Committed to Excellence Award      
 
This award recognizes educational office professionals who are committed to excellence. The recipient will receive a two-year UAEOP membership. This award is for non-UAEOP board members. The recipient does not need to be a current UAEOP member.
 
One nominee will be selected three times per year in January, June, and October. The next deadline is December 31, 2017.
 
The nomination form is available at www.uaeop.org. Click on Grow and Award.
 
This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to nominate a colleague who consistently excels in their profession. 

Student Scholarship
 
The UAEOP Judy Anderson Student Scholarship is designed to assist business education students who wish to continue their education and pursue office related careers, preferably in the educational field. The scholarship is valued at $500.
 
The application is available at www.uaeop.org. Click on Grow and Student Scholarship.
 
Application must be postmarked by January 31, 2018.
 
This information is being sent to all counselors and CTE Business teachers, however, please feel free to forward to students, staff, and/or post in your school offices. 

December 12, 2017

BELLS for Holiday Stress
 
Why do the holidays become stressful? Often the answer to that question is that we get tied up in all of the "to do"s and "by when"s that are implied in getting everything done. The holidays are for people, not the other way around. Let's look at an acronym that can help us better handle holiday stress:
 
B - Breathe - Take a moment to get perspective on what the holidays are all about. In addition to that, actually focusing for a moment on your breathing can help to move your brain from the protective fight or flight response into a more calm mode of functioning.
 
E - Eating and Exercise - Your brain is part of your body. In fact it is the biggest energy hog of any organ in your system. Sometimes during the holidays we neglect the important physical care of our brain and body. Use moderation in eating those holiday goodies, and keep up with your exercise routine.
 
L - Love - Most of your holiday "to do" list comes back to activities or preparations to connect with people you love. Keeping the purpose in mind helps to reduce the stress.
 
L - Live in the moment - Stay present and enjoy whatever you are doing NOW. A lot of the stress comes from anticipating or worrying about what is still coming. Connect with what you are doing and who you are with right now.
 
S - Serve - Anxiety and stress are almost always focused on the self. When we get out of our own way and reach out to serve and lift others, we feel less stress. The holidays are a wonderful time to actually do this.
 
May you have a wonderful and stress-free holiday season!
  

“People before programs and values before valuables"Dr. Paul
Live On Purpose
Phone: 801-380-5161
http://www.drpauljenkins.com

First of all, take a deep breath. This will be over soon and you will survive. Staying present in the moment helps us remember to look around and take in all that is being offered at that time.
 
If you are travelling with children for the holidays; make up a small bag of books, small toys, games, etc., items they can use in the car, so they don’t spend all of their time with some sort of media. Play a game to encourage them to look out the window; look for license plates from other states, look for something that begins with an ‘A’, a ‘B’, etc., among other games.
 
Next, prioritize. Make lists to help keep you on track and to decrease anxiety. Make a list of things to be done and decide what order those things need to be in and make a plan to get those things done.
 
Put down your phone. There are so many fun events during the holiday season, remember to put down your phone and actually enjoy them. Difficult to do at times but, try using your phone during an event, only for a few pictures and enjoy the event the rest of the time. You will make many happy family memories!
 
Thanks for keeping up with the blog!
Tracy Silcott 

​Ugh, December. Is there any month of the year that drives us quite so batty? Shopping, Entertaining, Traveling, Wrapping, Preparing for a new semester/year! A sure fire way to relieving the stress that comes with this list is practicing the three R’s – rest, relaxation, and reflection. All three of these not only helps soothe your frayed brain, but also improves your overall health, according to the Mayo Clinic. Learning to “chill” slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure, reduces muscle tension and even boosts your self-confidence!
 
Deepak Chopra recommends mediating for 10 to 20 minutes a day in order to bring your mind and body into harmony. I haven’t been doing this, probably why I have a cold right now. Dr. Nancy Snyderman suggests running away for a fast recharge. “Tell your family you love them, but that you need a brief getaway. They will be fine. It is not selfish, it’s self-preservation.” Dr. Oz says, “If you can’t get away, take 5 minutes to go to the bathroom and practice deep belly breathing.”
 
I love these tips. I thought, “I can at least try breathing!” I got the email below from PEHP. Sign-up and they will send you an email to help you take ten minutes to breath once a week. I signed up. I thought, “I can at least do that to help with the stress.” I hope you have a not-too-stressful holiday season.
Happy Holidays,
Andrea Curtin, CEOE

Take Ten Tuesdays
Every Tuesday in December starting 12/5
Take ten minutes each Tuesday to give yourself the gift of relaxation this holiday season. Each recording will be sent directly to your inbox weekly.
To register, use the link below:
https://urspehp.adobeconnect.com/ekmf23oldz4g/event/registration.html

Thank you,
PEHP Wellness
 
 
 
Best Regards,
Andrea Curtin,CEOE*

At this time of year we often feel overwhelmed with juggling all of our work, family and social obligations as the holidays approach.  Don't forget to take some time for yourselves and do something that makes you happy!  The happier we are, the better we are able to help other people.  One of the biggest things I do for myself is to go to the gym at least five days a week and chocolate and Hallmark movies always help.  
 
Debbie Burtenshaw
Administrative Assistant
Ben Lomond High School