Hardwood Floors February/March 2024

Health and Safety Focus (Continued)

PHOTO COURTESY OF NWFA

My father was a flooring professional and an inspiration for me to advance personally and professionally. I married my high school sweetheart 56 years ago. Together, we have one daughter, three grown grandchildren, and two beautiful great-grandchildren. My current daily routine includes working as a third party independent flooring inspector, practicing chair yoga for seniors, walking outdoors, eating close to a Mediterranean diet, visiting with friends, and volunteering when and where I am needed. I have been a part of a book writing class for the past two years (good luck with that). I travel the country speaking at medical hypnosis conferences. I have been a board certified integrative medical hypnotherapist for the past 25 years. Michael Longshore is an NWFA Certified Wood Flooring Inspector and Certified Sales Advisor, and the owner of A&M Enterprises in Denton, Texas. Outside of the wood flooring industry, Longshore is an International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ICBCH) Certified Professional Hypnotist and life and wellness coach. Learn more at justrelaxhypnosis.com.

ADEQUATE REST Ensuring adequate rest is paramount for all individuals who work in a profession that demands long hours and intense focus. Quality sleep is essential for our bodies’ physical recovery and mental sharpness. It’s essential to establish a consistent sleep routine. We can do this by creating comfortable sleep environments and prioritizing restful sleep. I wear an electronic wrist device to monitor my daily activities and sleep patterns. ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES Another way to prevent physical and mental burnout is to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Establishing a healthy work-life balance contributes significantly to your mental and physical well-being. In conclusion, functioning as a successful flooring professional requires much more than mastering the various technicalities of the trade. It also requires a holistic approach to maintain health and wellness. I have spent the past 55 years of my life learning to prioritize my mental and physical health, managing challenges associated with the flooring profession.

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