A former corporate executive on the art of self-care

A former corporate executive on the art of self-careA former corporate executive on the art of self-careJoanna Andreaeis a certified Holistic Health Coach, a Guided Meditation teacherbei, and the founder and CEO ofWandering Wellness. After leaving her high-stress, corporate job, she began focusing her career on her true passion - personal wellness and self-care.Its changed literally everything, says Andreae about hercareer switch. These days, instead of having to push and struggle towards outer goals and achievements, I focus initially on what I need in mind, body, and spirit, and through that flipped line of thought, Im able to magnetize much more of what I want towards me. Its such a beautiful and profound shift and, I think its only believed once its experienced.We sat down with Andreae to learn more about her thoughts on wellness and the importance of self-care for professionals. Heres what she had to sayWhy joga and meditation? Why notlage sohonigweinhing else to take care of o ur inner selves?Its a busy persons dream. When we combine yoga and meditation- and especially Kundalini yoga, my favorite personal practice- were literally using lessons that have been passed down for thousands of years about how to have a deeper experience of truth and freedom in our bodies. We are spiritual beings having a human experience, not the other way around. I think yoga and meditation are the best ways to remember that fact.Additionally, theyre much better for the nervous system. I love a good, sweatyworkouttoo and will try a spin class or go for a run when Im really craving it, but in our busy modern lives our systems are so fritzed and fried already that actually, more often than not, we need practices that cool us down instead of ramp us up.What type of clients do you work with?I work with people who are struggling to feel worthy of taking care of themselves, worthy of their dreams, and who want to feel empowered when it comes to taking care of their lives. I work with people who want to experience more joy and more energy in their daily life and who have forgotten the vibrant excitement it is to be alive on the planet today. And I feel so honored to dothis workI work with clients in person in Washington, but also digitally all over the world. Its amazing to help people connect the dots when it comes to healing. I believe its possible to live a life of so much fullness and happiness and depth, and when that clicks for people, there is nothing better.What have you learned through working with so many different people?That everyone wants to be happy. That everyone wants to feel good in their bodies. And that truly were so much more connected and similar than we think.It makes me sad to think were somehow inculcated with the information that were less-than at some point in life, but its so inspiring to teach practices and tactics to turn things around. Its never, ever too late.Youvetraveled all overand worked with people from all over the world. Are professionals in DC especiallystressed?Hmm, yes. And no, comparatively. I was just in NYC for some training and I met up with an old friend who used to live in Washington and now lives in the Big Apple. And its rough Shes under so much pressure and stress these days.There is so much fear of missing out - with career, with relationships, with friendships, even with restaurants. I think city life leads to a much more pressurized experience. Because of that pressure, I firmly believe that we cant afford NOT to take care of ourselves.Stressis an epidemic for DCers and other city dwellers and is all the more reason to be especially careful, loving and disciplined in that process.What are some signs that someone is not focusing on self-care?Everyone has their little tell. Whether its getting sick, or feeling anxious, or not sleeping well, our bodies are constantly trying to tell us whats going on through feelings and emotions. And instead of pushing them down, if we decide to listen and care about their direction, we can course-correct before we go too far down the path of self-neglect.Nevertheless, I believe its never too late to start taking better care of yourself. Truly never. I have clients age 24 all the way to age 65, and some are just learning what it means to slow down and be kinder to themselves through self-care. Its always possible to do that.Whats one tip you can share with readers to start taking better care of themselves right this minute?Breathwork. There are few things more powerful than starting to control and utilize your breath. Most of us breathe way too shallowly, all in the upper chest and never in the belly.This article first appeared onCapitolStandard.

How to Tell Your Boss You Want to Transfer

How to Tell Your Boss You Want to TransferHow to Tell Your Boss You Want to TransferIf you are working in a very large company with many departments, often in the same building, chances are you will find out about opportunities to transfer. Transferring to a new department comes with some challenges, especially if your anfhrer is one of your biggest fans and would hate to see you leave.Even worse, what if your anfhrer knows, competes with, and does not like your new profil boss? Now, you were thrown into the middle of something you did not expect. If that is the case (or not), there are ways you can tell your boss you want to transfer.Ask your potential boss to speak with you after workYour current boss should not be asked to share your time with a boss from another department. Meetings are tough to schedule and using company timeto plan your next career move will come across as insulting. It will probably hurt your chances of growing within the company, too.Take the time to set up a meeting after work to discuss the transfer. The environment will feel less rushed and more laid back. This way neither of you has to deal with questions about why you were in another department for a meeting and who you spoke with.You can also find out just how serious an opportunity this transfer will be. Find out if it is a lateral move or a step up in your career.Be honest with your concerns about transferringThis is an unassuming way of letting your potential boss you are worth more salary. Talk with your potential boss about the challenges of transferring departments. Get all the information about the new job and explain how your current skills will be of value.Let the boss know that you are an important member of your group. Bring up the name of your boss and talk about what you are working on. Explain your value to your boss. If necessary, explain who the boss is and how he/she will possibly react to the news.Above all, let the potential boss know you are interested. Explain that your information is offered to avoid any unnecessary conflict in the company. Career growth, company growth, and business relationships are all important to you.Get your story down and let the boss knowIt is time. You have to let the boss know you are interested in transferring to another team. The last thing you want to do is cause problems for anyone.When letting the boss know it is important to reassure him/her that it has nothing to do with your opinions of the boss. Tell the boss why this is a new challenge you feel will help with your career growth. Reassure your boss that this decision was not easy and you will work very hard until your very last day in the department. Let the boss know this is because your relationship with your boss is important.Depending on what you find out about your boss relationship with the new boss, offer up information on where you will be transferring to. If you know your new and old bosses do not get along, try to avoid revealing that inform ation.Important final noteObviously, make sure you have a job to go to before you tell anyone you are thinking of transferring. Also, make sure you will be hired for it.The worst thing that can happen is finding out you have no job to transfer to, and now your current boss believes you want to leave the team. It will affect your ability to grow in that team and may sour your business relationship with your boss.

5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger

5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a StrangerThere is a hierarchy of cringe-worthy activities and high on the list is starting a conversation for networking. If you peel back networking, there are few things worse for many people (like my fellow socially reluctant) than approaching and speaking with a stranger.The problem you face is the fact that you have little or no frame of reference with this other person. Where do you start a conversation? Even if you can muster up the courage to go near the stranger, it makes you feel like a deer in the headlights.Do you run away as fast as possible or hope for the fire alarm to goes off?I have found that rather than stopping in your tracks, its good to have tactics for starting a conversation. With a bit of planning, you can seriously reduce the fear and loathing of networking.Tactic 1. What do you have in common RIGHT NOW?There is something you do have in common with this stranger and that is whatever the event is you are attending. If it is a party you were invited to, you have that person in common. If it is a group associated with a profession or interest, you have the focus of the group as a place to start.Possible openersHow do you and Jane know each other?How long have you been part of the project management group?What is your profession that brings you to this group?Tactic 2. Look for a point of entry.Point of entry is my little term for a conversation starter. It could be something the person is snacking on, all the way to an article of clothing. It may not become the topic for a full-blown 15-minute conversation, but its a place to start. Your questions will have to fill in the rest of the conversation.Possible openersI binnensee youre munching on the egg rolls, do you recommend them?I noticed your lapel pin, what is the pin associated with?Tactic 3. Ask for an introduction.An often over-looked tactic is to ask someone like the event organizer or a p erson you do know to introduce you to someone you dont know. Usually this person will have some knowledge about the person they are introducing you to and will mention the insight during the introduction. Pay attention as this can help you launch your conversation.Tactic 4. Be transparent.So often, we think we have to be the perfect, glossy version of a human when we meet someone new. Its really ok to admit you are there to get acquainted with new people and would like to have a chat with them. People love people who are open and friendly. Go ahead and admit you have no cleaver way of knowing where to start the conversation and introduce yourself.Possible openersIm new to this group and really dont know anyone. Is it ok for me to join you and your friends? (Ive done this a number of times and people are remarkably hospitable.)Hi, I dont think you and I have met before. Im Dorothy and you are? (Response) What brings you here today?Tactic 5. The classic.We are all very accustomed to t he question What kind of work do you do? Dont be afraid to introduce yourself and ask that classic question. Once we know the kind of work someone does, it helps frame the next part of the conversation.One of the things you rarely hear discussed when it comes to networking is the idea of preparing for it. Im a big advocate of doing just that. Not all of us are big social butterflies who can easily come into a schauplatz and begin a gabfest with anyone they encounter. I have discovered that you can think through various parts of the process and develop good tactics to help you get the most out of the next event. Isnt that worth the cringe reduction?Bottom-line I want to help you accelerate your career- to achieve what you want by connecting you with free instant access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships ebook- the backbone to your networking success and fantastic work relationships.Readers, is starting a conversation easy or challenging for you? How do you approach networking? Share with us belowBrought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran- dedicated to unleashing your professional potential at Introvert Whisperer.photo credits istockphoto.com (featured image), Dorothy Tannahill-Moran (second image)