Wellness Wednesday Issue #64

🍿 Habits: Why you tend to overeat while binging something else — TV.

🗣️ Workplace Communication: 7 examples of when and how to say no at work.

🥕 Meal Inspo: 20 min healthy meal recipes with Trader Joe’s ingredients.

😊 Mood: 5 natural ways to boost your mood.

As a driven professional, you may encounter various types of challenging bosses that can hinder your growth and create a toxic work environment.

By understanding their behavior patterns and employing strategic communication techniques, you can effectively navigate these challenges and continue to thrive in your role.

The Micromanager: constantly hovers, second-guesses decisions, fails to trust expertise.

Action Steps:

• Establish clear expectations and boundaries
• Request regular check-ins to provide updates
• Demonstrate competence through consistent performance

Phrase to use: “I appreciate your guidance, but I would like to take on more autonomy in my role. Can we discuss how I can keep you updated on my progress while having more independence in my work?” See more phrases.

The Narcissist: prioritizes own ego, dismisses ideas, fails to acknowledge contributions.

Action Steps:

• Document your accomplishments and share with stakeholders
• Seek collaboration with supportive team members and leaders
• Reach out to HR or mentors if behavior becomes toxic

Phrase to use:

• “I’m proud of the work I’ve contributed to this project. Can we discuss how we can better recognize the efforts of the entire team?”

More info on narcissistic bosses here.

The Passive-Aggressive Boss: avoids direct communication, uses subtle jabs, gives backhanded compliments.

Action Steps:

• Respond to comments with respectful, direct questions
• Model transparent, honest, and professional communication
• Address persistent issues with HR or consider a healthier work environment

Phrase to use: “I noticed your comment about my work earlier. Could you provide more specific feedback on how I can improve?”

More on dealing with passive-aggressive bosses here.

The Absentee Leader: provides little guidance, leaves you feeling unsupported and unsure of priorities.
Action Steps:

• Set your own goals and communicate regularly with your team
• Seek mentorship from other leaders within the organization
• Consider transitioning to a more engaged and supportive team or company

Phrases to use: “I would like to discuss my goals and priorities for the coming quarter. Can we schedule a meeting to ensure I have the support and resources I need to succeed?”

More on absentee leaders here.

When dealing with bad bosses, maintain professionalism, document your interactions and contributions, and prioritize your well-being.

If despite your best efforts, the situation does not improve, consider escalating the issue to HR or seeking new opportunities elsewhere.

A great way to foster better relationships between you and your boss or direct report is through one-on-one meetings.

The perfect 1:1 meeting template keeps all of your agendas and action items — tailored for each individual — in one organized place.

⭐ This template does just that by laying out roles, expectations, and how to best implement a feedback cycle.

📄 Get the 1:1 meeting template free here.

*Presented by ClickUp.

Deep in a wine convo with my best friend (since Kindergarten), the topic of vulnerability kept popping up.

We were both raised with a “vulnerability is weakness” mentality, so she recommended I check out The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown.

Aside from the spellbinding storytelling by Brené, the book presents a lot of aha moments.

Here are my top 10 takeaways:

1. Vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging and love — not just something to avoid. Try reframing vulnerability as a pathway to wholehearted living.
2. Having the courage to be imperfect and authentic allows for deeper connections.
3. Self-compassion is essential. We can’t extend compassion to others if we are extremely harsh and judgmental toward ourselves. The next time someone asks if we’re okay and we instinctively respond “I’m fine” when we aren’t, could we take a breath and tell the truth instead?
4. Let go of who you think you “should” be in order to fully embrace your authentic self. How differently might you show up if you believed “I am enough” in your core?
5. Vulnerability carries no guarantees — like saying “I love you” first. This uncertainty is necessary for the upside of intimacy and connection.
6. When we numb vulnerability, we also numb joy, gratitude and other positive emotions.
7. If we want wholehearted children, model vulnerability and “enough-ness” from a young age so they know inherent worth, not perfection.
8. Having the courage to be vulnerable is about showing up and being seen when we have no control over the outcome.
9. Perfectionism is ultimately a function of concealing pain and minimizing feeling vulnerable.
10. The greatest risk is spending our lives disconnected – from our potential, loved ones, and truest selves. Are we daring enough to show up and be seen?

If you’ve read the book and had different takeaways, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

 Joanna (Co-Founder of TA)

P.S. As much as I love physical books, I opted for the Audible (I’ve recently become obsessed with audible books that are narrated by the author — a tip shared by one of our readers!)

Did you know household spending influences over 65% of global emissions?

We didn’t — until we came across Commons.

Here’s what we’re loving about the app:

😌 This portable heating pad is the best for tummy aches, cramps, and back pain.

🎙️ Learn about the world we live in, yourself and others, and stimulate your mind with The Psychology Podcast.

📚 Discover the transformative power of starting with your purpose and inspire your team to achieve greatness with Simon Sinek’s Start With Why.

🍵 We’re big fans of Yogi tea, and not so big fans of getting sick. Luckily, Yogi has a “get well variety pack” for that.