Managing Stress

A silhouette artwork and illustration of a walking man with crown

How to Reduce Stress at Work: Avoid Toxic Social Narcissists  

By Sylvia Lafair | August 9, 2022 | Comments Off on How to Reduce Stress at Work: Avoid Toxic Social Narcissists  

Summary: We live with fake news, general rancor, sizzle and sparkle, slander, and superficiality. As leaders, you must look at the information you receive more intently. Here are ways to judge if someone is here to help or hinder long-term success.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I watched a recent 60 Minutes segment that was chilling. It…

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a man moving toward his goal

5 Ways to Handle Stress at Work and Become Resilient

By Sylvia Lafair | August 2, 2022 | Comments Off on 5 Ways to Handle Stress at Work and Become Resilient

Summary: When tough times happen, it’s easy to pull the covers over your head and stuff down the upset or go to the other extreme and shout it out. A powerful way to drop the doldrums and be courageous is often finding courage from others. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Between the heat, the unrelenting virus, and…

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words have power quote

How to Use Your Favorite 4-Letter Word and Make a Positive Difference 

By Sylvia Lafair | July 19, 2022 | Comments Off on How to Use Your Favorite 4-Letter Word and Make a Positive Difference 

Summary: The world has changed, and more freedom of speech exists. However, freedom has a downside. The big question is how to use that freedom productively rather than hurt and hinder relationships.   Dear Dr. Sylvia,  Am I alone in using strong words to help calm me down when I am upset?  I think not.  However,…

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I must not tell lies written over and over again in a notebook

We All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You? 

By Sylvia Lafair | July 6, 2022 | Comments Off on We All Tell Lies, Which Type of Liar Are You? 

Summary: We have all heard “the truth shall set you free,”; yet, lying is a daily occurrence. Read on to see which pattern, from fibs to fraud, fits your personality and, more importantly, what to do about it.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I don’t know who to believe anymore. When I ask my direct reports about…

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mental health

How to Be In Charge of Stress NOT Just Cope

By Sylvia Lafair | June 21, 2022 | Comments Off on How to Be In Charge of Stress NOT Just Cope

Summary: I did a survey asking the following question: What are your usual coping mechanisms? Here are new ways to cope with today’s stress. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Is the world moving faster? Perhaps it’s just me? Nah, I understand that we have more technology to give us information at warp speed. Thus, we know more…

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A woman holding two face-like masks

Here’s How To Identify and Cope With Stress Now and Forever!

By Sylvia Lafair | May 17, 2022 | Comments Off on Here’s How To Identify and Cope With Stress Now and Forever!

Summary: Are you looking for stress relief? Is your stress higher at work or at home? Here is how to cope with stress and help those around you benefit.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  Even though I don’t know Will Smith, I keep getting a whack on the side of my head! At least, it’s only figuratively. …

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road signs

Leadership Skills to Stop the Maddening Communication from Mixed Messages

By Sylvia Lafair | April 26, 2022 | Comments Off on Leadership Skills to Stop the Maddening Communication from Mixed Messages

Summary: When stress gets high, mixed messages go even higher. Here are some ways to stay in the “safe stress zone” when you get inconsistent and unclear messages. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am an intelligent vice president at a very sophisticated marketing company. I guess I shouldn’t brag. However, it’s the truth. Most importantly, I…

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Creative Energy Options

What To Do When You Feel Overwhelmed and Frustrated

By Sylvia Lafair | March 8, 2022 | Comments Off on What To Do When You Feel Overwhelmed and Frustrated

Summary: If you have ever felt overwhelmed and frustrated, you’ll relate to what my coaching client said. When you feel overwhelmed mistakes will happen. Dear Dr. Sylvia, “I had a fender bender on the way to work because I was late and rushing; I tripped going on the up escalator. (Who the heck ever stumbles…

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Creative Energy Options

Valentine Gift: Give Stress the Day Off

By Sylvia Lafair | February 8, 2022 | Comments Off on Valentine Gift: Give Stress the Day Off

Summary: Red roses, dark chocolate, or a shiny new car are great gifts for the special day to celebrate love. However, if you give stress the day off, you give the best gift, you being fully present. That’s the best present of all. Even on the best of days, stress can prevent you from being…

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Creative Energy Options

Overwhelmed? We All Are!

By Sylvia Lafair | January 11, 2022 | Comments Off on Overwhelmed? We All Are!

Summary: What do you do when plans are derailed and there is no light at the end of the tunnel? Here’s what to do with feeling overwhelmed. Did you ever want to lash out at someone and instead yell at your ever-faithful dog? Or, make nasty comments to your indoor plants for demanding attention. as…

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