5 Things that Negatively Impact Productivity and Solutions Or Why Can’t I Get Anything Done?

1.    Tiredness

You know the feeling when you already had coffee with breakfast, and have a latte at your desk but you still cannot keep your eyes open and focused!

Solution: Get a good night sleep! Haralee.Com Sleepwear can help.

2.    Hunger

Your stomach is growling. You are trying to eat healthfully but the carrots and fruit and ice chips and water are not working. All you can think about is chocolate, cookies, cheese, or whatever you crave but not work!

Solution: Eat breakfast. Eat lunch. Have on hand lots of healthy snacks.

 

3.    Noise from co-workers, radio or construction

Why didn’t you buy those noise-reducing headphones? You are annoyed with all the noise around you that you cannot concentrate on work. You are surprised that more work place conflicts are not resolved physically by people like yourself going over the edge with the loud laughing, loud talking, gum smacking, radio talking, radio music, and outside noise!

Solution:  Wear earplugs. They can be discrete. If you can, invest in some noise cancelling headphones.

4.    FaceBook, Twitter, Emails and Youtube

Similar to noise distractions but these also include visual distractions. Even if you don’t initiate the distraction another coworker or your computer will signal you to an update. Yes those cat and dog Youtube videos are adorable but they won’t do your work for you!

Solution:  Set up a time zone for yourself when you can check your phone or computer social networks, like every 60-90 minutes.

5.    Negative Conversations

You know if you work with a toxic personality co-worker, a sky is falling individual or the overbearing obnoxious person. They love to suck you in and bring you with them down the hole of negativity where nothing looks good or will ever be good again.

Solution: Stay clear of these folks as much as possible. You can tell them upfront that their drama is not your concern. Don’t pick up the phone with their caller ID. Don’t open their email or answer their instant message.

What things keep you from productivity and what are your solutions?

The Elderly Parent

Many women in mid life are at the top of their career ladder, or getting ready to retire or have retired and their kids are gone and out of the home. Plans are changed because Mom and/or Dad, or your mother-in-law/father-in law, needs your help. If you don’t live close to the aging parent what do you do?  Some have moved Mom or Dad closer to them. Many elderly move into an assisted living facility, others move in with their kids. But as the age and health issues continue, helping takes on a more active role in the life of the middle age woman. The popular lexicon name is the “Sandwich” generation.  You understand, you just finished raising your kids into hopefully functional adults and now you are parenting again but this time it is your ‘parent’.

Along with being elderly come many physical issues and mental issues. Whether it is a mobility problem, hearing problem, vision problem or mental problem, the bottom line is that your parent is not the strong, vital person they once were. You are now that person and the parent child relationship has reversed. The financial responsibilities can be overwhelming.

My Mother moved into an assisted care facility 4 years ago. She recently moved onto the ‘Memory’ floor. My Mother had the income to afford the facility she wanted. It is a beautiful place with wonderful activities and food and staff. My sister and I are very fortunate. We also have a cousin that is a born caregiver and will take my Mother to all her doctor appointments, out to lunch and shopping and she lives in the same city.

As my Mother is approaching her 90^th birthday she has become extremely forgetful. Dementia or Alzheimer, whatever it is, it is moving fast. She is a very social person, with a great vocabulary so she covers her state of mind well in her charming pleasant conversations. To those of us in the family we clearly see her rapid decline. Talking on the phone is becoming a challenge. She says we are speaking too fast and not enunciating our words! My family is adjusting to Mother’s decline with love and humor.

What experiences have you had with an elderly parent? What plans have you made or have your parents made for their elderly care?

Look Forward into 2012

It is mid month and are you already behind in your New Year Resolutions? Do not fear. I have dates and happenings to look forward to and to cheer you up!

The Chinese New Year is year of the Dragon. The Jewish New Year is 5773-5774

We already had the first of 3 Friday the 13^th this year. Next one is in April and then again in July. A great date to buy a lottery ticket, plan a trip to Vegas, or go to the horse races.

2012 is a leap year so February has 29 days. There must be a holiday in there somewhere or at least an excuse to have a party or to treat yourself for the extra day this year!

Because April 15^th   is on a Sunday, taxes are not due until the 17^th. Great news for procrastinators, we have 2 extra days!

The summer Olympics start on July 27 in London. That means you still have 6 months to get into Olympic shape and to work on your dismount technique.

August 12^th the Summer Olympics finally end and you have learned everything about track and field.

September and October you will hear about everything there is to know about all the presidential candidates via their television commercials, leading up to the elections on November 6^th.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are on Mondays so short work weeks for 2 weeks!

Most likely there will be a George Clooney movie released during the year. Good chance some reality star will go to jail during the year and it will be made into a new reality show. Another designer will release a collection to Target and you will get on it this time!

What are the best things you are looking forward to in 2012?

Organizing Your Housework...Yuk!

 For the New Year, organization is a goal for many people. Seems if you look at any magazine or newspaper after Christmas there is some article about organization. Organizational supply stores and stores selling organizational stuff go crazy with sales for the first of the year.  How many plastic tubs do you need to buy? Clear tubs do seem great because you think you can see through them to what is packed but really if the tub is not marked you still are not sure, trust me!

I enjoy organization as much as the next person. The thrill of a desk drawer where everything is organized in file folders, the kitchen drawer where tongs can easily be found, the sock drawer with 2 together absolutely delights me! I have learned the key to organization is maintenance. We all get rushed and one day those tongs or that pile of bills and invoices and those stray socks are mocking us once again.

I just saw a headline in my newspaper, “Organizing Your Housework”, that I had to read. The column broke down housekeeping chores that need to be done daily, weekly, quarterly, and annually. It went on to give the time needed to complete these tasks. I don’t think the article was written by some one who actually does household chores because the byline was “staff’.

Daily chores were listed as: “Make bed, sweep kitchen floor, load dishwasher, put in a load of wash, pick up main living areas, pick up clothes. All in 30 minutes. “

Repeat in 23 hours and 30 minutes.

Weekly chores were listed as: “dusting, vacuuming, empty trash, clean mirrors and television and computer screens, change bed linens, scrub bathroom and kitchen, mop floors, put out recyclables. All in 3 hours. “

Quarterly, the list is extensive including ”shampooing the carpet, clean out cabinets and drawers, vacuum underneath and behind furniture.”

 Yearly the list includes but not limited to: “ wash walls, windows, and inside cupboards and closets”.

No talking, taking breaks, getting side tracked, preparing food, eating, walking the dog, exercising, or checking email.

I am exhausted! Where are the kids, the spouse, the pets, the coffee, the friends, the hobbies, the yard care, the car care, the food shopping the food preparation or the job????

I would like to be this disciplined but I am realistic. I know many women say they just don’t clean and hire. What about you???

Should an extra place setting at the table be set for your Smartphone?

 If I see another YouTube video of giggling babies or sad dogs while I want to savor and compliment the cook or receive compliments of a yummy meal, I will have a fit! I don’t need to see the recipe for apple pie with a strudel topping while I am eating a piece of apple pie with strudel topping! The holiday foods are looked forward to all year and I will be damn if it is ruined again by some smart assed know it all smart phone!

 

Family get to-gethers have revealed to me that an extra “being” is present at the dining table. Discussions and conversations are halted while someone Goggles a fact. Is it me or do others find this uninvited guest, a know it all and annoying presence?

What about personal beliefs and thoughts shared? I support curiosity but does it have to be immediate? Does the smart phone or computer at the table keep the conversation more superficial?

The smart phone or computer/tablet at the table makes checking the user’s Facebook or twitter accounts or email very easy. How many people just check and don’t respond? Can you enforce no electronics at the table? Does it start out that way only to be dashed when the innocent act of looking up a fact escalates to another being at the table and the user is pulled into their online world? What about using the phone to take pictures and then immediately sent to Facebook?

So without having fits, how do you handle this breach in etiquette? Do you just set an extra place setting? Do you enforce the no electronics rule?  I love technology, but am I griping like the little old lady I am turning into?

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Grown Up Women

It is that time of year when the conversation with friends, family or co-workers turns to New Year’s resolutions. OK, how many of you have already cringed??

Here are the top 5 resolutions that show not much imagination and may not be achieved:

1.       Lose 10 pounds------ Like every woman wants to hold on to extra weight?

2.       Exercise More------- Duh!

3.      Become more healthy-------- That is in case you don’t list #1 or #2!

4.       Spend more time with my family--------- Too vague, is it mutual?

5.       Learn a foreign language or Learn to play a musical instrument-------- Good luck with that!

Here are 5 New Year’s Resolutions that are Achievable:

1.       Do not clutter the dining room or Kitchen table with  miscellaneous stuff!

2.       Do not eat after  11 PM

3.       Floss daily ( twice a day for those who need more challenges)

4.       Take the pictures off your computer and make prints or a book

5.       Keep the toilet seat cover down

If some of you already do the above 5, you will have to come up with your own resolutions. The top 5 are tough. I am not really suggesting that you don’t challenge yourself this year but I am suggesting that you make your resolves more attainable.

Here is a resolution I did last year and am continuing this year: Write down every book read and every movie seen.  This really helps if you order books from your library or movies from Netflix.

So what are your resolutions this year???

A Day in the Life

Tis the season of giving and sharing so I asked a friend to guest blog! Friends give support, love and shared experiences. Here is the voice and story from my friend TJ.

Intro

 After years of steady work, my company closed the division that employed me. The negative economic impact on my life was expected.  The negative effect of too much free time on a Type A personality was devastating.  Fortunately, I still have a dependent relying on me for their everyday needs.  Did I say “fortunately”?

A Day in the Life

      “Now I can't go.”

“Just relax. Don't worry.  I'll hold the door closed,” I sighed as the door at the end of the row opened.

The mother ushering her little girl out of the bathroom stall gave me a knowing, sympathetic smile.

“But I can't,” came the soft response.

Silence, as minutes passed and finally, the desired tinkling sound. The swishing of pants moving could be heard.

'CLINK!' the most dreaded sound of all filled the empty public restroom...the sound of the lock on the inside of the stall door dropping onto place.

“I can't get the door open!” panic won and the door began rattling.

Calmly I explained in the simplest terms how to unlock the door...again (rattle, rattle, rattle) and again

(rattle, rattle, rattle)...and patience vanishes.

“IF YOU THINK I AM CRAWLING ON THE FILTHY FLOOR OF THIS GROCERY STORE BATHROOM TO GET YOU OUT, YOU'D BETTER THINK AGAIN!”

The silence is broken by the sound of the lifting latch and the door squeaking open.

“Sorry,” my 81 year old mother says, “I wasn't about to get dirty.”

“It's OK, Mom; let's get you some groceries,”

It's going to be a long day.

What is Your Catnip?

Watching my cats in the catnip plants getting serene and happy more than just high made me think about what gives me that same sort of calmness and happiness? I have read that cat owners should mirror some of their cats’ behavior. Stretch after getting up, incorporating play in your life, take little quick runs, engage in frequent naps, don’t interact or do interact with various people in your life and show happiness and contentment often.

Do you find yourself humming sometimes? Is humming the same as purring? If a loved one puts their arm around you do you sink into the hug? Would that make you purr?  Science has shown that petting cats and even dogs lowers blood pressure and has a calming effect of people. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all live in the moment like a cat? 

My cats love fresh catnip. We grow a large area in our garden devoted only to catnip. It is a pretty plant when it flowers and the bees seem to like it as well as the cats. It grows from a small 2 inch plant to a 4 foot tall overgrown lush shrub. We have about 4 plants in the area. The cats will roll in it and just sit or bask in it. Temporary contentment all over their faces!

Is your Catnip a bubble bath, a glass of wine, a piece of chocolate? Is it an evening with family, a day with friends, or a day of solitude? How can we all become more cat like? I am starting by working on my purr, what about you?

How to Survive Menopause with-out becoming a Felon: 8 Coping Tips

Hormone Replacement Therapy is an option for some women to get through the side effects of menopause. Prior to 2001 most women were put on HRT if they complained to their physician about menopausal side effects, and they stayed on it for 10-20 years. Now studies have shown HRT does not have the health benefits once thought and high dose and long term usage can have adverse effects.HRT at the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time is often now recommended for women who choose the HRT path of coping. Someone who has had estrogen positive breast cancer, HRT is not a viable option.

If you have tried every drug store or internet “solution” and find yourself out of more money than fewer side effects, here are some coping remedies:

1. Fans placed strategically everywhere you go. A small fan in your bathroom as you put on your make-up. Keep a personal fan at your desk for work. Place a small fan on the kitchen counter.

2. Keep your house and office thermostat set at cool. So what that your family and co-workers are wearing down jackets indoors, who cares?

3. Drink iced beverages at all times. Keep ice cubes handy. Drop one down your bra, or rub one at the back of your neck for an instant cool down.

4. Try to make hand held fans and parasols a fashion statement for you when venturing outside in warm sunny weather.

5. Do not fancy the notion of becoming a Vampire. Yes they seem always cool, they don’t go out much in day light but the undead is really not a viable option just to get through menopause.

6. If you are shopping for a new car, buy a convertible. If it rains or snow, just drive faster. If it is really hot outside and you must venture into it, be sure the car has air-conditioning. If you are not in the car buying market, drive with windows rolled down in winter and air conditioning on high all through spring summer and fall. If you take public transportation, sit close to the doors that open, or an open window.

7. Fashion tips from my previous Fashion blog: open toe shoes, wear layers with the first being a wicking layer, no wool, no turtle necks, no hose or socks or hats, waterproof make-up, carry or stash away an extra set of clothes and make-up .

8. You say a mantra that goes a little like this: I love my freedom, I am just menopausal, I do not want to go to jail, I am just menopausal, I do not want to pay attorney and court fees, I am just menopausal, I do not want to look like a crazy woman, I am just menopausal, I am a mature adult, I am a loving woman, I am just menopausal!

How to Survive Menopause with-out becoming a Felon: 5 Physical Points

The side effects that happen during menopause really stink. Not all women will suffer all the side effects and 20% will have no side effects. I really do not believe that statistic and think the 20% lied and it is closer to 10%, but that is neither here or there!

The top 10 most common side effects of menopause:

Night Sweats                                                           Hot Flashes

Thinning Hair                                                           Menopausal pooch (Tummy Fat)

Mood Swings                                                          Dry eyes, skin and hooha

Insomnia                                                                  Head Aches

Forgetfulness, foggy thinking, memory loss (why I think the 20% lied, they cannot remember)

 5 Physical Points to Consider:
1. Of course the really big physical change is the menstrual cycle. First it may happen every 3 weeks or every 6 weeks and a really heavy/minimal flow. Menopausal means 1 year with-out a period. Some women will go 12-14 months with-out a period and then get one for a few months and then it is on hiatus again. There is a blood test that shows if you are in menopause but sometimes the test is positive and you still get a period!

2. Of course some women will think they are ill because they are having some of the above symptoms and still have a period. Often women who are having erratic periods and some of the listed symptoms and are in denial that it could just be menopause think they have some disease. Compared to a life threatening or chronic disease, menopause is a good thing!

3. Of course you want to see a doctor just to be sure that it is menopause and not a thyroid condition or some other disease. Then if it is menopause, accept it.

4. Of course the physical side effects are irritating and miserable and combining them with the mental side effects, menopause can become a perfect storm for the courts. To stay free from becoming a felon for the next 5-15 years you need to learn to accept this is life. The alternative to menopause is death!

5. Of course some women will even go so far to say that menopause was the best thing that ever happened to them. They feel no periods and no need for birth control is liberating. Yeah for the positive thinkers!

In a nut shell, the physical side effects of menopause suck. Misery loves company and if you have girlfriends your same age you can commiserate together! Those of you who have no side effects be careful when talking about it in front of a woman in the throes of menopause for your own physical safety.