Job Changing? Focus on Good Habits.

Get Enough Sleep – Your brain can operate on a short nap for a day, but if you are not
sleeping enough, you will not think well or process information and you’ll make mistakes
and end up staying late to fix them.

Advertise Your Schedule – If you hate getting phone calls first thing in the morning,
before you get your day organized and have your first cup of coffee, then let your calls
go to voicemail until you feel ready to take the calls.
You will be more focused and get more accomplished, instead of having to say, “I’ll
have to get back to you on that” after hearing a ten minute explanation of the latest
crisis.

Be Your Own Master – Sit down with a pencil and paper or a calendar and figure out
how much free time you have.
Schedule and plan your activities at work and get your personal and family obligations
on the calendar. Treat these personal obligations with the same respect you would
treat a business meeting.

Don’t cancel personal appointments unless it is a real work emergency and, in the case
where you MUST cancel, reschedule immediately and apologize to your friend or family
member. Explain what is happening so they don’t think they are unimportant to you. And be sure
to keep the appointment you make with them the next time!

Don’t Procrastinate or Agonize – Don’t spend time during a family dinner worrying
about the presentation tomorrow. Put your mind back where it belongs. Worrying never
helped anyone accomplish a goal. If you are prepared for the presentation, just do it. If you aren’t prepared, it is doubtful that you will be prepared by the morning. So don’t worry about it.

Don’t procrastinate because you don’t like a particular activity. FIRST do those things you dislike the most, and then reward yourself by doing the things you most like to do.
Put things on the calendar and stick to the dates – don’t talk yourself into waiting or you
will just have more to do tomorrow!

Train and Delegate – Don’t tell yourself you don’t have the time to show someone else
how to do that job that you REALLY don’t have to do.
Take the time to teach them and soon you will have a well-oiled team machine going,
with everyone doing what they are capable of doing.
Don’t worry that the employee will take your job.

If you create a functioning team with everyone performing well, your reputation as a
manager, mentor and coach will give you a shot at that promotion you want.
And, when you don’t have to do ALL the work yourself, you will find a lot more time to
get those other tasks done and still get out of the office, shop or store on time and get
home for Mom’s birthday dinner.

The other benefit to this time management technique is that, when you go on vacation
or take that long-awaited three day weekend to go skiing, you will not have to call the
office every hour to be sure there isn’t some problem you have to solve.  Your family will greatly appreciate having your attention on a dedicated basis for a few days of much-needed bonding.

And don’t overlook job-sharing programs, and cross-training as concepts that will nicely
cover responsibilities and ensure that the company keeps running when you are not
there.

Get Organized – It is impossible to manage your schedule if you can’t find things or if
you have to recreate work or reinvent something because you lost it.
Take that Action List to heart and, starting today, put a task at the top of the list to
organize files, or to rearrange the store or inventory so it is easier to stock or to find
things.

Once you have things organized, don’t let them get out of control again.
The only way to justify the work involved in that reorganization is if you KNOW you will
never have to go through it again!

Keep a Realistic Perspective – Setting unrealistic goals is a mistake – whether it is the
completion date of a software project, or the time you think you can deliver that report to
your manager, if you underestimate the time required to get the work done, you will end
up working late and you’ll look bad to your boss.

Be realistic about when you plan to complete tasks and do your homework to be sure
that you can accomplish the task in this timeframe. Consider other ways to get the job done if you think these considerations will help you meet the deadline faster, but don’t promise what you can’t deliver.

It is good to set goals that challenge you, but if you can never reach the goal, you will
not do yourself any favors.

We’ll talk about your goals and what you really want in a little while, but for right now,
you need to think realistically about your dedication to a balanced life.

It will come with some sacrifices in certain areas, but it will reap many benefits in your
life – health, relationships and happiness to name a few.

Is balancing your work and your family life important enough for you to make some
tough choices? If it isn’t, you may not get the balance you want.

Time to change jobs?

Companies supporting balance are much easier to find than they used to be and it is more
acceptable today to say that you want this balance – whether you are male or female,
young or experienced, or working as an executive or a retail clerk.
The last area we need to discuss in the work half of the work/life balance is Time Management.

This may not apply to everyone, but it certainly applies to many people.
In surveys done across many job categories, including construction, service industries
like hotels and restaurants, small business owners and corporate moguls, a large
percentage of those surveyed said that they felt they needed to improve their time
management skills so that they didn’t need to spend as much time at work.
Many wanted to reduce the time they had to spend reworking tasks they had already
performed because they had done it wrong the first time.

You will find a few simple tips below, to get your time under control.
If you do these things, you will find that, even in the most stressful and time-consuming
jobs, you can reduce the hours you spend at work, and arrive home in a less stressed,
more family-friendly frame of mind!

Make a ‘To Do’ List – Then put these items in order, starting with the most critical. If
you could only get one thing done today, what would be the most important?
Cross the items off the list as you complete them, and don’t be distracted. Stay
focused!

Since we all have interruptions, be sure that, if you don’t accomplish the items toward
the bottom of you list on that day, you add them to your list the next day so you don’t
drop them.

Use a daily planner if that makes things easier.

Don’t Waste Time – Use your spare minutes well. Take the train to work instead of
driving and use that time to read critical reports you may have to review, or read your
new equipment training manual on the bus on the way home.

If you are going to take a break during the day and there is someone you have to see,
stop by their office and grab them to go for coffee, then talk about the issue and resolve
it while you are walking out in the sunshine and enjoying your java.

You’ll feel like you took a break AND got something accomplished at the same time.
Just Say ‘No’ – If your boss wants you to work late and you have a family engagement,
but you could work late the next night or come early in the morning, suggest alternatives
and see if those will work.

Don’t be so quick to accept the command without probing to find out if there is another
way to handle it.

If a co-worker asks you to lunch and you MUST finish a report by 3:00, politely decline
the invitation and suggest dinner or coffee later instead, and get the report done.
That way you don’t have to give up the pleasurable experience, but you won’t be
stressed out and working until 9:00 p.m. with your boss standing over your shoulder
bemoaning the delay.

If the project your boss dumps on your desk is a ‘rush’ but she already gave you
something that must be completed today, ask for clarification on priorities and give your
boss a reasonable projection of how long it will take to do both projects and whether you
can do both.

Don’t just take the project on and then not finish the other task she gave you, or you will
both be unhappy. Speak up!

Know Your Brain – Do you know what the Circadian Clock is? It’s that little clock in
your brain that controls when you feel the most wide awake and when you want to go to
sleep.

If you are a morning person, attack the most difficult problems in the morning when your
brain is the sharpest. That way you won’t have to rework the problem the next day
when you discover that the ‘afternoon you’ made the wrong decision about the budget.

Yoga has been part of our lives when it comes to tension and stress relief. Through
yoga we gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of oneself. It also serves as a
great tool to stay healthy and prevent certain diseases.

Yoga through the years of repeatedly usage has become a popular alternative
medicine. Today it is now used to cure chronic diseases and ailments in the different
body systems. It includes the nervous, circulatory, endocrine, respiratory, digestive,
reproductive and the musculoskeletal system.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone, including the elderly and those that have or suffers
from certain injuries. The use of specific yoga equipments can help people who are
not perfectly capable of doing yoga. The use of yoga Equipment can help you achieve
the maximum physical and mental results of your practice.

One of the best examples of yoga equipments is the Yoga bolsters.

Yoga bolsters are being used in various styles of yoga like the Bikram, Ananda and
Kripalu yoga. These are yoga form that needs much of your yoga bolsters for they
instill more use of extensive yoga poses.

Yoga bolsters provide support for the back, abdomen and legs. Yoga bolsters also
aids in the proper alignment of the body and the stack of spinal vertebrae.

It is also and effective way to cushion and relieve tension in your lower body and
upper body, the neck and the abdomen when doing your poses.

It aids yoga master in doing supine and passive yoga positions. Putting your yoga
bolsters on top of your mat provides added cushioning and support to your lower
body and makes your yoga session more comfortable.

Yoga bolsters are light and can be easily carried and stored at the corner of your
room. It can easily fit in to your drawer or a closet without taking much space.

Yoga bolsters also comes in a variety of size, shapes, colors and materials which is
designed to fit your need and preference.

Different sellers offer cylindrical, rectangular, Zafu, and a lot of other types of Yoga
Bolsters.

Sometime people buying yoga bolsters are quite confused on whether to buy
cylindrical or rectangular yoga bolsters.

So here are some brief discussions on the difference between this two. But if you are
into yoga class and like the yoga bolsters that you are using then you can buy the type you use.

Cylindrical bolsters are a larger and much more firm that the rectangular yoga bolsters.

Cylindrical yoga bolsters are heavier than the rectangular ones, owing the fact that
they have different respective filling materials with different weights.

You can do most things equally well with either kind of Bolster, but the different
shapes do have marginal advantages for certain poses.

Yoga Bolsters are used for comfort in different positions, and come in a variety of
shapes and sizes to provide that extra level of comfort and support. Placed under
knees, ankles, or neck, these Bolsters help to relieve muscle strain during difficult poses.

The round bolsters and Rectangle Bolster props, supports and encourages your body
to stretch, relax and open the areas that need it most.

What ever kind of bolsters that you need, I am sure that you will be able to find one
that will suit your needs.

If ever nothing would fit you in yoga store, make one of your own or find somebody
who can make them, giving you a much more flexibility and customization in getting
the yoga bolsters that you like.

You know that eating a vegetarian diet can decrease the incidence of heart disease and
certain types of cancers. You also know that it can make you leaner and healthier. But
so many of the health studies are done on men? What about women and the impact of a
vegetarian diet on their health as they age?

Diets that are high in protein, especially animal protein, tend to cause the body to excrete
more calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These three substances are the main components of urinary
tract stones. British researchers have advised that persons with a tendency to form kidney stones
should follow a vegetarian diet. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that high animal protein intake is largely responsible for the high prevalence of kidney stones in the United States and other developed countries and recommends protein restriction for the prevention of recurrent kidney stones.

For many of the same reasons, vegetarians are at a lower risk for osteoporosis. Since animal products force calcium out of the body, eating meat can promote bone loss. In nations with mainly vegetable diets (and without dairy product consumption), osteoporosis is less common than in the U.S., even when calcium intake is also less than in the U.S. Calcium is important, but there is no need to get calcium from dairy products.

We continue to consume meat, while at the same time downing calcium supplements and prescription drugs to prevent osteoporosis, that often have drastic side effects. And most experts agree that calcium supplements are inferior to calcium derived from natural food sources. Doesn’t it make more sense (and cents) to get your calcium from eating a healthier diet?

What are some good vegetarian sources of calcium? Orange juice, for one. Dry beans, such as
black-eyed peas, kidney beans and black beans are another good source, as are dark leafy vegetables such as broccoli and kale. Tofu is also a good source of calcium.

If you would like to learn more on how to change your life through healthy eating, I invite you to claim your FREE copy of my Special Report at http://dropmycalories.com.

Job Concerns:

Be sure that you aren’t contributing to the problem and that you have honestly tried to improve your relationship with the boss. Be sure that you don’t make things worse by offering to work longer hours or take someone else’s shift because you feel guilty.

If your attitude and feelings of obligation about work are contributing to your long
hours and burying you work you can never finish, you have to make some
changes in your work habits. This may sound easy, but it isn’t necessarily so.

Many people function from guilt and take on more than they should because they
want their bosses and co-workers to like them or they think they will get a
promotion or raise, when they actually aren’t required to do more than perform
well in order to be recognized.

If you have emotional issues about what is enough, or how to be well liked on the
job, you have to address those.

Some companies offer job coaches, or life coaches to help you through these
obstacles. If not, consider getting a life coach on your own time or go to a
counselor and work through your issues.

Remember, it is important to do a good job and even, many times, to go the extra
mile, but you should never put yourself in a position where you do all the work
while other people get paid the same amount or more and get promotions or time
off when you do not.

If you get to this point in your reading and you have become convinced that you would
have to change companies and jobs in order to achieve the balance you desire, don’t be
discouraged.

While you may think there are no companies out there that stress work/life balance, you
would be surprised at the number of companies – small and large – that are embracing
this philosophy as a way to attract and retain good employees.

Companies as diverse as Chubb, J.C. Penney, PrintingForLess, and RSM McLadrey
have programs in place, and report that their employees and managers have
enthusiastically embraced the work/life balance.

Employees are working together in teams, better than ever before, to ensure that the
work flow continues when they are away at attending a daughter or son’s kindergarten
graduation or taking advantage of a four day work week to catch up on their golf game.

As this trend continues, and more companies are forced to consider this balanced
environment to attract and keep valuable employees and skills, your search for the
perfect company will become much easier.

Yoga is all in rage lately. Everyday, a number of people decide to engage in Yoga for
the conveniences it brings, from the physical aspect down to the spiritual and mental health.

Various forms of Yoga correspond to different people of different walks of like, ages
and lifestyles. Yoga is open to all who can accommodate it. And one can perform or do
Yoga as often as he wishes without restriction. The effects and benefits are seen as
time goes by and it is not surprising that many people are inclined to it.

Yoga includes equipments, clothes, accessories as well as facilities to initiate learning.
So how are you going to get up and choose what you wear on Yoga activities?

Yoga clothes should always be inclined to giving the best comfort. Although there is
no particular Yoga clothe or apparel that you are supposed to wear during or when
performing Yoga, it is necessary that you are comfortable with what you wear.

However, there are some considerations when choosing your Yoga clothes.

First and foremost is comfort.

Since you are going to perform different positions or Yoga postures, you must wear
clothing that will not restrict you from moving freely in any manner. Your clothes
should offer ease of movement and must be attuned to letting your different body parts
to twist and stretch in various ways and postures.

It is advisable to choose a clothing which is made from pure organic cotton because
this will provide maximum comfort. With this kind of material, the body is allowed to
breathe as it should be. In addition, the clothing you choose must be sweat absorbent
so that you will not feel sticky and moist when you sweat during the activity.

Although there are far more attractive and appealing designs of yoga clothing that you
can choose from, always keep in mind to consider the clothing that fits you right and
that fits your body frame.

Next consideration is the expenses.

when you buy your Yoga clothes, you should not give in to the extremely soaring prices
despite its fashionable design or style. You should be practical enough so that you may
invest your money on some other things rather than just a piece of Yoga pants.

Why buy expensive designer Yoga clothes when you can buy a fashionable one at half the price?

It is important that you purchase the apparel that looks attractive yet packed with comfort
and a fitting price. Moreover, it is better that you purchase the clothes which can be worn
even without a Yoga class or session.

Multi-functionality is stresses here because it makes great savings and looks good to wear
as well. It will be impractical if you buy that one which lacks functionality and dynamism.
It is better to buy those which you can wear even on regular days.

There is much Yoga clothing which are not only good looking but also has a unique look when
worn outside of class. It is quite annoying to have bought Yoga clothes which shrink or
change its shape after being washed in a washing machine.

Avoid buying these because it would only give you a headache. Try to choose those clothes
made from organic materials and those that do not change shape easily.

It is also advised that you wear a good sports bra since this will help you a lot during
your Yoga class. This will provide support and therefore, must be comfortable and appropriate.

We’ve all been there. We’ve just come in from a long day at work and the last
thing on our minds taking the time to prepare a healthy, nutritionally sound
vegetarian meal.  But choosing a refined or enriched carbohydrate over the
beneficial carbohydrates that a solid, well-balanced vegetarian diet offers
defeats the purpose of your decision to live a vegetarian lifestyle, and that’s
for optimal health.  Consuming refined carbohydrates presents different hazards
to your health.

The over-consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugars can result in excess
insulin in the bloodstream. In the presence of excess insulin, glucose, the blood
sugar, is converted to triglycerides and stored in the fat cells of the body.

According to one study, consuming refined grains may also increase your risk of
getting stomach cancer. The research found that a high intake of refined grains
could increase a patient’s risk of stomach cancer.

In addition, refined sugars and carbohydrates have been implicated as a contributing
factor in increased gallbladder disease, according to a recent study.  It showed a
direct link between the amount of sugars eaten and the incidence of gallbladder disease.
Another study looked at the role carbohydrates play in the incidence of heart disease.
The researchers noted that as carbohydrate consumption increased, so did the level of
triglycerides in the blood of the participants. Diets low in fat and high in carbohydrates
not only dramatically raised triglyceride levels but significantly reduced levels of HDL,
the “good” cholesterol.

And lastly, refined white sugars increase the rate at which your body excretes calcium,
which is directly connected to your skeletal health.  Simply put, as your sugary and
refined carbohydrate intake increases, your bone density decreases.

So don’t be lazy! Do your body right and take the time to prepare a nutrient-dense and
delicious vegetarian meal.  Your body, and your conscience, will thank you for it in the long run.

If you would like to learn more on how to change your life through healthy eating, I invite you to claim your FREE copy of my Special Report at http://dropmycalories.com.

Work Options

Perhaps, on other days when things are quiet and slow, you can ask your boss to let you leave early and/or get compensatory time to reward you for the crazy hours you are expected to work during an emergency.

Don’t despair if you are a trauma nurse, or you work in the operating room or in other jobs where you have to work really tough shifts. Many hospitals, fire departments and other such companies are now using a 4- day on, 3-day off schedule or other schedules that let these critical workers
spend more time with their families.

These flexible schedules also allow employees to schedule daytime appointments, and to decompress from the sometimes-stressful experiences and events that occur while they are on the job.

If your employer does not participate in these schedules, perhaps you want to take your skills elsewhere.

Seasonal jobs may give you the opportunity to negotiate hours, as well. Put your nose to the grindstone during Christmas hours in a retail store, or summer hours in a surf shop, and ask for extra time off to reward your dedication during the off season.

Look carefully at your position and determine if you have a ‘job’ or a ‘career’. If you are in it for the long haul and hope to continue the climb to upper management, you can expect to work much longer hours and endure a lot more stress.

Can you take another job in a lower stress environment, perhaps a company that prides itself on being ‘family friendly’ and still get into management? If you want to stay in the company you are in, and continue to climb, and if your company is not dedicated to a balanced life for their employees, you may find it very difficult, if not impossible, to balance your life.

If you are in a position to do so, and your company does not recognize the need for and value of a balanced work and family approach, consider going to your human resource department or to your manager and starting a grass roots movement to look at this issue.

Of course, management may immediately think you simply want to do less work than they want you to accomplish. To counter this, you’ll need to arm yourself with information.
There are all kinds of studies on increased productivity, employee retention and performance that support the decision to create a balanced work and family environment.

Companies like DuPont, Motorola, Hewlett-Packard, Marriott International  and many others have instituted these programs and your employer may look to these leaders to get some ideas.
There are resources available online for you and for your company. These resources include seminars for company employees, and documents that teach managers and employees how to better manage time and workload so that the employee can accomplish more work, and produce excellent output – all in less time.

Look at sites like these:
http://www.bc.edu/centers/cwf/
http://cwfr.la.psu.edu/research.htm
http://www.familiesandwork.org/
http://www.workandfamily.org/
http://www.workfamily.com/
http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/index.html

You’ll notice that many of these sites are sponsored by universities and these universities often participate with companies to help them execute a work/life balance strategy.

In exchange, the university gains valuable insight and knowledge that they use to
advance their studies. You will also notice that many of these sites have online courses, or self-paced courses to walk management and/or employees through the process of planning
for and executing a balanced work/life program.

If the reason you are working really long hours, under tremendous stress is that
your boss is a lunatic, then you need to change jobs. Before you do that, you
have to honest with yourself.