This week I continue the link between well-being and productivity in the workplace. I’m highlighting an entertaining talk by Arianna Huffington about sleeping to the top: the secret of success is get enough shut eye.
How is this different
This video is also different as its one of the shortest Ted talks I have seen – its 4 minutes and 42 seconds long. Arianna also ask us to challenge our perception of sleep deprivation as a sign of success.
How can it help
Underlining this light hearted talk is a serious message. To have enough time to sleep and rest is important. If we have time for rest this is an indicator that we have time to connect with our inner greatness.
Enjoy this one – practicing will be fun!
P.S In relation to my # 60 Day 10,000 Step Challenge check out my twitter updates at ViEtAnimoTweets – I have pictures.
In this weeks video were looking at the wide raging benefits of walking.
How is this different
This week, we are doing something a bit different. Over the last couple of posts we looked at the advandatages of being happy at work. This week were going to explore how we can boost are own wellbeing. But lets not just absorb a new pice of info, lets actually do it – join me on the #60 Day 10,000 Step Challenge.
How can it help
If your not convinced, below are some of the health and social benefits of walking:
improves mood and wellbeing
reduces stress
reduces risk of diabetes and other long term conditions
It can also be social!
Its totally free
It can fit around your schedule
Let me know how you get on over the next 60 days – I will feedback how I get on too. For more info check out the benefits your self via the British National Health Service Guide.
I was saddened to hear of Maya Angelou’s passing. In this week’s post you will find an interview with Time Magazine. The video gives some insight into her work and her life and, her infectious laugh.
Why is this different
Maya is different. Regardless of how you feel about her work, she is a person that is easy to admire. Her passion for her craft, her life and her individuality makes her stand out from the crowd.
How this can help
Maya lived a value based life. While there is plenty of editorial about her hardships in her life. What I think is most memorable is that she lived her life on her own terms – with heart and courage. I think this is something we can all learn from. For more inspiration visit the New Yorker for her life in pictures.
In this entertaining and warm talk we, have Daniel pink the renowned author on trends in the workplace. In this video, Daniel shares the science behind workplace motivation. Behind his charm is a serious message. Science proves a well known truth: Doing work you like makes you motivated. He says there is a miss match behind what science knows and what business does. The wikapedia example he uses is pretty interesting.
How is it different
What Daniel tell us is, in a knowledge based job, higher financial incentives doe not lead to higher motivation. Money helps of course. But, more money after the point your needs are met, wont drive you. His work leads him to conclude that you are going to have to look for something else to push you to innovate, to think differently .
How will it help
Once your money needs are met, if innovation and thinking are crucial to your job outputs, look for internal incentives . So, for those thinking of there current or next move, be it a project, job or industry, there as some things to think about:
Autonomy
Mastery
Purpose
Enjoy this one – invest in being happy at work, it pays.
This is an interesting talk about productivity. Yes this is possible, this isn’t a boring talk about time management or your email inbox. This is about a call to action to move beyond the average, to be happy. Shawn tells us that in order to be more productive we must become happier. He cites research that 75% of job success can be predicted by happiness levels.
Why is this video different
Shawn debunks the idea that you work to be happy. He turns it on its head and says that for work to work – you need to be happy first. Your brain at positive means that you can improve business outcomes across the board – harder, faster and more intelligently.
How can it help me
Shawn tells us that your happiness is not determined by your external world but 90% by you internal world. How your brain processess information. In the video we learn small practical steps you can add to your day to make you happier. Some of the examples he includes is a gratitude journal, working out, mediation and acts of kindness.
In this video, Kelly McDonald looks at stress and drills down into how we might approach it in a more productive way. Kelly is a Health Psychologist. She is from a academic background but she is vey much interested In how science can help us improve our lives in a practical way. As she says in the video, she is interested in, ‘how science can make us happier and healthier’.
Why is this video different
Kelly presents some interesting evidence. She talks us through studies that show two groups with the same amount of stress. One group felt that stress was having a detrimental effect on them and another group did not. It is only the ones who felt that stress was ‘bad’ who had a shorter lifespan. The take home point from the study is, that the difference that makes the difference, is the belief about stress, the ’internal game’, rather than stress itself has an impact.
That was enough there for me in terms of new ideas. But Kelly goes on to tell us that under stress you release Oxytocin which urges you to seek support and love from others around you, as well urges you to give support to others. Oxytocin also protects the body from the effects stress. So not only is your body protected but you develop more courage and connection which, further supports your resilience.
How can it help me
Stress is a feature of everyday life. Exposure to large amounts on a regular basis is not seen as a good thing. But avoiding stress altogether is quite hard. This video helps you think about stress in a much more productive way. Which, according to Kelly can help you lead a a happier and healthier life.
The Birds Eye View Film Festival is a thought proving event held in London that showcases and celebrates women from around the word as film makers. This inspiring festival shines an amazing spotlight on female talent. The event will run for six days from 8th -13th of April 2014. This year the festival, in its 10th anniversary and, will be:
‘celebrating women with wildness in their hearts and stories in their souls.’
Why was it set up?
The event was set up ten years ago when founder Rachel Millward was shocked when she saw that 92% of films on general realise were directed by men.
Why is it relevant to working women?
This event also has practical relevance for women working in film or, aspiring film makers. There are a range of year long development programmes. These include:
• ‘Filmonomics’ that brings together the business end of film making with directors in a range of speaker and networking events.
• Other opportunities are through workshop such as ‘watch and learn’ events
• As well and bespoke events under the banner of ‘festival delegates’
Where can you find out more?
You can go direct to the Birds Eye View Film Festival website where you can find full details about the event, including how to get tickets to see the films, the training labs and the other events. You can also look at the Bristsh Film Institute website that provides the times and dates of films. Also check out there Facebook page of to see what topics are trending.
Gabby Bernstein reveals her top tips on how to create lasting change in your life. Gabby is a New York Times Best-Selling Author.
She is been on CNN, Oprah a speaker at Google and TedX Women. Gabby comes from a spiritual background and for those who are not into that way of seeing things don’t worry, there are some really practical stuff. Below are the three things she recommends. She has even used her approach to give up coffee. We all know how hard this is!!
-Make sure you really want it
-Ensure the goal ignites a positive feeling within you
-Be willing to maintain that desire for the goal every day
There is also a bit at the end about forgiveness so that you can create change based on strong foundations that are cleared and ready for new ways, a new life.