Health and Human Services Professional Development

The Role of Body Language and Nonverbals by   Jill Bowers   on   June 30, 2013 As you prepare for job interviews, conferences, career fairs, or other networking opportunities, have you considered the role of your body language? This could include posture, handshakes, and facial expressions. In this Ted Talks video, Amy Cuddy (social psychologist, professor and researcher at Harvard Business School) talks about her research on  nonverbal cues, how they can influences others’ perceptions of you , and how  you may be influenced by your own nonverbals .     Watch the Ted Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?language=en   *Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers)

Need More Time? 10 tips for Using Technology! by   Mikki Sherwood   on   July 25, 2013   Do you think you know ALL of the shortcuts for your technology? David Pogue (via Ted Talks) shares 10 easy time-savers for the internet, smartphones, and digital cameras. See if you know them all! blob:https://embed.ted.com/c02d7e5c-f956-490b-8b9c-6531d033be21 *Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers).

Can Physical Health Impact Happiness? YOU BETHCA!! by   Mikki Sherwood   on   March 2, 2014   The body’s natural desire is to be healthy, says Dean Ornish in this Ted Talks video,  “Healing Through Diet,”  Dr. Ornish states that optimal health, and therefore happiness, occurs when you follow a lifestyle that includes a low-fat and plant-based diet, stress management training, moderate exercise, no smoking or drinking alcohol, and the psychological support of peers. Dr. Ornish also states that it is important to be aware of behaviors that can have a negative impact on health later in life. For example, it is important to eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet consisting of all the main food groups: dairy, protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables. It is also important to stay in shape by exercising on a regular basis. On the other hand, drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes can negatively impact health.  Dr. Ornish states that it is relatively easy to...

Me+Stress=BFFs by   Mikki Sherwood   on   March 30, 2014   Ted Talks video reviewed by: Michelle Crary, Graduate Student EIU In this Ted Talks video,  “How to Make Stress Your Friend,”  Psychologist Kelly McGonigal explains that she spent many years telling her patients that stress was making them sick. In fact, she even thought that stress shortened the lifespan. However, Dr. McGonigal has now changed her mind. Current research has led her to believe that you can change the way you think about stress, which then changes its impact on your body. Dr. McGonigal shares research that found that people that look at stress as a helpful part of life are much less anxious. For instance, stress makes the heart beat faster, which can lead to feelings of panic. However, what if you think of that quickening heart rate as your body readying itself for a challenge! When your heart rate goes up you tend to breathe more deeply, transferring more oxygen to the ...

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Are you a Social Animal? by   Mikki Sherwood   on   September 15, 2014   “David Brooks: The Social Animal”   is a brief video on Ted Talks. Mr. Brooks is a NY Times columnist and he has identified characteristics of individuals that have positive social skills. Jessica Reynolds, a graduate student at Eastern Illinois University, reviewed the video. Mr. Brooks pointed out that people trust those that are attentive and put them at ease. Brooks also noted that people with great social skills make eye contact and remember the names of those they meet, which makes others feel comfortable and valued. Mr. Brooks stated that we can be more social by choosing to change our focus from the more tangible (e.g. material wealth) to the more intangible (e.g. relationships with others). For instance, when we are focused on one another, and not distracted, we are actually able to read facial expressions more accurately, leading to a stronger emotional co...