Stress

A pattern of people lined up

How Patterns of Behavior Differ from Habits: What You Need to Know

By Sylvia Lafair | January 28, 2025 | Comments Off on How Patterns of Behavior Differ from Habits: What You Need to Know

Summary: Understanding the distinction between behavior patterns and habits is essential when examining personal growth and professional success. Although we often use these terms interchangeably, they represent two distinct concepts that impact how we navigate relationships, make decisions, and respond to challenges. Let’s delve into how patterns of behavior and habits differ and why recognizing…

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Football player making a touchdown

Stress Goes for a Touchdown

By Sylvia Lafair | January 23, 2025 | Comments Off on Stress Goes for a Touchdown

How Excellent Behavior Leads to Victory On and Off the Field Summary: As Super Bowl LIX nears, the NFL’s best will take the field, showcasing skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. The game will offer leadership lessons far beyond touchdowns, teaching us that character and excellent behavior often define true winners. Dear Dr. Sylvia, There is so…

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A green sprout growing and navigating through hard times

Facing Irrevocable Change and Navigating Tough Times

By Sylvia Lafair | January 13, 2025 | Comments Off on Facing Irrevocable Change and Navigating Tough Times

Summary: Change, of course, is an inevitable part of life, but some changes hit us harder than others. These are the seismic shifts—the ones that feel irrevocable, reshaping the foundation of our world. Whether it’s losing a loved one, a significant career upheaval, or moments being caught in the extremes of climate change, that’s when…

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Business man pushing 7lbs of emotional weight off the edge of a cliff

How to Lose 7 Pounds of Emotional Stress in 7 Days

By Sylvia Lafair | January 7, 2025 | Comments Off on How to Lose 7 Pounds of Emotional Stress in 7 Days

Summary: Ah, stress. It’s like that unexpected guest who shows up, plants themselves on your couch, and refuses to leave until you figure out what they’re really there for. But here’s the kicker: what if stress wasn’t the villain we always make it out to be? What if we started this shiny new year by…

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Cookies for holiday reflections

A Holiday Reflection: Finding Hope in the Season’s Honest Truths

By Sylvia Lafair | December 26, 2024 | Comments Off on A Holiday Reflection: Finding Hope in the Season’s Honest Truths

Summary: The holiday season is often wrapped in shimmering lights, cheerful music, and the promise of togetherness. Yet, for many, it brings a complex mix of emotions: nostalgia, joy, longing, and stress. This is a time to pause, reflect, and connect with the holiday season in our increasingly complicated world. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I keep…

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Girl holding Christmas trees in front of her eyes to celebrate the holidays

The Importance of Presence Over Presents

By Sylvia Lafair | December 24, 2024 | Comments Off on The Importance of Presence Over Presents

Summary: It’s easy to equate showing love and appreciation with giving physical gifts. Presents can be thoughtful and meaningful. However, something far more valuable cannot be wrapped or tied with a bow: your presence. Here are some things to think about. Dear Dr. Sylvia, When all the “oooh’s and ahhha’s” after unwrapping the special gifts…

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Want Less Stress, and Feel “SO ZEN”: How to Keep The Stress Hormone Cortisol in Check

By Sylvia Lafair | November 25, 2024 | Comments Off on Want Less Stress, and Feel “SO ZEN”: How to Keep The Stress Hormone Cortisol in Check

Summary: Stress is a natural part of life, and our bodies are designed to handle it, at least in short bursts. At the center of this response lies cortisol, the primary hormone responsible for regulating stress. However, in today’s world of relentless deadlines, 24/7 connectivity, and mounting pressures, cortisol levels can remain chronically high, leading…

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A man in chef 's hat and apron holding knife over turkey.

Why Leaders Offer Help with Stress But Ignore Its Triggers: A Wake-Up Call

By Sylvia Lafair | November 20, 2024 | Comments Off on Why Leaders Offer Help with Stress But Ignore Its Triggers: A Wake-Up Call

Summary: Stress is no stranger to the modern workplace. Deadlines, performance reviews, and balancing personal and professional lives create a pressure cooker environment. Many leaders recognize stress’s toll on their teams, offering perks like yoga classes, meditation apps, or flexible work hours. Yet, one crucial element often gets overlooked: the root causes of stress. The…

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A man and boy shaking hands in front of a couch.

Why Business Leaders Struggle to See How Family Patterns Show Up at Work — And Why It Matters

By Sylvia Lafair | November 18, 2024 | Comments Off on Why Business Leaders Struggle to See How Family Patterns Show Up at Work — And Why It Matters

Summary: As a business leader, you juggle a multitude of responsibilities—strategizing for growth, inspiring teams, managing resources, and navigating conflict. Yet, a hidden element influences how you handle these challenges: patterns from your family of origin. These ingrained patterns shape your reactions to conflict, guide your communication style, and influence your decision-making processes. Despite their…

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Women sitting at a desk stressed with work

Why Stress Costs Organizations Billions of Dollars AND What To Do About It

By Sylvia Lafair | October 17, 2024 | Comments Off on Why Stress Costs Organizations Billions of Dollars AND What To Do About It

Summary: Let’s discuss the benefits of a stress management program for you and your staff. You need the best tools to control frustration, anger, and general upset as a leader. It’s not enough to say, “Stress is over the top,” and let it go. Dig under the obvious to find and release the invisible stress…

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