Positive Thinking: Healthy Choices Linked With Outlook On Life Study Claims

Attitude really is everything.

A new study shows that having a healthy, "can-do" attitude is linked with good-for-you lifestyle choices like healthy eating, exercising and abstaining from smoking.

"Understanding the psychological underpinning of a person’s eating patterns and exercise habits is central to understanding obesity," study researcher Deborah Cobb-Clark, director of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, said in a statement.

The study included information from 3,412 men and 3,901 women between ages 15 and 69 who were part of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey between 2003 and 2010.

The researchers found a strong correlation between a person's take-charge outlook on life -- whether they thought they had control over their own life outcomes -- and actually living the healthier lifestyle, compared with people who perceived life as more "up to fate."

They also found that men and women had different perceptions on what it means to be healthy: men were more likely in the study to want to see a physical result of their healthy lifestyle, whereas women were more likely to just enjoy the everyday benefits of living healthily.

The study was released as a "discussion paper" and has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed study; therefore, its findings should be considered preliminary.

Every little thing that could promote a healthy lifestyle -- even if it is just attitude! -- adds up. 

A recent study in the British Medical Journal showed healthy habits (exercising, eating right, not smoking) pay off even in elderly age. Karolinska Institute researchers were able to show these activities were linked with five extra years of life among elderly women, and six extra years of life among elderly men.

Another study in the journal Aging showed that having a positive attitude (not to mention a good sense of humor, and low levels of neuroticism) was a shared character trait among centenarians -- suggesting that these could be vital factors to living a long life, ABC News reported.

Article Link: HUFFPOST HEALTHY LIVING

ARTIKEL DRUCKEN / PRINT THIS ARTICLE (Click)

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BUSINESS DOCTORS NEWS!!

3. BUSINESS DOCTORS SYMPOSIUM 2014

Gesund bleiben
Von der Arbeitsgesellschaft zur Dienstleistungsgesellschaft

Das sind Titel und Thema des 3. Symposiums, das von den Business Doctors im Rahmen des
„Europäischen Forums für generationengerechte und gesunde Arbeitswelten“

vom 16. bis zum 17 Oktober 2014
in der Friedensburg Schlaining abgehalten wird.

Top Referenten aus Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Politik setzen sich in Vorträgen und Workshops mit den durch diese kulturelle Revolution in unseren Arbeitswelten herbeigeführten Änderungen auseinander und geben Einblick in die neusten Erkenntnisse und Entwicklungen, insbesondere der Stress-und Burnout forschung, wie auch in die neuesten Methoden der Stress- und Burnoutprävention. 

Erfolgreiche „Best Practice“ Beispiele runden das hochqualitative Programm ab. 

 INFO LINK (KLICK NOW!)

Informationen und Anmeldungen unter office@business-doctors.at

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SYMPOSIUM 2013

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DANKE!!

 

Informationen:
Zahlen, Daten und Fakten zu den berufsgruppenspezifischen Stress – und Burnoutstudien, Leistungseinbußen durch Stress, etc. sowie Infos zur BIS Business Intelligence Software mit dem Einsparungspotentialrechner sind unter www.business-doctors.at abrufbar.

Die Business Doctors Kostenfreie „Stress & Burnout Check“ APP für Android User ist im Google Play Store unter dem Suchbegriff „businessdoctors“ frei zum info-download.

 Click hier....Danke!

Ihr Ansprechpartner:

Franz Daublebsky,

daublebsky@business-doctors.at

Tel. 0664 / 101 2333

Empfehlung von Business Doctors

Wichtiger Hinweis:

Diese Seite enthält nur allgemeine Hinweise und Sie kann einen Arztbesuch nicht ersetzen. Die Beantwortung individueller Fragen durch unsere Experten:
 Email: office@business-doctors.at

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How Meditation Can Reduce Stress

Everyone experiences some degree of workplace stress, but over time, even small stressors can take a big toll on your physical and mental health, eventually leading to exhaustion and burnout.

You can help prevent burnout by establishing a daily meditation routine: even just a few minutes a day can provide real benefits.

Studies have shown that meditation decreases stress and anxiety, and it increases focus and concentration. It can also have direct physical benefits: it helps to decrease blood pressure, increases blood flow to the heart and decreases muscle tension—including the muscles that cause stress-related tension headaches!

Meditation Decreases Your Stress & Anxiety

It is a well-known fact that chronic stress negatively affects both the body and the mind. Meditation can help mitigate stress by promoting relaxation and helping you let go of daily worries. It also increases positive feelings and tolerance, so you’ll be less likely lash out when your child refuses to cooperate or your boss piles on additional work at the last minute.

Tense situations simply won’t rattle you as much. A daily practice will also lessen the chances of reaching for unhealthy stress-relief options that cause damage, such as smoking, binge drinking or overeating.

Meditation Increases Your Focus & Concentration

It teaches you to focus on the present moment, which means you can more effectively tune out unhelpful distractions and complete the tasks in front of you. This improved focus leads to better prioritizing and decision-making both at work and in life.

Many busy working people feel that meditation is just another time-consuming activity to add to an already over-scheduled day. However, by taking just a few minutes out of your day to relax and focus, you are actually likely to increase your productivity—and stave off burnout at the same time.

Meditation Improves Your Physical Health

If you feel healthy and strong, you are less likely to become overwhelmed by stress and experience burnout. Meditation has been linked to a host of physical benefits including pain relief, lower oxygen consumption and decreased respiratory rate.

Regular practice has also been shown to decrease blood pressure and increase blood flow to the heart. In addition, meditation helps promote restful sleep and the ability to give up unhealthful behaviors like substance abuse.

Furthermore, many common illnesses are exacerbated by stress, and meditating helps keep stress at bay. It has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms from a host of ailments, ranging from arthritis to allergies to cancer to PMS. 

It is also linked to stronger immune systems and shorter post-operation healing times. 

(Meditation is not a replacement for medication, of course, but many physicians are now recommending meditation as a complementary addition to traditional medical treatment.) If you are looking to improve your physical health, there is really no reason not to try it.

In addition to providing all of these benefits, meditation is completely free and accessible to anyone. There is no special equipment required, and you can do it from pretty much anywhere. (If you’re having a stressful day at work, you can take five-minutes to meditate in your car—or even in a stairwell!)

However, many people have difficulties establishing a routine at first. It may help to create a small space in your home that you use exclusively for meditating, and to set aside a specific time of day as your designated meditation time. You can start with just five minutes a day (use a timer to help yourself keep track). If you still have trouble sticking with it, there are many free resources available online that can help.

LINK: WorkLife Balance 

Denmark Is the Happiest Country on Earth! You'll Never Guess Why

October 2013

Last month, Denmark was crowned the happiest country in the world.

“The top countries generally rank higher in all six of the key factors identified in the World Happiness Report,” wrote University of British Columbia economics professor John Helliwell, one of the report's contributing authors. 

“Together, these six factors explain three quarters of differences in life evaluations across hundreds of countries and over the years.”

The six factors for a happy nation split evenly between concerns on a government- and on a human-scale. 

The happiest countries have in common a large GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy at birth and a lack of corruption in leadership. 

But also essential were three things over which individual citizens have a bit more control over: 

A sense of social support, freedom to make life choices and a culture of generosity.

"There is now a rising worldwide demand that policy be more closely aligned with what really matters to people as they themselves characterize their well-being," economist Jeffrey Sachs said in a statement at the time of the report's release.

But why Denmark over any of the other wealthy, democratic countries with small, educated populations? 

And can the qualities that make this Nordic country the happiest around apply to other cultures across the globe? 

Here are a few things Danes do well that any of us can lobby for:

Denmark supports parents

While American women scrape by with an average maternal leave of 10.3 weeks, Danish families receive a total of 52 weeks of parental leave. Mothers are able to take 18 weeks and fathers receive their own dedicated 2 weeks at up to 100 percent salary. 

The rest of the paid time off is up to the family to use as they see fit.

But the support doesn't stop at the end of this time. Danish children have access to free or low-cost child care. And early childhood education is associated with health and well-being throughout life for its recipients -- as well as for mothers. 

What's more, this frees up young mothers to return to the work force if they'd like to. 

The result? 

In Denmark, 79 percent of mothers return to their previous level of employment, compared to 59 percent of American women. These resources mean that women contribute 34 to 38 percent of income in Danish households with children, compared to American women, who contribute 28 percent of income.

Health care is a civil right -- and a source of social support

Danish citizens expect and receive health care as a basic right. But what's more, they know how to effectively use their health systems. Danish people are in touch with their primary care physician an average of nearly seven times per year, according to a 2012 survey of family medicine in the country. And that means they have a single advocate who helps them navigate more complicated care.

"This gatekeeping system essentially is designed to support the principle that treatment ought to take place at the lowest effective care level along with the idea of continuity of care provided by a family doctor," wrote the authors of the family medicine survey.

By contrast, Americans seek medical care an average of fewer than four times per year and they don't just visit their general practitioner -- this figure includes emergency room visits, where many uninsured Americans must access doctors. This diversity of resources means that many Americans don't have continuity of care -- not a single medical professional advocating for them and putting together a comprehensive medical history.

Gender equality is prioritized

It isn't just parents who can expect balanced gender norms. Denmark regularly ranks among the top 10 countries in a World Economic Forum's yearly report that measures gender equality. 

While no country in the world has yet achieved gender parity, Denmark and other Nordic countries are coming close. That is in no small part because of the strong presence of women in leadership positions. 

Reported the World Economic Forum:
The Nordic countries were also early starters in providing women with the right to vote (Sweden in 1919, Norway in 1913, Iceland and Denmark in 1915, Finland in 1906). In Denmark, Sweden and Norway, political parties introduced voluntary gender quotas in the 1970s, resulting in high numbers of female political representatives over the years. In Denmark, in fact, this quota has since been abandoned as no further stimulus is required.

Indeed, the country currently has its first female prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt (although she has been leader of the Social Democrat party since 2005). Its blockbuster hit television show, Borgen, features a female prime minister as well -- a complicated, strong female character that stands in contrast to America's enduring obsession with male anti-heroes.

But government leadership merely exemplifies greater gender balance throughout the culture. As Katie J.M. Baker puts it in her exploration of gender politics in the Scandinavian country: 

"Unlike in America, where bestsellers goad already overworked and underpaid women to Lean In even further, the assumption in Denmark is that feminism is a collective goal, not an individual pursuit."

Biking is the norm

In Denmark's most populated and largest city, Copenhagen, bikes account for 50 percent of its residents' trips to school or work. Half. Half of commuting happens on a bike in Copenhagen and that doesn't just improve fitness levels and reduce carbon emissions, it also contributes to the wealth of the city, reported Forbes:
Researchers found that for every kilometer traveled by bike instead of by car, taxpayers saved 7.8 cents (DKK 0.45) in avoided air pollution, accidents, congestion, noise and wear and tear on infrastructure. 

Cyclists in Copenhagen cover an estimated 1.2 million kilometers each day –- saving the city a little over $34 million each year.
What's more, just 30 minutes of daily biking adds an average of one to two years to the life expectancy of Copenhagen's cyclists.

Danish culture puts a positive spin on its harsh environment

Here's how Danish people turn lemons into spiced mulled wine: 

Ever heard of the concept of hygge? 

While some would define it as cultivated coziness, hygge is often considered the major weapon in combatting the dreary darkness that befalls the Nordic country over the winter. In a place where the sun shines fewer than seven hours during the height of the winter solstice -- a level of darkness that can (and does) stir depression and sad feelings -- the concept of a cozy scene, full of love and indulgence, can help to mitigate some of the season's worst psychological effects.

After all, both strong social connections and many of the indulgent foods associated with hygge -- such as chocolate, coffee and wine -- are mood boosters.

Danes feel a responsibility to one another

Danes don't prioritize social security and safety simply so they can receive benefits; 

there's a real sense of collective responsibility and belonging. 

And this civic duty -- combined with the economic security and work-life balance to support it -- results in a high rate of volunteerism. 

According to a government exploration of Danish "responsibility":
Denmark is a society where citizens participate and contribute to making society work. More than 40 percent of all Danes do voluntary work in cultural and sports associations, NGOs, social organisations, political organisations, etc. 

There is a wealth of associations: 

in 2006, there were 101,000 Danish organisations -- worth noting in a population of just 5.5 million.

The economic value of this unpaid work is DKK 35.3 billion. 

Combined with the value growth from the non-profit sector, public subsidies and membership fees, the total economic impact of the sector represents 9.6 percent of the Danish GDP.

But that sense of stewardship isn't just extra-governmental: 

Danes also take pride in their involvement with the democratic process. 

During the last election in September 2011, for example, 87.7 percent of the country voted. 

It's not surprising, given these statistics, that the University of Zurich and the Social Science Research Center Berlin have given Denmark the very highest rating for democracy among 30 established democracies.

Original article HUFFINGTON POST (Oct 2013)

ARTIKEL DRUCKEN / PRINT THIS ARTICLE (Click)

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BUSINESS DOCTORS NEWS!!

3. BUSINESS DOCTORS SYMPOSIUM 2014

Gesund bleiben
Von der Arbeitsgesellschaft zur Dienstleistungsgesellschaft

Das sind Titel und Thema des 3. Symposiums, das von den Business Doctors im Rahmen des
„Europäischen Forums für generationengerechte und gesunde Arbeitswelten“

vom 16. bis zum 17 Oktober 2014
in der Friedensburg Schlaining abgehalten wird.

Top Referenten aus Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Politik setzen sich in Vorträgen und Workshops mit den durch diese kulturelle Revolution in unseren Arbeitswelten herbeigeführten Änderungen auseinander und geben Einblick in die neusten Erkenntnisse und Entwicklungen, insbesondere der Stress-und Burnout forschung, wie auch in die neuesten Methoden der Stress- und Burnoutprävention. 

Erfolgreiche „Best Practice“ Beispiele runden das hochqualitative Programm ab. 

 INFO LINK (KLICK NOW!)

Informationen und Anmeldungen unter office@business-doctors.at

..........................................................

SYMPOSIUM 2013

RÜCKBLICK

::::::::::::::::::::

NEU!!!!

BUSINESS DOCTORS APP

IHR "STRESS & BURNOUT CHECK"

JETZT HIER - CLICK!!

DANKE!!

 

Informationen:

Zahlen, Daten und Fakten zu den berufsgruppenspezifischen Stress – und Burnoutstudien, Leistungseinbußen durch Stress, etc. sowie Infos zur BIS Business Intelligence Software mit dem Einsparungspotentialrechner sind unter www.business-doctors.at abrufbar.

Die Business Doctors Kostenfreie „Stress & Burnout Check“ APP für Android User ist im Google Play Store unter dem Suchbegriff „businessdoctors“ frei zum info-download.

 Click hier....Danke!

Ihr Ansprechpartner:

Franz Daublebsky,

daublebsky@business-doctors.at

Tel. 0664 / 101 2333

Empfehlung von Business Doctors

Wichtiger Hinweis:

Diese Seite enthält nur allgemeine Hinweise und Sie kann einen Arztbesuch nicht ersetzen. Die Beantwortung individueller Fragen durch unsere Experten:
 Email: office@business-doctors.at

Ihr Business Doctors, Graz, Österreich
www.business-doctors.at

TWITTER... Follow @PreventBurnout

ARTIKEL DRUCKEN / PRINT THIS ARTICLE (Click)

Diez tips para no aburrirse en una reunión de trabajo

¿Cómo superar esas interminables discusiones que parecen 

no desembocar en nada, soportando a colegas tediosos? 

Algunos consejos para sobrevivir a la experiencia

¿Cómo superar el tedio y la horrible sensación de estar perdiendo el tiempo cuando una reunión mal dirigida se empantana en intercambios estériles, planteos poco conducentes -pero interminables- o peleas por detalles nimios que irritan al sentido común?

Una revista elaboró 10 estrategias para evitar el aburrimiento. Si su empresa está afectada por el reunionismo, un mal demasiado frecuente, estos consejos le serán de utilidad.

1. Observar los comportamientos
Mirar en vez de escuchar. Elaborar una tipología de caracteres. Intentar descifrar la expresión de cada uno de los presentes en la reunión. Además de pasatiempo, es unaprendizaje. Los gestos y actitudes de los colegas enseñan mucho. ¿Quién domina la reunión? ¿Quién logra imponer sus puntos de vista? ¿Con qué estrategia? Son todas informaciones de gran utilidad para la vida laboral.

2. Dinamizar la reunión
Preparar previamente lo que se va a decir y aprovechar todos los tiempos muertos de la discusión o los empantanamientos en planteos estériles para tomar la delantera. Intervenciones brillantes y ágiles que contrasten con la irrelevancia de lo dicho por los demás y dejen una impresión envidiable.

3. Acortar la reunión
Por ejemplo, evitar la réplica es esencial para que una discusión languidezca por falta de adversario. Cuando el debate se eterniza, nada mejor que el silencio. Nunca una pregunta o un contraargumento que relance una polémica. Mejor dejar que las cosas vayan muriendo solas. Se puede buscar solidaridad en los colegas mediante algún gesto discreto para que también ellos abandonen la polémica. Y, según el giro de la situación, se puede incluso sugerir un cuarto intermedio hasta otro día. Siempre y cuando el responsable del callejón sin salida no sea nuestro superior inmediato. En ese caso, habrá que ser más sutil.

4. Contestar e-mails atrasados
Aprovechar el tiempo para aligerar la bandeja de entrada, cargada con mensajes que no hubo tiempo de responder antes. Afortunadamente hoy es normal llevar la netbook u otros dispositivos a las reuniones. Los demás pensarán que estamos tomando nota. Eso sí, con una oreja hay que seguir la discusión, por si acaso.

 

5. Hacer tareas domésticas
El ritmo de la oficina nos impide organizar bien las actividades extra-laborales. ¿Por qué no aprovechar la reunión para hacer la lista del supermercado, reservar mesa en un restaurante o comprar pasajes para las próximas vacaciones? Son actividades que pueden muy bien pasar inadvertidas.

6. Conectarse con el mundo exterior
Evadirse mentalmente. Más allá de la imaginación, una forma puede ser enviar mensajes de texto o chatear con amigos que estén en ese momento en actividades muy diferentes de las nuestras. Sus respuestas pueden ser una bocanada de oxígeno para el aire enrarecido que estamos respirando...

7. Escaparse
Es lo más drástico y efectivo pero hay que encontrar una buena excusa. Hacerse llamar por un cómplice (al que se le avisa vía sms) para poder decir que tenemos una cita urgente en media hora, puede funcionar. En el peor de los casos, la necesidad de hacer una llamada puede permitirnos un recreo de 10 minutos.

8. Vencer el sueño
La lucha contra la modorra puede llevarnos un largo rato. Aunque sea natural adormecerse en una reunión de éstas, sobre todo si tiene lugar por la tarde, luego del almuerzo, no es algo bien visto. Estratagemas: levantarse para abrir las ventanas, regular la temperatura, encender la luz; mantenerse erguido en el sillón (al apoltronamiento es fatal); consumir varias tazas de café…

9. Inventar jueguitos
Si se tiene una PC, un solitario o un sudoku ayudarán a matar el tiempo. También se puede elaborar una grilla con las palabras cliché de este tipo de reuniones: plan de negocios, estrategia, posicionamiento… Cada vez que sean pronunciadas por alguno de los asistentes, se tilda la casilla correspondiente, lo que permite estar concentrado en lo que se dice.

10. Otros pasatiempos
Informarse, navegar, dibujar…

LINK: INFOBAE.com