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The Importance Of Emotional Intelligence In The Workplace

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emotional intelligence

There are five key elements of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. Awareness and practice of each element combined will make our daily lives in and out of the workplace much more enjoyable. We go through many emotions throughout our day. Being mindful of these emotions and turning the negative ones positive will keep us motivated. We do our best work and is most approachable and enjoyable when we are comfortable.

Self-Awareness

The first element of emotional intelligence is self-awareness. This is the ability to recognize and understand both the positive and negative feelings you encounter. Being able to recognize your emotions will allow you to analyze how you feel in certain situations and later allow you to control those emotions in certain situations. This is especially important in negative situations when hot emotions will cause you to make rushed decisions and say things you do not fully mean and cannot take back.

You go through many emotions on a day to day basis. Take a regular work day for example. You wake up feeling like you are ready for the day or ready to go back to sleep. This can be the determining factor of how you may feel the rest of the day. For the next couple of days, notice how you feel when you first wake up in the morning for work. Are you excited to see what challenges you will resolve today or are you dreading the thought of stepping into the office? If you are excited, congratulations! This means that you are enjoying your work and feel a sense of pride about what you are doing. If you are dreading going to work, pause for a second. Why are you not looking forward to your day? Is it because of your coworkers? Managers? Or is it because you do not enjoy the work you are doing? Evaluate why you are not looking forward to your work day. Figure out if it is something you can change, how you can change the situation, and go from here.

Self-regulation

After being self-aware of your emotions, you can begin self-regulating them. Self-regulation of your emotions is the ability to control the emotions, especially in high-stress situations. This will help with lashing out impulsively when in stressful situations.

An example that ties in with self-awareness at work is how you respond to certain people. Are you responding to certain people in a more negative way than others? This is an important thing to recognize. The person you are responding to negatively is picking up your negative energy much faster than you are recognizing it yourself. Take a moment to notice when you feel more worked up when talking to a specific person. Figure out why that is the case. It may be something they said once that is stuck in the back of your brain. Figure out what it is and determine if it is worth holding a grudge. In most cases, nothing is worth holding a grudge. The only person it is affecting is yourself. After you have determined why you speak to this person in a negative way, let yourself know it is not worth having tense at work and let it go. You are with your coworkers more than you are with your friends so why not be happy when you are at work.

 

Motivation

There will always be days when we feel unmotivated to crawl out of bed let alone do anything productive. Sometimes the lack of motivation comes from something as simple as lack of sleep or as complicated as lack of passion. Go to bed earlier! More sleep cannot hurt. Lack of passion can be fixed. Often time, many life elements plays a role into whether we can change what we are doing out of necessity into doing what we want to do out of passion. Being self-aware of why we are lacking the motivation is the first step in getting motivated, however, we do not always have to do it alone.

We interact with many different people in our daily lives – family, close friends, coworkers, random person on the same train as us every day. Every one of those people could use a boost of motivation from time to time. In the workplace, whether you are a manager or team member, it is undoubtedly recognizable when someone is lacking the motivation. They are your work family. You see your coworkers more than you see your actual family so a shift in behavior or attitude is easy to pick up. When you notice these shifts, if it is a negative shift, consider what might be the cause. If it is something work related? How can you support or work with them to help? As a manager, are you listening to your team? Is someone feeling burnt out? Is there something in the business process that can be improved? Improving all of these things will improve the morale of your team and motivate them produce more high quality products.

 

Empathy

The other elements that we have discussed so far were about recognizing and understanding our own emotions. Empathy is different. Empathy is being able to recognize and understand the emotions of others. It is often time easier to recognize the emotions of someone else, especially if it is a negative emotions. You just have to pay attention. This ties in with self-regulation when we talked about others being able to pick up on the energy we give them. Although it is easy to pick up the emotions of others, it is important to consider why they are feeling that way.

When others are feeling positively, it is something to enjoy. If they are feeling extra enthusiastic or high in energy, maybe something exciting is going on in their lives. Maybe they’re about to go on a dream trip and is looking forward to it. Feeling the positive emotions of another person will feed our emotions positively. Ask that person what is making them so excited today. You might have just discovered something fun to talk and bond about.

Now for the not so fun emotions. Negative emotions are more difficult to control. We feel our blood boiling, the looks in our eyes changes and our body language may become aggressive. Most people will stay far away from people they see are showing signs of negative emotions. Why? Simple. Because we ourselves do not like to feel negatively and do not want others negative emotions rubbing off on us. However, stop and consider how you feel when you are upset. At first you may not want to be disturbed by anyone but you should know that holding in negative feelings for a long time is not healthy for yourself or anyone around you. Sometimes, people just needs one caring person to take them aside and ask if they are okay.

The answer could be simple. They may have just had a bad start to their day. Spilled coffee for example. Other times, they may be going through a difficult situation in their personal lives that is spilling into how they feel at work. These situations are more difficult to help with but knowing that will allow you to be more empathetic when they respond harshly to a question you ask or seem spaced out.

The situations we have just talked about were seeing a higher level of energy – positive or negative – different than their everyday level. Another thing to consider is culture or personality traits. Someone’s culture is a big factor in how they preserve a situations and how they will handle it. Personality traits such as introverts vs extroverts will also react differently to the same situation. Do a quick search for personality tests online and see what you are. Most people are close to the middle. Someone who is introverted, may preserve an extroverted reaction as extreme. Understanding and educating ourselves about our personality traits and what others are will help the us understand how to react in certain situations and with certain people so that everyone feels comfortable.

Social Skills

Understanding all of the above elements, recognizing when we feel certain ways, controlling those emotions in negative situations, motivating ourselves and others to be in a positive mind set and understanding the emotions of those around us, will improve our social skills. Another way of improving our social skills is being able to read the situation, social cues and body language. But keep in mind, body language and cues could mean different things in different cultures. Take eye contact for exam. In one culture, strong eye contact shows confidence and respect while in another culture, it is seen as trying to intimidate.

I take too many pictures. A month without any kind of adventure makes me antsy. The water is my home.

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10 Best Banh Mi Restaurants In and Around Tulsa

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banh mi

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese street food sensation that is taking Tulsa, Oklahoma, by storm. It is a fantastic cacophony of textures and flavors that will make you crave it soon after your first bite. But with so many options in and around Tulsa, how will you know which is for real? This guide will help you filter down your choices and get the best crispy baguettes bursting with flavor bombs to tantalize your taste buds.

1. Paris Banh Mi

paris banh mi website

Tulsa foodies can now enjoy the best “Baguette Banh Mi” taste from Paris Banh Mi Cafe Bakery, which opened their first store in Orlando, Florida. Their French baguettes with savory fillings, pickled veggies, and fragrant herbs will hook you into coming back for more. Using only authentic ingredients and meticulous attention, Paris Banh Mi Cafe Bakery raised the bar for the Banh Mi scene in the area.

Head on over to 9311 East 71st Street to get their crusty Vietnamese perfections, which hold flavor explosions that are simply unmatched. Don’t miss out on their grand opening on March 16!

The Paris Banh Mi’s franchise is quickly growing in the United States. If you’re interested in opening a franchise, visit their franchising opportunity page for more info.

2. Lo Banh Mi Viet Hot Bread

lo banh mi

Wonderfully seasoned fillings inside crispy baguettes, you can never go wrong with Banh Mi from our second contender, Lo Banh Mi Viet Hot Bread. Located in East Tulsa, this Banh Mi haven is also home to many other delectable Vietnamese fares, which include Ga Nuong Trung (grilled chicken with fried egg), Xa Xiu (Chinese BBQ pork), and a wide array of boba and coffee drink options.

3. Banh Mi & You

banh mi and you

Offering a wide selection of meat combinations in their Banh Mi, Banh Mi & You is a Vietnamese specialty food truck that deserves its place on this list. Their baguettes are steaming hot, and their fillings boast the perfect amount of deliciousness. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure on wheels, this is it. The only thing many foodies complain about this place is the menu, which does not have English translations. You can call their number (918) 932-0422 to find their next location.

4. Lone Wolf Banh Mi

lone wolf banh mi

Specializing in Vietnamese food, ice cream, and frozen yogurt, Lone Wolf Banh Mi has one of the most authentic Banh Mis in the whole of Tulsa. It has an 8-inch baguette filled with English cucumber, pickled daikon and carrot slaw, jalapeño, cilantro, and many others. It is served with a side of cinnamon sugar wonton chips, which makes it even more appetizing. Also not to be missed on their menu are Kung Pao Pork, Vegan Fired Chicken, Calamari, and Blood Orange Pork Belly.

5. Project BMB (Bánh Mì Boba)

project bmb banh mi boba

Get your Banh Mi and Boba tea fix in Project BMB (Bánh Mì Boba), located at E 71st Street. Their traditional Vietnamese sandwich goes perfectly well with their authentic boba drink from Taiwan. They brew their teas every four hours to ensure freshness each time you order. You’ll get your baguettes fresh and hot, as they make them every 30 minutes. Other popular menu fares include Grilled Pork Sandwich, Pate Bacon Vietnamese Sandwich, and Veggie Tofu Sandwich.

6. Phở V-Nam & Bánh Mì

pho v nam and banh mi

While you’ll find many positive reviews about their Pho, Phở V-Nam & Bánh Mì offers Banh Mi that would make any sandwich fanatic fall in love. It is a mouth-watering mix of a crispy exterior and fluffy interior with its fresh-baked baguette, authentic ingredients, and traditional preparation methods. You’ll enjoy its savory fillings made with grilled pork, pate, and pickled vegetables. Also on E 71st Street, this Banh Mi place in Tulsa has a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. 

7. Pho & Japanese Sushi

pho and japanese sushi

Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine are some of the world’s most delectable, and you’ll find this fantastic combination in Pho & Japanese Sushi. Their Sashimi Salad, Thai Tea, and Samurai Rolls are bestsellers, but their Banh Mi takes center stage. They are served with carrots, jalapeno, and cucumber seasoned with special Vietnamese spices. You can find them at Harvard Avenue in Tulsa.

8. Pho Nhi Vietnamese Noodle House

pho nhi vietnamese noodle house

Serving a wide array of Vietnamese favorites, Pho Nhi Vietnamese Noodle House will make you feel like you’ve traveled to Vietnam. Their food is 100% authentic, and looking at the positive reviews this Banh Mi place received, you’ll instantly feel the urge to go there and try it. Crispy baguette, savory pork and ham fillings, and fresh vegetables seasoned to perfection. They are located at E 21st Street and offer dine-in services and curbside pickup.

9. Kai Vietnamese Cuisine

kai vietnamese cuisine

If you enjoy savoring your banh mi in an outdoor setting, Kai Vietnamese Cuisine is a must-visit in Tulsa. Served fresh always, their banh mi is a crowd favorite. Their mushroom banh mi is a standout, but so are their Egg Rolls, Bun Cha Gio, and Pho Sate, among many other awesome dishes. Located on W 5th Street, this can be your next go-to when craving authentic banh mi.

10. Pho 71

pho 71

Located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Pho 71 is a BanhMi place you need to visit. Their Grilled Pork and Grilled Chicken Banh Mi should be on everyone’s must-try list. Also on their menu and not to be missed are Goi Cuon Thit Nuong Pork (spring rolls with grilled pork), Com Bo Luc Lac (stir-fried beef chunks with steamed rice), and Pho Tai Nam (beef noodle soup with eye-round steak and flank).

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Lifestyle

Eight Sleep POD Mattress 2024 Review

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eight sleep pod mattress

The Eight Sleep POD Mattress has plenty of unique features that would grab the attention of anyone looking for better sleep. And if you’re a tech enthusiast, you’d also want to explore its cutting-edge attributes. Promising to revolutionize rest and relaxation, let’s take an in-depth look at this marvel of a mattress.

Key Features

person using a smartphone

The Eight Sleep POD Mattress has the following features that would excite any tech enthusiast or someone simply looking to sleep better:

  • The Intelligent Sleep System: this technology aims to provide cooling and heating regulating features to give you optimal sleep.
  • Active Grid: this is Eight Sleep’s dynamic support and pressure relief feature for a more restful sleep.
  • Sleep Tracking: tracks your sleep, health, and environment.
  • Smart Home Integration: this feature lets you personalize your sleep experience through compatibility with other home devices.
  • Smart alarms: enables you to customize a chest-level vibration-based alarm on both sides of the bed without disturbing your partner.
  • Luxurious Build: aside from its incredible technology, the Eight Sleep POD Mattress has a multi-layer construction that provides support and pressure-relieving comfort. Plus, it looks classy, elegant, and sophisticated.

Support and Comfort

While the comfort and support of a mattress are subjective and will depend on personal preference, the Eight Sleep POD mattress is relatively supportive and promotes a healthy spinal alignment. It comes in two versions: the POD mattress and the POD Pro Mattress.

The POD mattress has five layers of memory foam designed for relief and support. It has a top layer that’s soft and conforming and lower layers that offer deeper support and stability. Generally speaking, this mattress is considered medium-firm.

On the other hand, the POD Pro mattress is a hybrid mattress with memory foam, latex, and coils. It gives more bounce and responsiveness than the POD mattress. It also provides good pressure relief and support and is considered a medium-plush type.

The POD cover is another layer of comfort and functionality. It is made with breathable materials with air cells that help reduce pressure points. These millions of air cells contribute to dissipating heat, which is ideal for those who sleep hot.

Temperature Regulation

two people on a bed

With unparalleled cooling and heating capabilities in the sleep industry, the Eight Sleep POD mattress is a blessing from mattress heaven. It automatically adjusts to your ideal temperature throughout your sleep. It is taking sleep optimization to a new level with its intelligent temperature control technology. 

Thanks to its POD cover, the zip-on mattress cover comes with an ingenious “Active Grid.” It is a network of water tubes connected to a central hub that serves as your thermal conductor. You can set your desired temperature for both sides of the bed to provide personalized comfort.

It has adaptive intelligence that tracks your sleep stages and body temperature in real time. It gathers data to adjust the mattress’ temperature throughout your sleep. It provides science-backed optimization to cool down during the onset of your sleep. It gradually warms up toward the morning to promote a deeper and more restful sleep.

The POD copies this natural thermal cycle to give you optimal sleep stages. The POD also considers your bedroom’s conditions and external factors such as temperature and local weather. This ensures that you sleep well despite fluctuations in room conditions.

Sleep Tracking and Insights

eight sleep mattress pod

Many bed brands offer sleep-tracking capabilities, but the Eight Sleep POD mattress goes beyond the basics. It comes with sensors that capture a variety of data, which includes the following:

  • Heart rate variability (HRV): to indicate your nervous system’s health and recovery.
  • Respiratory rate: gives you insights into the depth of your sleep and potential sleep apnea.
  • Skin temperature: can provide you insights into your body’s natural thermal regulation during sleep.
  • Body movement: it tracks restlessness and sleep inefficiency.

The Eight Sleep POD mattress also has an app that provides data on your sleep stages, sleep quality score, trends, and comparisons and will give you personalized recommendations based on these. All these can help you optimize your sleep routine, improve sleep hygiene, track progress, and set your goals.

With all these capabilities, you’ll get more than just statistics. This mattress helps you gain a deeper sense of self-awareness by letting you understand your sleep patterns and how they are connected to your overall health and well-being.

Pricing and Value

mattress and pillow

With all the Eight Sleep POD Mattress’s bells and whistles comes a premium price tag. The POD cover price starts at $2,245 for the Queen size, the POD mattress is around $3,245, and the POD Pro Mattress costs around $3,745. You can also purchase the optional 8+ Pro Membership for approximately $15 to $24 a month if you want to unlock advanced features and data insights.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the Eight Sleep POD Mattress pros and cons to help you make an informed decision at a glance:

Pros:

  • Advanced sleep tracking features and insights
  • Customized temperature control
  • high-quality mattress
  • Convenience and automation
  • Health benefits

Cons:

  • High price tag
  • additional costs for subscription fees
  • not suitable for all body types, sleep preferences, and budget

Is the Eight Sleep POD Mattress for You?

mattress

This would depend on various factors. Your needs, budget, and preferences come into play to see if this mattress is right for you. You may want to ask yourself the following questions to find out if the Eight Sleep POD Mattress is worth your while:

  • Are you struggling to regulate the temperature when you sleep?
  • Is deep sleep a priority for you? Do you want to optimize your sleep patterns?
  • Will you be comfortable with a high-tech sleep solution with future developments?
  • Have you looked at different alternatives with this type of mattress?

Final Thoughts

If you’re still in the dark about whether to get the Eight Sleep POD Mattress, you may want to take advantage of its 30-night trial period before you make your decision. It is an expensive investment, one that you might want to think about three times over. However, with its fantastic features, this might be the best sleep solution you can give yourself.

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Lifestyle

Top 10 Places to Experience Food and Culinary Adventures

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food bowls

Exploring food and culinary adventures around the world can be a delightful journey for any food enthusiast. Immersing yourself in the local culture and cuisine will make your trip more memorable. Here are ten places known for their exceptional culinary experiences:

1. Tokyo, Japan

Renowned for its sushi, ramen, and kaiseki cuisine, Tokyo offers a diverse range of flavors. Visit Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh seafood and experience traditional tea ceremonies. Experience fresh and high-quality sushi at sushi bars and traditional sushi restaurants. Try nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) and sashimi (sliced raw fish). When I went to Japan, I didn’t buy a souvenir, but I spent all my money on food!

2. Paris, France

croissant on a plate

A mecca for food lovers, Paris is celebrated for its pastries, cheeses, and exquisite French cuisine. Enjoy classic croissants, indulge in escargot, and savor world-class wines. Indulge in Paris’s iconic Croissant. It’s crispy on the outside, buttery and flaky within, and an exquisite pastry is a symbol of French culinary excellence. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with chocolate, almonds, or ham and cheese, savoring a croissant in Paris is an essential and delightful gastronomic experience.

3. Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand’s capital is a street food paradise with vibrant markets. Don’t miss trying Pad Thai, the iconic street food dish in Bangkok, Thailand. This flavorful stir-fried noodle dish combines rice noodles, shrimp, tofu or chicken, bean sprouts, and peanuts, all seasoned with a perfect blend of tamarind, fish sauce, and chili—a delicious taste of Bangkok’s vibrant culinary scene in every bite.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s food scene blends traditional Catalan dishes with avant-garde culinary creations. Visit La Boqueria market and try tapas, paella, and churros. In Barcelona, indulge in the iconic dish, paella. Bursting with saffron-infused rice, seafood, and meats, this Spanish culinary masterpiece captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Savor the rich and aromatic combination of ingredients, reflecting Barcelona’s vibrant culture and warmth in every delicious bite.

5. Marrakech, Morocco

tagine

Immerse yourself in the spices and flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Explore the souks for tagines and couscous, and indulge in mint tea and pastries. Don’t miss trying the iconic tagine—a slow-cooked stew traditionally prepared with succulent meats, aromatic spices, and a blend of fruits or vegetables. Served in a distinctive cone-shaped earthenware pot, tagine embodies Moroccan cuisine’s rich flavors and culinary artistry, providing a truly authentic dining experience.

6. Oaxaca, Mexico

Known as Mexico’s culinary heart, Oaxaca offers various authentic dishes, including mole, tlayudas, and chapulines (grasshoppers). The must-try dish is Mole Oaxaqueño, a rich and complex sauce made from chili peppers, chocolate, and various spices that coats tender meat (often chicken or turkey). The result is a symphony of flavors, showcasing the region’s culinary artistry and vibrant cultural heritage.

7. New York City, USA

NYC is a melting pot of diverse culinary influences. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, explore various cuisines, including bagels, pizza, and food truck delights. Enjoy a New York slice, a classic pizza featuring a thin, foldable crust topped with tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella. Whether enjoyed from a corner pizzeria or a renowned establishment, the New York slice reflects the city’s rich culinary heritage and diverse flavors.

8. Hanoi, Vietnam

pho

Hanoi is celebrated for its street food culture. Try pho, banh mi, and egg coffee while exploring the bustling markets and local eateries. Don’t miss trying pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Savor the rich, aromatic broth infused with herbs and spices with flat rice noodles and tender slices of beef or chicken. Pho is a flavorful culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in a single bowl.

9. Bologna, Italy

As the birthplace of Bolognese sauce, Bologna is a haven for pasta lovers. Enjoy authentic Italian dishes, including tortellini, ragu, and regional cheeses. Try the iconic Bolognese sauce, locally known as Ragù alla Bolognese. Savor the rich, slow-cooked meat sauce traditionally paired with tagliatelle pasta. This hearty and flavorful dish is a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the region’s dedication to authentic and soul-satisfying Italian cuisine.

10. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul’s culinary scene reflects its rich history. Savor kebabs, mezes, and Turkish delights while exploring the city’s vibrant street food culture. Istanbul’s must-try culinary delight is the “Iskender Kebab.” This iconic dish features thinly sliced döner kebab meat, lavash bread, yogurt, and a smoky tomato sauce. The combination of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering experience, making Iskender Kebab a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant food scene in Istanbul, Turkey.

Final Words

These destinations offer delicious local cuisines, unique culinary traditions, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a fan of street food or haute cuisine, these places provide a gastronomic adventure that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave lasting memories.

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