there is a movement underway in China, the United States, and Europe to preserve the valuable aspects of these traditional Chinese practices and to have them studied using Western scientific methods. Now more and more western medicine doctors, researchers and scientists have accepted the fact that through regular practice of Qigong or Tai Chi helps maintain better physical and psychological health and wellbeing. The smooth flow of Qi enables our body to function properly and when the channels or meridians are blocked, the flow of Qi will slow down or become stagnant and illnesses arise. It is therefore important to keep the Qi flowing smoothly.
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CHILDREN
Unlock Your Child’s Energy and Potential Using Strength-Based Parenting WORDS: Professor Lea Waters (PhD) President, International Positive Psychology Association
Raising children is both an exciting and daunting task. How do we build their resilience, help them be good people and help them reach their full potential in ways that slot easily into everyday family life? The new science of strengthbased parenting is proving to be a successful and enjoyable approach.
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CHILDREN
Strength based parenting is an approach to parenting where you start first by asking ‘What is right with my child?” before you focus on weaknesses and areas for improvement. It encourages your child to build up the assets and inner resources they already have before focusing on compensating for what’s missing or lacking. It is based on the premise that every child is born with their own unique strengths and potential, and our job as parents is to help unlock that potential. Investing in your kids’ strengths is a key to helping them reach their potential because strengths trigger an inbuilt ‘multiplier effect’ in your kids. What starts as a slight genetic advantage, multiplies over time with practice, resulting in the child reaching higher milestones sooner than others. This explains the child who is a fast learner of social dynamics and develops his social intelligence more rapidly than others. He becomes known from an early age as “a people person,” and his advanced understanding of others results in his being given positions of leadership. It’s also the story of the child on the swim team who, while putting in no more hours of practice than the others, is gliding past them with ease. With each lap her stroke technique and muscle strength are built ever so slightly more than her peers in the next lane, causing her to inch further and further in front until she is laps ahead. So, while your child is born with genetic potential for their strengths, helping them reach their full potential takes time and effort. After all, Michael Jordan didn’t make his first dunk until 9th grade. Your child is born with the broad brush strokes of their strengths and our role as strength-based parents is to help your child paint in the finer details of their strengths by putting them into environments that nurture their nature, so to speak. In the
examples of the socially intelligent child and the swimmer above, their genetic propensity only kicked in when their parents helped them play to their strengths. So how do you know what your kids’ strengths are? Ask yourself these questions to tune into your child’s strengths.
1. Do I see performance?
Watch for when your child shows above-age levels of achievement, rapid learning, and a repeated pattern of success. Examples: The young child who, within a short time of picking up a baseball bat, is routinely making great hits. The grade-schooler who buries her nose in books and uses more complex words and sentence structures than her peers. The teenager who consistently displays a more sophisticated understanding of emotions than most adults.
2. Do I see energy?
Strengths are self-reinforcing: The more we use them, the more we get from them. They fill us with vigour. You’ll notice your child has abundant energy when using a strength. My daughter, Emily has a talent for art, and when she’s drawing or painting, I notice that she has unusually big stores of energy. She rarely gets tired when she’s being artistic.
3. Do I see high use?
Finally, look for: · what your child chooses to do in his spare time, · how often he engages in a particular activity; and · how he speaks about that activity. When you start to tune into the three signs of your kids’ strengths and help them build on these strengths, you’ll see the wonders of the multiplier effect unfold in front of you, you’ll see boundless energy in your kids and you’ll feel the joys of knowing you’ve unlocked a strength.
More info: www.leawaters.com Dr Lea Waters (PhD) is a psychologist, university researcher, speaker and author. She is the President of the International Positive Psychology Association. Her parenting book ‘The Strength Switch’ was the top release on Amazon in the parenting category, listed in Top reads for 2017 by Berkeley University’s Greater Good Science Centre and has been translated into 10 languages. Creating a WORLD of Difference
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AGEING
How to Age Gracefully and Enjoy our Precious Twilight Years WORDS: Lucie Filipponi-Amy Co-owner, Les Hoûmets Care Home
As Les Hoûmets celebrates 60 years as one of Jersey’s most prestigious care homes, Lucie Filipponi-Amy talks about how to age gracefully and enjoy our precious twilight years. Growing old is a privilege and enjoying our later years is the goal for most of us. We can postpone or reduce the undesired effects of ageing by quitting smoking for example and by remaining active and independent. We may not equal the record of the Jeanne Calment who lived to the ripe old age of 122 years 164 days but we can rest assured that life expectancy has increased. For example, a 65-yearold man can now expect to live to about age 83, and a 65-year-old woman, to about age 85.
Choose life
Making healthy food choices is important no matter how old you are. It’s never too late to start. What is important to remember is that as we age our body changes. We tend to put on weight more easily and find it hard to ‘burn off ’ the croissant and jam we’ve enjoyed for breakfast.
regular exercise can help us minimise increases in body fat.
3 simple steps
There’s no need to get bogged down in too much information. We can stick to 3 main principles to help keep us on our way to good health in our later years: Following a nutritious diet Exercising regularly Staying mentally active Some of us have developed these habits earlier, but we can take control of what happens to us when we age at any point.
"Making healthy food choices is important no matter how old you are. It’s never too late to start." By age 75, the percentage of body fat typically doubles compared with what it was during young adulthood. Too much body fat can increase the risk of health problems, such as diabetes. The distribution of fat also changes, changing the shape of the torso. A healthy diet and
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Food and nutrition
When we reach our 50s, we start to lose our ability to taste and smell. Both senses are needed to enjoy the full range of flavours in food. As we age, our taste buds become less sensitive as a result we taste sweet and salt more and less bitter and sour. The
lining of our nose becomes thinner which can affect our sense of smell and potentially our appetite. Creating fresh food and making it look tasty is important. It doesn’t have to look like a Michelin Star plate but presentation makes food attractive helps stimulate the appetite. A variety of different coloured vegetables brighten up a dish as well as delivering important vitamins to the body. Most vegetables are a lowcalorie source of nutrients and a good source of fibre. Look for the Genuine Jersey logo and eat locally grown, preferably organic veg. Fresh herbs add flavour to food. Herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage liven up dishes and add herbal health benefits.
Eating socially
Meals are more enjoyable when you eat with others. By eating together we share stories, laughter and life experiences. Eating with others is part of a holistic approach to wellbeing as we age.
Keeping moving
Regular exercise to strengthen muscles can partially overcome or significantly delay loss of muscle mass and strength. Again, it’s never too late
AGEING
to start, we don’t instantly have to become body builders. Resistance training using gravity such as sit-ups or push-ups are easy to do at home.
Stress can hinder our ability to recall and leads to anxiety which can lead to memory impairment. Practice mindfulness and breathing techniques to help manage stress.
Bed rest during an illness, or periods of inactivity, cause older people to lose muscle mass and strength much more quickly than younger people. It takes longer to make up for the loss in muscle mass.
Getting a good night sleep will help with daily brain function. There are many apps available now to help aid the sleep process. People of any age can engage successfully with this kind of technology.
It’s all in the mind
Research argues that brain training can help combat cognitive decline, as we grow older. Although the evidence on the benefits for our thinking skills is still incomplete, there are good reasons anyway for doing things like puzzles and crosswords. Taking up entirely new activities and keeping up our social relationships that we enjoy are important to maintaining quality of life and wellbeing in older age.
As a person gets older, changes occur in the brain too. Certain parts of the brain shrink, especially those important to learning and other complex mental activities. Blood flow in the brain may also decrease. These changes can affect mental function, even in healthy older people. Some older adults find that they don’t do as well as younger people on complex memory or learning tests. Some brain changes, like those associated with Alzheimer’s disease, are not a normal part of aging. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.
Creating a WORLD of Difference
More info: www.leshoumets.com
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EAT WELL, SLEEP WELL
An Energy Secret Shared WORDS: Faith Canter Health, Wellness & Self-Love Coach and Author
Having suffered for many years with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / ME and now being fully recovered, I like to think I know a thing or two about fatigue / energy. And, in short what I have found out through my own struggles and that of the people I work with is that having more energy isn’t usually about what you think it is about, in fact it’s the thinking that is generally (but not always) the reason for a lack of energy. If you have had the blood tests, eat well, sleep well and don’t consume too many stimulants then it’s unlikely your lack of energy is due to anything physical, more likely it is something mental instead.
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That doesn’t mean you have mental health issues, of course, it’s just means that the search for the reason(s) why you lack energy could be part of the reason and/or it’s getting worse.
EAT WELL, SLEEP WELL
In many cases it’s the busy brain, the overthinking, the over-analysing, stress, anxiety and depression that is draining our energy. If you are tired of thinking, it’s likely your body is tired of it too.
In this case, my recommendations to you would be to remove / release the mental stimulants as well as the physical ones and watch how quickly your energy, and health in general, comes back to you.
Many people notice they are drained when they are stressed or something traumatic happens, but actually even chronic overthinking does it too.
You can do this through tapping / emotional freedom technique (EFT), journaling, chatting and reminding yourself you get to choose your thoughts and you can decide not to fuel the ones you do not want in your life. I know this sounds simple and we all know it is not, but it’s just forming a new healthy habit with our thoughts. I find the simplest way to do this is to set reminders in your phone or on post-it notes.
If you keep reliving an argument or a comment from someone, or keep thinking you could do better or be better, how you should have said this or done that, or how many millions of things that are still left to do, all these things will eventually lead to a lack of energy as this chronic overthinking will start to trigger the nervous system. And, when triggered for prolonged periods of time it goes into the fight or flight response and that draws from other areas of the body for the energy to sustain this response until the threat has passed. Problem is, it just doesn’t pass, as you are then on to the next thing to overthinking and/or worry about. Long term overthinking can be just as draining as short-term intense stress. So, if you have all your physical ducks in order (as I mentioned above), then just maybe the exhaustion is something to do with not having your mental ducks in a row. And no amount of coffee is going to help this, in fact stimulants like coffee will actually be doing the exact opposite. You think they are helping energise you, but in fact they are messing with your adrenals and in the long run making you more tired. Because they are borrowing energy you do not have and they are spiking the blood sugar levels, leading to search for the next ‘fix’ to bring them up again to increase our energy again.
What you focus on flourishes, so once you become aware you are overthinking something remind yourself you do not have to keep fuelling what you don’t want in your life and let it flow instead. You’ll feel more at ease, healthy and energised (not to mention sleep better too).
More info: www.faithcanter.com www.instagram.com/faithcanter/ www.facebook.com/FaithMCanter/ Creating a WORLD of Difference
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EAT WELL, SLEEP WELL
Eating for Energy WORDS: Susan Burry Registered Dietitian, Healthhaus
Lots of people say to me, “Is there a reason for my low energy?”, “I don’t have the energy I used to have”, or “I have a slump in the workday mid-afternoon”. This is not surprising in our hectic lifestyles, long commutes and stress at work or at home. Some or most of these feelings can be due to our mindless eating, too high sugar intake, addiction to caffeine or diets lacking in good nutrition. People are struggling more than ever to lose weight, trying fad diets, cutting out food groups and therefore not getting all the good nutrition from a well-balanced diet. A recent report by Public Health England revealed that adults typically get between 12-15% of their daily energy intake from sugar, almost 3 times the recommendation of 5%. A diet high in sugar can give us a sugar high and instant release of energy, followed by an energy slump, followed by eating more sugar and the addictive daily cycle continues. Try to maintain a good balance of macronutrients of protein, carbohydrates and fat
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at each meal. These will maintain your blood sugar levels throughout the day avoiding these sugar lows. Combining all macronutrients at each meal will keep the balance of your energy throughout the day. Adding foods such as nuts or seeds to carbohydrate foods will maintain your blood sugar levels quite easily. This is especially important to have at that crucial 3 pm time of day when energy is waning.
EAT WELL, SLEEP WELL
To assess if your diet is sufficient in all necessary nutrients, it might be advantageous to keep a detailed food diary and complete a full nutrient assessment on the foods you are eating. This would calculate if your diet was sufficient in all the required nutrients. Maybe, you have recently started a new trendy vegetarian/vegan diet with many new foods in different quantities being introduced. Some of these may be causing the fatigue if you have added too many carbohydrate foods without adding protein sources. Keep up your energy on the go by having healthy snacks prepared and ready to take with you to work or to the gym. Are you drinking enough water or 8 glasses a day? The low energy could be due to thirst and not food at all? Drinking high caffeine drinks such as coffee, tea or energy drinks could be causing a dependent habit of relying on this chemical to maintain high energy. Try having refillable water bottles in your car, office, home and in your rucksack. Many places now have refillable water stations for you to fill up while away from home. If you don’t fancy plain water, try adding fresh herbs, fruits or a little fresh juice to your water bottle. Mindless eating is common these days in our hectic lifestyles. This includes eating in front of the TV, eating while working at your desk and/or eating during your commute. Try taking time to eat and enjoy your food. Take a lunch break and get away from your desk. Slow down, chew each forkful ten times; you will be amazed at the difference you will feel when you take time to enjoy food again and food will be digested slowly keeping your blood sugars balanced throughout the entire day.
Practical tips for sustained energy throughout the day: 1. Eat a balance of simple and complex carbohydrates. Minimise simple carbohydrates such as added sugars, which will give you a spike in blood sugar levels and lead to more sugar cravings. The primary source of energy is through carbohydrates but it is important to have these as complex and not simple sugars. Complex includes wholegrains, fruits and veggies.
2. Eat three meals and two snacks per day without going more than three hours without eating.
This will give you sufficient energy throughout the day. Maybe a snack midmorning and mid-afternoon to sustain your energy levels. Try wholegrain crackers with nut butter and an apple, Greek yoghurt with fresh berries and slivered almonds, vegetable cruditĂŠs with reduced fat hummus. Remember to have a protein source each time such as an animal or plant-based protein choice. Try having fish, beans or lentils a few days a week.
3. Drink lots of plain water, up to 8 glasses per day.
Sometimes we may be tired due to dehydration and it may not be related to food at all!
More info: www.nutritionu.co.uk
Creating a WORLD of Difference
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MIND
Stoke Your Inner Fire WORDS: Lisa McCabe Mind Body Manager, Club Soulgenic
“Provoke your inner energy, challenge yourself and you will achieve amazing things” – Mohammad Sekouty
When we think of energy our first thoughts will most likely lead us to a sense of how physically energetic we feel. A long week at work can deplete us whereas a long week relaxing on a beach can make us feel completely re-charged. The idea of how much energy we have comes from the way we think. If I think I’m tired, I will feel tired. If I think I can climb a mountain, chances are I will. We’re all made up of energy. The way we naturally relate to our inner energy is that gut feeling we get when we meet someone new. Have you ever wondered why you connect with some people and not others? Our inner energy is our power source that reveals our true essence, it determines our sense of wellbeing and connects us to what we truly feel. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) our inner life force (which is the essence of growth and decline) is referred to as ‘Chi’ or ‘Jing’. When in balance, Chi flows freely through the body via the meridians (energy channels). This results in our mind and body being in complete harmony. In TCM philosophy the kidneys house our Chi. In order for our other organs to function optimally our kidney chi needs to be balanced.
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In Yoga, we refer to our inner essence as ‘Prana’. Prana flows through the Nadi’s (energy channels). The source of Prana resides at the base of the spine. When stimulated through practises such as Yoga and Meditation, Prana rises through the central energy channel (Sushumna Nadi) to the crown of the head revealing a sense of harmony and wellbeing.
So, what does this mean?
The balance of energy (Chi or Prana) within us is determined by our health and wellbeing. When we’re in a state of stress and ill health our inner energy becomes stagnant and is unable to flow freely. This disturbs our inner sat nav. Our thought patterns focus towards negativity and self-doubt resulting in the loss of our mind body connection. Naturally we are hard wired to think in the negative. Our ability to hold onto and store negative experiences outweighs our ability to hold onto and store positive ones. Think of the last time you were paid a compliment. How long did you hold on to that feeling for? Now think of a time when you were criticised or were made to feel undervalued. Think of how long you held onto this experience. My feeling is you held onto the negative experience much longer than the positive one.
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It goes beyond positive thoughts
Spending time avoiding negativity isn’t helpful either. Repeating positive thoughts and supressing our negative feelings will not lead to a better or healthier life. We have to be able to ingrain the positive experience over the thought. Through these negative behavioural patterns, we’re seeing a rise in ill health whether it be physical or mental, a lot of the time it’s both. Stress for example, manifests as tension in the body which can result in back pain, chest pains, and digestive disorders, to name a few. Our relationships become affected not only with other people but to ourselves. We lose the ability to identify with our true self. The volume on our inner sat-nav is so low we’re ignoring our true gut instinct.
What is the Solution?
Through the right support and tool kit we can learn how to manage and cope with these experiences and see them as challenges rather than threats. Our minds have the ability to alter their thought processes and our muscle tissue has the ability to change its memory too.
It’s time to make a change – Welcome to the Happy Mind Series
At Club Soulgenic we’re passionate about mental and physical wellbeing. After successfully launching our Corporate Wellbeing programme we have now evolved and created our Happy Mind Series. The purpose and aim of the series is to provide people with the tools to help support them in areas where they feel they need assistance. We hope to guide them back to their true selves. To listen to their gut instinct and re-connect their minds to their bodies. We have bought together some of the most highly skilled and experienced practitioners on the Island who have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of
how we as humans can learn and change the patterns necessary to lead a fuller and healthier life. Our series range from Yoga based courses such as Stress Management. Here we share tools to help people recognise the signs of stress using simple techniques to tip them out of their fight and flight mode, into their rest and digest. To meditation and practical courses where we share techniques and tools to recognise positive experiences and ingrain them to change thought processes. Our practical courses are directed towards the workplace, covering topics such as Resilience, Thought Leadership and much more. Our hope is to empower people to not be afraid to feel both the good and the bad and to help change the way they think to stoke their inner fire and achieve their true potential.
Our Happy Mind series launches in May 2019, including: ‘A Happy Mind to Support Fertility’ – Yoga based Tuesday, 21st May to Tuesday, 25th June ‘A Happy Mind to Support Stress’ Thursday, 6th June to Thursday, 11th July
More info: lisa@clubsoulgenic.co.uk Creating a WORLD of Difference
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MIND
Strength In Mind WORDS: Dan Keeley Mental Health Activist and Founder & Mission Director at #AREWEOKUK
“Energy – The strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity”. Let’s talk about both. In the summer of 2012, after six months of escalating mood and ignoring all the warning signs, I had so much energy pumping through my body and mind that I ended up stood in the middle of a major motorway at rush hour in Northern Italy, preaching to the world to ‘slow down and follow our hearts’. At the time I believed this was the answer to ease the vast majority of the suffering going on around the world … this was the definition of losing my sanity and not to be recommended!
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And here’s the irony. Here I was trying to force the world to slow down when my mind was going at 200 mph itself. This was triple-filtered mania on another level and not a feeling I would advocate anyone pursuing. The results from such an episode are catastrophic, and just imagine what my fiancé at the time, Georgie would have been going through stood on that hard-shoulder witnessing her now husband in the height of such an episode. Shocked. Desperate. Petrified.
What came next? Time in psychiatric wards, the clear diagnoses of Bipolar Disorder and six months of crippling depression which left me wanting to take my own life. If your mind has taken you to believing you’re ‘The Chosen One’ with every atom of your being, then you’re going to crash back down to Earth with a bang right, and this was going to be the biggest bang imaginable. Bedbound. Testing. Limbo. Five years on however, in the summer of 2017, after a powerful and progressive journey of recovery, with world-class support from
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friends, family and loved ones, professional guidance, patience with my medication and having stripped life back to the absolute essentials to focus on what really matters most (our health, relationships, passions, growth and being in service to others) I harnessed the perfect (really, perfect) amount of mental and physical energy that I was able to create a truly life-affirming adventure-challenge which would be the platform to share my story on a national scale.
Starting on Friday, 25th August and finishing on Saturday, 28th October 2017, this was an oil painting I was lucky enough to live in for 65 days, a vision which got brought to life with more love, warmth and colour than I ever could have imagined, a real celebration of having harnessed my lived experiences from the past five years and having channelled them all into this hugely positive outcome [I still struggle to find the words]. Lifeaffirming. Real. Overwhelmingly beautiful.
"Sharing our stories give permission to others to share theirs, and this adventure was going to do that on a massive scale." Why? Because above all else, sharing our stories give permission to others to share theirs, and this adventure was going to do that on a massive scale. This time – having flown back out to Italy with Georgie (now my wife) and my incredible mother who both stuck by me throughout this whole journey, and having given myself a whole year to prepare – instead of standing and preaching from the central lane of a major motorway, I would instead run, solo and self-supported, from the Colosseum in Rome all the way back to the London Eye. ‘Rome To Home’ was born. And we did it. With an incredible amount of support behind the scenes, we did it, and when I say ‘we’ I mean every beautiful soul who supported me on this five year ‘mental adventure’ who were with me in spirit every step of the way.
Creating a WORLD of Difference
Energy – The strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity.
Strength (required) to put ourselves first, to realise that putting ourselves first is in fact one of the most selfless things we can do in order to be of greater service to those we love the most. Strength (required) to say yes to what our souls are calling us to do. Strength (required) to dig deep and give meaning to our suffering so as our suffering ceases to be suffering. Strength (required) to fully digest these words knowing that you’ve got one mental activist here who’s giving you permission right now to put yourself first at a time when the world is telling you to do the complete opposite. As without this strength we have no energy, and speaking as a mental health activist who needs you on
his Dream Team to empower the rest of the UK to speak up when we’re suffering so that together we can show future generations how it’s done, we’re going to need all the energy we can get. Dan Keeley is a one of the UK's leading mental health activists and professional speakers on a mission to empower people in the UK to speak up when we’re suffering. In 2017 (after a five year battle with bipolar disorder) Dan ran 1,250 miles (solo and self-supported) from the Colosseum in Rome back to the London Eye to share his story on a national scale, raising over £15,000 for the Campaign Against Living Miserably and significantly impacting the lives of hundreds of men struggling with their mental wellbeing. Now Dan is trail-blazing his mission by collaborating and delivering as many live talks as he possibly can with some of the UK's most forward-thinking organisations committed to improving the mental wellbeing of their staff and communities, including corporate organisations, NHS Trusts, conferences, schools, universities, festivals, non-profits and social enterprises. Dan is also the Founder & Mission Director of #AREWEOKUK, fast-becoming known as the ‘Red Bull' of the mental-health world here to inspire and empower all of us to speak up when we’re suffering so that together we can show future generations how it’s done.
More info: www.areweok.uk
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MIND
13 Signs of High Emotional Intelligence Wonder what emotional intelligence looks like in everyday life? WORDS: Justin Bariso Author of EQ Applied
In 1995, psychologist and science journalist Daniel Goleman published a book introducing most of the world to the nascent concept of emotional intelligence. The idea – that an ability to understand and manage emotions greatly increases our chances of success – quickly took off, and it went on to greatly influence the way people think about emotions and human behaviour. But what does emotional intelligence look like, as manifested in everyday life?
speak or act. (Easy in theory, difficult in practice.) This can help save you from embarrassing moments or from making commitments too quickly. In other words, pausing helps you refrain from making a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion.
For the past two years, I've explored that question in researching my book, EQ Applied. In doing so, I've identified a number of actions that illustrate how emotional intelligence appears in the real world. Here are 13 of them:
You don't have much control over the emotion you experience in a given moment. But you can control your reaction to those emotions--by focusing on your thoughts. (As it's been said: You can't prevent a bird
1. You think about feelings.
The pause is as simple as taking a moment to stop and think before you 70
5. You show authenticity.
Authenticity doesn't mean sharing everything about yourself, to everyone, all of the time. It does mean saying what you mean, meaning what you say, and sticking to your values and principles above all else. You know not everyone will appreciate your sharing your thoughts and feelings. But the ones who matter will.
6. You demonstrate empathy.
The ability to show empathy, which includes understanding others' thoughts and feelings, helps you connect with others. Instead of judging or labelling others, you work hard to see things through their eyes. Empathy doesn't necessarily mean agreeing with another person's point of view. Rather, it's about striving to understand – which allows you to build deeper, more connected relationships.
"But what does emotional intelligence look like, as manifested in everyday life?"
Emotional intelligence begins with what is called self- and social awareness, the ability to recognise emotions (and their impact) in both yourself and others. That awareness begins with reflection. You ask questions like: What are my emotional strengths? What are my weaknesses? How does my current mood affect my thoughts and decision making? What's going on under the surface that influences what others say or do? Pondering questions like these yield valuable insights that can be used to your advantage.
2. You pause.
3. You strive to control your thoughts.
when it's unfounded, it gives you a window into how others think. When you receive negative feedback, you keep your emotions in check and ask yourself: How can this make me better?
from landing on your head, but you can keep it from building a nest). By striving to control your thoughts, you resist becoming a slave to your emotions, allowing yourself to live in a way that's in harmony with your goals and values.
4. You benefit from criticism.
Nobody enjoys negative feedback. But you know that criticism is a chance to learn, even if it's not delivered in the best way. And even
7. You praise others.
All humans crave acknowledgement and appreciation. When you commend others, you satisfy that craving and build trust in the process. This all begins when you focus on the good in others. Then, by sharing specifically what you appreciate, you inspire them to be the best version of themselves.
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8. You give helpful feedback.
Negative feedback has great potential to hurt the feelings of others. Realising this, you reframe criticism as constructive feedback, so the recipient sees it as helpful instead of harmful.
chance to heal. When you forgive and forget, you prevent others from holding your emotions hostage – allowing you to move forward.
11. You keep your commitments.
It takes strength and courage to be able to say you're sorry. But doing so demonstrates humility, a quality that will naturally draw others to you. Emotional intelligence helps you realize that apologizing doesn't always mean you're wrong. It does mean valuing your relationship more than your ego.
It's common nowadays for people to break an agreement or commitment when they feel like it. Of course, bailing on an evening of Netflix with a friend will cause less harm than breaking a promise to your child or missing a major business deadline. But when you make a habit of keeping your word – in things big and small – you develop a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.
10. You forgive and forget.
12. You help others.
9. You apologise.
Hanging on to resentment is like leaving a knife inside a wound. While the offending party moves on with their life, you never give yourself the
One of the greatest ways to positively impact the emotions of others is to help them. Most people don't really care where you graduated
from, or even about your previous accomplishments. But what about the hours you're willing to take out of your schedule to listen or help out? Your readiness to get down in the trenches and work alongside them? Actions like these build trust and inspire others to follow your lead when it counts.
13. You protect yourself from emotional sabotage.
You realise that emotional intelligence also has a dark side – such as when individuals attempt to manipulate others' emotions to promote a personal agenda or for some other selfish cause. And that's why you continue to sharpen your own emotional intelligence – to protect yourself when they do. This article was originally published on Inc.com.
About the Author: Justin Bariso is the author of EQ Applied, which shares fascinating research, modern examples, and personal stories that illustrate how emotional intelligence works in the real world.
More info: www.eqapplied.com
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SPACE
How Space Impacts Your Mindset When Travelling New research finds that space is important for wellbeing.
WORDS: Amy Blankson Positive Psychology Researcher, Co-Founder of Consulting Firm ‘Good Think’, Writer on Happiness and Technology and Bestselling Author of ‘The Future of Happiness’
Not all hotel rooms are created equally. I’ve stayed in hotel rooms in New York City where it was impossible to wheel your suitcase through the cramped quarters without banging your knees; I’ve stayed in dark, smoky holes-in-the-wall that reek of mildew; and I’ve had the opportunity to stay in some of the finest establishments in the world. What these experiences have taught me is to find gratitude in any situation, but also to use my discernment when I am given a choice. For instance, if I am traveling for work, I know that I love to “set up shop” while I’m staying for work. I might work at my desk for an hour and then migrate to a couch or sit by the window. Having different points of view helps me to brainstorm and make new connections, so I often look for more spacious hotel rooms if possible, provided that they are within my budget. For a long time, I thought this was simply a quirk of how I worked. However, I recently worked with Embassy Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Home2 Suites by Hilton to survey 1,000 U.S. adults aged 25+ about how they perceived the benefits of space when travelling. Together, we found that 89% of people believe changing their work environment throughout the day gave them an actual boost. In fact, 83% of employed respondents moved at least once per day to work from spaces other than their primary workspace/desk, and 52% of all respondents moved three times a day or more. Interestingly, respondents who had ample space to move, work and play in their environment reported feeling more productive (49%), calmer (40%), happier (34%) and more creative (31%). However, for travelers
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who did not have enough space to continue their regular routines, 70% of them cited lack of space as one of their top stressors of travel. The research highlights that Americans use space very differently today than we did even 20 years ago. A bedroom used to just be for sleeping; now 64% of people using their bedroom for a combination of eating, meditating, playing with children, working or practicing hobbies, all in the same space. Contrary to the “small-space living” trend, Americans agree that having more space gives them a delightful boost in all aspects of life. In fact, 87% believe having extra space to themselves makes them better people, with 55 minutes of “me” time being optimal to recharge. Participants claimed having this alone time made them feel more energised (56%), friendlier (53%), funnier (23%) and smarter (22%). The research shows that perception of environment can have an impact on our happiness. While there is a push to go small – like mini cars and tiny houses – it’s more important to have spaces that match form and function in our lives. When we align purpose and meaning, there’s a positive uptick in mood and increased productivity.
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Research highlights include*:
Space is Good for Business: 89% of people believe changing their work environment throughout the day gives them an actual boost. Pay attention employers: more space options equal employees who feel more productive (49%), calmer (40%), happier (34%) and more creative (31%). Space is Good for Parenting: 71% of parents admit to doing whatever it takes to get alone time, and 69% feel renewed, not guilty, when given the space they need. Do these excuses sound familiar? Running a faux errand (28%), feigning sickness (20%), making an imaginary call (16%), or lying about needing to work earlier or later (15%).
Space is Good for Travel: 70% of travellers feel stressed when there isn’t enough space to keep up with their routine. The top mood-breakers that leave people wishing they had more space while on the road: grouchy companions (40%), being stuck in middle seat (22%), snoring roommates (20%) and road tripping in a small car (18%). What does this research mean for you? It means that it’s okay not to feel guilty about looking for travel accommodation that meets your needs. Many hotels have similar price points but prioritise space very differently. So the next time you hit the road, think ahead about what features and functions of space will help you feel at your best. While the stressors of travel may always be unpredictable, your need to recharge after a long day is not a luxury.
More info: www.amyblankson.com *Wakefield Research surveyed among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults aged 25+, between 15th and 22nd October 2018, using an email invitation and an online survey, with an overall margin of error of three percent. Article adapted from the original which was published by Forbes.com Amy Blankson was compensated for her participation in the Power of Space research study.
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SPACE
The Perfect Setting for Business Meetings
Many of us spend a huge amount of our working day in meetings, busy executives can spend as much as half their time in meetings. That’s a lot of time – and it means the actual space in which we conduct meetings plays an important part in the experience. Well-designed meeting rooms can put attendees at ease, encourage conversation and induce creativity. Mindful meeting room design can drastically improve effectiveness. To this end, Hand Picked Hotels has recently invested over half a million pounds in its corporate offering to create the perfect environment for meetings. The dedicated flexible business centre in the Park Suites at the AA Five Star Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa in St Helier boasts its own entrance and several event spaces including a private cinema. The Alice Suite provides an intimate setting for boardroom style meetings, accommodating up to eight people. The contemporary Alfred and Arthur Suite lends itself to sharp innovative thinking with large bay windows flooded with natural light; a chic and superbly equipped environment in which to do business. Whilst the discreetly designed
Beatrice Suite is a beautiful space which is both private and comfortable. If you need a flexible space then the Leopold Suite is a perfect option, with an acoustic partition wall and complete control system that can accommodate up to 80 people. The Grand Suite, the largest of all the Park Suites facilities can accommodate up to 250 people for a reception, 150 in a theatre-style setting or up to 110 guests for a private dinner. Each of the suites has been carefully designed to create energy in the room and enhance productivity. In addition to the rooms themselves the Park Suites also offers a fantastic purpose built bar which provides an opportunity for guests to help themselves to barista style coffee in a social area as they break out from business meetings. It is also well stocked with a large selection of wines, spirits and other beverages to cater for private parties and corporate events.
"Of course, business doesn’t have to be done in the Boardroom. You could always look to seal a deal over a cocktail in Grand Jersey’s fabulous Champagne Lounge or a nibble on the Terrace at L’Horizon!"
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SPACE
Location, Location, Location
Location can also play a large part in ensuring an effective and energising meeting; so, if it’s an out of town venue that is required then the AA Four Red Star L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa situated directly on the beautiful bay of St Brelade, is the perfect fit. Hand Picked Hotels has also made investment in this property’s corporate and event spaces; recently spending around £15,000 refurbishing the hotel’s stylish Boardroom. In today’s business environment laptops, smartphones and tablets are an important part of most meetings and technology needs to be user-friendly, helping to bring content to the table in the quickest and easiest way. The upgraded AV system in this space includes integrated data points in the stylish 16-foot table and air share presentation links to the 60” TV. The sophisticated area also now boasts new flooring, comfortable high-backed chairs and tasteful window coverings. Meanwhile the Crystal Room at L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa is in a prime position to enhance creativity with its magnificent sea views. Its elegant décor and crystal chandeliers make this space one of Jersey’s finest which can cater for up to 300 delegates.
We can all start feeling a bit sluggish and heavy during meetings but with amazing outdoor spaces including beautiful beaches and spacious parks on their doorstep, both hotels are perfectly located for breakouts. Getting outside and taking in the stunning surroundings of the bays in both St Aubin’s and St Brelade’s will energise delegates, whilst getting a little exercise will release tension and increase natural energy flow. A good paced short walk will increase oxygen intake, get those endorphins flowing and help to boost vitality for the rest of the meeting. The casual yet elegant settings of the Terraces at both hotels also provide the perfect spot to take a break and re-energise or for those looking to meet up and chat business in a more relaxed environment. Of course, business doesn’t have to be done in the Boardroom. You could always look to seal a deal over a cocktail in Grand Jersey’s fabulous Champagne Lounge or a nibble on the Terrace at L’Horizon!
Food Choices and Open Spaces to Energise
It is a proven fact that a healthy, nutritious and well-balanced diet gives us an energy boost and also positively influences our cognitive performance. The talented kitchen teams at both hotels will happily prepare tasty, nourishing dishes using the best, fresh, locally grown and seasonal produce wherever possible.
More info: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/grandjersey/business www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/lhorizon/business 75
INTENTION / GOALS
The Power of Intention WORDS: Jasmine Khanani
I’m fascinated with the growing number of people who are beginning to consider how their life is unfolding. How certain experiences give their life deeper meaning and richer purpose, while others lead them towards feelings of extreme challenge and being sucker-punched by a ruthless universe.
People I talk with want to understand this dynamic, and more so what they can do to participate consciously in their own life’s creation… “If that’s possible”, they usually add. I believe that we each choose our own life journey, the extent of our growth and height of evolution, as well as our ability to be in flow with life and be our greatest expression of life.
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Bold statement, you might think. How can that be, you may ask? Well, Gary Zukov, author of ‘Seat of the Soul’, says, “Every thought, action and feeling is preceded by an intention.” If you believe that, as I do, then it’s quite likely that intention is a very deep, unique motivation, and the real reason we each think what we think, feel what we feel, and do what we do. It’s the energy that infuses our thoughts, words or deeds.
INTENTION / GOALS
Here’s where the really powerful part comes: we each get to choose our intentions. So, we get to choose our thoughts, words and actions, and how our life unfolds. If you’re thinking “That sounds great, but my life is a mess right now. This isn’t the time for that”, I say to you that when life isn’t clear, feeling great or flowing just as we wish, that’s the perfect time to look at, and get very close and clear with, our intentions. Even more so than when things are going smoothly. To start, we choose to drop ‘victim’ thoughts, and to divert away from victim attitudes. With inner kindness, we can put down the weakening ideas of ‘why me’, ‘they did it to me’, ‘I’m not enough’, ‘I’m not loveable’, or ‘I’ll never have enough’. These ideas don’t serve us in any way. They hold us in a prison of the past. We may have had the painful experiences that formed the ideas, and that’s not being denied. It’s that we know it’s time and we’re ready to drop the heavy baggage of our pain-pattern and move forward, lighter and more free.
Visualise it. Once you know what’s calling in your life, close your eyes and regularly visualise it. It may be an experience like speaking up at work, or leaving a bad relationship, or caring more for your wellbeing; or it could be living the total life you want; or living your life connected with and allowing something greater to flow and express through you. See your life in this vision and as this vision, in every aspect. When we see and feel through visualisation, the brain can’t distinguish between a real event and a thought event. So, over time our brain begins to form the neural pathways that would form if the thought event were really happening. What’s so amazing about this is that as a result of our intentional visualisation, a brain filtering process (called our Reticular Activation System or RAS), starts to scan our environment for clues and signs that prove it’s right. It becomes self-fulfilling because our focus and life trajectory look for and follow a path created from our intentions.
"Here’s where the really powerful part comes: we each get to choose our intentions. So, we get to choose our thoughts, words and actions, and how our life unfolds." Then, establish your intention. Close your eyes and sit in quiet stillness or be in a space where you get that inner quiet and peace. Sincerely ask empowering ‘what if ’ questions: ‘What if everything is happening for me – not to me?’, ‘What’s life trying to show me?’, ‘What’s trying to emerge in my life?’, ‘What’s my gift to share?’, ‘What if all my needs were met, what would I do in my life?’ Allow what’s authentically calling to come to you. Listen and make yourself available to the answers that are showing up all the time. They may come immediately or over time through signs, people, dreams or an inner knowing. Stay open to receive.
In the end, there are two base intentions that we’re choosing from throughout our lives – fear and love. We’re choosing between outlooks of contraction, scarcity, lack and disempowerment, or expansion, openness, abundance and empowerment. Choose love. Your potential is much bigger than any problem. Sincerely discover and embrace your intention, and then spend 30 seconds each morning practicing it through visualisation. See it and feel it, and then over time watch what happens in your beautiful, open, flowing, empowered life.
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INTENTION / GOALS
Energising your Recovery WORDS: Catherine Laine on behalf of Silkworth Charity Group
There are four main factors that can affect our energy levels: Nutrition, Sleep, Exercise and Stress. When I mention I’m feeling tired to family or friends, these questions are often asked: Are you eating well? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you doing any exercise? Are you drinking too much caffeine and not enough water? Are you dealing with stressful situations? In recovery it is quite common to experience a lack of energy. Consider what your body has been through over the past months/years. Chemical dependency has assaulted your body and mind with toxic substances. Your body was put into overdrive as it tried to protect itself. In recovery your body has begun to repair itself, which takes massive amounts of energy and resources. But the main point to remember here is that fatigue is simply a symptom rather than an illness. The following tips will help you combat that feeling of tiredness in recovery and get your energy back:
Patience - One of the best things that you can do to fight
fatigue during this time is to be patient with yourself. Understand that your body has been beaten up by substance abuse and it needs time to bounce back. Don’t rush it.
Rest - It is important to build downtime into your daily routine. Do something to soothe your nervous system, such as yoga, taking a bath, meditate, and take long walks in nature. Having a restful sleep will help energy levels immeasurably.
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Exercise – Try walking, cycling, going to the gym, or a class; they can all energise you and help with a restful night’s sleep Drink lots of water - Dehydration is known to not only
make you lethargic, it can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress. Keep a water bottle close by and keep sipping it. You could add lemon, mint, and cucumber or drink herbal teas if you don’t like plain water.
Nutrition - In the first year overcoming your chemical dependency, your nutrition needs are higher than normal. You need to make sure you’re feeding your body good food on a daily basis. Recovery is also an emotionally trying time. Now that you’re in recovery, you’re tasked with facing life head-on, without the aid of drugs and alcohol to numb the realities you encounter. This may cause a host of emotions and even stress. Emotional stress takes a huge toll on your energy levels.
"One of the best things that you can do to fight fatigue during this time is to be patient with yourself."
INTENTION / GOALS
Silkworth Charity Group has proven to be a much needed establishment that helps people come to terms with their addiction and puts them on the road to recovery. We provide a tailor made programme in primary treatment which incorporates the above factors, as well as additional support in secondary treatment and the recovery day service. For example; our in-house chef, not only provides delicious food with the necessary nutrition, but he also involves the clients and shares his experience with them so they are able to take their new knowledge away with them, providing sustainable eating habits for the clients to continue after treatment. We now offer Hatha Yoga at the Recovery Day service for people in recovery. The classes are run by Sara who explains “the postures are designed to open the many channels of the body, especially the main channel (the spine) so energy can flow freely.”
Our support worker James, also runs an Art Group at the Recovery Day service which allows people in recovery to express difficult thoughts, memories, and feelings without being constrained by words. It creates the opportunity to express inner thoughts, while helping to better understand and make sense of emotions and relieving stress. Clients in primary treatment are taken to the gym twice a week and outings to some of Jersey’s beauty spots. Exercise and a change of scenery can really lift people’s moods and re-energise them. What you must remember is that recovery takes time. Once you begin to do the work, your fatigue will slowly begin to fade. Day by day, you will feel much better. Everyone experiences different symptoms during recovery, but a lack of energy is common and only temporary, your body is amazing and will overcome it.
More info: www.silkworthlodge.co.uk
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INTENTION / GOALS
Exploring the ‘Secret’ Resilience Strategies We Can All Apply to THRIVE Every Day
WORDS: Emma J Bell Founder, The Global Resilience Project
I climbed the stairs, the sound of my shoes scuffing against the stone steps and my fingers tender from the heavy grocery bags I was carrying. Finally reaching the top floor, I hesitated before knocking on the plywood door. I heard James pull back the bolts and then his face appeared through the crack as he gingerly opened it. ‘Hi Sis’ was all he said as he pulled it open, and turned to walk back along the small hallway. As I entered the living room, James made no effort to hide the accoutrements of his heroin addiction strewn across the coffee table. He carried on talking to me as I flinched at the foils, teaspoons and other drug paraphernalia that I couldn’t name. 80
INTENTION / GOALS
Driving home from his flat, I reflected on how our difficult upbringing had affected us. James was ‘numbing out’, ducking responsibility, and using his wonderful creativity to questionable ends. I seemed to be doing so much better. I was married, on the partnership track with a prestigious law firm and gaining recognition as an expert in my field. But I was ‘numbing out’ too, using work to escape from my feelings of inadequacy. James and I were both surviving in our own ways. We were both living in the shadows created by avoidance. He was avoiding taking responsibility for his life and I was avoiding rejection by any means possible. Neither of us was thriving. As a litigator and later as a judge and coach, I saw time and again that some thrive in the face of adversity, while others fall apart. I wanted to know whether these ‘Thrivers’ were using strategies that you and I could apply to flourish in the face of everyday challenges. I carried out an exhaustive search, reading research papers and talking to psychologists and resilience experts, but no one had a definitive answer.
I was inspired by these insights to become more uncompromising about how to spend my time, and with whom. Initially I felt guilty and then the thought occurred to me; what if those I ‘edited out’ felt relieved to be spending less time with me? I suppose I’ll never know the answer to that question.
Be Clear About Your Needs and Boundaries
I used to be a ‘people pleaser’. My default answer was always ‘yes’, even when I wanted to say ‘no’ or felt under pressure. Needs and boundaries go hand-in-hand. If I don’t feel okay, it’s up to me to let that person know they’ve gone beyond where I’m comfortable.
"You cannot change the past and by allowing it to infect your present, by dragging up the raw emotion of disappointment, you undermine your self-esteem."
Ultimately, that question took me on a journey of over 35,000 miles around the world to meet 50 ‘Thrivers’ who had faced extraordinary adversity, ranging from surviving a terrorist attack to losing a child to suicide and being diagnosed with a rapidly degenerative and terminal illness. From my interviews and research, I discovered that there are 9 ‘Secrets to Thriving’ that can enable us all to thrive in the face of exceptional adversity and everyday challenge. Each ‘Secret’ is related to how we engage and conserve our mental and physical energy. Let me share three simple insights the Thrivers credit for enabling them to live life with verve.
Be Deliberate About Who You Spend Your Time With
Jim Rohn once said, “We are the average of the five people we hang around with”. The people you spend most of your time with influence your energy and enthusiasm more than you may realise. There are those friends who drain you - and those who fill you up. What I’ve learned from our Thrivers is that you need to be selective about who you spend your time with, if you want to fulfil your potential for happiness and success. We have unhealthy friendships, but we don’t extract ourselves for fear of being ‘rude’ or hurting the other person’s feelings. Until you release yourself from obligations that don’t serve you, your average is being downgraded by your politeness.
I haven’t always been good at it but now I don’t blame others for taking me for granted if I haven’t told them that what they’re asking for is not something I’m prepared to give. I also don’t waste time and energy feeling resentful because I know I create my own reality most of the time, and that knowledge empowers me to either change my behaviour, or my perspective if others won’t change with me.
Be Constructive and Compassionate in Your Self-Talk
Do you ruminate on past events and what you could have done differently? You cannot change the past and by allowing it to infect your present, by dragging up the raw emotion of disappointment, you undermine your selfesteem. By understanding that you did the best you could, with the thinking you had at the time, you can let go and find peace. That doesn’t mean you don’t learn from past mistakes or mourn past events. What it does mean is that you can choose healthier thinking so that you are more likely to be your best self in the here and now. These three simple insights are taken from almost one hundred shared by the 50 Thrivers. All ‘9 Secrets to Thriving’ will be shared in my forthcoming book of the same name out on Audible in early 2020.
More info and a free download of Emma’s first book ‘The True You’: www.emmajbell.com
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INTENTION / GOALS
Creating a Positive Snowball Effect: The Importance of Peer to Peer Appreciation WORDS: Dr Paul White
When we first started applying the 5 languages to work-based relationships, our initial focus of communicating appreciation within the workplace was on managers and supervisors. In the past, an employee’s relationship with their direct supervisor was found to be one of the most influential factors on whether or not the employee enjoyed their job. So, our early focus was on training supervisors and managers in how to communicate appreciation effectively to their team members. While this was a good starting point, we quickly learned that to focus solely on managers and supervisors was too narrow and was not all that was needed. Although most employees like to receive positive messages from their supervisor, hearing encouragement and support from their coworkers has become increasingly important. Receiving a compliment or having a colleague report to others how valuable your contribution was to the success of a project is extremely meaningful to more and more employees.
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Moreover, colleagues are the individuals who often seem to be most excited to learn how to support their peers. Team members repeatedly tell us that they want to learn how to encourage and support their colleagues. In fact, we are finding that the work groups that are most successful in creating a positive work environment are the ones where the manager understands and works to implement the principle of mutual appreciation and encouragement among team members.
INTENTION / GOALS
How the Workplace Has Changed
The biggest change to the workplace in the last decade has been the influx of millions of younger employees and the exodus of older generations. This shift has had a dynamic effect on the look, feel, and structure of workplace culture. Younger employees, as a group, tend to desire more collaboration in completing tasks. And as the proportion of employees and leaders from younger generations increases, the supervisoremployee relationship has declined in importance. In past decades, it was common to hear people say things like, “people don’t leave a job, they leave a supervisor.” However, recent employee engagement surveys have found that employee happiness is more closely correlated to the connections they share with their coworkers rather than those they shared with their direct supervisor.
Benefits
The new edition of ‘The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace’ goes into more depth on both the benefits of peer to peer appreciation, the implications for action, and feedback from training participants. But our recent experiences make it clear that expanding the focus from expecting managers and supervisors to be the sole “appreciators” to include peer appreciation creates numerous positive results for teams: · Lightens the load (and perceived load) on managers and supervisors to provide all of the relational support within a team. · Supports the focus of younger employees on peer relationships in the workplace. · Allows for appreciation to be applied and communicated even if a manager/ supervisor isn’t interested or involved. · Keeps team members engaged and empowers them to make a difference in their work culture.
Just to clarify, we’re not proposing that managers give up their efforts to show recognition and communicate appreciation to team members. We are finding that the work groups that are most successful in creating a positive work environment are the ones where the manager understands and works to implement the principle of mutual appreciation and encouragement among team members. Not only does the manager accept the responsibility for communicating meaningful appreciation to her or his supervisees, the manager also
"Receiving a compliment or having a colleague report to others how valuable your contribution was to the success of a project is extremely meaningful to more and more employees."
actively supports their team members in utilising the 5 Languages of Appreciation to encourage one another. When this happens, a positive snowball effect begins to emerge, and the individuals within this work group really begin to enjoy working together. When employees and supervisors consistently and effectively communicate appreciation to their colleagues, positive results occur more quickly and are more dramatic in their intensity, and the “staying power” of their effect is longer lasting. Authentic appreciation communicated from both leaders and coworkers leads to a positive, supportive work environment that others will envy. The result? Positive communication and improved morale to a level we never imagined!
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INTENTION / GOALS
Energy and Empowerment – A Practitioner’s Story WORDS: Dina Emser MA, PCC, CPDLT, Co-Creator with Jane Nelsen of Empowering People in the Workplace
Learning is an engaging and energetic experience and people learn best through real life practice. It works for kids and it works for adults! A practitioner’s job is to read the energy in the room to know which activities will work when. Here’s a real-life story to demonstrate. It’s 2:30 in the afternoon on day 3 of the 4-day Empowering People in the Workplace training in Guangzhou, China. Forty-seven people, having just returned from lunch are sitting in a circle looking at me and my translator. I begin the first experiential activity of the afternoon and it doesn’t take long to figure out the energy in the room is completely flat. What to do? Juggling! I reach into my bag of props and pull out 6 cloth bean bags and one rubber chicken. Voil‘a. I invite 12 volunteers to create a small circle with me, and we begin to randomly toss the bean bags around and soon come up with a pattern and a plan that allows us to reach the goal: to keep all 6 bean bags in the air at the same time. The energy in the circle is definitely humming, but as I look around the larger group of watchers, some have
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resurrected their phones while others look on lethargically. As soon as our demonstration is complete I invite the outer circle back in by asking for their observations, thoughts, and feelings. Energy begins to warm up the outer circle observers while the demonstration volunteers can barely focus – they are eyeing the beanbags and ready to go for another round! I needed to empower the jugglers to share their energy. I divided the group of volunteers in half, giving each group 3 bean bags and the charge to go forth, create two groups and train them to juggle co-operatively. Soon the room is alive! Laughter bubbles, suggestions are called out, beanbags are in the air and people are moving! It’s difficult to get them to stop! But the workshop must go on, so I give the signal for silence and eventually get the jugglers back in their chairs.
INTENTION / GOALS
As we process what happened, I bring the activity back to its relevance in the workplace. What can we take away from this activity that will help us create this kind of empowerment, co-operation and engaged energy in our work teams? I lead them to reverse engineer our juggling process and scribe the steps we created to reach our goal. This list of bullet points becomes our template for creating protocols, routines and procedures for our workplace team.
reflection that promotes change. The grand goal is to change the world by creating mutual respect in families, schools and organisations so that people can develop to their full potential. While the goal alone is virtuous, the real strength of these programmes is the curriculum of activities that teach the skills needed in order for the goal to be achieved.
Imagine an environment that is created around a vision that is communicated clearly and accepted by all employees as the guide to everyday work and relationships. Imagine a workplace where each person feels appreciated for his or her unique contribution; where people care about one another, are respectful to one another, and work together to achieve common goals. Imagine an organisation where the process is valued, where mistakes are seen as valuable opportunities to improve, and solutions are the end goal when challenges arise. Imagine the energy that is created in this type of empowering culture. In all Positive Discipline and Empowering People workshops, facilitators lead participants through a variety of experiential activities to encourage personal
Listening to lectures can put many people to sleep. It’s the vibrancy, the bounce, the excitement, and the energy of experiential activities that keeps participants engaged! When participants are actively engaged they are empowered to learn from their own participation. This kind of energetic learning goes much deeper and can make a huge difference for life application.
More info: www.positivediscipline.com/workplace Dr Jane Nelsen is the author of Positive Discipline and founder of a worldwide movement that has certified thousands of Positive Discipline Facilitators in 61 countries. The original book, written in 1981, was the product of Jane’s deep gratitude for the changes she was able to make as a parent of 7 after learning the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs in her college class in Child Development and Family Relations. Since that time, Jane has authored or co-authored 20 books, tool cards, and several training manuals. Enthusiasm continues to grow from interest on the part of parents, teachers, couples who have experienced stronger relationships as a result of training in Positive Discipline. The question, "Will these same principals be effective in the workplace?" has now been addressed, and the answer is YES!
Dina Emser is a Lead Trainer with Positive Discipline, as well as a Professional Certified Coach. She has experienced the value of Positive Discipline in her role as parent, teacher, school principal (in a school using Positive Discipline school-wide), and business coach and consultant. Dina hired a coach when she served as school principal and was so impacted by the results that she decided to become trained in the new industry. She chose a coaching program that closely aligned with her training in Positive Discipline and has been sharing these principles for 18 years. She has worked with business professionals in Fortune 100 companies in software development, insurance and financial consulting. She has also worked with women business owners, owners of small or family-owned businesses, and non-profit directors.
Jane continues to inspire people around the world with her down to earth and creative examples of how to create and maintain respectful relationships in life. She is now the grandmother of 22 and the great grandmother of 13 and counting.
As a school principal, Dina learned first-hand how to translate the Positive Discipline tools she had practiced with children into one that was equally rewarding with adults. Positive Discipline in the Workplace speaks to her passion and is her first official partnership with Jane.
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BOOKS
Book Reviews The Energy Plan: Eat Smart, Feel Strong, Perform at Your Peak
The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy
World-leading sports nutritionist James Collins shapes the eating habits of Olympic athletes and Premier League footballers, so they are on peak form when it counts.
The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy shows anyone how to get more energy out of their body - naturally.
Author: James Collins Publisher: Vermilion (10 January 2019)
After a decade of working with the likes of Arsenal FC, England Football and Team GB, now he’s distilling his elite sports success into simple food principles that any of us can follow to feel at our best in our daily lives. Peak performance is all about energy and how to eat and exercise right for your body and your routine. By following The Energy Plan, you will learn how to fuel your body for your life, power through the 4pm slump and resist the junk foods that drag you down. Instead you will naturally choose foods that leave you bursting with energy for work and play – and allow you to fully recharge afterwards. You’ll feel more productive, sleep well, lose unwanted weight and avoid illness. Forget fasting and low carb diets. The Energy Plan is a whole new mind-set that will forever change your relationship with food, exercise and your body, giving you a winning edge. “James's pioneering use of food as fuel has transformed players' performances – and now he can do the same for you” ~Arsène Wenger OBE. “After following James’s plan, I had so much more energy and felt at my peak physically.” ~Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool FC & England. “James Collins is a world leader in the field of performance nutrition. There is no one better to de-bunk nutrition myths and clearly explain how to reach your goals in a sustainable, enjoyable and energised way.” ~Professor Greg Whyte OBE. “I have huge respect for James's evidence-based approach – he knows exactly what it takes to get the best out of anyone.” ~Dr Kevin Currell, Director of Science, English Institute of Sport. About the Author
James Collins is an elite sports nutritionist, currently working with UEFA, leading a team of scientists to create guidelines for nutrition in world football. 86
Author: Jonny Bowden Publisher: Crestline Books (22 February 2018)
Nationally known health expert Jonny Bowden presents small changes anyone can implement up front for big energy – such as what to eat for all-day endurance, when to time a workout for the biggest brain boost, or how working with (or against) natural light cycles can make your sleep restorative or slump-inducing. Energy starts with attitude – you'll learn how to “think” like a highenergy person and use breathing techniques, meditation, and exercise to bust stress, beat fatigue, and boost stamina. You'll also learn how physical factors such as toxins, eating patterns, and nutritional deficiencies can sabotage strength – and how they can be corrected with proper diet and supplements. The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy gives you a complete programme to go from exhausted to energised. About the Author
Jonny Bowden, PhD., C.N.S., a board-certified nutritionist with a master's degree in psychology, is a nationally known expert on nutrition, weight loss, and health.
BOOKS
ManFood: The nononsense guide to improving your health and energy in your 40s and beyond
Author: Ian Marber Publisher Piatkus (4 April 2019)
ManFood is the def initive guide, tailored for men who want to take control of their health. Drawing on the latest clinical research, award-winning nutritionist Ian Marber provides simple food swaps, myth-busting facts, and scientific evidence on how consuming certain foods can reduce health risks, boost your health and feel energised. “Just what the doctor ordered – Ian Marber has written the book every middle-aged man who wants to look after their health should read. It's the perfect antidote to the myths and misunderstandings that surround diet and health and gives men sound, evidence-based advice and tips.” ~Dr Max Pemberton, journalist and writer. “Finally, a book that tackles what men should be eating and how they can improve their health through food! Ian has taken all that we know to be sensible and valuable about our nutrition and tailor-made it for men and their specific health problems. Men of all ages will find this book incredibly beneficial.” ~Dr Ellie Cannon, NHS doctor and resident GP for the Mail on Sunday. “All aspects of men's health are covered, from the role of testosterone, through heart and gut health, to managing sensible and simple dietary changes and meal plans. ManFood is a book that finally gives men an authoritative text on evidence-based food claims, on how to eat healthily without gimmicks, all expressed in the context of men's wellbeing.” ~ Dr Jeff Foster, BSc MBCHb MRCGP DRCOG and GP with an interest in men's health. About the Author
Ian Marber is one of the UK's best known and respected nutrition therapists. A regular contributor to the national media, original co-founder of the Food Doctor brand, and author of 11 books on nutrition.
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Energy Medicine for Women: Aligning Your Body's Energies to Boost Your Health and Vitality Authors: Donna Feinstein Eden, David B. Feinberg Publisher: Jeremy P. Tarchern (31 July 2008)
For nearly four decades, Donna Eden has been teaching people to understand the body as an energy system, to recognise their aches and pains as signals of energy imbalance, and to reclaim their natural healing capabilities. In this book, Eden speaks directly to women, showing them how they can work with energy to tackle the specific health challenges they face, from PMS and high blood pressure to depression and menopause. "Eden delivers an excellent, comprehensive guide to a unique combination of ancient Eastern and modern Western healthcare techniques." ~Publishers Weekly. "Even the most hard-nosed doctor will admit that some people have a healing presence that makes us, and our immune systems, better than before. Donna Eden is one of those rare healers." ~Gloria Steinem. "It's time for minds to open and bodies to heal. Read, listen and explore your intimate healing abilities." ~Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine and Miracles. "Donna Eden is one of the most joyous and effective pioneers in the rapidly expanding and vitally important frontier called energy medicine. This book, the classic in hands-on energy medicine, is an enormously practical guide that sings with compassion, integrity, and wisdom." ~Christiane Northrup. "Donna Eden's wonderful book gives women a heartfelt and very useful guide to restoring their female health and balance through effective, energy-based therapies." ~Susan Lark, MD. About the Authors
Donna Eden is a pioneer in the field of energy medicine. David Feinstein, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist. Gary Craig is the founder of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), the most widely used of all the techniques within the burgeoning new field of energy psychology.
BOOKS
Va Va Voom: The 10-Day Energy Diet that will stop you Feeling Tired All the Time Author: Jackie Lynch Publisher: Headline Home (28 December 2017)
Find your Va Va Voom in just 10 days. Whether you're 29 or 69, it's more than likely that your diet and lifestyle are the main reasons for feeling so tired, but with Jackie Lynch's simple and effective 10-day meal plan, you will quickly discover new energy, focus and vitality. Includes:
Why have I lost my Va Va Voom? – What sort of tired are you? Va Va Voom boosters – Foods that boost energy. Va Va Voom robbers – Foods that reduce your energy levels. The 10-day Va Va Voom energy plan – 10-day meal planner and shopping list. The Va Va Voom maintenance plan – A flexible plan for the long term. Va Va Voom recipes – 50 recipes to get you started. About the Author
Jackie Lynch (Dip ION, mBANT) qualified as a Registered Nutritional Therapist at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition and launched the WellWellWell clinic in London, where she now practises. Jackie's expert opinion is often sought by the national press and she is a regular contributor to the Mail on Sunday and writes the ‘I Am What I Eat’ column for Reveal magazine. Most recently, Jackie appeared in the latest series of Channel 4's Superfoods. She was also the nutrition expert at the Menopause - The Silent Taboo panel discussion, organised by the Wellbeing of Women charity and moderated by Kirsty Wark. A sought-after speaker, Jackie runs regular nutritional seminars and workshops for blue-chip companies such as Bloomberg, PWC and Thales. Since 2011, Jackie has been the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition.
Creating a WORLD of Difference
Life Force: The Revolutionary 7-Step Plan for Optimum Energy Author: Susan Scott Publisher: Eclipse Publishing & Media (2 April 2019)
As we hear more and more, 'you can't pour from an empty glass'. Energy is what helps us get more done, more easily and to a better standard. It is our oomph and joie de vivre. Our motivation and creativity. It is the very fuel in our tank and without it we're not going anywhere. Stress, anxiety, money worries, managing excessive demands, overwork, relationship issues, working long hours, job insecurity.... – all take their toll on our energy levels. 'I wish I had more energy' is frequently heard. 'Why am I so tired and exhausted all the time?' is a classic question. There is a trend in the workplace to do more with less 'energy'. Energy is the foundation of resilience and performance, without it all the skills, knowledge and experience in the world count for nothing. It has a positive impact on the behaviour and performance in the workplace, on the bottom-line for the organisation but most of all, on the health and wellbeing of individuals. IT is an imperative. This is the book to tell you how to: Stop feeling tired all the time Enhance your energy, vitality and sustainability Fuel the energy-making powerhouses in your body Avoid energy slumps during the day Sleep better and wake revitalised Use energy to focus, concentrate and deliver to a higher standard Improve your mood and outlook on life Improve your resilience to manage your demanding life It will show you how to have the capacity to live life to the full mentally and physically - a mind and body approach. About the Author
Susan is known as ‘The Energy Aunt’ and is a business psychologist, nutritional therapist, trainer, consultant coach, as well as a public speaker and the author of the best-selling books ‘How to Have an Outstanding Career’ and ;How to Prevent Burnout’. 89
WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY
WellBeing Directory You will find more WellBeing practitioners at www.wellbeingworld.je We print 5,000 copies and achieve +20,000 impressions online, per edition. If you’d like to advertise in the next WellBeing Directory or in WellBeing World magazine, please contact us for a rate card at info@wellbeingworld.je 90
WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY WELCOME
ALIGN HEALTH AGENCY
Based at Lido Medical Centre, the newly merged Align Health Agency offers a unique range of services that address multiple aspects of health, including the physical, emotional and chemical aspects of wellbeing, alongside the key concept of prevention. Align’s concept is a 360 degree approach to health which is reflected in its range of services: chiropractic and osteopathy, sports and remedial massage, acupuncture and dry needling, cognitive hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, craniosacral therapy and life coaching, and Align 1-1 Fitness. W: www.align.je E: info@align.je T: +44 (0) 1534 789 367
AYUSH WELLNESS SPA
Awarded ‘Best Spa in the South West UK & Channel Islands’ by the Good Spa Guide, Ayush Wellness Spa offers a combination of authentic Ayurvedic therapies and luxurious spa treatments. An Ayurvedic physician works with Indian and Western therapists to provide consultations and treatments and share with you the teachings of this timeless tradition enabling you to develop practices that will help restore and maintain mind and body. The concept is authentic in an environment that advocates a healthy lifestyle, enriching both physical and emotional wellbeing. W: www.defrance.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 614 171 Hotel de France, St. Saviour’s Road, St Helier
Creating a WORLD of Difference
AUGRÉ PHYSIOTHERAPY
A small and friendly practice, Augré Physiotherapy is based at the Lido Medical Centre. Their experienced team of physiotherapists have the ability to treat all musculoskeletal conditions and each are qualified in their own sub-speciality of physiotherapy. They specialise in knee and shoulder complaints. They also offer Pilates led by a qualified Physiotherapist. Classes are limited to just five people and conducted in a fully equipped gym. W: www.augrephysiotherapy.com E: info@augrephysiotherapy.com T: +44 (0) 1534 280 010
CLUB SOULGENIC
Jersey's first fully integrated fitness and wellness centre. Set in an impressive space over three floors, it provides a range of products and services incorporating fitness, nutrition, general health and mind body. The club includes collaborations with the island’s foremost wellness professionals, providing a community that motivates and rewards members on their journey to optimum health and wellbeing. Club Soulgenic. So much more than a gym.
W: www.clubsoulgenic.co.uk E: info@clubsoulgenic.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 733 080
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WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY
DONNA ANNAND MELANOMA CHARITY The Donna Annand Melanoma Charity (“DAMC”) was formed in June 2011 to highlight the dangers of malignant melanoma and raise awareness of the disease following Donna’s death. Donna had everything to live for both personally and professionally when she died tragically at 29 from melanoma cancer in February 2011. Donna wanted people to be aware of the dangers of melanoma. The mission of the DAMC is to assist in the prevention of, to protect against, and promote the early detection of melanoma in Jersey so that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
W: www.damc.co E: enquiries@damc.org.je
EPONA
Mary and her horses provide a retreat where wellbeing and personal development can be explored. It’s not a riding experience, it’s being with the horses, no previous experience of horses is required. This experience can be educational and therapeutic and could be the greatest investment you make in yourself.
W: www.epona.je E: mary@epona.je
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ENERGETIX at UP AND ABOVE
Energetix combines sophisticated exclusive jewellery with the power of magnets. People wear the jewellery because they are fascinated by its radiance and want to have the power of magnets in their immediate vicinity all the time. All the jewellery and accessories have the same purpose, to give us moments of wellbeing in our daily life and each of these moments tells us we are on the right track. Designs for women, men, children and a great sports look. T: +44 (0) 1534 758 808 Up and Above, 50 Don Street, St Helier Order online at www.upandabovejersey.energetix.tv
FUTURE HEALTH
Future Health for a Healthier You is a stretch programme for employers to help employees to reduce stress, improve back conditions, enhance productivity, increase flexibility, energy and wellbeing. Comprising a series of 20 minute sessions held in the workplace, it doesn’t require a lot of space – just space around the desk or perhaps access to a meeting room. And, there is no need to get changed or to have access to shower facilities. It is a convenient way of showing your employees how to look after their own wellbeing.
E: futurehealth.je@gmail.com T: Magda: +44 (0) 7700 325 512
WELCOME WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY
GRAND JERSEY HOTEL & SPA
A subterranean haven, The Spa at Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa offers a wealth of amenities. Stretch out in the pool; lay back in the sauna; release your cares with an aromatherapy steam, or under the cascade of an exotic adventure shower. Then revel in your solitude in the comfort of the exquisite relaxation lounge, where you can sample fruit and herbal teas. The Spa offers the ultimate cocooned experience, with a range of VIP, twin and single treatment rooms, indoor heated pool and bespoke treatments from Elemis to ensure quality and results. W: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/grandjersey E: spa.grandjersey@handpicked.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 288 450 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey
HEALTH QUEST
Health Quest offers a range of services. Come and relax with a gentle yet powerful Reconnective Healing session, enjoy some soothing Reiki or perhaps a series of confidential Health Coaching sessions. Hannah also offers Bio Feedback sessions using the QEST4 technology to speed up recovery from chronic illness and to bring your body back to a natural balance.
W: www.healthquest.je E: hannah@healthquest.je T: +44 (0) 7829 720 294
Creating a WORLD of Difference
HEALTH POINT CLINIC
Lorna Jackson Acupuncture 1st BSc (Hons), MBAcC, AFN. Traditional acupuncture is more than pain management, treating headaches or back pain, it is uniquely suited to modern life as physical, emotional and mental blocks are seen as interdependent. Acupuncture is safe, gentle and it can be used by everyone, including babies, during pregnancy, sports enthusiasts and the elderly. Lorna operates from her clinics in The Lido Medical Centre and Greencliff Chiropractic Clinic. Most private health insurers cover acupuncture treatment. Please check before treatment.
W: www.healthpointclinic.co.uk E: lornajackson@healthpointclinic.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 852 039 (Greencliff Chiropractic) T: +44 (0) 1534 859 348 (Lido Medical Centre)
HEALTHHAUS
Healthhaus have created a community where the focus is on supporting members with a healthy, happy and sustainable approach to fitness and wellbeing. The award winning Milon Circuit uses your personalised programme to give simple, safe and results driven workouts in just 35 minutes, leaving plenty of time for a dip in the luxurious Ayush Wellness Spa. Why not contact the membership team to arrange a tour of the club and to find out how Milon training can be incorporated seamlessly into your day. They look forward to taking your fitness personally. W: www.healthhaus.co.uk E: membership@healthhaus.co.uk T: +44 (0)1534 614 800
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HELEN PAPWORTH THE AURORA LIFESTYLE
Sports and Indian Head Massages, and Pilates. The Aurora Lifestyle was created to help improve the way you move. By reminding your body how to reconnect with its natural flow of movement. Allowing you to move through life with ease knowing that your mind and body is synchronising together. With our knowledge of anatomy and physiology we can release the stress and strains held within your body, enabling you to feel the freedom of movement again. W: www.theauroralifestyle.co.uk E: helen@theauroralifestyle.co.uk T: +44 (0) 7797 771 846 Above Blades - Halkett Place
HUMAN HEALTH
Fuelled with passion, experience and a vision for health and vitality, Human Health Chiropractic offers expertise in chiropractic, massage and lifestyle advice facilitating rapid change and transformation within the human body. Using thorough analysis, specific correction and our unique knowledge, we tailor health care dedicated to enable you to fully experience your body’s potential. Allow us to introduce you to your “neuro spinal organ” - Your only gateway between brain to body and its true importance for your health and life. 1st Floor, St Peters Medical Centre, Coop Grand Marche W: www.humanhealthcentre.com E: hi@humanhealthcentre.com T: +44 (0) 1534 747 833 94
HOTEL DE FRANCE
A 126 bedroom four star Hotel conveniently located just outside of St.Helier. Dine in the informal brasserie style Garden View Restaurant overlooking award winning gardens or at the fine dining ‘Saffrons’ Restaurant, renowned for local produce prepared with healthy Indian spices. The Ayush Wellness Spa at the Hotel offers swimming pools, sauna, steam room, treatment rooms and an extensive fitness centre. Parking and Wi-Fi are free. A friendly but professional welcome is assured. St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE1 7XP W: www.defrance.co.uk E: general@defrance.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 614 000
JERSEY INTERNATIONAL MINDFULNESS CENTRE
The only Mindfulness centre in Jersey to actively develop, research, publish and implement its findings, the team at Jersey International Mindfulness Centre ( JsyIMC) is passionate about providing a superior customer experience and tremendous value for their customers. They provide tailored mindfulness courses, taster workshops and consultation at all levels, including: performance, sports, the challenge of exams, emotional intelligence, stress and health conditions management, corporate wellbeing, with formal psychometric measurement. W: www.jsyimc.co.uk E: mindfulness@jsyimc.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 852 953
WELCOME WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY
JULIE DRYBURGH – EMPOWERMENT COACH
Change, it’s the first step to the life you truly want. Julie can help you achieve this, she is passionate about what she does and knows that everyone has the right to be happy. She will help you address any challenges and obstacles that are in your life that are preventing you from having the life you truly want. You cannot become what you want by remaining what you are. Julie is an Advanced Craniosacral Therapist, Reiki Master, Life/Spiritual Coach, Advanced Theta Healing Practitioner, Mindfulness & Mediation practitioner. W: www.juliedryburgh.com FB: @JulieDryburghEmpowerment E: Julie@juliedryburgh.com T: +44 (0)7797 742 347
L’HORIZON BEACH HOTEL & SPA
Nestled by the sea, the views are just the beginning. Step inside and let your journey of indulgence begin. The new L’Horizon Spa has been designed to offer a world of pampering whether you are visiting for a wedding, a girls’ weekend away or a break with a loved one. Enjoy a special day reviving mind and body, select an Elemis treatment, reinvigorate tired limbs with a dip in the sea-view swimming pool or simply drift away in the sleep room. Feel your cares wash away, just as the ocean washes over the golden sands of St Brelade’s Bay. W: www.handpicked.co.uk/lhorizon E: lhorizon@handpicked.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 743 101 La Route de la Baie, St Brelade, Jersey JE3 8EF
Creating a WORLD of Difference
LES HOÛMETS CARE HOME
Les Hoûmets has been established for over 60 years and remains a family run care home dedicated to excellence, compassion and integrity. Located in the heart of Gorey village, with 24-hour care, Les Hoûmets has accommodation for 29 residents. Choose from beautifully decorated en suite rooms or luxury suites, available for couples or singles. Call Monica Le Mière on 01534 855656 to make an appointment or visit www.leshoumets.com for more information.
W: www.leshoumets.com T: +44 (0) 1534 855 656 Les Hoûmets Care Home, Gorey Village Main Road, Jersey JE3 9EP
NAOMI WEST PSYCHOTHERAPY BA (hons) 1st class, PgDip, MA, UKCP.
Find an enriching way through challenging times. Provides a safe supportive space and a path through depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders, trauma, panic attacks, stress, paranoia, relationship difficulties, and other difficulties. Return to your radiant wellbeing. Book now for a free initial meeting.
W: www.naomi-west.com E: hello@naomi-west.com T: +44 (0) 7797 77 99 49
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NATALIE CLARE CONSULTING
Natalie is an expert on Authentic Leadership for high performing women. Working with women in corporate and entrepreneurial environments, she helps them to discover the power of their own authentic leadership style, command the recognition and respect they deserve and translate this in to the financial rewards they desire. Contact her for a FREE 30 minute “Success Through Authentic Leadership Breakthrough Session” to finally understand why you’re not achieving the results that you work so hard for and create a clear plan for achieving greater success. W: www.natalieclare.com E: natalie@natalieclare.com T: +44 (0) 7797 781 203
SHALBECK LIFE CENTRE
Reach your potential: enhance all learning, achieve higher grades, improve memory and study skills. Health issues addressed: relieve emotional trauma, sensory sensitivities, inflammation and discomfort. How? Neuro-Developmental and Sound Therapy, Raindrop (Aromatherapy) Massage, Health Kinesiology, Acupressure, Reflexology, Counselling and Peaceful Living Workshops. WBW Reader Offer: 10% Discount on 1st Session. Town clinic or Facetime/Skype Appointments. W: www.shalbecklifecentre.com E: claire@shalbeckcentre.com T: +44 (0) 7797 714 758 Claire T:+44 (0) 7829 856 976 Juanita 25 Pier Road, St Helier, JSY. Also monthly at Avenue Clinic, GSY
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PREMIER BIOFEEDBACK
Want to perform better? EEG Biofeedback (also called Neurofeedback) is used today by professional athletes, directors, artists, mediators, and world-leading organisations, such as NASA and US elite forces, to take their performance to higher levels. A drug free therapy, EEG Biofeedback treats conditions like anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, Autism, Recovery after Head Injuries, Learning Disabilities, as well as helps to improve concentration and attention for people who want to improve performance and achieve higher targets at work. W: www.premierbiofeedback.co.uk E: info@premierbiofeedback.co.uk T: +44 (0) 7797 773 267
SILKWORTH CHARITY GROUP
We provide hope for those that suffer with drug and/ or alcohol addiction, together with support for families and significant others. Our services are available to anyone in our local community, through statutory or personal referral, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay or not. These include; Residential Treatment Programme, Family Programme, Recovery Day Programme, Secondary Care Programme, Children’s ( 7 to 12 year old ) Programme, Workplace Education Programme, and our Schools Programme. W: www.silkworthlodge.co.uk E: info@silkworthlodge.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 729 060
WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY WELCOME
SOPHIE CLYDE-SMITH THE MODERN CAREER COACH
Many people are disconnected from their careers which is damaging their wellbeing and health. Through having more direction, clarity, purpose and meaning in your professional life you can significantly improve your quality of life, relationships, mental health and more. By coaching people to reconnect with their careers, explore modern ways of working (self-employment/ freelancing, side-hustles, remote/ flexible working) and finding the confidence for career progression/ transitions, Sophie improves her client’s career engagement and in turn their overall wellbeing. W: www.sophieclydesmith.com E: sophie@sophieclydesmith.com
SYTHESIS
Synthesis hosts discovery for change within an Evolutionary Leadership framework. In a safe, supportive holding environment unpack, understand and integrate the whole of yourself. Become selfempowered by stepping onto your personal journey. Take a 360 degree look at yourself inside out and outside in. See what hinders and helps you. Get in touch with your body, thoughts, emotions and energy field. Find innovative solutions to problems providing stepping stones toward transformation. Synthesis provides all this through programmes of Personal & Corporate Coaching, Yoga, Meditation and Energy work. W: www.synthesis-therapies.co.uk E: sarah.howard@synthesis-therapies.co.uk T: +44 (0) 7797 778 965
Creating a WORLD of Difference
SOUL HEALING
Help yourself to see blessings in past experiences, beauty in the present and an inspiring future. Are you stuck in an unsatisfactory job or relationship? Is stress taking the best of you? Lost touch with yourself? Struggling with your mental wellbeing? Searching for authenticity? Maybe you don't know how to let go? Have you suffered events so bruising that you don't know how to assimilate them? You can change it with Soul Healing. Confidential, experienced and effective counselling and Emotion and Body Code healing. Service available for adults, couples, families and children. In English and Polish language. W: www.soulhealingjersey.co.uk E: soul.healing@icloud.com T: +44 (0) 7797 781 210
TAP IT BETTER
Tap It Better is the brainchild of Advanced Practitioner Yolanda Sáez Castelló MSc and combines Tapping techniques with the 3 Principles of Innate Health approach for comprehensive treatment of anxiety, stress, phobias, physical pain, exam nerves and much more. Tap Away the Tiger workshops, Tapping In Schools and private/family sessions also available. EFTi member and fully insured. Online sessions also available. W: www.tapitbetter.com E: Yolanda@tapitbetter.com T: +44 (0) 7700 788 870 FB: www.facebook.com/justtapitbetter
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THE DIAMOND BODY PILATES STUDIO
Marilyn has a unique approach to teaching through her study of the Franklin Methode in Switzerland. The Franklin Methode was a three year study of anatomy in breathing and movement and with this knowledge she teaches Pilates on equipment designed by Joseph Pilates at her studio at Fort Regent. All classes and personal training is by appointment only. Suitable for both men and women regardless of age or ability. E: mwardpilates@gmail.com T: +44 (0) 1534 724 771 or Mobile +44 (0) 7797 717 803
THERAPYBREAKS
Ann Marie Clarke of Therapybreaks practices at the Lido Medical Centre, Jersey. She provides psychotherapy, coaching, professional supervision and therapy breaks for individuals, couples and families. Psychotherapy can help with many life changes and challenges e.g. Stress, Work related problems, Depression, Anxiety, Loss, Eating disorders, Experience of abuse, Alcohol and drug problems, Parenting and Redundancy. Coaching supports you in discovering effective ways of living your life and achieving fulfilment. Ann Marie offers a free 30 minute consultation to assist you in deciding which is the best support for you. W: www.therapybreaks.com E: annmarie@therapybreaks.com T: Ann Marie +44 (0) 7797 770 059 98
THE FOODSTATE COMPANY
Naturally Good The Foodstate Company exists to provide the finest range of food-based supplements created in the most natural and healthy form available. Because their nutrients are created as foods you can be confident that your body can absorb, use and retain them naturally. At a time when farm soils are desperately deplete of the essential nutrients that give us our health, their foodbased supplements provide the perfect alternative to better health and a stronger immunity. Follow them on Facebook for daily health tips! W: www.thefoodstatecompany.com E: enquiries@thefoodstatecompany.com T: +44 (0) 1534 855 280
WELLSTEPS JERSEY
Michelle Wedgbury is a certified health coach (ICF accredited*), and adult mental health first aider. She holds a certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is currently completing the life coaching part of her studies. She has trained and volunteered as a Samaritan and currently works with clients from a local charity who have suffered life changing illnesses. Michelle’s services include one to one coaching sessions, pop up wellness clinics and lunch and learns. Contact Michelle for a free discovery session. *International Coaching Federation E: wellstepsjersey@gmail.com T: +44 (0) 44 1534 482 638 W: Currently under construction
