Managing Stress

Thanksgiving 2023: How to Navigate for a Favorable Time with Family

By Sylvia Lafair | November 20, 2023 | Comments Off on Thanksgiving 2023: How to Navigate for a Favorable Time with Family

Summary: Did you know that Thanksgiving Day is a high-stress time for most people? Think of it this way. Family dynamics can be as diverse as the food on the table. Navigating family interactions during this holiday requires a delicate balance of understanding, communication, and patience. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I need help with the right…

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Culture Killers in the Workplace: Unmasking the Culprits

By Sylvia Lafair | September 18, 2023 | Comments Off on Culture Killers in the Workplace: Unmasking the Culprits

Summary: A healthy workplace culture fosters employee engagement, innovation, and productivity. However, culture killers can be equally potent in dragging an organization down. These toxic elements can erode trust, hinder collaboration, and stifle creativity. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know there will be missteps and upsets in every work arena. After all, humans are not perfect…

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10 reasons Why Parents MUST Be in Charge of Stress Management at Home

By Sylvia Lafair | August 14, 2023 | Comments Off on 10 reasons Why Parents MUST Be in Charge of Stress Management at Home

Summary: Parents who see the advantage of learning to keep stress in “the safe stress zone” can then take proactive steps to reduce stress at home and teach their children better-coping mechanisms. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I need a more effective way to handle the conflicts and yelling at home. My children are fine and fun…

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Why Psychological Safety Is Cost-Effective at Work

By Sylvia Lafair | June 14, 2023 | Comments Off on Why Psychological Safety Is Cost-Effective at Work

Summary: Most twenty-first-century workplaces are rife with negativity, tension, and conflict, with enormous costs ranging from decreased productivity to lawsuits. Here are some ideas on developing psychological safety and making positive cultural changes. Dear Dr. Sylvia, The complaining at work about too little time and too much to do is getting old. I have team…

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Two Golden State Warriors’ basketball players

Rebuilding Trust: The Warriors’ Path to Championship Greatness after the “Green-Poole Incident”

By Sylvia Lafair | May 26, 2023 | Comments Off on Rebuilding Trust: The Warriors’ Path to Championship Greatness after the “Green-Poole Incident”

Summary: What happens when a fist hits flesh? Or when words sting and burn? Conflict is a BIG problem that can make teams thrive if handled effectively. Conversely, customers and employees leave (or lose championship games) when conflict is swept under the rug. Here are my thoughts about best practices for conflict resolution. Dear Dr.…

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A girl wearing glasses and holding onto a pile of books, smiling for the camera in front of a blackboard

10 Proven Strategies for Educators to Empower Students in Coping with Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | March 31, 2023 | Comments Off on 10 Proven Strategies for Educators to Empower Students in Coping with Stress

Summary: Is the world spinning out of control? It feels that way with the speed of negative issues that seem to impact everyone, everywhere, all at once. Here are some ways to help students cope with the complexities of modern life. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am a high school English teacher. My kids are hurting…

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Influential Leaders Practice Safe Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | January 13, 2023 | Comments Off on Influential Leaders Practice Safe Stress

Summary: The beginning of each new year offers unique possibilities for growth and health. At the core, it is mostly about attitude. Here are some tips on navigating your world to make it special. Dear Dr. Sylvia, The new year has not been friendly to me. To clarify, I live in what used to be…

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Here Are Two Short Questions to Ask Yourself During the Holidays

By Sylvia Lafair | December 20, 2022 | Comments Off on Here Are Two Short Questions to Ask Yourself During the Holidays

Summary: Life is like a sandwich. Endings and beginnings are like the top and bottom pieces of bread; the rest is considered the sandwich filling.  Dear ….  The holidays are known as a time of fun, festivities, and fascinating happenings.   It is also a time to reflect and plan for the new year.  With all…

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The Future of Work Means Choosing Dialogue Over Debate. Here’s What To Consider.

By Sylvia Lafair | December 14, 2022 | Comments Off on The Future of Work Means Choosing Dialogue Over Debate. Here’s What To Consider.

Summary: We are in new territory in the world of work. It’s time to take advantage of the opportunities gained by collaborating rather than condemning.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I am having a retreat with my senior staff to discuss the future of work.  I know you believe in leadership programs for everyone.  I’m not sure…

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What Educators Face as The World Changes and Helpful Solutions

By Sylvia Lafair | December 12, 2022 | Comments Off on What Educators Face as The World Changes and Helpful Solutions

Summary: We are in new territory post-pandemic, and the education system needs an upgrade, or we will keep losing dedicated educators. Here’s what to do. With a radical idea at the end of this post. If you’re a classroom teacher feeling the pressure of your job, I can help you identify the signs of teacher…

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