Thursday, 31 January 2008

Stress down day

Tomorrow, 1st February 2008, it is Stress Down Day in the UK.

In conjuction with The Samaritans, the day aims to stamp out stress and asks eveyone to wear their slippers and take part in stress reducing activities.

Each of us cope with stress in different ways. Ask yourself the following questions:

On a scale of 1-10, how much stress do you have in your life at the moment?

How do you cope with stress?

What three things could you do differently to cope with stress better?

If you would like some hints and tips to manage stress in your life, visit the site for more information. Go to http://www.stressdownday.org/.

Monday, 21 January 2008

Miserable Monday - the bleakest day of the year

On the radio this morning, it was announced that today is the bleakest day of the year. It is the day when many of us have run out of money after Christmas and are facing our credit card bills, the weather is terrible and we've broken our New Year's resolutions! How was today for you? What did you do to counteract this tale of doom and gloom?

Here is my advice to you:

1. Take time to be grateful for all the good things in your life.

2. Don't just make New Year's resolutions every year, but set yourself realistic and achievable goals to make long lasting change in your life.

3. Plan things that you are going to enjoy in your life, whether it is going out for an evening with friends or planning your dream holiday.

4. If you are feeling low, get some fresh air and exercise - take a walk around the block.

5. And if you are not happy with something in your life, what is stopping you from making a change?

Oh and ignore the media hype and just believe that you are going to have a fantastic day!

Friday, 18 January 2008

How long is your commute?

According to recent research by Peninsula, which was published by HR Look www.hrlook.com on Thursday, it now takes the average UK employee 1 hour and 5 minutes to commute to work, which is double the time that it took in 2003 (35 minutes).

The study has shown that the following reasons affect the increase in journey times:

Public transport late or cancelled
Road congestion
Accident creating severe delays
Public transport breaking down en-route
Public transport too full to stop and pick up passengers

How long does it take for you to travel to work?

How does this impact on you?

How much of a consideration is commuting time if you are seeking a new job?

Please share your experiences - I look forward to hearing from you.

Oh and if you are seeking career change, subscribe to the free Self Discovery newsletter today at www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk and you receive a career satisfaction quiz and career planning report

Friday, 4 January 2008

Rediscover your career in 2008

In 2007, various studies were undertaken by organisations in the UK to measure employee satisfaction.

In a recent "Happiness at work" survey undertaken by Badenoch and Clark, it revealed that one in four office workers were unhappy with their job. It cited that the most disenchanted workers are men working in IT and telecoms, and more men said they were unhappy at work than women.

As stated by Buckminster Fuller, "the moment you know what you really want to do, it's really a different kind of life".

"No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change" - Barbara De Angelis

Think about this, what is important about your job?

Does it give you a feeling of happiness or satisfaction?

Does it give meaning to your life?

Or is it just something you do to pay the bills?

The concept of a job used to focus on the importance of a good salary, security, pension and benefits. But for many people, a greater importance is placed on feeling satisfied. This includes job satisfaction, career enhancement and being fulfilled at work.

There is no longer the concept of a job or career for life. More people want freedom and work life balance and there has been a greater shift in expectations and desire.

It is not always easy to plan your career, but your future success depends on how well you plan and the decisions you take.

Do you want to rediscover your career in 2008?

Sign up to the Self Discovery newsletter to receive the free career planning mini e-book to help you to plan your career in 2008. You will also receive monthly tips to help you to rediscover your career. Go to www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk for more information.