Thinking of a Career Change?

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Once upon a time, a job was for life and people tended to work in the same industry or even for the same company throughout their entire career. But these days, it’s more common for people to change direction mid-way through their career. And with proper planning, there’s no reason why you can’t change career at any age.

 

Is a career change right for you?
The first step is to think about why you want to change. It may be that you don’t need to change career completely to find new challenges or better prospects. A new role in your existing company or a position at a new firm might be what you need instead.

 

 

What next?

If you have decided that you want a complete change of career, you need to think about what you’d like to do next. Think about the things you still enjoy in your current career – are there skills you could transfer to a different industry or role? Alternatively, do you have hobbies outside of work that you could build into a new career? Take time to research your options and find out what training or qualifications you might need to kick-start your new career.

 

Practical considerations

Think about the financial and practical implications of a career change. For example, changing career may mean taking a drastic pay cut whilst you establish yourself in your new job. Make sure you have adequate savings whilst you make the transition.

 

For more information about changing career, visit: www.acareerchange.co.uk

 

Categories: Career, career change, catton, change, change career, changing career, company, industry, jenny, nbsp, written

Gifts That Keep Giving

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

They say that it is better give than to receive. And it’s true, most people love choosing gifts for their loved ones. But no matter how well intentioned, sadly many gifts don’t ever get used by the recipient. Whether it’s clothes in the wrong size, gadgets they don’t need, or fragrances that they don’t like, many gifts just end up stuck at the back of cupboards. Not only is this a waste of money but is also a waste of the earth’s resources.

 

So next time you’re choosing a gift for a loved one, think creatively and have fun choosing unusual gifts that are more environmentally friendly. Ideas include:

 

• Hunt out unusual one-off gifts at flea markets or charity shops


• Whether you’re into knitting, cooking or soap making, try making homemade gifts for friends and family


• If you’re on a tight budget, give your time rather than a physical present. You can create a handmade voucher that promises for example to babysit for 4 hours or help with the gardening once a month


• Check your book shelves and DVD collections for books and films that you think others will enjoy. If they’ve only been read or watched once, chances are they are still in excellent condition and will make a great gift


• Make a donation to your friend’s favourite charity instead of giving a gift. From helping endangered animals to providing clean water for overseas communities, there are a wide range of gift ideas available

 

For charitable gift ideas visit: www.oxfam.org.uk

Categories: catton, choosing, gift, gifts, jenny, nbsp, Waste, written

Is Watching TV Bad for Children?

 

Written by Jenny Caton

 

Some experts have suggested that children under the age of 12 should watch no more than one hour of television each day. But for many parents, trying to tear children away from the TV can be an on-going battle. But is watching television really bad for children?

 

Yes – Elizabeth

I’m shocked at the amount of violence, sex and bad language that is shown on television every day. Once upon a time it was restricted to after the watershed so you could protect children from it but now it seems to have permeated through the entire television schedule. Soap operas routinely show violent behaviour and supposedly ‘family entertainment’ shows often feature overtly sexual dance routines. It isn’t healthy for children to be exposed to this from a young age as it teaches them that this is what real life is like, when it’s not.

As well as teaching children poor moral values, too much time spent in front of the television means children have no time for other activities such as exercising, studying or playing outdoors with their friends.

Studies have also shown that children who watch too much television can develop attention-deficit disorders. After the fast, energetic pace of TV shows, children often find it difficult to concentrate on more mundane activities, like schoolwork, for any length of time.

In our household, we only switch the television on when there is a programme that we particularly want to watch. This avoids the temptation to sit in front of it hour after hour and means that we socialise as a family instead. When my children do watch TV, I make sure it’s only for short periods of time and always check that the programme is suitable for their age.

 

 

No – Patrick

Television is a great educational resource for children. There are so many programmes that teach children about everything from history and geography to art and religion. They can learn about countries they have never visited and see how people live in different societies and cultures.

Television is also a great way to introduce children to different hobbies and can inspire them to have ambition in other areas of their lives. For example, at a young age I decided I wanted to be a chemist after watching science programmes on TV and my youngest daughter has started singing lessons after watching television talent shows. There may be programmes that promote violence but there are just as many that set a good example to children, encouraging them to work hard and succeed in life.

I’ve always believed that television prepares children for the real world too. It’s much better that they learn about things like bullying or drugs by watching television than by experiencing it in the real world without any knowledge of how to deal with difficult situations. If a character in a soap opera does something like stealing, parents can use it as a way to explain to children why this behaviour is wrong.

Like many things that get a bad rap in life, television in itself isn’t harmful, particularly if parents watch television with their kids. Restricting or banning television completely isn’t the answer.

Categories: caton, Children, children nbsp, jenny, nbsp, real world, Television, time, watch, watching television, written, young age

Swap the School Run for the School Walk

 

Written by Jenny Caton

 

Several recent studies have suggested that children who walk to school are happier, healthier and perform better in the classroom than those who are driven or take public transport. And it’s not surprising really. The benefits of exercise and fresh-air on our health and wellbeing are well documented. In addition, walking to school is generally a much calmer way to start the day than sitting in traffic with stressed-out parents, or travelling on a rowdy bus. Walking to school also gives children the opportunity to socialise with other kids, or to chat with their parents.Walking, rather than driving, has environmental benefits too and can help reduce the traffic fumes around school playgrounds.

 

Of course, ditching the car and walking to school takes a little panning but the benefits are very rewarding. Some schools operate ‘walk to school’ or ‘walking bus’ projects but if yours doesn’t you could ask the school if it’s something they would consider, or get together with other parents to arrange your own scheme.

 

If you live too far away from school to walk all the way, consider parking at a friend’s house or on a nearby street and walk the final stretch – this will also avoid trying to find a parking space close to school.

 

Some parents worry that walking to school will take up too much time but when you factor in the time you’d normally spend stuck in traffic or trying to find a parking space, you might find that walking is actually quicker and more enjoyable.

 

For more information about setting up a walking to school scheme, visit: www.walktoschool.org.uk

 

Categories: caton, jenny, nbsp, Parents, parking space, School, walk, Walking, written

Too Much on Your Plate? Then Delegate!

 

Written by Jenny Caton

 

For some people delegation comes easily but for others giving up control of certain tasks can be difficult. Whether you manage a large team or just one or two people, there will be times when you’re just too busy to do everything yourself. This is when you need to delegate tasks to other people.

 

 

 

Why delegate?
When you try to tackle an unrealistic workload on your own, it’s easy to feel frazzled and burnt out. But delegation isn’t just about reducing your own workload; sharing tasks with your team is a great way for others to learn new skills and feel valued in their role. It can provide fresh ideas and free you up to try new things too.

 

 

 

The fear of delegating
Delegating often takes a leap of faith. You need to put your trust in someone else and take a step back from certain tasks. For some, this can create a feeling of being out of control, particularly if you worry that other people won’t complete the job to your own high standards.

 

If you’re worried about delegating, here are some tips:

 

• Don’t expect people to do things in exactly the same way you would. Everyone has their own methods.


• Always provide a clear brief and let people know exactly what you need and when you need it.


• Let your colleagues know you’re on hand if they need help with a new task but give them the space to get on with things by themselves.

 

For more information about managing others, visit: http://www.mindtools.com/

Categories: caton, delegate, delegating, jenny, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, people, tasks, written

How to Prepare for an Empty Nest

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

As parents prepare for their children to leave the family home for the first time, it can cause a range of different emotions. Some parents look forward to gaining back their time, money and space. Others dread the day their children will fly the nest and wish that their kids could stay at home forever. The truth is that it’s natural for children to leave the parental home when the time is right and the change needn’t be too painful for parents.

 

But for some parents the experience can cause extreme sadness and shock which impacts their emotional and physical health. This psychological condition is what’s commonly called ‘empty nest syndrome’.

 

In some cases, empty nest syndrome can lead to more serious depression, low self-esteem or feelings that life no longer has a purpose. If this happens, it can be a real strain on health and relationships.

 

But just being aware of empty nest syndrome in advance can help lessen the blow when your children finally do leave home. By planning for your new life, you can look forward to a bright and happy future rather than dreading it.

 

Here are some tips to help you deal with empty nest syndrome:

 

• Remember that it’s natural for happy and healthy children to grow up and embrace the world on their own. If they were still living with you into their forties or fifties, you probably wouldn’t be too happy.

 

• Remind yourself that they are only leaving home; they are not moving out of your life completely.

 

• Think about new hobbies you might want to take up now that you have extra time and spare cash.

 

• Get back in touch with old friends who are in a similar situation – it’s much easier to have a varied and active social life once the kids are grown up.

 

• Enjoy your relationship. Remember that your spouse may be finding the change difficult too but now is a great time to rekindle your romance and enjoy doing the things you enjoyed before the children came along. If you’re a single parent, or divorced it could be the perfect time to start dating again.

For help and advice about family life, visit:  http://familylives.org.uk/

Categories: catton, Children, jenny, life, nbsp, nest, nest syndrome, syndrome nbsp, time, written

Learn to Love Public Speaking

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Do you have a fear of public speaking? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, some surveys have shown that people are less afraid of death than they are of speaking in public. But in the world of business most of us will be called upon to give a presentation at some point. So if it really is so terrifying, how can you get through the experience without having a complete breakdown?

 

Why people hate giving presentations

If you’re nervous about giving a presentation then it’s worth stepping back and asking yourself why. Is it because you dread being asked a question you can’t answer, are afraid of your voice turning into a squeak or are worried that your projector will break down mid-presentation?It may be a combination of things. By working out what scares you, you can begin to address your fears. Every fear can be overcome with a little planning and there’s no reason why even the most nervous presenter can’t learn to be a great presenter.

 

Be prepared

The first step to giving a great presentation is to be prepared. Know your subject inside out. Rehearse your presentation as much as possible. Think about the likely questions you might be asked. If you’re using props or technology, check that they work in advance. If you’re worried about forgetting your lines, keep your notes close to hand. If you’re presenting away from your usual office, get to the venue in plenty of time so that you can familiarise yourself with the room and set up any equipment you may need.

 

Disguise your nerves

It’s natural to feel nervous before giving a presentation. A few butterflies in the tummy can actually be good as they’ll add energy to your performance. But no-one wants to watch a presenter who is clearly hating every minute. So even if you are feeling the pressure, put your audience at ease by hiding your nerves. Here are some ways to disguise the physical symptoms of nerves:

 

• Don’t hold loose papers as they’ll draw attention to shaking hands. If you need notes with you, attach them to a solid clipboard or write them on index cards which will stay steady.


• Keep your voice even by exercising your vocal chords before your presentation. Have a glass of warm water to hand in case your voice gets croaky. Avoid ice-cold water which could make it worse.


• Even if you don’t feel like it, smile broadly at your audience – it will give a sense of confidence instantly.

 

It may seem impossible, but try to have fun during your presentation. If you appear to be enjoying yourself, your audience will too. In his book Brilliant Presentation, Richard Hall gives the following tip: “Lighten up a little…you will stand out if you let your charm and personality shine through.”

 

So next time you’re called upon to give a presentation; don’t panic! Prepare, relax, smile and you may just find you enjoy it.

 

Categories: catton, giving, jenny, nbsp, Nerves, nervous, Presentation, Public Speaking, written

Let There be Light

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

If you want to reduce the negative environmental impact of your home, one good place to start is by looking at how you light your house.

 

Making small changes to your lighting could save energy and reduce your bills.

 

Here are some things to try:

 

• Try break the habit of automatically switching on a light when you enter a room. Think about whether you actually need the artificial light first? Perhaps just opening the curtains a little wider or sitting closer to the window will give you all the natural light you need.

 

• Think about the light bulbs you use. Standard light bulbs create a lot of heat making them incredibly inefficient. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and you could significantly reduce your CO₂ emissions.

 

• Decide whether you need to light the whole room. This is particularly important in large rooms or offices. If you are the only person using the room, it may be more practical to use a small lamp rather than switching on the main lights.

 

• Look at how the layout and decoration of your room affects the natural light available. Replacing thick curtains with blinds, or painting the walls in lighter colours could improve the light levels without having to resort to artificial lighting.

 

• Finally, remember to turn the lights off when you leave a room.

 

For more tips on how to make environmentally-friendly changes within your home, take a look at The Eco-Living Handbook by Sarah Callard and Diane Millis, published by Carlton Books.

Categories: bulbs, catton, jenny, Light, light bulbs, Natural Light, nbsp, reduce, room, written

The Problem with Perfection

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Do you feel like you’re constantly striving to be perfect? Are you setting exceptionally high standards in every area of your life? Do you long for the perfect body, house or relationship? If so, you could find that trying to be perfect is harming your emotional and physical wellbeing.

 

Whilst it’s healthy to have goals and aim high, it seems that in recent years society’s lust for perfection has got out of hand. Every day, we see images of celebrities who look flawless and seem to live ‘perfect’ lives. We know it’s just an illusion and yet we still strive for perfection in our own lives, even though we don’t have a millionaire budget. We aim to be the best at work, try to be a perfect husband or wife, want to raise perfect children and try to create a perfect, spotless home.

 

But obtaining perfection in every area of life is impossible. And people who try to achievethese unrealistic goals can end up anxious and depressed when they fail to meet the high expectations they’ve set themselves. They may find that their relationships suffer as they try control the people around them and they can feel like a failure or out of control when things don’t turn out as they hoped.

 

If you find yourself constantly striving for perfection, it might be time to give yourself a break. Remember that things don’t have to be perfect all the time. For instance, it’s better to ignore the housework if it means you have more time to spend with your family. Don’t beat yourself up when you don’t achieve perfection; instead congratulate yourself on what you have achieved. Don’t be afraid to ask for help around the house or at work if you feel you’ve got too much on your plate. And remember that even those people that seem perfect on the outside, have the same insecurities as everybody else on the inside.

 

In some extreme cases, a desire to be perfect can lead to more serious health issues such as panic attacks, depression, eating disorders or obsessive compulsive disorders. For more information about these kinds of mental health issues, visit: www.mind.org.uk

 

Categories: catton, constantly striving, health issues, jenny, nbsp, people, perfect, perfection, time, written

Written by Jenny Catton

Categories: catton, jenny, written

 

Written by Jenny Catton

Categories: catton, jenny, nbsp, written

Is Being a Pushy Parent Good for Your Kids?

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

It’s natural to want your child to be successful and most parents encourage their children to develop skills, interests and hobbies as much as possible. But when does encouragement turn into pushiness? And can being a pushy parent actually be a good thing?

 

Yes – Susannah

My daughter Sophie was three years old when she started ballet classes. We took her along thinking that it would just be a bit of fun for her but she quickly showed that she had a real talent, with a natural ability that outshone all of her classmates.

 

Sophie really loved ballet and so we decided to let her take part in as many classes and shows as possible. We didn’t see it as being pushy; we just wanted to encourage her to enjoy a hobby that she was obviously very good at. But as she got older, Sophie began to lose interest and we really had to push her to keep practising. Often we had to force her to go to her classes when she said she didn’t want to go.

 

I know that I’ve been labelled a pushy parent for making Sophie continue with her ballet butall children go through phases when they’d rather just watch TV than work hard at something. And if Sophie continues to practice, her teachers say she might be good enough to join a major ballet company when she’s older.

 

Children can’t be expected to make rational decisions about what’s best for them – they rely on their parents for that. I’m sure in the future, if she becomes a famous ballerina, she’ll be grateful that we encouraged her to carry on with her lessons.

 

No – Bridget

Children should be free to try as many different hobbies as they like. And if they don’t particularly want to do something, they shouldn’t be forced. I think a lot of the time pushy parents are trying to live through their children – hoping that the children will be a success in areas where they have perhaps failed.

 

My father was very pushy. With my older brother, he forced him to play rugby every week even though my brother hated it. And with me, he pushed me academically. He was never happy unless I got an ‘A’ for every assignment. I remember when I took my exams, I got three As and a B. Rather than congratulating me, my father said: “Why couldn’t you just get straight As?”. As a result, I’m now very hard on myself, striving for perfection all the time and feel depressed if I don’t achieve it.I also grew up feeling that my father’s love was dependent upon me being successful.

 

I’ve worked hard not to be a pushy parent with my own kids. If they want to try something, that’s great and if they show a talent for something they enjoy, I’ll support them as much as possible. But if they don’t want to do something, I won’t force them. Being a pushy parent is not good for you, or for your kids.

 

Categories: catton, Children, jenny, kids nbsp, nbsp, parent, pushy, pushy parent, sophie, written

Is Dressing Smartly Still Important?

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

In a time when many companies are scrapping dress codes, and jeans and t-shirts are becoming an acceptable office outfit, does it still matter what you wear to work?

 

Leading etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore thinks it does. On her blog she writes: “When you make an effort to present your best self, it shows respect for your employer, your job, and the career strata in which you aspire.”

 

And many experts agree, suggesting that those who take the time to dress well at work are more likely to receive promotions and higher salaries.

 

Smart clothes can also make you feel more confident and professional which in turn will help you get the most from your day – whether that’s winning a new contract or running a meeting. In contrast, wearing a more informal outfit might encourage you and those around you to take a more relaxed attitude to work.

 

Of course, many would argue that in the creative industries, wearing a suit would stifle creativity and that by allowing people to wear what they like, you are encouraging free thought and imaginative ideas. This may be true but even if you don’t have to wear a formal suit; dressing down isn’t the same as dressing scruffily. Smart jeans, an ironed shirt and clean shoes will make a much better impression than ripped jeans and scruffy trainers.

 

For more advice about how to be successful in everyday life, visit Jacqueline Whitmore’s blog: http://jacquelinewhitmore.com/

 

Categories: catton, dressing, jacqueline whitmore, jeans, jenny, nbsp, wear, work, work nbsp, written

Get More from Meetings

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Ever feel like meetings are taking over your entire day? Well, you’re not alone. In his book How to Manage Meetings, Alan Barker says that most people, working in organisations, spend 60 per cent of their time in meetings. And love them or loathe them, meetings are an essential part of most businesses. They are crucial for getting things done, provide structure within a company and offer an environment in which to discuss problems or ideas. But when meetings aren’t managed properly, they take up valuable time without achieving any worthwhile results. So how can you make sure the meetings in your organisation are effective?

 

Before you hold your next meeting, think about the following:

 

Who needs to be there?

Having too many people at a meeting can cause discussions to ramble on for too long and it becomes difficult to make decisions. Limit the number of people at the meeting to only those that really need to be there.

 

Who’s in charge?

Even if there is no formal hierarchy between the people attending the meeting, it’s important that one person is in charge of running the meeting to keep it progressing efficiently.

 

What’s on the agenda?

Make sure you have an agenda of points to cover so that the meeting achieves its objectives and doesn’t wander off course.

 

Action points

It’s what happens after the meeting that’s often the important thing. Make sure someone keeps a note of all the action points that are agreed in the meeting so that they can be followed up afterwards.

 

Limit the time

Let everyone know what time the meeting will end and stick to it.

 

 

 

Categories: action points, catton, jenny, meeting, Meetings, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, people, time, written

When All Else Fails is a Gastric Band the Solution?

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Having a gastric band fitted in order to lose weight may seem like a drastic step. But for many people who have repeatedly tried and failed to lose weight, it can seem like the only option.

 

As more and more overweight people investigate surgery as a solution to their weight problem, we ask is a gastric band the answer?

 

Yes – Paul

Having a gastric band fitted was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve been overweight my entire life and I’ve tried countless diets to try and get my weight under control but nothing worked. Whenever I began a new diet, I’d lose a bit of weight but after a couple of months I’d start putting it all back on until I was even heavier than before.

 

The decision to get a gastric band wasn’t one I took lightly but eventually I realised that traditional dieting simply wasn’t going to work for me. I’d got to the point where I was almost 20 stone overweight. I couldn’t work, had no social life and I was unable to walk more than a few steps at a time, so exercise was out of the question. I was completely miserable and felt ashamed of myself for being so overweight.

 

The gastric band has changed my life. Because I can only eat tiny amounts of food, I’m no longer tempted to overeat. In just over two years, I’ve lost 15 stone. I feel so much better, I’ve got a job for the first time in years and can socialise with my friends. Now that I’ve lost so much weight, I enjoy exercising and I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

 

No – Shanice

After years of dieting, I’m finally getting my weight under control by following a healthy eating plan. A couple of my friends have had gastric bands fitted and after seeing what they have gone through, it’s not an option I would consider.

 

Both of my friends have had difficulty getting used to the gastric bands. They’ve had problems with painful indigestion and often struggle to eat anything. And getting a band isn’t a miracle cure – you won’t lose weight overnight and my friends have been disappointed with how long the process is taking. Because they are eating so little, I worry that they are not getting all the nutrients they need. And of course, it’s made socialising difficult – they can no longer go out for a meal and have lost interest in cooking for their families.

 

Surgery is always dangerous but particularly if you are overweight, so the decision to have a gastric band fitted shouldn’t be taken lightly.

 

Having seen the problems my friends have faced, I decided to join a weight loss club in my local area. I’ve learnt how to eat healthily and in the past year I’ve lost 5 stone. I’m determined to show my friends that it is possible to lose weight permanently without having to resort to dangerous surgery.

 

Categories: band, band fitted, catton, Gastric, gastric band, Gastric bands, jenny, Lose weight, nbsp, ve lost, weight, written

New Ways to Save Water

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

When it comes to saving water around the home, most of us are familiar with the usual advice – choose showers rather than baths, don’t leave taps running and fix any drips. And whilst it’s true that these simple steps can make a big difference; modern technology and clever gadgets now offer a whole host of new ways to save even more water.

 

In the bathroom

Try eco-shower heads to reduce the amount of water used when you take a shower. These devices cause water droplets to be filled with air – giving you a refreshing shower but using less water.

 

In the loo

It’s estimated that 30% of household water usage comes from flushing the loo. Invest in a water-saving device for your cistern and you could save over a litre of water every time you flush.

 

In the garden

Swap your traditional hosepipe for a spray gun. Because the spray gun is operated with a trigger, you only direct the water exactly where you need it, meaning you use less.

 

In the kitchen

If you find you regularly boil more water than you need, you may want to invest in an eco-kettle. These let you fill the kettle but then you dictate how much you want to boil and use at a time. The rest of the water then remains un-boiled in the kettle for use later. This not only saves water as you’re not throwing away the extra water you’ve boiled but also saves energy as you’re only heating the water you need.

 

For more ways to save water around the home, visit: www.futurefriendly.co.uk

Categories: catton, jenny, kettle, nbsp, save, save water, shower, spray gun, Water, water nbsp, written

What to do When You Hate Your Job

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Most of us complain about work every once in a while. Particularly when it’s a wet and windy Monday morning and you’d much rather stay snuggled up in your duvet than go to work. But what happens when your attitude towards your job takes a turn for the worse and you really hate your job. Being unhappy at work can cause all sorts of physical and emotional problems so if you start each day with a feeling of dread, it’s time to tackle the problem.

 

First think about why you hate your job. Is it because you are struggling with your workload or is a particular colleague causing you problems? If you can identify the cause of your misery you can take steps to resolve any issues. For example, your boss may be able to provide you with extra training if you are finding aspects of your job difficult or might agree to let you move your desk so that you can escape annoying colleagues.

 

It can be difficult, but it’s important to try and start each day with a positive attitude. If you come into work feeling miserable, people will pick up on this. It then becomes harder to make friends and puts you in the wrong frame of mind for the rest of the day. Even if you don’t feel particularly cheerful, greet your colleagues with a smile first thing and you could find that the rest of the day becomes more enjoyable.

 

For more information about improving your working life, visit: https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk

 

Categories: attitude, catton, jenny, nbsp, problems, Rest, work, written

How to Deal with Workplace Aches and Pains

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Is your job quite literally a pain in the neck? Do you finish the working day aching or feeling tense? Well, when it comes to the workplace, there are plenty of things that can cause aches and pains. Here are some of the most common ailments:

 

Headaches

Dehydration, poor lighting, tiredness, and bad posture can all cause headaches. You may be able to deal with an occasional headache by taking painkillers but if you are suffering from headaches on a daily basis, it’s important to identify the cause. Taking too many painkillers on a regular or long-term basis can be very harmful.

 

Repetitive strain injury

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a term used to describe pain caused by repetitive actions – i.e. repeating the same action over a long period of time. It can cause pain in the muscles, nerves and tendons and most commonly affects parts of the upper body such as elbows, wrists, neck and shoulders.

 

According to the NHS (www.nhs.uk), one worker in 50 in the UK has reported an RSI condition.

 

RSI can affect both office workers using computer equipment and manual workers where physical jobs call for repetitive actions over long periods.

                                                                                          

Backache

Back pain can be caused by many different factors including lifting heavy or bulky items, performing repetitive actions that put a strain on your back, long-distance driving or poor posture when sitting. Even with good posture, osteopaths advise that sitting for long periods of time can cause problems as the human body isn’t designed to sit in one position for several hours each day.

 

Stress-related symptoms

If you are suffering from stress, it can cause all kinds of unpleasant symptoms from stomach ache and an inability to concentrate to headaches and muscle tension. As stress often builds up over time, it can sometimes be difficult to recognise that physical ailments are actually caused by stress and anxiety. And when you start to feel ill, it can become more difficult to tackle the causes of stress.

 

What’s the solution?

So what can you do about these workplace hazards when they start causing you aches and pains?

 

The first step is to see what changes you can make by yourself. For example, simply taking a screen break every half hour and drinking plenty of water could combat headaches whilst repositioning your chair could solve backache.

 

But if you work in an environment where it isn’t possible to make changes yourself, or if you are suffering from more severe problems, you should talk to your manager. Every company should have a health and safety policy in place to ensure that the wellness of staff is upheld. Your firm may be willing to invest in modified equipment or office furniture to make you more comfortable.

 

If stress is the cause of your problems, again you should talk to your manager or HR department. They may be able to find ways to help you deal with the stress you are facing and help you feel healthy again.

 

For more information about health and safety at work, visit the Health and Safety Executive website: www.hse.gov.uk

Categories: catton, headaches, jenny, long periods, nbsp, pains nbsp, repetitive, repetitive actions, repetitive strain, strain injury, Stress, written

Focus on Fashion

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

With the price of fashion falling all the time, it’s become easier than ever for many people to buy new clothes on a monthly or even weekly basis. And when fashions change so quickly, the longevity of an item of clothing is shorter than ever. Many fashion followers wouldn’t dream of wearing last season’s outfits. But what happens to all of the old clothes we throw away? Well sadly, many end up in landfill. In fact, studies have shown that every year in the UK around 2.35 million tonnes of clothing and textiles are wasted with up to 30kg per person going to landfill.

 

So how can you play your part in cutting the amount of perfectly good clothes that are thrown away each year? Here are some ideas.

 

• Mend clothes instead of throwing them away


• Rather than buying new outfits, update your old ones by creating new combinations or accessorising in different ways


• Recycle old clothes by donating them to charity rather than throwing in the bin


• Hold clothes swapping parties with your friends


• Check you don’t already own something similar before buying a new item

 

As well as cutting the amount of clothes you throw away, it’s also important to think about how to care for your clothes. You can help the environment by washing clothes at low temperatures and let them dry naturally rather than using an electric dryer.

 

For ideas on how to mend or reinvent your old clothes, take a look at www.make-do-and-mend.org/

 

 

Categories: catton, jenny, written

Cut Your Air-miles with a Staycation

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

We all know that when it comes to travelling, aeroplanes are bad news for the environment. In his book The Rough Guide to Green Living, Duncan Clark says: “Two seats on a return trip from London to San Francisco produces the equivalent impact of around five tonnes of CO₂”. To put that into context, Clark explains that it’s equivalent to driving 20,000 miles in an average car.

 

But few of us want to give up our annual vacation, so what’s the alternative? Well, the ‘staycation’, which gets its name from combining ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’, is becoming an increasingly popular choice. And although a staycation means staying close to home rather than travelling overseas, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in your own home, doing the same things you do all the time. Here are some ideas for a fun staycation:

 

• Explore your local area – quite often we forget about the gems on our own doorstep. Pretend you’re a tourist in your own town and visit the places you normally pass by.


• Try new ways of travelling – you don’t have to jump on a plane to see parts of your own country. Why not try a walking or cycling holiday instead?


• Enjoy an activity holiday. There are many holidays that combine a relaxing break with the chance to learn a new skill so see what’s available in your local area. From writing retreats to cookery courses, they are a great way to try something new whilst taking a break from your usual routine.

 

 

Categories: catton, equivalent, jenny, local area, nbsp, staycation, staycation nbsp, travelling, vacation, written