Professional therapists that teach tools and skills to cope with life. Call: 954-741-1099
Friday, August 31, 2007
Women's Workshop
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Self-Esteem
Self-Esteem- An individual’s sense of his or her value or worth. The extent to which an individual appreciates, prizes, or likes himself or herself.
Having a healthy sense of self allows one to enjoy a greater quality of life. A healthy self-esteem allows a person to take measured risks, which allows them the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
What is High Self- Esteem?
It is a very important aspect of your life. If you have a high level, you will be confident, happy and sure of yourself. You would be highly motivated and have the right attitude to succeed.
Self- esteem is therefore crucial to you and is a cornerstone of a positive attitude towards living.
Tips for improving self-esteem:
- Use visualization to achieve your dreams and increase your self- esteem!
- Develop and work at achieving your goals. If you do this, your confidence will increase and you will feel positive.
- Be aware of and make a conscience effort to change negative/self sabotaging self-talk.
- Identify and embrace your feelings; even those you do not like.
- Be aware of how you compare yourself to others.
- Clarify your values and make decisions that are in alignment with these values.
- Identify your strengths.
- Focus on your strength.
- Make a point to learn something new everyday.
- Make an effort to start your day on a positive note.
Make a list of accomplishments and put them in a file labeled successes. - Learn to reframe perceived failures and don’t be afraid to “fail” in the future.
- Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and generally take good care of yourself.
- Cultivate a social life and associate with people who help promote your overall well-being.
- Utilize positive affirmations and/or meditations on a daily basis.
- Practice gratitude.
- Congratulate yourself as often as possible. PTC
Friday, August 17, 2007
Tools & Tips for Shiftworkers
The primary reason that shiftwork can be detrimental to ones health is that by nature, human beings are geared towards functioning during daytime hours. Our biological functioning is regulated by an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. This clock is tells the body when to sleep and when to wake up. Sunlight and darkness regulate this clock. Under normal conditions, darkness triggers the body to steadily go into “sleep mode”. As the body prepares for sleep blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and temperature drop while digestion and normal cognitive functioning slows.
Common health hazards associated w/ shiftwork include:
Gastrointestinal problems- Shiftworkers tend to be eating at a time when digestion is slowing. Shiftworkers tend to have access to less healthy meals and rely on snacks that are high in fat content. Shiftworkers often rely heavily on coffee which increases risk of ulcers.
Cardiovascular problems – Altered eating patterns, disrupted sleep patterns can lead to cardiovascular disease by increasing stress and blood pressure.
Sleep and stress related disorders – The shiftworker attempts to sleep when the body is naturally programmed to wake up. This decreases sleep quality and quantity. During specific stages of sleep necessary physical and psychological repair takes place. Disrupted sleep patterns prevents healthy restoration to occur possibly leading to increased risk of physical and/or emotional breakdown.
Drug and alcohol abuse- Shiftworkers often become dependent on drugs and/or alcohol in an attempt to either help stay awake or help to get to sleep. Most commonly abused substances include caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol and over the counter sleep medications.
Family and social issues- Shiftworkers usually have less time to spend with family and friends. They are at work or trying to sleep when regular social activities are scheduled. Fatigue may also impact shiftworker’s ability to spend quality leisure time with others. Single parents also have to deal with difficulties finding appropriate child care.
Tips for minimizing the impact of Shiftwork include:
1. Get to sleep as soon as possible upon returning home after work
2. Avoid caffeine at least one hour prior to going to bed
3.Beware of using alcohol or other drugs as a means of falling asleep or enhancing energy
4. Learn relaxation techniques and utilize them as part of a set bedtime routine
5. In the room where you sleep eliminate as much light and noise as possible; keep the room as cool as possible.
6.Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast no matter what time you wake up. This meal should be high in protein.
7.Avoid eating fried food especially late at night.
8.Discuss with family and friends the impact shiftwork is having on both you and them.
9.Let family and friends know how they can be supportive.
10.Try to eat at least one meal together with family.
11. Schedule times that you can spend with family and friends.
12.Engage in some exercise routine at least 3 times per week.
PTC
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Enhance Communication (Part 1)
Definition: Using the pronoun “I” to take responsibility and to promote cooperation and understanding when making statements to others. This is in contrast to using the pronoun “you” when addressing another person.
Benefits of Using “I” vs. “YOU”:
· Allows you to take 100% responsibility and ownership of ideas and feelings
· Promotes cooperation and understanding.
· Less threatening
Negatives associated with using “YOU” statements:
· Sounds accusatory
· Sounds judgmental
· Sounds threatening
Write down this sentence: I feel ____________ (place in your feeling word) when you __________________(behavior that you want to discuss), I would prefer you to ________________(the behavior you would prefer). Practice writing your thoughts down..to get used to using "I" statements.
Example: I feel sad and lonely when you forget to call for my birthday, I would prefer a phone call or card on or before my birthday.
Professional Toolbox Consultants
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Women's Power Building Seminar (Discount Special)
For those of you that are interested in attending The Comprenhensive Version of The Women's Power Building Seminar on Sepember 7, 2007 in Plantation, Florida ; we are having special discounts. Enroll in August and you have two specials to choose from: Buy one seat for $125 and bring someone free or $69 dollars for one person.
We have several free raffle gifts, free give-aways for all that attend, coffee, tea, water, snacks, and information, education, and insight. Seating is limited to 55...So register now. Call our office at (954)741-1099 to enroll. We accept checks, visa and master card. For more information on the seminar topics and objectives check our website at: www.professionaltoolbox.org.
Women's Power Building Workshop (The Comprehensive Approach)Friday, September 7, 2007
Time: 9:00am-2:30pm8:30am
Check in & Beverages 11:30-12:30
Lunch Break (on your own)
Place: Holiday Inn Express
1701 N. University Dr., Plantation, FL
Cost: $125 per person (call for discounts)
Increase your personal power by learning tools to:
*Reduce your stress
*Identify & let go of emotional clutter
*Set limits with yourself and others
*Take care of yourself in healthy ways
Presenters: Amanda Osher,LMHC & Lisa Friedman,LCSW
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Bullying: Tips for Parents
Warning signs that your child might be the victim of bullying:
• Sudden fear or reluctance to go to school
• Lost lunch money or possessions with hard to believe explanations
• Spending more time alone
• Falling grades
• Spending less time doing activities you know they used to enjoy
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Physical complaints
• Looking or acting sad
• Torn clothing at the end of school day
• Unexplained cuts or bruises upon returning home from school
Tips for parents:
• Let your child know you suspect something is wrong
• Encourage your child to talk
• Validate your child’s decision to confide in you and assure them that they are not to blame
• Share your child’s complaints with school officials.
• Work with school officials in protecting your child from possible retaliation and establishing a plan for any future bullying incidents.
• Help your child identify effective coping behaviors
Jeffrey Jabick, LMHC, Professional Toolbox Consultant