Managing Stress

What Do Hair Stylists, Dentists, and Therapists Have in Common?

By Sylvia Lafair | October 18, 2022 |

Summary: Where does “help others feel good about themselves” fit into your career? Here’s what science says matters most in stress management programs. Here’s the story that was told to me: Meet exhausted Johnathan. The virus was turbulent, and Jonathan and Suzie, his wife, were at their wit’s end. Their six-month-old son was up-all-night crying.…

How Salon Owners and Hair Stylists Become Stress Masters at Work 

By Sylvia Lafair | October 11, 2022 |

Summary: Here are ways to identify and change the stress in your life for personal growth and stress mastery. Stress sucks! Especially when it follows you to work. There you will often meet various versions of Debbie or Don Downer.   Trust me; they are everywhere.  For example, you know the type—the guy or gal who…

Tom Brady, Microsoft Tablets, and Work/Home Relationships 

By Sylvia Lafair | September 27, 2022 |

Summary: Few things seem more different than the worlds of work and home. However, it is a myth that we can separate them. Stress in one area often tumbles into the other. Here are some tips for creating a better balance.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  Yesterday I did what I now call “A Tom Brady move.† …

How to Manage Anger at Work, Home, Everywhere 

By Sylvia Lafair | August 30, 2022 |

Summary: What do you do when anger boils over into your relationships? Do you walk away from angry confrontations with ease and grace? Perhaps you are left with hurt feelings, emotional scars, or physical ills. Here are ways to control anger before it becomes a tsunami.   Dear Dr. Sylvia,  These days fill with tension and…

Join the Sanity Challenge!

By Sylvia Lafair | August 23, 2022 |

Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I hear your Sanity Challenge is lots of fun and very informative. I don’t want to wait day after day. Therefore, can you send me a week worth of exercises I can do when I want?  I tend to be a rebel who hates being on anyone’s timeline but my own.  I…

4 Mistakes Leaders Make That Cause Stress to Boil Over 

By Sylvia Lafair | August 16, 2022 |

Summary: Too much stress is self-induced and comes from how we react to change. While the change won’t stop, how you respond can make a difference. While I know this is a fundamental concept, here are ways to look at your responses in a different light.  Dear Dr. Sylvia,  I’ll make this short and sweet.…

How to Reduce Stress at Work: Avoid Toxic Social Narcissists  

By Sylvia Lafair | August 9, 2022 |

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…

5 Ways to Handle Stress at Work and Become Resilient

By Sylvia Lafair | August 2, 2022 |

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…

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

By Sylvia Lafair | July 19, 2022 |

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,…

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

By Sylvia Lafair | July 6, 2022 |

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…