Refresh Yourself and Cut Stress

Last weekend I did a TV interview near Philadelphia for my book Job Hunting After 50. Afterwards, I spend a couple of days at the ocean--relaxing--de-stressing. I believe everyone should see the ocean at least once a year. It's such a wonderful way to renew one's spirit. If that is not possible, though, there are some things you can do close to home to refresh and renew your mind, body, and spirit. Consider the following:

• Take a day trip to some place you have been meaning to visit. Research your state's website or check out some back issues of regional magazines. There are all kinds of interesting sites tucked away in out-of-the-way places--sometimes close to your own backyard. Many are free to visit and enjoy.


• Get personal with nature. Just being outside can, in many cases, help you de-stress. For the creative ones among us, nature can expand our creativity.


• Plant a garden. Gardening is a great stress reliever. If you plant vegetables and herbs, you can enjoy their freshness at mealtime. If you prefer to plant flowers, you can enjoy their beauty indoors and outside. For the smaller space, use pots and containers. Planting flowers, shrubs, and trees will also help beautify and benefit our stressed environment.


• Visit your local library, zoo, museum, science center, planetarium, conservatory, amusement park, or other entertaining site. On a tight budget? Check newspapers and websites for discount coupons or else visit a free park, playground, or lake.


• Invite friends over for a backyard barbeque or pack up the cars and picnic at a local park or lake.


• Build a backyard habitat for small animals, butterflies, or birds.


• Sit on your deck or porch or in your favorite chair and make a gratitude list.


• Join or create a book club that meets in person to discuss favorite readings.

Hopefully, this list will give you some ideas that will get you started on a relaxing summer.

Make Yourself Indispensable on the Job

Continuing with the "hang onto your job" theme, I have added more ways to keep your job and get ahead in the workplace.

• Speak kindly to everyone--every day.


• Go above and beyond for your customers. If there is something special you can do, do it.


• Go above and beyond for the boss by making yourself valuable to him or her.


• If you must offer criticism, say something positive first.


• Update your professional image.


• Maintain a positive attitude at all times.


• Maintain a "successful" mindset.


• Make a plan for your advancement and write steps you can take toward that goal.


• Look for solutions to problems.


• Hone your leadership skills.


• Stay away from troublemakers and gossips.


• Be a results-oriented employee.

Taking appropriate steps today can lead to a rewarding career tomorrow.

Hang Onto Your Job

The unemployment picture is not as rosy as economists earlier predicted, and the unemployment rate edged up a bit. Therefore, this blog will offer pointers on how to keep the job you have.

• Be a team player and make an effort to get along with everyone at work--overlook the shortcomings of others (and maybe they will overlook your shortcomings, too).


• Be productive all the hours you are at work--do more than the minimum required.


• Accept personal responsibility for your work, including mistakes. Work to correct and not repeat mistakes.


• Contribute to the overall success of the company--no personal calls, no personal work, no going aboard with socializing.


• Display a positive work ethic at all times--go to work everyday, show up on time, work until quitting time, be honest and ethical at all times.


• Become an expert on your company's products and services.


• Keep your skills sharp and updated at all times.


• Always ask yourself, "How can I add value to my boss and my company.