Stress

Your Mental Health and Burnout

By Sylvia Lafair | May 12, 2021 |

Dear Dr. Sylvia, The pandemic has changed the way we talk about mental health. And that’s a good thing. Isn’t it? For example, there are more and more conversations about how to stay healthy and engage in self care. Mental Health means self-care As a result, good mental health includes quiet time for oneself, eating…

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month for Leaders at Work, Home, Everywhere

By Sylvia Lafair | May 4, 2021 |

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? It’s a great time to spotlight effective ways to let go of over-the-top stress and anxiety. Above all, Covid has profoundly impacted people of all ages at home, school, and work. Now, more than ever, the stigma around mental health struggles needs to be addressed.…

When Feedback Makes YOU Defensive Here’s What To Do About It

By Sylvia Lafair | April 28, 2021 |

From the time we arrive on the planet, we are in a constant feedback loop. Before we have verbal language to support us, we use body language. For example: cry for a diaper change or food, and someone shows up. Studies show that babies respond to the nonverbal messages from a caretaker and adjust to…

How Perfectionists Limit Stress (at least for a short time)

By Sylvia Lafair | April 20, 2021 |

Do you work or live with someone who are perfectionists and want everything to be “just right?” Or perhaps you are the one who says, “Nah, it’s not ready yet. I still need to make it better.” Where, oh where, do you think that yearning to be perfect comes from? Above all, it’s from fear…

5 Surprising Secrets Leaders Use to Stay Calm When Stress Is High

By Sylvia Lafair | April 13, 2021 |

Your performance as a leader is directly related to how calm you can remain when stress hits the hot button. Above all, learn various ways to keep that darn stress at bay. The only thing that won’t work is to be told, “Stay calm.” Above all, what you need to do is… something. Here’s what…

How Successful Leaders Handle Stress and Family

By Sylvia Lafair | April 7, 2021 |

Summary: The powerful mother and daughter relationship impacts all adult relationships. You can change your behavior once you do a deep dive into how you and your mother forged a bond in your childhood. How do successful women do it? Did you ever think about what it means to be a grown-up and a child…

5 Ways for Leaders to Lessen Stress at Work

By Sylvia Lafair | April 1, 2021 |

Dear Dr. Sylvia,My boss decided that it was time for him to retire. Consequently, I am nominated to take his position. Above all, I am honored and very nervous. Yes, very nervous! Therefore, I need some help from you. Firstly, I want to take advantage of your vast knowledge of workplace relationships and your astute…

Conflict Competence: The Answer to Your Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | February 25, 2021 |

Stressed out? Conflict competence is the solution. Read on to learn more… Dear Dr Sylvia,   I have a question. I need more than just a simple answer.  Therefore, what I am asking for is a solution.  Further, I need an action plan.  As a result, if you can do that, I will follow you forever.  To clarify, let me say,…

Procrastinate? Who Me? I’ll Get Back To You About This Tomorrow!

By Sylvia Lafair | February 25, 2021 |

Wonder why you keep putting off doing things? What or who do you blame? Here we explore the procrastinator-perfection-paralysis syndrome. Hey, you wonder what is procrastination anyway. It really comes down to one ugly underlying habit: people-pleasing. Here’s how to stop. Dear Dr. Sylvia,  It took me weeks to finally press the “send” button on my email…

3 Mental Health Methods Proven to Master Conflict

By Sylvia Lafair | February 24, 2021 |

Become conflict competent. Yes…even if you argue and complain, you can learn to stop excessive upset. Become a conflict-competent leader. Here’s how to do it. Dear Dr. Sylvia,  My mental health is going down the drain. Consequently, I become nasty. Yes, I even scare myself of how I act, much of the time. As a…