Reflections on meaning, purpose, and why we keep showing up Over the weekend I read Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles (thanks to Donna Buehler for the recommendation!), and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The book explores the Japanese concept of ikigai (your […]
Where’s Your Ikigai Whispering? Read More »
Imagine facing a performance review with dread, heart pounding, and mind racing. This was my reality years ago. A surprising mid-year review left me rattled, despite feeling confident in my work. The unexpected feedback threw me off course. That experience has shaped my approach to performance reviews ever since. I’m determined to face this year’s
Recharge, Reflect, Renew: A Holistic Approach to Performance Reviews Read More »
It is the day after election day, and while you may be experiencing a range of emotions, it’s important to prioritize your mental, your emotional well-being, and your relationships. This post offers practical tips to help you manage post-election stress and maintain relationships. Tune In to Yourself: Set Healthy Boundaries: Practice Mindful Communication: Remember, it’s
Prioritize Self-Care: Navigating the Post-Election Day Landscape Read More »
Over the years, I’ve observed a trend in workplace dynamics: we’re becoming more aware of mental health, but sometimes this heightened awareness can blur the lines between normal emotional reactions and more serious concerns. This isn’t about downplaying anyone’s experience—emotions like sadness, frustration, and anxiety are real and valid. However, it’s also important to recognize
This summer I noticed myself feeling overwhelmed and burned out. I spoke with many of my colleagues who felt the same way. It felt like I didn’t have enough time and energy to accomplish the many professional and personal tasks. It was starting to feel unsustainable! However, the rational part of my brian knew it
Align Your Actions with Your Values Read More »
Ombuzz is all about providing tips, tools and strategies to help people navigate conflict, improve communication and sustain healthy relationships in the workplace. This week I want to take a step back and acknowledge a few truths: effective communication is difficult, conflict is often complicated and relationships are, well, messy! If you are having a
Brownies Make Everything Better Read More »
We’ve all heard the proverb; laughter is the best medicine. That’s because it relieves stress, elevates mood, improves resiliency, draws people together, and serves as a catalyst for healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. It can also quickly turn conflict into an opportunity for connection and resolution. When used well and thoughtfully, infusing
Be Like Abe: Effectively Use Humor to Diffuse Conflict and Tension Read More »
Have you ever been shocked or surprised about what is being said during a work meeting and not sure how to respond? If so, this blog post from CU Ombuds Melissa Connell is for you! In less than 5 minutes you can utilize the 3-step Intentional Pause which allows for space and an appropriate response while maintaining a positive working relationship with your colleagues.
The Power of the Intentional Pause Read More »
Ombuzz posts have touched on the topic of resilience: the ability to recover quickly from difficulties. On September 23, 2020, Lisa Neale provided tips for Using Mindfulness to Increase Our Resilience Quotient and on March 5, 2021, Melissa Connell shared insight and resources for navigating challenging times through the lens of stress resilience. Today, I
Resilience Maps: A Tool to Help Re-Stabilize During Times of Distress Read More »
Covid. Finals Week. Annual Evaluations. Debt Collectors. Internet Down. Zoom Meetings. Honor Code Violation. Any particular feelings pop up when you read these phrases? Excited to read more of this post? If not, I completely understand. However, I promise I won’t use these phrases again. These words are triggers making many of us feel unsettled,
Baffle the Anxious Brain Read More »