Got Stress? 6 ways to lift your mood & spirit today!

Raise your hand if you ever feel stress or have suffered with a high level of anxiety in the last 3 months? If you said no, I am not sure you are being truthful with yourself or maybe you live solo on a tropical island.

In a recent poll, I have found more than 98.5% of people have felt a high degree of stress/anxiety and even depression as it relates to family, home-schooling, health, finances and our current political climate. I am honestly surprised it wasn’t 100%!

If I am being transparent, I have been overly stressed/ anxious/depressed/moody and certainty not the best version of myself lately. It’s been incredibly hard to focus on my freelance business, staying creative with kid’s summer activities 24/7, keeping an upbeat mood with my family during this isolation period and creating a sense of peace and joy in my spirit during these troubling times.

The world is a challenging place right now, with the widespread health pandemic of COVID 19 and the economic and political conditions our country and world is facing. At every turn, our lives seem shaken to the core with no relief in sight! Then I remember that God is greater than ALL of this and I need to keep on sailing on in the mist of the storm.

I started thinking about how I can change my mindset even if I can’t control the current state of the world. I have incorporated a few simple tips to lift my own snarky and anxious mood. I remembered a few oldies but goodies and have tried a few new ones to help lift my mood and spirit. Hopefully some of these will help you too!

6 ways to lift your mood & spirit today!

1. Keep a Blessings Journal (I stretch myself to think of at least 10 positive things that I am grateful for on a down day)
2. Light a candle and pray for others (there is always someone that is worse off and in need of prayer)
3. Use essential oils to enhance mood (my 3 favorites are Lavender, Peppermint and Lemongrass)
4. Limit negative media content (news, social media books, or movies)
5. Try to turn off all electronics 2 hours before bedtime!
6. Yoga/ Mediation/Exercise (pool time in the summer is fun for the entire family)

What have you added to your daily or weekly schedule that has made a difference in your mood or spiritual life? I can’t wait to hear. Please share!

Staying active with the kiddos while “Social Distancing”

Kids as well as adults are struggling during this time to find creative ways to stay active while social distancing. Families need to stay active for a variety of reasons from clearing their minds to moving their bodies to stay heart-healthy.

I have an active 8 year old ADHD child that never sits still. This pandemic has been tough on our family because of the stay at home order and the social distancing aspect (believe me I understand and agree with the mandate, but it’s been challenging on everyone to say the least). My son is used to hanging out with other kids at the park, playing soccer every Saturday and socializing with peers at school. I asked him if an obstacle course would be a fun thing to do both inside and outside. His answer was “of course mom, let’s do it!”

Using different items around your house makes for an inexpensive and creative family fun event. Be silly, laugh and spend some quality time together creating positive memories together. It’s good for the soul!

Obstacle courses can be designed for indoor and outdoor play. Use different themes to create a course with your child’s specific interests and abilities in mind. Help him/her be involved in the planning and set up/clean-up process. You can create a simple or elaborate obstacle course depending on the age(s) and mobility strengths/weaknesses. You can create modified wheelchair options as well. Use cones or a laundry basket to create a goal if you have them. You might try using blue non adhesive tape/ sidewalk chalk to create the “course” lines or stations.

You can determine if the obstacle course will be “timed” to track the winner scores or you can have them play for fun. You can offer small prizes, a certificate of participation or an incentive to the winner(s) if desired.

Here are a few ideas to get you started on building an indoor or outdoor obstacle course for kids:

• Crawl under a string stretched between two chair legs or use pool noodles
• Jump into and out of a Hula-Hoop five times
• Balloon Volleyball
• Walk or sit on a balance board
• Use Nerf guns or water guns to shoot into a bucket or a basket. It is fun to line up Duplo Legos or mini figures and try to knock them down. A child can lay on their stomach on the floor or a mat to make the “aim” more challenging.
• Create a fun bubble blowing station
• Slime or sensory bucket station
• Throw beanbags into a laundry basket or you can use multiple size and shape buckets and at different heights
• Run while balancing a beanbag on your head
• Line walking or crab crawls
• Jump over pool noodles both high and low. Use as a hurdle
• Hop scotch
• Dance in place for 1-2 minutes (adding music would be ideal)
• Hula hoop for 20-60 seconds or more
• Line walking. Use zig- zag lines to make it more difficult. Walking backwards (use sidewalk chalk or blue tape to create the path)
• Run in place
• Hop on one foot then the other
• Frisbee throw (outside)
• Kids Yoga poses for 1-2 minutes
• Crawl under or over a row of chairs
• Play tic tack toe on a board or make one with nonstick tape or sidewalk chalk outside
• Exercise ball push-ups, bouncing sequences or balancing activities
• Do a ring toss
• Kick rolled up socks into a laundry basket to make a goal
• Ride a tricycle/ bike or board scooter along a predetermined route outside. Zig-zag or backwards can be fun too on a board scooter.
• Somersault from one point to another
• A kid tunnel can be used in multiple ways which can be a ton of fun for little ones
• Skip in place while reciting a jump rope rhyme
• There are lots of water play course options to consider if the weather is conducive outside

The point is to have fun. I would love to hear your ideas and amazing stories. Feel free to share!

Scavenger Hunt Ideas- Allow kids to practice problem-solving and teamwork in a fun way together

There are online “virtual” scavenger hunts that families can participle in during this social distancing time frame, but I happened to think the physical (indoor or outdoor) scavenger hunts are the most fun for families to organize and explore together. It is important reminder to maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from other people during this Covid- 19 pandemic.

You can plan the scavenger hunt for one outing or over multiple days. This activity time might be a fun way for families/ their “quarantine crew” to bond together and to get some nervous energy out during this stressful time.

You can design the activity based on age, skill level and mobility. You can take pictures of their special finds, put in a notebook or decorative jar. It might be fun to create a short video of what each family member discovered and liked best about the scavenger hunt. You can share with others on social media to encourage participation from your neighbors and friends. This might be a fun and safe way to stay connected during this difficult time.

You can offer small prizes, possibly an option to stay up 30 minutes late, a hug, or an incentive to the winner(s) that discover the most items on their list. Have some fun and laughter during this togetherness activity.

Outdoors-

Design a scavenger hunt checklist of objects that can typically be found outside ( this can even include your backyard). You can look for hidden treasures like different colored rocks, shells, a bird house, a white mailbox, a cat in the window, a rabbit in the bushes, flowers of various colors and sizes, insects, trees, leaves, a puddle of water, or something with your child’s favorite color. You might see another child playing in the yard or waving from a window. It is always fun to discover something new even if it’s not already on your list. The point is to get outside and have fun!

It might be fun to gather a magnifying glass, notebook, crayons, a collection bag and your list or hand made bingo card and head outside- A park, sidewalk, tour of the neighborhood in your car or even a walking trail if nearby! Help your kids discover their “treasure” and explore nature while they check off each item on the list. There is ample time to have teachable moments when discovering and learning together.

Indoors-

I would encourage each member of the scavenger hunt team to take a look around their home to come up with a list to find something i.e.; objects, sounds, sights or pets. Give the list to the child and help them go on a scavenger hunt indoors. If it is needed, try offering photos of the items to help guide them. For older kids, you can offer clues, like its color, smell or shape like the game of “eye-spy”.

Heart Health Matters

It’s International Women’s Day Today 2020. Did you know there is even gender inequality when it comes to coronary heart disease?

Can you guess what the leading cause of death among women is? Scary but true.

Research done by the British Heart Foundation reveals a surprising statistic: coronary heart disease kills twice as many women as breast cancer in the UK.

According to Harvard Medical School, within a year of a first heart attack, survival rates are lower in women than in men. Within five years, 47% of the women may die, develop heart failure, or suffer from a stroke – compared with only 36% of the men who have suffered a first heart attack.

Understand the Signs and Take action. Your Life or Someone You Know Could Be at Stake!

• chest pain or discomfort that happens suddenly and persists, like pressure, tightness or squeezing
• pain can then spread to the left or right arm or to the neck, jaw, back or stomach 
• sickness, sweating, light-headedness or shortness of breath
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea
• sudden anxiety similar to that of a panic attack
• excessive coughing or wheezing
• As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if the victim doesn’t get help right away.

‘I thought I had the flu’

Even though heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, women often chalk up the symptoms to less life-threatening conditions like acid reflux, the flu or normal aging.

“They do this because they are scared and because they put their families first,” Goldberg said. “There are still many women who are shocked that they could be having a heart attack.

A heart attack strikes someone about every 43 seconds. It occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly narrow from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances (plaque).

Watch an animation of a heart attack

A decline in the natural hormone estrogen may be a factor in heart disease increase among post-menopausal women. Estrogen is believed to have a positive effect on the inner layer of artery wall, helping to keep blood vessels flexible. That means they can relax and expand to accommodate blood flow.

Another great resource is https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/menopause-and-heart-disease

ttps://www.internationalwomensday.com/Missions/14502/Did-you-know-there-is-even-a-gender-gap-when-it-comes-to-coronary-heart-disease

Preventing heart disease..

It’s important to educate yourself and to take measures now.

1- Don’t Smoke!

2- Keep a health weight

3- Reduce stress!

4-Eat right- Choose healthy food and beverages

5- Exercise (move your body)

I thought it was important to share this topic because knowledge is power, especially on International Women’s Day. We need to look out for one another.

Helping to Save Lives Every Day!

This organization is helping to save lives every day! I have been super impressed with the leadership team and how much they care about their company, job, team and their OPO “partners” in the industry.

I am fascinated by the gift of organ donation, transplant partners, medical advancement and the teamwork it takes to complete a difficult, life-saving mission. Each second counts! I am humbled by the men and women that risk their lives every day as emergency rescue workers- That choose to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you to each ONE of YOU!

Laurel Pendle – LPBC Services

For Immediate Release

Trinity Air Medical Appoints Vice President of Operations, Donna Smith and Vice President of Strategy & Partner Relations, Scott Wunsch

Industry experts are expected to grow organizational efforts with OPO’s and transplant programs nationally.

(Tempe, AZ) Trinity Air Medical is pleased to announce the appointment of two key leadership positions to the organization, vice president of operations and vice president of strategy & partner relations. These two newly created positions are expected to increase operational efficiencies and provide exceptional customer service. “The addition of Scott and Donna demonstrate our commitment to align our services for our transplant partners,” according to Seth Bacon, CEO of Trinity Air Medical.

Trinity Air Medical was established in 2012 and was created to solve the challenges of medical logistics and transportation. Today, Trinity Air Medical has grown to 45 employees, who work exclusively with Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO’s) and transplant centers around the globe. Trinity Air Medical is a nationwide leader for organ and medical team transportation services.

Trinity Air Medical is pleased to welcome Donna Smith, Vice President of Operations who joined the leadership team in September with 20 years of expertise in the organ donation and transplantation field. She is a registered nurse and received her Master of Nursing and Organizational Leadership degree from Walden University.

Smith recently served as vice president of organ operations at LifeGift, one of the largest organ procurement organizations in the country. Smith has served on various national committees in an effort to improve systems and processes.

In her current role as vice president of operations, she will oversee the day-to-day operations and logistics for Trinity Air Medical based in Tempe, AZ. Smith said, “I am excited to join the team at Trinity Air Medical and will look to bring my years of institutional experience, leadership and a collaborative spirit to carry out the mission of saving lives.”

Scott Wunsch, Vice President of Strategy and Partner Relations joinedthe leadership teamin September 2018 and has successfully worked alongside the donor and transplant community for over 20 years. Seth Bacon, CEO stated “Scott brings a wealth of experience to the organization and an intense desire to improve organ donation and transplant efforts. He is an advocate for the transplant community and will be instrumental to the leadership team at Trinity Air Medical.”

Prior to arriving at Trinity Air Medical, Wunsch spent 13 years at LifeCenter Northwest in Seattle, Washington as their vice president of clinical operations.  He also sat on the AOPO Standards Committee and was a site surveyor to ensure OPOs were following industry best practices. Wunsch holds a bachelor’s degree from Whitworth University and a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. 

Wunsch stated, “Joining Trinity Air Medical has been an exciting professional transition.  Working in the OPO and transplant community for the past 13 years has always been a privilege and I’m excited to continue to be working closely with the hundreds of professionals that are working tirelessly to save lives on a daily basis.  Since joining Trinity Air Medical, the company has seen exceptional growth and we are excited to continue to grow in the months and years ahead.”  His new leadership role is providing business strategies and organizational growth for Trinity Air Medical across the nation. In January 2020 he will serve on the Leadership and Innovation Council with The Alliance.

About Trinity Air Medical

Trinity Air Medical is a healthcare company that specializes in coordination of transplant teams and donor organs safely and efficiently. Our primary goal is to ensure every organ is maximized for transplantation. Timely organ movements and transplant team transportation are the critical links for donors and those lives that are left in the balance. Trinity Air Medical works in synchronicity to ensure the highest level of Safety, Reliability, and Accountability. We strive to be your trusted partner and provider and help fulfill life-saving missions. For further information please go to https://www.trinityairmedical.com/ or call 1888-977-9772. All Media/ Press please call 480-382-6382

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Living “In the Moment” is a Challenge I know…

Living “In the Moment” is a Challenge I know…

I struggle as much as the next person to be present in THE moment. Mindful of the Here and Now. I get it! It’s tough with the advancement of technology, and the ever-present cell phone glued to our hips. Smart Phones, laptops, book readers, gaming devices, notebooks, I-Pads… You get the picture.

Have you ever mistakenly forgotten your cell phone and then half way to the office you had to drive back home? It is that sudden, heart racing, gut wrenching feeling that you may miss something really important (the latest social media update- kidding of course!) client call or even that emergency phone call from your child’s school? I know, I have been there more times than I can count.

What surprises me the most is the vast number of people who have a digital device plastered to their face while driving, walking, sitting, eating and YES even hiking. I am often blown away with the lack of authentic human connection that we all seem to have, even when another person is looking at us from across the counter or sitting beside us at the same table at lunch.

Earlier in my week I decided to detach from my many tech devices so I could get moving outdoors! My goal was to take a scenic nature hike close to home, so that I could “UN-plug” from the world over my lunch break. My intent was to leave my cell phone in the car, but to my surprise I couldn’t bring myself to do it, in fear that there would be an emergency and I would need it. I decided to keep it in my backpack so I could focus on the mountains, wild life and any beauty that I stumbled upon.

To my amazement I could not find ONE single person that did not have a cell phone in hand or were not glued to their mobile device while hiking (I must have come across over 75-100 people during my observation). One person almost walked off the side of the mountain because they were not focusing on the path directly in front of them. How often do we do this in life? Could it be forgetting to be “in the moment” at the checkout counter and not acknowledging the cashier in front of us with a simple hello, or by failing to unplug when your spouse or child needs you in some way? Guilty as charged for me too! Instead of saying, ” just a minute” to my child when I am busy on my device, I want to be more present to provide that instant human connection so that he knows he IS valued and what he says IS important to me. I am a constant work in progress.

My observation taught me that I want to be more aware of the precious human connections around me, and to strive to live “in the present moment” more each day. I discovered I want to take steps to be more mindful by making eye contact with strangers, giving more smiles, offering kind gestures and providing more genuine compliments. Kindness if free people!

How can we all be more present in our daily lives? I would love to hear your suggestions.

 

 

Are you Ready to be Extraordinary?

Are you thinking of taking that next step in your business? Looking to attract more clients or want more visibility for your product or service?

We look to provide value and extraordinary services. We aim to fulfill an important gap- to save you time and money!

We strive to be the best in the industry by creating brand awareness and offering the top solutions.  How can we help you become extraordinary?

• Public Relations
• Business Strategy & Consultation
• Marketing/ Promotions
• Business Development
• Content Creation
• Event/ Meeting Planning

For further Information please contact us today!

Laurel Pendle Consulting Services

Email: Laurel@LaurelPendle.com

Direct: 480-382-6382

Do you wish you had more time?

Storytelling is Alive and Well

Building Trust is Important

Posted on December 4, 2017

Rave Reviews-

“I have used Laurel in an advisory capacity at several points, and lastly engaged her to aid with PR strategy for a launch, where she evaluated a legacy PR contract and delivered a helpful roadmap for an optimized communication strategy moving forward. Knowing Laurel from when we worked together at SCVB in the past, I am very familiar with her utmost professionalism, efficient work style, and marketing knowledge.”

Berit Digerud, Digital Optimization Strategist at Nuance Communications

4.5 Years of Dedication and Quality Video Production and Promotions

“I have known Laurel for several years and have worked with her on many projects including script-writing, video production and promotions and brand development. She is a true professional who brings endless energy and creativity to every project. ”

Raphael Isaac, Executive Producer

The Face of Professionalism-

“Laurel is the face of professionalism. She is assertive and friendly at the same time. She is organized and detail oriented. She is a pleasure to work with and she gets the job done on time, with perfection, every time. I highly recommend using her business expertise. ”

Wendy Snodgrass, Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner