Newsletter Issue #417

Entrepreneur & Author

JeffCorbett.com

Are You Mentally Exhausted?

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The Financial markets have been consumed with fear over the last few weeks.   It’s a nonstop mantra of tariffs, trade wars, deportations – I don’t care what your politics are – if you listen to this it is exhausting.

Fatigue and exhaustion are often discussed in terms that characterize the physical effects that they have on the body. However, mental fatigue can be just as draining as physical exhaustion, even if its symptoms are not as evident as achy muscles or tired feet.

The online medical resource WebMD notes that mental fatigue typically arises when individuals focus on mentally challenging tasks for extended periods of time. Many individuals also experienced mental fatigue during the pandemic. Pandemic-related restrictions forced individuals across the globe to confront a number of unforeseen, unexpected challenges, including a sudden shift to remote work and school closures that forced working parents to juggle the rigors of their careers with the difficulties of remote learning. That upheaval contributed to prolonged mental fatigue for many individuals.  Many experts feel we are still recovering from the long-term effects of the pandemic.

Much like athletes need routine breaks from exercise to let their muscles recover, individuals need to look for ways to give their overworked minds a chance to recuperate from fatigue. Each person is different, but these strategies can help people overcome mental fatigue.

Consider the following: 

The signs of mental fatigue may not be as instantly recognizable as the symptoms of physical exhaustion. But mental fatigue can be just as dangerous as physical tiredness if left unchecked.

Hope you have a great week. and enjoy this issue!

• To review other editions of our newsletter please see our website:  GlobalCommonCents.com
• For more about my personal wonderings please see my blog:  JeffCorbett.com
• Jeff Corbett Biography

Psychological Effects Of Allergies

“Impact and solutions.” 

——- 

Spring and summer are typically welcomed with open arms. Warm weather, blooming flowers and trees full of leaves are a welcome sight for many, but seasonal allergy sufferers may find the transition from winter to spring a little more challenging.

How it can impact careers:

1.  Fatigue and Brain Fog

2. Mood Changes

What is the Schengen Information System?

“Active in the European Union.”  

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Border security is very much in the news in the United States. So we thought it would be interesting to look at what the European Union has in place since there are essentially no borders within member States.

The Schengen Information System (SIS) is the most widely used and largest information sharing system for security and border management in Europe. As there are no internal borders between Schengen countries in Europe, SIS compensates for border controls and is the most successful cooperation tool for border, immigration, police, customs and judicial authorities in the EU and the Schengen associated countries.

Today, the Schengen area covers over 4 million square kilometres with a population of almost 420 million people, and includes 27 countries

The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a large-scale information system that enables cooperation among Schengen member states for the purpose of maintaining public security and order. It facilitates the exchange of data related to individuals and objects of interest, such as missing persons, criminals, stolen vehicles, and lost or stolen documents.

Schengen is the name of a small village in Luxembourg, on the border with Germany and France, where the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention were signed in 1985 and in 1990 respectively.

The SIS allows Schengen countries to share real-time information about individuals who are prohibited from entering or staying within the Schengen Area, which is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border controls at their mutual borders. The system also aids in the detection and prevention of crime, terrorism, and illegal immigration.

The SIS operates as a central database accessible to law enforcement agencies, border control authorities, and other authorized entities in participating countries. It contains various alerts and records, including alerts for wanted persons, alerts for missing persons, alerts for persons subject to discreet checks or specific checks, alerts for persons to be refused entry, alerts for objects, and alerts for persons for the purpose of arrest for extradition.

The SIS plays a crucial role in enhancing security and cooperation among Schengen member states by enabling the swift exchange of information across borders. However, concerns have been raised about data protection and privacy issues, leading to ongoing efforts to balance security needs with individual rights and freedoms within the framework of the SIS.

Tips for Managing Your Portfolio in Turbulent Times

“Financial markets are squeamish.” 

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Seasoned investors recognize that risk is inherent to investing in the stock market. Numerous variables affect market performance, and those factors can make investing feel like a roller coaster ride.

The stock market has certainly experienced its share of ups and downs in recent weeks, and that turbulence has led to some sleepless nights for investors. Investors concerned about unpredictable market fluctuations and the effects of such turbulence on their portfolios can keep these strategies in mind as they look to protect their investments.

Investing during turbulent times can try investors’ patience. But a handful of strategies can help investors protect their financial futures even during times of great market fluctuation.

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.  US citizens have unique tax requirements which should always be reviewed with a professional.

When is it Okay to Ignore a Text or Email?

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.

” Knowing when and how to say no.”

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You might ignore a text or email message that feels unduly confrontive. The sender, noting the lack of response, might clarify. Experience teaches that responding too quickly out of hurt or frustration puts a person in a position of having said something which is later regretted. “Always pause” is a great motto.

In today’s busy, communication-rich environment, immediate responses are not always expected. However, what constitutes “immediately” varies from person to person. When you do decide to respond, the caveat should be, “Sorry for this tardy response.”

An Interesting Phenomenon

Most of us carry phones and notice our messages and email quickly. So, when someone doesn’t respond to a text message you might begin to wonder, and perhaps worry, why. The environment is there to communicate, yet they are not, and the frustration can lead to anxious feelings.

Of course, there are any number of reasons why a person isn’t responding. But if someone chooses to ignore a text or email message from you and it becomes a pattern, it brings into question the type of relationship you have with that person.

Switching the scenario, do you leave others wondering why you haven’t communicated?

Re-assessing with Etiquette

Etiquette means that you aim to be relational—you are aware of your interconnectedness with others, engaged, generous, and kind. So, if you decide to ignore a text or email, here are some questions to ask yourself.

Another way to consider how ignoring a message comes across is to change the scenario. If you were passing a friend or acquaintance in a hallway and they asked a question, would you ignore them and keep walking?

Virtual conversations have the same consideration. Responses may be delayed, but a complete lack of response leaves the other person feeling unimportant, or that something is wrong.

If the communication you are receiving is rude or abusive, then you should ignore it. But you will need to consider some type of action to resolve the situation.

Let Etiquette Guide You When You Ignore a Text or Email Message

Being respectfully candid requires employing the realities of etiquette. Etiquette is situational, relational, and contextual. What is the situation? What is my relationship with this person? What are the circumstances that I find myself in? Am I relaying too much in writing and not enough in voice?

We all get busy and let our positive communication skills slip through the cracks. When this happens, own it and let the people you’ve ignored know that you acknowledge the slip. If the written communication is argumentative, acknowledge that you needed a pause so that you could collect your thoughts and formulate your best response.

It may be that what is needed is old-fashioned face-to-face communication. Rather than choosing to completely ignore a text or email message, you might instead, write back, “Our communication feels a bit off-track. Maybe we could meet up or talk by phone?”

Re-instating our commitment to etiquette-fulness sets an example to others that civility is not a thin social veneer. It’s the way we want to live and work with others and we should always re-assess our communication habits

Top Nutrients to Support Healthy Aging

by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired

Biography:  Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer.  She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.

“How to age well.”    

——-

Between As we age, our bodies go through a lot of changes…some we expect, and others that sneak up on us. The good news is that nutrition plays a major role in how we feel and function over time, and by giving your body the right nutrients, you can help support energy levels, bone strength, brain health, and more. Let’s dive into some of the top nutrients to support graceful, vibrant aging, and how to get more of them into your daily routine!

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and plays a role in immune function and mood regulation. Many adults, especially those who live in colder climates or spend a lot of time indoors, are deficient.  Sunshine is a natural and most optimal source of Vitamin D, but food-wise, look to fatty fish (like salmon and sardines), fortified dairy or plant-based milk, and egg yolks. If you need a supplement, speak with your healthcare provider to see what options would work best for you.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s support heart health, brain function, and may help reduce inflammation linked to aging and chronic conditions. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna are rich in omega-3s, while plant-based sources include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and algae-based supplements.

Vitamin B12
This vitamin is important for nerve health, brain function, and red blood cell production. As we get older, our bodies may have a harder time absorbing B12 from food, so making sure we get plenty of B12 daily is essential!  Animal products like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy are good sources. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, B12 supplements can help fill the gap.

Magnesium supports muscle function, bone health, and energy production. It also helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels which is incredibly important as we age.It’s also been shown to help with better sleep particularly during perimenopause.  Nuts, seeds, legumes, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and dark chocolate are all magnesium-rich foods…which also happen to be delicious!

Fiber
Fiber supports healthy digestion, helps control blood sugar, and may lower cholesterol. It also promotes feelings of fullness, which can help with maintaining a healthy weight as our metabolisms slow down. Whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains (like oats, quinoa, and brown rice), nuts, and seeds are excellent fiber sources and easy to add to your daily meals.

Antioxidants (Vitamins C and E)
Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to aging and disease. Vitamin C also supports immune health and collagen production for healthier skin. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are your best bet as natural sources of antioxidants…think berries, citrus fruits, bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, nuts, and sunflower seeds.

Protein
Protein helps maintain muscle mass and strength, which naturally decline with age. It also supports healing and immune function. The older we grow, the more important it is to ensure we are getting optimal amounts of protein in our daily diets. Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, tofu, tempeh, and protein-rich whole grains like quinoa and farro are perfect protein rich foods to consider eating more of.

Aging well doesn’t require an extreme diet overhaul or depriving yourself of delicious meals. It’s all about consistently making nutrient-rich choices that support your body and your lifestyle. Start by adding a few extra veggies to your plate, choosing whole grains, enjoying healthy fats, and staying hydrated. A balanced, colorful plate filled with a variety of whole foods goes a long way in supporting graceful, healthy aging. After all, you deserve to feel your best at every stage of life!

How Arthritis Affects Daily Life

“Working on lifestyle changes can improve quality of life.” 

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Arthritis is a broad category of joint and connective tissue disorders that impacts around one in five people in both Canada and the United States, according to the Arthritis Society of Canada. In fact, arthritis is a leading cause of disability for many people around the world. Arthritis becomes a greater concern as people age. That’s particularly so with osteoarthritis, which is degenerative condition caused by repeated use and stress on joints.

Common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, swelling, reduced mobility, and physical weakness. Such signs underscore how much arthritis can affect daily life. Symptoms may come and go, but it’s not always easy living with arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Also, in some people, rheumatoid arthritis can damage body systems beyond the joints, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels, says the Mayo Clinic.

There is no cure for arthritis, so working on lifestyle changes can improve quality of life and help people manage day-to-day tasks more easily.

Arthritis affects millions of people’s lives, but management of the condition can improve quality of life.

Soft Pretzels from Philly

” A classic treat.”    

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Philadelphia has long been known for its famous soft pretzels. A twisted salted treat, this Philly iconic snack is often eaten at any time of the day.  Pretzel baking has been an East Coast institution since German immigrants brought this tradition when settling here in the 1700’s. Now you can have this tradition sent directly to your door.

PretzelsDirect.com
816 Washington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
800-424-2034

To Order

Health Benefits of Hobbies

“Hobbies can have a very positive effect on health.” 

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Maintaining physical and mental health often requires a multi-faceted approach. Eating well, exercising and reducing stress are part of a healthy regimen, but those are not the only components of a healthy lifestyle.

Hobbies can have a positive effect on overall health. Hobbies can seem like ways to simply pass the time or alleviate boredom. But a deeper exploration could shed light on just how healthy hobbies can be. In fact, it is essential to carve out time for hobbies because they can be so beneficial.

According to a study published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, participation in leisure activities positively influences self-perceived well-being and depressive symptoms. “The blue zone” refers to the areas of the world that have the longest-living people on the planet, which include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Ikaria, Greece, among others. Participation in activities that bring out a creative side leads to an increased sense of well-being that is good for long-term health. They also can reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, and it can negatively affect energy, mood and sleep.

While most leisure activities regularly engaged in can have positive effects on health, those that focus on a combination of physical and mental stimulation are most beneficial. Women looking to change their daily routines may want to focus on these health-boosting hobbies.

Various hobbies can be good for the mind and body, which makes it worth anyone’s effort to make more time for recreation and leisure.

The Eiffel Tower was Never Intended to Last!

 “And other interesting facts.” 

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Notable monuments and structures dot the global landscape, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris is among the most recognizable in all the world. A wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889, when it served as the centerpiece of the World’s Fair. That’s not the only notable fact about the tower that has mesmerized millions since its completion more than a century ago.

· Though the Eiffel Tower bears his name, Gustave Eiffel was not initially enthusiastic about the structure nor did he design it.

The tower was actually thought up by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, who both worked for Eiffel’s firm. While Eiffel was initially lukewarm to the engineers’ design, to his credit he encouraged further exploration of the idea, and eventually supported a rendering that combined the ideas of Koechlin and Nouguier and the input of Stephen Sauvestre, who worked as the head of the architectural department at Eiffel’s firm.

· The Eiffel Tower may be world renowned today, but the construction had its detractors during its construction and afterward.

Legend has it that popular French writer Guy de Maupassant despised the tower to such a degree that he ate lunch in its restaurant every day because he felt it was the only place in all of Paris where he could sit and not see the tower.

· There is a penthouse at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Officials who now oversee the tower indicate the apartment at its summit is 1,076 square feet, making it a comfortable space to utilize as an office and a place to receive distinguished guests. That’s precisely how Eiffel used the space, which was not open to the public upon the tower’s completion.

· The Eiffel Tower was not meant to be an enduring landmark.

Though it’s hard to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, the instantly recognizable structure was initially intended to be a temporary addition to the City of Light’s landscape. La Tour Eiffel notes that the tower was only intended to last 20 years but was saved by the scientific experiments conducted within it. Gustave Eiffel encouraged those experiments, which included efforts at radio transmissions. Indeed, the tower served as a military radio post in 1903 and transmitted the first public radio program in France in 1925.

· The Eiffel Tower has been a hub of business throughout its existence.

The tower is more than just a tourist attraction, as over the years it has housed the French newspaper Le Figaro, a post office and even a theater.

A QB for Your European Relocation!

Brandon Ahearn, JD, LLM, CFA
Relocation Consultant at YourPlaceInEurope
YourPlaceInEurope.com

Biography:  Brandon Ahearn is a US and Swiss dual citizen and holder of a BA and a Juris Doctor from the USA, a Master in European Laws from Germany plus a CFA Charterholder.  His career as a lawyer has been largely in financial services and in technology. He resides in Lugano, Switzerland and speaks six different languages.

When making a big move, logistics alone aren’t enough – you need leadership. 

Relocating to Europe is a mix of excitement and complexity. I know, I have done it. From the US to Europe and then many times within Europe. I have bumped my head and cut my teeth. My motivations for doing so were many – a more interesting life, a more globally-oriented profession, more experiences, and beyond. It worked. It worked out amazingly. Now, after decades of lawyering around the world, I apply all my experience, knowledge, languages and network to help others relocate to Europe, like I did, or even better.

At Your Place in Europe I offer a number of European relocation advisory packages, the top one being – what else? – the Quarterback Package.

What is a European relocation “Quarterback”? Simple answer: a regular guy to talk to, who speaks your language, knows what it means to leave one country for another, knows how to structure transactions and processes, who works with you to guide you and your family to the ‘end zone’ of your ideal life in Europe. Despite nearly 30 years in Europe, I am still a huge American football fan, and this is how I see my role. I know what has to be done and I put all the moving pieces together to make it a success for you.

When I take on a client, I get to know the client and understand his or her drivers. I suggest the best countries and the best areas. Then I map out all the elements to be considered, discuss them with the client and pull in local subject matter expertise: immigration lawyers, realtors, school administrators, insurance experts, tax advisors, currency brokers, movers and more. Whoever and whatever is needed. Over half a year we work together to put a relocation together. It has even occurred that after settling in, a client will start a new company and ask me to serve on the board – but that is just the icing on top.

It’s an approach that blends insight and structure with personal attention. Single professionals and relocating families want to know that their financial structures will hold up, that their children will be happy, and that their new lives will live up to their dreams and expectations. A Quarterback helps to personally deliver strategy and peace of mind.

It sounds cliché, but this is not work to me, it is a calling. I love to hear the dreams of my clients, start steering those in the right direction from the first get-to-know-you call and then work hand-in-hand to get everything right. It is great satisfaction to feel how their confidence is boosted by having a Quarterback by their sides. A relocation isn’t a move – it’s a transformation – and transformations require more than logistics and ticking the boxes. They require experience, guidance, strategy, and someone to keep the bigger picture in view.

If you’re considering relocating to Europe, the Quarterback Package offers an exceptional level of support, led by an expert who is ready to help you do it right.