Summer 2019

Greetings!

We're in the 'dog days' of summer - the hot, sultry days of summer between July 12 and August 20.
These days were historically the period following the rising of the star system Sirius, which Greek and Roman astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck.

Does 'lethargy' sound familiar? It's common for a 'summer slump' to hit you and your team, especially if you have not focused on self-care.
Whether you're in a full-blown slump or just enjoying a somewhat slower pace, now is a good mid-year point to stop and reflect on the daily habits and practices that we use to maintain optimal health and happiness.

We asked our team members to share some of their favorite tips and resources:
One of our newest team members, Senior Consultant Karen J. Williams is a fan of podcasts - an easy way to get inspired and informed!

Here are a few suggestions:

I s getting enough - or quality - sleep your challenge?

Team member and Senior Coach Amy Arvary offers these suggestions:

Staying focused and stress free may seem difficult during the season of summer vacation, BBQ’s and beach days. Making it all happen successfully while fulfilling professional responsibilities may sometimes feel unattainable.
The following five bedtime tips will boost your focus, reduce your stress, and help you with balancing it all during these few summer months:

1. When you are ready to fall asleep at night give yourself permission to let go of the day's events. This is as simple as putting your head on the pillow, closing your eyes and saying or thinking to yourself, “I give myself permission to relax my mind and my body now.”

2. With your eyes closed, take a deep breath. Hold it for a count of three seconds. Allow your body to “drop down” more comfortably as you slowly exhale. Repeat three times, dropping down deeper each time.

3. Once relaxed, focus on your natural breath. Pay attention to your chest rising and falling. 

4. With each breath imagine waves of balance, gratitude, and clarity rippling through your body.

5. Remember that this is a practice. It will become easier as you continue. 

Do not get hung up on doing it right or wrong - just do as it says above and you will begin to notice yourself having a more successful season than you thought you could.
Team member and HR Consultant Isabelle Brennan has recently added the role of Office Manager to her list of responsibilities.

She shares this article from TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie, who says, "To care for others, care for yourself first." In the article he urges HR professionals to focus on self-care as well, so they can continue to help other employees.
AND A FEW MORE IDEAS...

If you're seeing productivity drop and absenteeism rise, you're not alone! Studies have confirmed this happens to about 25 percent of all workers.

Instead of fighting it, embrace it! Here are a few ideas:

  • changing up the routine - e.g. coming to work 30 minutes earlier each day so you can leave earlier on Friday or arrive late on a Monday
  • use this mid-year time for reflection and goal-setting
  • arrange fun events like an ice cream sundae bar, lunchtime BBQ, frozen lemonade or drinks with little umbrellas - even a vacation picture share meeting; these are great team builders too. Consider doing one of them spontaneously to surprise staff on a hot day - like bringing in something cold in the afternoon!
  • find your peak productivity time - if that means working at night and beaching during the day...use email scheduling tools so they go out at 9 a.m. versus 2 a.m. and potentially waking someone or giving the wrong impression that you're overwhelmed
  • make time for professional development by catching up on reading, podcasts and webinars
  • get outside for lunch with colleagues and take a walk or toss a frisbee
  • and remember to stay hydrated even if you're indoors most of the time

WE'RE GROWING!

We're excited to announce the addition of Senior Consultants Beth R. Glassman , Deb Wijnberg , and Karen J. Williams to the Crothers Consulting team!

We can help you - or your colleagues, board members, or employees - on your leadership or personal development journey. Whether one-on-one, in small groups, or with an entire department, our 14 awesome coaches and HR consultants can help identify opportunities for growth, and give the support needed along the path.
Whether you are looking for that jump-start for yourself, your team, or organization, the professional coaches at Crothers Consulting can provide the spark you need!

Contact us today to start the conversation!
 
Laura
 
201-317-0512
Crothers Consulting, LLC