• Feature Article - Harmony in Health & Career
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A Note From Fran
Taking Stress OUT of the Work Out

Yes. You read the title correctly. For many people even the thought of working out causes stress. Believe me, dealing with some of the Washington areas most successful business people, working mothers and entrepreneurs, I come across this baffling phenomenon more often that not.

The fabulous thing is, for most of my clients and readers, stress has just been a part of how they’ve succeeded in their lives thus far. So, I turn it around and ask them. Is this really more stressful than raising two newborn babies? Or is this really wearing you out more than managing the finances for a fortune 500 company? I'm able to set their minds to rest. And the best part is, I can often offer small tips to help them overcome the issue and reach the goals they desire.

First, don't let your fitness goals run your life. Lay out a plan and follow through. Set reasonable and reachable goals such as lifting a certain size weight, walking a challenging number of steps, or running your first 5k race.

Second, set a schedule. How many times or hours per week will you need to set aside to reach your goal? Come up with a number and write it in your planner just as you would an important business date or your children's doctor appointment.

Next, is the big one. Plan that time thoroughly. If you set 30 minutes aside to 'workout' define what workout means. Is it cardio, bicep curls and leg press? How many reps? If you're not working with a trainer or a coach ask a knowledgeable friend or family member in the industry for advice. Then, find a minute to reflect before and after your regimen. Hold a yoga posture, practice your breathing, or focus on your upcoming workout or your next daily task.

And finally, make every moment count. This is just a personal philosophy of mine. Whether you are enjoying a good meal, having a great conversation, a minute alone or in the middle of your workout, try to make each moment the best moment of your life.

I just did by writing this article to you.

In love and good health,



Fran Dean Bishop, Award winning Coach and Trainer 
franb@aerobodiesfitness.com

Amanda Williams
Corporate Health Team

It seems odd to think of career and health in the same sentence, unless you are composing a list of the things you value most. Career is extremely important for obvious reasons including money and lifestyle. Of course we need to make a decent living to seek out an existence and provide for our families while having a little fun on the side. We want to feel rewarded for the work we do, respected in our community and have good friends and coworkers along the way.

For many, satisfaction is absent in these areas when it comes to our career. We may spend years working towards the ultimate lifestyle we desire. Working our way up the corporate ladder to get that raise and earn that title we feel holds power. If we are unable to reach our "goals", job satisfaction is jeopardized. Jeopardizing our job satisfaction is a huge risk that needs to be assessed before acting upon. A person's job satisfaction is essential to his or her health and well being.

So what can we do if we've reached that dissatisfaction status with our careers? And more importantly what affect is it having on our "healthy well-being"? Living unhappily and stressed 5 out of 7 days of the week can wreak havoc on our cardiovascular and nervous system. So how can you bring your work/life back into harmony? Here are a 9 work/life saving tips to get you started:

1. Communicate your feelings. See if you and your boss can reach an agreement that will benefit you both as far as career goes.
2. Go into work everyday with a positive attitude and change your outlook on work.
3. Make new friends at work and make time for those friends you already have at work.
4. Make Early Deadlines. Accomplish important tasks a few days before the due date to eliminate potential stress.
5. Create a Team Environment. Create open lines of communication with peers and staff to ensure smooth events, project completion and so forth.
6. Recognize your Moods. When you are having a bad day, learn to separate that from work so that you won't add to your negative mood.
7. Develop a personal circle of support. Have a support group, a person or group of people that are always there when you need to vent or receive honest/constructive feedback, that you know you can count on when you have a bad day.
8. Use the beauty of deep breathing. Take deep breaths when under pressure. Count to ten slowly, walk away, talk it out.
9. Think outside the box. Listen to others opinions and use good advice when given.

If you are unhappy in work, which really accounts for 80% of our lives, then commit to making adjustments immediately. Those bad attitudes you're carrying are affecting people around you at home and work more than you realize. These are simple ways to help ease your day and help you work through those tough hurtles at work, and home. USE THEM! No matter how silly they may sound. You would be amazed at the positive outcome.

Has this newsletter inspired you to take wellness to your workplace? Learn more about our corporate programs by clicking here or email Cassie Trotter for additional information