GratiTuesday – August 25th
Hello Yoga-Friends ~ GratiTuesday, eh? I’ll bet there are folks out there who wonder how – or better yet – why I persist in celebrating and writing about gratitude each-and-every-blessed-week. I hear ya’.
The why is easy. The practice of locating gratitude (or appreciation) in my daily experience is my touchstone. It is simultaneously grounding and elevating.
Now the how of celebrating and/or writing about gratitude on a weekly basis changes frequently. Imagining it would be dull in the extreme to describe a writer’s process for how the writing is written. Suffice it to say, if there is a consistent thread through the how, it lies in commitment. I am committed to sharing something relevant to the beneficial practice of gratitude each-and-every-blessed-week. You’re welcome. ; )
Check this out. Recent research study cites a surge in anxiety, with 47% of respondents reporting their highest levels of stress and anxiety ever in their lives since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yikes! And I get it. I am stressed out, too. This is a scary time we are living through. However, this increase in stress, anxiety, and other debilitating mental health issues are not altogether surprising.
What is surprising are the reported surges in things like gratitude, shifts in perspective, authentic relationships, and the increased numbers of people seeking help for anxiety and depression – many through their employer wellness programs. (Hooray!)
Don’t believe me? I read it on the internet. It must be true. In all seriousness, my source is Modern Health, the global preventative mental wellness platform. The online article was posted June 23 2020, “Modern Health Study Finds Mental Health Support Is Needed Now More Than Ever as Employees Confront Covid-19 and Systemic Racism.” https://laurelblossomyoga.com/www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covid-19-has-created-a-surge-in-anxiety-but-also-in-gratitude-and-perspective-301082023.html
Coronavirus alone was making employees more stressed than ever – almost half reported feeling more stress and anxiety throughout this outbreak than any other time in their life. As a result, we saw a significant shift in attitudes with over a third of employees more open to seeking support for mental health than pre-pandemic,” comments VP of Clinical Care at Modern Health, Dr. Myra Altman. “It was against this backdrop that America witnessed the killing of George Floyd which sparked off activist protests globally. We are facing compounding crises in America that is clearly creating a stronger and more urgent need for mental health support. 2020 has to be the year that we take steps to democratize and destigmatize access to mental health care for all.”
Key Survey Findings:
- Since Covid-19 adults more stressed than ever before
- Employed adults appreciate their jobs more, but fear returning to the office
- Pandemic has inspired a rise in gratitude and charitable donations
- Quarantine has improved many of our relationships, more so for fathers
- 50%+ respondents say money not as important as health and happiness
- More people now willing to seek mental health support (but there is a socio-economic status divide)
Based on those survey results I see reasons to be grateful. So, yeah, this week like every-other-blessed-week, I am once again celebrating gratitude. In your face, Covid-19!
Oh and if you’re looking for mental health support… CDC resources for more general Covid-19 information and a useful list of Hotlines addressing a variety of emergency circumstances: https://laurelblossomyoga.com/www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
As always, each Tuesday we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field –
for which you are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. I’ll go first… I AM so happy and grateful for new perspectives. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: _____________________________________________ #laurelblossomyoga #omofficeyoga #corporateyoga #corporatewellness #virtualyoga #virtualmeditation #reiki #om #mindfulness #gratitude #gratituesday #pandemic #mentalhealth #employeewellness
GratiTuesday – June 25th
Hello Yoga-Friends ~ Happy GratiTuesday at Work! Continuing with this month’s #wellbeingatwork theme, I am inspired to share an effective model of gratitude-in-action at the workplace. Om in the Office’s client, Casenet, is fully committed to the wellbeing of their employees. In addition, to partnering with us for on-site chair yoga sessions, we recently spied this shining example of employee engagement: Recognition and acknowledgement of colleague contributions, prominently displayed as a Kudos Board. Pretty cool, huh?
Turns out employees feel happier and more fulfilled when they express gratitude (appreciation, recognition, acknowledgment) with their colleagues, as evidenced in a 2013 study conducted at The John Templeton Foundation. Yeah, the benefits of gratitude in the workplace have been known for some time. What’s more, employees that are regularly recognized by their supervisors report greater self-worth and self-efficacy. Gratitude expressed in the workplace increases trust and teamwork, reduces stress while increasing stress resiliency, and greater satisfaction with life – on and off the clock.
“Thank you” doesn’t cost a dime, and it has measurable beneficial effects.”
Bottom line, #gratitudemattersatwork.
For more information about integrating gratitude into your company culture, consider looking over this ‘how-to’ article by Jeremy Adam Smith, “Five Ways to Cultivate Gratitude at Work” [https://laurelblossomyoga.com/greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_to_cultivate_gratitude_at_work].
Please share your company’s gratitude initiatives with us!
As always, each Tuesday we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field – for which you are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. I’ll go first… I AM so happy and grateful to share inspired action. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: ______________________________________________ #laurelblossomyoga #omofficeyoga #corporateyoga #corporatewellness #yoga #privateyoga #reiki #meditation #om #gratitude #gratituesday #employeewellbeingmonth #gratitudematters #gratitudemattersatwork #corporateculturematters #kudos
GratiTuesday – June 18th
Hello Yoga-Friends ~ Happy GratiTuesday! Turns out we can overuse the phrase ‘thank you’ to such a degree that it becomes rote… meaningless; even when we truly mean it.
Jeff Hayden, contributing editor at Inc. published an article, “Start Using 2 Words Instead of ‘Thank You’ and You Can Strengthen Relationships, Reduce Stress, and Savor Positive Experiences,” [https://laurelblossomyoga.com/www.inc.com/jeff-haden/stop-saying-thank-you-start-saying-these-2-words-you-can-strengthen-relationships-reduce-stress-savor-positive-experiences.html?cid=sf01002] that addresses this very issue. Instead of the standard thanks, consider offering, ‘I’m grateful.’
This slight turn of phrase is highly effective when it is followed by a few thoughtful words describing specifically why you are grateful. For example, ‘I’m grateful you took the time to double check those figures; freed me up to proof our presentation slides.’
Sincere communication of appreciation goes a long way toward effectively connecting with others.
Genuine recognition rewards effort and accomplishment, reinforces positive behaviors, builds self-esteem and confidence, and boosts motivation and enthusiasm. You feel better about your effort. You feel better about yourself.”
You feel better and so do those with whom you share your gratitude… both at work and in every other area of your life experience.
As always, each Tuesday we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field – for which you are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. I’ll go first… I AM grateful for #employeewellbeingmonth. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: ____________________________________ #laurelblossomyoga #omofficeyoga #omintheoffice #corporateyoga #corporatewellness #yoga #privateyoga #reiki #yogateaandchocolateworkshops #meditation #om #gratitude #gratituesday #employeewellbeingmonth #gratitudematters #gratitudemattersatwork #corporateculturematters
GratiTuesday – June 11th
Hello Yoga-Friends ~ It’s GratiTuesday – again! All through June we will be celebrating Employee Wellbeing Month. Regardless of the role you play within your company’s leadership structure, there is ample evidence that all members of a “well workforce” – measured through the metrics of mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing – contribute to a productive, innovative, successful company vision. In short, corporate culture matters.
In this clip entitled, “Three Research-Based Tips for a Grateful Workplace,” [https://laurelblossomyoga.com/youtu.be/2hIYKo9YStE] Professor Ryan Fehr from the University of Washington first describes his MBA students’ typical state of mind upon arrival from their work day; across the board these corporate leaders – Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing – all exhibit and report symptoms of intense work-related stress. In this talk, Professor Fehr shares his research on how to build a meaningful culture of gratitude at work 1) Build Gratitude Habits at Work (4:27); 2) Draw from Sources (10:04); 3) Guard against Negative Emotions (16:05). A workplace gratitude program’s success is directly tied to participation. We all know the most effective corporate leaders lead by example. Developing and committing to a well workplace starts at the top. Corporate culture matters. Gratitude matters at work.
As always, each Tuesday we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field – for which you are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. I’ll go first… I AM so happy and grateful my professional experience and expertise provide valuable resources to highly effective corporate wellness programs. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: ____________________
#laurelblossomyoga #omofficeyoga #omintheoffice #corporateyoga #corporatewellness #yoga #privateyoga #reiki #yogateaandchocolateworkshops #meditation #om #gratitude #gratituesday #employeewellbeingmonth #gratitudematters #gratitudemattersatwork #corporateculturematters
GratiTuesday – June 4th
Hello Yoga-Friends ~ It’s GratiTuesday! Through checking an online calendar of events, discovered this week is designated as National Business Etiquette Week, recognizing the need to practice proper business etiquette to successfully compete in a growing global marketplace [https://laurelblossomyoga.com/www.psow.edu/national-business-etiquette-week]. Proper etiquette of any kind naturally includes the expression of gratitude. Meaningful recognition of employees that ‘go beyond’ creates a workplace that inspires employees on many levels. Simply put, gratitude matters at work. Researcher Lynette Silva speaks to this topic in her talk at the Greater Good Science Center entitled, “Why a Paycheck Isn’t a Thank You,”: https://laurelblossomyoga.com/youtu.be/USfCb2oVhbQ
As always, each Tuesday we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field – for which you are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. I’ll go first… I AM so happy and grateful my work in service – providing on-site corporate wellness services (yoga-chair yoga-meditation) through Om in the Office Workplace Wellness Programs – also addresses this important point – Gratitude Matters at Work. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: ____________________ #laurelblossomyoga #omofficeyoga #omintheoffice #corporateyoga #corporatewellness #yoga #privateyoga #reiki #yogateaandchocolateworkshops #meditation #om #gratitude #gratituesday #nationalbusinessetiquetteweek #gratitudematters #gratitudemattersatwork
GratiTuesday – January 1st
Hello Yogi-Friends ~ Happy GratiTuesday New Year! Guess what? “Practicing gratitude, compassion and resilience can help us keep our New Year’s resolutions,” posits David DeSteno, in his Guardian article published 6:00 this morning: https://laurelblossomyoga.com/www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jan/01/heres-how-to-crack-your-new-years-resolutions?CMP=share_btn_link I agree with him. AND… As you know each Tuesday we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field – for which you are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. I’ll go first… I AM so happy and grateful for each new day. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: _____________________ #laurelblossomyoga #omofficeyoga #omintheoffice #corporateyoga #corporatewellness #mindfulness #yoga #yogateaandchocolateworkshops #meditation #guidedmeditations #om #gratitude #gratituesday #daviddesteno #happynewyear
GratiTuesday – May 1st
Hello Yogi-Friends ~ Happy GratiTuesday! Great News: Two OMS Unite!
Laurel Kilbourn, laurel blossom yoga – Yoga@Work, is joining forces with Om in the Office (OITO), a trusted and valued partner in corporate wellness. Laurel Kilbourn is now OITO’s first Director of East Coast Operations. Meanwhile, Katherine Bicer, its founder and principal, moves west to grown Om in the Office California.
Combining 25+ years of corporate experience with a lifetime of yoga and meditation practice, Laurel delivers extraordinary insight and successful strategies for ‘optimizing the workplace environment – one OM at a time.’
Since 2008, Om in the Office has been Boston’s premier provider of on-site corporate yoga services; including chair and mat yoga classes, meditation, wellness seminars, health fair exhibits, and much more.
Optimizing the workplace environment – one OM at a time.”
Connect with Laurel to schedule your next Om in the Office
Each Tuesday, we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field – for which you are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. It could also be great news you are excited to share. I’ll go first… I AM thrilled and grateful to announce my new role with Om in the Office as Director of East Coast Operations. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: _______________________________________________________
#laurelblossomyoga #omintheoffice #corporateyoga #gratitude #gratituesday