Paymaster presents this 4-part article series that assists in employee and workplace wellness and provides tips and strategies to promote overall well-being in the workplace, including managing burnout, self-care, adopting lifestyle tips from Japan, and creating a supportive work environment.

Part 1

4 Types of intelligencehttps://www.paymaster.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/4-Types-of-emotional-intelligence-600×314.png

Psychologists have identified the following 4 types of intelligence:

Intelligence quotient, emotional quotient, social quotient and adversity quotient. Let’s explain these:

1. Intelligence quotient (IQ) – this measures the level of comprehension. You need IQ to solve maths problems, memorize things and recall lessons.

2. Emotional quotient (EQ) – this measures your ability to build a network of friends, maintain peace with others, be responsible, keep to time, be honest, respect boundaries, be humble, genuine and considerate.

3. Social quotient (SQ) – this measures your ability to build a group of friends and maintain it over time.

People with higher EQ and SQ usually go further in life than those with high IQ, but low EQ and SQ. Unfortunately most schools focus on building IQ, and play down the importance of EQ and SQ.

Your EQ represents your character, and your SQ represents your charisma. Seek out habits that will improve all three of the above mentioned, but especially your EQ and SQ.

Now there is a new one, the

4. Adversity Quotient (AQ) – this measures your ability to go through a difficult time and emerge on the other side without losing your mind. AQ determines who will give up, abandon their family, or consider suicide when going through a rough patch.

Develop a child’s different quotients, and don’t focus only on academics. Encourage manuel labour of some sort (but not as punishment), also sports and arts.

Help them to become multi-faceted human beings, able to act independently of their parents, as they grow up.

Prepare your children for the road, since you can’t prepare the road for them!Part 2

Beware of burnout

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A toxic culture has developed lately, that pushes people to prove how hard they’re working, and how indispensable they are. For some this defines their identity.

•  when things become overwhelming, there is a sense of shame and failure, that often prevents that person from seeking help. They don’t want to be seen not coping ,emotionally and physically.

•  it is vitally important to recognize it, accept it, and reach out for help.

•  symptoms can include feeling physically and emotionally drained, and feeling tired and overwhelmed, even unable to get out of bed.

•  it is a mistake to try and deal with it alone, as anxiety and worry only increases.

•  perfectionism is often a trait of these high achievers, putting themselves under impossible pressure.

•  there is no shame in this, so GET HELP – and be kind to yourself.

•  be flexible and teachable – your way is not the only way. Allow others to help you, and show you alternatives.

•  stress and overwhelm (and maybe a sense of hopelessness) often happens when a difficult project is completed, or a goal is reached.

•  it is essential to communicate how you feel to those close to you, and your work colleagues and boss.

•  does your company have a manifesto that supports your staff and make sure that managers stick to it. Have avenues to assist those feeling overwhelmed, and communicate them well.

Paymaster has a monthly Mental health day that allows each staff member a day off to do whatever they deem necessary to remain on top of it. Be creative (and consultative) and find ways to support your valued team members to stay strong and focused.

Part 3https://www.paymaster.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Self-care-tips-to-grow-in-2023-1024×536.png

Self -care tips for everyone

1.  Avoid telling people about your goals – it will release cheap dopamine, and trick your brain into thinking it has already achieved them, and lower your motivation.
2. If you feel unhappy – focus on brain health – sleep, hydrate, excercise, eat healthy and have less screen time.
3. Write down beautiful moments -save the memory – one day you might need it to lift you up when going through a tough time.
4. When emerging from a rough patch – use it as an opportunity to transform your life- focus on building your values and daily habits – and come back stronger.
5. Make peace with past decisions that you now regret – you made them based on knowledge you had then.
6. If you are not feeling strong mentally, don’t believe every thought and emotion – it’s a bad idea (like shopping on an empty tummy).
7. Don’t compare yourself to others – they have their own challenges.
8. Avoid those that steal your energy – and those prone to creating conflict.
9. If you see something beautiful in nature, be present and enjoy it. Not everything has to be recorded.
10. If mainstream media overwhelms you, turn it off.
11. If you’re stuck in negative thoughts, ask yourself “Will this matter in a year?” or “Is this useful?”
12. If you feel rushed, go at it 85%. The athlete, Carl Lewis, said “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast!”

Remember to live life to the fullest by setting achievable goals, focusing on brain health, and cherishing beautiful moments. Take at least one of these self-care tips and implement it into your daily routine for a healthier, happier life.

Part 4 coming next week…