Unlock the Secrets to a Better Life: The Power of Therapy

Therapy is a powerful tool that can help individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. Whether you are struggling with a specific issue such as anxiety or depression, or simply looking to improve your overall quality of life, therapy can be a valuable resource. In this article, we will explore the various benefits of therapy and how it can help individuals unlock the secrets to a better life.

The Benefits of Therapy

  1. Improve Mental Health

One of the most obvious benefits of therapy is that it can help individuals improve their mental health. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, therapy can provide you with the support and guidance you need to better manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

  1. Gain insight into yourself

Therapy can also help individuals gain insight into themselves. By talking about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a therapist, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your motivations. This can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty understanding their own emotions or behavior.

  1. Learn Coping Mechanisms

Therapy can also help individuals learn coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult situations. Whether it’s stress at work, relationship problems, or other life challenges, therapy can provide you with the tools you need to navigate these situations more effectively.

  1. Improve Relationships

Therapy can also help improve relationships. Whether you are struggling with a specific relationship or simply looking to improve your communication and conflict resolution skills, therapy can provide you with the support and guidance you need to build stronger, healthier relationships.

  1. Achieve Personal Goals

Therapy can also help individuals achieve their personal goals. Whether you are looking to make a major life change, improve your self-esteem, or simply live a more fulfilling life, therapy can provide you with the support and guidance you need to achieve your goals.

The Different Types of Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy whose goal is to help individuals identify and change patterns of thinking and behavior that connotes negativity. It focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and teaches individuals how to recognize and change negative patterns in order to improve their mental health.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is mostly used for individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder, but it has since been found to be effective for a wide range of issues concerning the psychological health of an individual. DBT focuses on helping individuals learn new coping mechanisms and improve their ability to regulate their emotions.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is another form of therapy that aims to assist individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. It involves the use of eye motions (or similar movements of bilateral stimulation) to help individuals access and process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a type of therapy that involves the entire family or a specific subset of family members. It can be helpful for families dealing with a wide range of issues, including communication problems, relationship issues, and mental health issues.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a type of therapy that involves a group of individuals who are dealing with similar issues. It can be helpful for those who are looking for support and guidance from others who understand what they are going through.

Conclusion

Therapy is a powerful tool that can help individuals improve their mental health and overall

well-being. It can provide individuals with the support and guidance they need to better manage their symptoms, gain insight into themselves, learn coping mechanisms, improve relationships, and achieve personal goals.

It is important to note that there are many different types of therapy available, each with their own unique focus and approach. Some popular types include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), family therapy, and group therapy. It is important to find a therapist that is trained in the specific type of therapy that aligns with your needs and goals.

Additionally, therapy is not just for individuals with mental health issues. It can be beneficial for anyone looking to improve their overall quality of life and achieve personal growth. It is a safe space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgement.

In conclusion, therapy can unlock the secrets to a better life. It can provide individuals with the support and guidance they need to improve their mental health, gain insight into themselves, learn coping mechanisms, improve relationships, and achieve personal goals. If you are considering therapy, it is important to find a therapist that aligns with your needs and goals, and to remember that therapy is a safe space where you can explore yourself without fear of judgement.

6 Simple Therapy Techniques for Improving Quality of Life

Are you tired of feeling stuck in the same patterns of negative thoughts and behaviors? Are you ready to take control of your life and improve your overall well-being? Therapy can be a powerful tool for making positive changes and achieving a happier, healthier life.

Here are five simple therapy techniques that can help you transform your life and improve your quality of life.

  1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the act of being present, without judgment. It can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and increase overall well-being.

One easy way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine is through the practice of meditation. You can start by setting aside just a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and release any distracting thoughts. As you become more comfortable with the practice, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend meditating.

Another way to practice mindfulness is through mindful movement, such as yoga or tai chi. These practices can help you connect your mind and body, bringing you into the present moment and reducing stress.

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that focuses on the relationship between feelings, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that may be contributing to feelings of stress and anxiety.

During CBT, you will work with a therapist to identify negative thoughts and beliefs that are causing distress. Together, you will then develop strategies for challenging and changing these thoughts. This can include techniques such as reframing negative thoughts and creating a more positive self-talk.

  1. Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a type of therapy that is used to help individuals overcome fears and phobias. It works by gradually exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a controlled environment.

During exposure therapy, you will work with a therapist to create a list of feared situations or objects. The therapist will then guide you through a series of increasingly difficult exposures, starting with the least feared item on the list. As you face your fears in a controlled environment, you will learn to manage your anxiety and reduce the power that the fear holds over you.

  1. Journaling

Journaling is a simple yet powerful tool for gaining insight into your thoughts and feelings. By regularly writing down your thoughts and experiences, you can begin to identify patterns and triggers that may be contributing to negative feelings.

Journaling can also be a helpful tool for processing difficult emotions and experiences. By writing down your feelings, you can begin to release them, reducing the emotional weight they carry.

  1. Support Groups

Support groups can be a valuable resource for those looking to improve their quality of life. They provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and offer support to one another.

Support groups can be especially helpful for individuals dealing with a specific issue, such as a chronic illness or addiction. They can also be beneficial for those who have experienced a traumatic event or are dealing with a difficult life change.

  1. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on finding solutions to problems rather than dwelling on the past or analyzing underlying issues. It is a goal-oriented and strength-based approach, that helps individuals to find their own solutions to problems.

The therapist will work with the individual to identify their goals and desired outcomes. They will then guide the individual through a series of questions and exercises to help them identify the resources and strengths they already have, and how they can use them to achieve their goals.

One of the key techniques used in SFBT is called “scaling” where the individual rates their current situation on a scale from 0 to 10, and the therapist helps the individual to identify small, achievable steps to take to improve their situation.

SFBT is particularly useful for individuals who have a specific, well-defined problem they want to solve, and it can be completed in a shorter time frame than traditional therapy.

Conclusion

Therapy can be a powerful tool for making positive changes and improving your overall well-being. By incorporating simple techniques such as mindfulness, CBT, exposure therapy, journaling, support groups, and solution-focused brief therapy, into your life, you can start to see improvements in your mental and emotional health. Remember, it is important to work with a trained therapist to help you navigate the journey.

It’s important to remember that change takes time and effort, and it’s not always easy. But by taking the first step and seeking help, you can begin to transform your life and improve your quality of life. Right now is always the best time to get started. Don’t wait for tomorrow.

Why You Should Consider Life Counseling To Improve Your Way Of Living

Life therapy is a team process that involves helping people identify, overcome, and work through the personal challenges they are struggling with in their lives and relationships, like marriage. It is a form of mental health service that can serve as an invaluable resource for those struggling to make positive changes in their lives.

life counseling teaches you how to live your life and make positive changes.
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At its core, counseling is about providing peace, hope, and freedom to clients as they access and navigate through the unable and the difficult times, even from they were a child. It is about helping them find the strength and courage to face their challenges head-on. It is about providing a safe space for them to express themselves and work through their feelings and life missions in a limited number of hours. It is a first step towards healing.

You might not recognize it, but there are quite a few things you can do to help improve your living, and you might consider counseling. Here’s a list of counselors’ tips.

As a life counselor, your mission is to support, serve, and provide hope and training to clients who are struggling. You work with a team of personal counselors who are dedicated to taking the first step with our clients on their journey to freedom. You offer access to counseling services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tip #1: Stop Expecting Other People To Solve Things For You

You can easily tell when your life sucks. But everyone is dealing with stuff that is no longer manageable at some point.  One thing you can work on is to stop relying on other people to solve your problems for you. This is one of the most important teachings in life.

Stop Relying On Others To Solve Your Problems, Do Things According To Your Way

Take the opportunity to walk and do things according to your way, and never let anyone decide what is right or wrong, no matter what. Have an honest conversation with yourself and realistically solve things according to your capabilities.

Tip #2: Declutter And Remove Unnecessary Stuff In Your Life

There is a great feeling when you can finally look back on how many accomplishments you get from the order you put into your life. You feel empowered because your actions and habits are actively changing your environment and life for the better. There is strong positive energy when you prefer order over chaos. With that said, learn to remove unnecessary things and practice decluttering. By organizing, you get that first push to change everything you thought you could not handle in your life.

Tip #3: Limit Your Social Media And Internet

Admittedly, this suggestion can be quite hard because your entire existence model in today’s generation relies on the internet. But limiting the use of social media and the internet is a smart call to make. It is essential that you can still find entertainment outside social media platforms and avoid artificial reality. Improve your way of living by doing other productive things. There are many things to discover outside, and you will never be able to see that when you allow yourself to get stuck with social media. With counseling services, this gets a little easier.

it teaches you how to do things on your own as a person
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Tip #4: Plan Your Life

Another tip is improving your way of living requires effort. Thus, one way you can execute whatever you want to change positively should be planned out specifically. The moment you start planning your day, the more you take control of your time, energy, and life overall. However, be mindful of creating a list of things that you can accomplish instantly. As stated in the principles, it can give you a sense of fulfillment, even if those are just little things you manage to deal with.

Tip #5: Surround Yourself With Loving And Supportive Individuals

An important factor of a happy and improved existence has much to do with the types of individuals you surround yourself with. The mental health services treatment expert can provide counseling that will teach you that it would help if you chose to stick with supportive and loving ones that will always encourage you to do your best.

If you’re feeling lost in life or need someone to talk to, consider seeking out a counselor. Life therapy can help you figure out what steps to take next and meet any challenges, like depression or anxiety, head-on. Counselors are proud to range from relationship experts to certified grief counselors; we’re confident they can help you work through whatever issue you’re facing with a loved one.

team, group, people, community
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Their site is glad to meet you. They have a wide range of staff that specialize in different areas, so they’re sure to have someone who can help you being their client with your specific needs.

If you are seeking therapy resources, gladly go to relevant psychology websites to meet mental health therapists, staff, and a wide range of care professionals who can help you resolve your life issues. You can recommend this to a loved one, too. This may only be the first step, but it is rest assured that after the end of your therapy program, you will feel proud of your improvements from your unique needs.

You must know when to let go of toxic people when they are causing you more harm than good. Don’t hesitate to cut people out, even if they are part of your family or some of your closest friends. Think about your mental and emotional growth, and do not let attachment ruin your decision to seek a positive environment from a life counseling center. Be mindful of your well-being because you deserve better.

Counseling Teaches You To Let Go Of Toxic People And Stick With Supportive Ones

 

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Self Analyze Your Reality And Figure Out How To Start Building A Better Quality Of Existence

Having a vague knowledge of what you should be doing according to your needs is not enough. You need to take yourself seriously and, for once, decide why you want to have a better quality of existence. Self-analyze your reality and figure out how to start acting according to the suitable developmental strategy.

Take what you’ll learn by heart. Improved quality of living is not an overnight accomplishment. It requires planning and execution. Never rush to the result. Instead, focus on the little changes you can make and evaluate how they can contribute to the progress.

Building a counseling practice takes time, energy, and dedication. It’s important to remember that your client’s rights come first. This means respecting their privacy and maintaining confidentiality. It also means understanding and respecting their copyrights.

Life counseling is all about building a better life for yourself. It is about taking control of your life and making the decisions that are right for you. It is about finding the love and happiness that you deserve. There is no copyright to it, so you can share it with others, too.

FAQs

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Why Should You Listen To A Counselor’s Advice?

Whenever you are experiencing a stressful and very difficult situation, it can be challenging to look at things in a better view. You get too immersed in the current problem that you cannot understand what you have to do. With that, you somehow lose control of your mental and emotional senses. That explains why when you get stuck in figuring out resolutions, you continuously feel worse about everything, and eventually, you get tired of trying to make things better.

That emotional downfall leads to consecutive negative emotional and mental responses. And sometimes, when you are at the peak of it, you shut people out. It creates a problem because shutting people out implies that you no longer want to be helped. And it will also become impossible for others to reach you on a certain emotional level. Fortunately, that’s what counselors are for.

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Counselors’ In Counseling

Counselors are professional individuals that help you get through whatever it is that you are going through emotionally. They may not hold answers to all of your life struggle questions, but they keep an eye on reassuring you that things will always be better once you learn to accept and value what’s in front of you.

But be mindful that not all counselors can provide you the same emotional reassurance. Some of them might find it hard to work with you, and some of their advice might not go according to your needs. But it does not mean that they are not helpful at all. It is just that there are counselors that are effective in handling some difficult situations compared to others.

With that said, counselors based their advice and judgment on the information you provide them. If you are honest about your thoughts and feelings, they can also make a couple of better suggestions that could fit your emotional needs. But if you are not willing to open up and share what you are dealing with, then the process of life counseling might have a hard time as well.

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How To Work With Counselors

The first thing that you need to do when working with professional counselors is to communicate your difficulty. Start by talking about your daily stressors, the things that make you feel bad, the worse problems you cannot solve, and some other deepest secrets that hold you emotionally hostage. That is the best way to communicate your emotions and thoughts. You can choose not to go on full details if you want. But provide a clear and understandable situation that counselors can help you dig deeper into it.

Of course, there will be those days when there might not be anything in particular that you deal with in the present. There are still those moments where you feel lost and lonely but couldn’t find why you feel that way. In this kind of situation, you can always introspect and talk about your past. It might give you a hint of what’s entirely going on with your unwanted thoughts and feelings.

Your emotional and mental health issue has a lot to do with what you currently experience. These are things that you cannot immediately get rid of your thoughts and eventually affect your feelings and behaviors. However, if nothing major is hovering in your mind, you can start by talking about small stuff you feel comfortable sharing. Share with your counselor your dreams and discuss a few that have disturbed you once in a while. Talk about your worries and fears as well. Allow yourself to become more vocal to give the counselor a chance to help you process and express simultaneously.

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The Best Of Counseling

Again, counseling is not a cure that you can rely upon when you want to get rid of all your sorrows and whatever pain is hurting you emotionally. However, it helps you reflect on your present scenario, current stressful issues, and other life battles to better view what’s going on with that negativity. Remember that you can initiate all the topics because you are the one who can only provide information that the counselor could evaluate throughout the conversations. The counselor would not know what you want to deal with unless you start talking about it. Thus, relax your mind and body and allow thoughts and feelings to come in.

If you feel that there isn’t much to deal with during counseling sessions and you think that it would be a waste of time to meet with your counselor for the coming weeks, you could consider taking some time off from counseling and work on some of the advice that your counselor gave you. You could also consider reflecting on coping strategies that suit you best. Don’t worry because everything you will do can become beneficial as long as you are motivated and willing to feel and get better.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Relationship Therapy

As they say, no man is an island. We need people to help and support us to ensure the best quality of life. Regardless of whether they are your partner, friends, or family, it is important to take care and nurture these relationships.

Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship. There will be a point when emotions like anger, despair, and sadness prevail in married couples. By leaving these emotions unattended, it can lead to a broken relationship. However, some couples would force to remain together for different concerns like their children’s welfare. 

If you feel like your relationship is on the rocks, don’t lose hope. With the help of relationship therapy, you can navigate through your issues and conflicts. The therapist can help you go through the process to ensure desirable results. 

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Generally, couples who undergo therapy looks for help with their intimate relationships. Some reasons for seeking relationship therapy include:

  • Premarital counseling
  • Communication issues
  • Infidelity
  • Trust issues
  • Nontraditional relationships

One of the most effective approaches in relationship therapy is imago therapy. This form of therapy converts conflicts into opportunities for healing and growth. It is unique from other forms of psychotherapy. Imago therapy highlights the idea that a crucial factor in choosing our partner is our caregivers’ attachment experiences as a child.

This theory implies that we seek partners who are familiar to us, often resembling our early caregivers. The mixture of their good and bad traits akin to our caregivers make it easier for us to navigate through those traits. Enabling couples to lean on distress brought by their negative traits opens up opportunities for healing and growth.

If you are interested in relationship therapy, here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding relationship therapy:

What is the best therapy for couples?

Imago Relationship Therapy or Imago Therapy is the best therapy for couples. Two physicians who have experienced a divorce discovered it in the late 1970s to 1980s. The therapy’s name came from the Latin word “imago,” which means image in English.

This therapy type focuses on looking after couples’ image in their relationship by transforming their conflicts and problems into healing and growth opportunities.

How can I be a good relationship therapist?

Clients need to trust and feel comfortable around their relationship therapist fully. Building rapport is one sign of you being a good relationship therapist. Always be genuine and welcoming to your couples. Make them feel comfortable by giving them a safe space.

At the same time, remember to acknowledge any misgivings. Focus and direct them on their goals, as therapy is about them and their relationship.

Can therapy help a relationship?

Therapy helps relationships, regardless of what the problems are. Couples therapy helps partners understand the thoughts, emotions, and needs of one another. This type of therapy can also work for significant problems such as divorce, potential abuse, or infidelity.

What are the 3 key elements to a successful person therapist relationship?

Congruence or genuineness, trust, and respect are the three key elements to a successful person-therapist relationship. These three core values allow the relationship therapist and the couple to communicate better to build a stronger rapport. Therapies are likely to succeed when there is a clear understanding between both parties.

Can a therapist tell you to leave your partner?

It is a general rule in medicine that therapists or other health professionals cannot tell anyone to leave their partner. Therapists can advise, help explore options and possibilities but never directly tell you to leave a relationship.

Of course, unless signs of potential abuse are present, your therapist may refer you to the local police or a lawyer.

Can Counselling help a broken relationship?

Depending on the severity of problems, counseling may or may not help mend a broken relationship. There is no magic fix to such a relationship, and counseling or therapy only offers help and advice. Ultimately, the decision and willingness to repair a failing relationship is up to you and your partner.

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Can you fix a broken relationship?

As mentioned above, the decision to fix a broken relationship heavily relies on you and your partner. Both parties involved must be willing to change and exert effort to rebuild a better relationship between them.

How can I save my relationship?

Saving a struggling relationship can be challenging, although not impossible. Good communication is imperative for a relationship to work.

As the saying goes, communication is the key to a happier and healthier relationship. Through this, you can smoothly address your problems and concerns with your partner to come up with solutions to save the relationship.

Who hurts more after a breakup?

Studies have shown that women tend to hurt more after a breakup. The impact of a breakup is more evident in women since they are often more vocal and transparent about their emotions.

When to call it quits on a relationship?

It’s time to call it quits once you begin to see red flags in the relationship. Red flags refer to an idiom meaning warnings. In a relationship, red flags include verbal or physical abuse, emotional manipulation, addiction, and others. You can also consider ending the relationship when feelings and spark in the relationship begin to fade.

Do unmarried couples go to counseling?

Therapy or counseling also serves unmarried couples, especially if you and your partner have been together for a long time. As it has been mentioned before, your relationship does not have to go through a rough patch to seek help or advice. You can go to counseling for growth and strengthen your connection with each other.

When should you consider couples counseling?

It is common for many partners to seek counseling or therapy when they have experienced a life-changing event. However, it is also good to consider couples counseling if you want to have a stronger bond with your significant other. It is never too early or too late in a relationship to go to couples counseling.

Who moves on faster after a breakup?

While it is found that women are more likely to appear more hurt after a breakup, research also suggests they move on faster. Since women can express their feelings and emotions much better, they can cope up in lesser time.

Do guys cry after a breakup?

Breaking up with someone you love may be one of the most painful things you might experience. Crying is a natural response, and guys can also cry, although they might not show it publicly.

Do guys forget their exes?

Since men are known to move on longer than women, they also tend to remember their exes longer. Research also indicates that men view their exes more fondly compared to women.

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In summary, anyone can benefit from undergoing therapy. Therapy can tremendously improve relationships, regardless of their ongoing conflicts. It helps partners process their emotions, thoughts, and needs. At the same time, therapy may also work for couples who wish to strengthen their relationships. 

Often, couples who are undergoing life-changing events seek therapy to improve their broken relationships. However, it is important to note that life counseling or therapy has its limitations. Mending a relationship lies heavily on the clients’ conscious decisions and willingness. 

For successful therapy, clients should establish three key elements towards their relationship with the therapist. These core values are congruence or genuineness, trust, and respect.

Meanwhile, the therapist should be genuine, comfortable to be with, and admits their own mistakes to their clients. These ideal qualities will ensure good communication between the parties. Moreover, it increases the chances for therapy success.

It is worth noting that therapists do not advise anyone who is seeking therapy to leave their partners. They only provide advice and help explore their clients’ options. Unless there are signs of potential abuse, therapists can refer their clients to the local police or lawyers. 

Some potential reasons to end a relationship include verbal abuse, physical abuse, or emotional manipulation. Other additional reasons can be fading feelings for the partner. 

Regardless of the reason, it’s never too early or too late for people in relationships to undergo therapy. If you want to save your relationship, make sure to seek therapy. Although there is no 100% assurance, it will surely help build a stronger bond with your significant other.

Remember that the therapy can only do so much. It is still up to you and your partner to make things work at the end of the day.

Benefits Of A Health-Friendly Enterprise

How can you make your business mentally health-friendly?

Healthy business conference
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In the past, it was common for most business leaders to believe that their employees’ mental health disorders were the least of their concerns. Many thought that they should not meddle with it as this is something personal. However, this mindset is gradually changing. More and more employers now focus on having a business that has a mental health-friendly environment for their workers since this significantly impacts their work life balance and health issues. 

Despite having that initial initiative, a lot of these people do not know where to begin. With this in mind, here are some ways to take care of their employees’ overall well-being. 

Business And Mental Health

Promote Work-Life Balance

Many employers praise their employees for working from home beyond working hours or those who go to the office early and late. Believe it or not, having this kind of mindset will only hurt your business in the long run. Without a healthy work-life balance, employees’ drive will eventually die down, which may result in burnout. Once this happens, employee productivity and employee engagement will decline. Thus, the responsibility to make your business’ work environment mental health friendly to all employees is a must. There should have to be mental health awareness in the work environment so that people can deal with flexible work while taking care of their mental wellbeing. 

Open The Office To Pets

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Various studies, backed up by scientific evidence, show that pets, especially dogs, improve every aspect of mental health or mental well-being. Whether someone is experiencing the risk factors PTSD, depression, or anxiety, this animal is the simplest and best option. Some facilities employ the help of therapy dogs and focus on providing resources. The bond between humans and dogs can be beneficial to reduce stress or stress management in the body. 

Employees’ Briefing Regarding Mental Health

Mental health is still a taboo for many people; thus making your business mental health friendly can be difficult. A lot are still afraid to show their vulnerability by talking about depression, stress levels, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Therefore, it is instrumental in briefing your employees on the in and out access of mental health. Send a message that mental illnesses are normal by starting a conversation about them.

The best way to start this initiative is to educate the managers about the topic. Give them a series of lectures that will make employees understand the usual signs and causes of mental health. Then, equip them on how they can respond to these problems as the leaders of the company. 

Once business leaders have understood the details of mental health benefits during an employee assistance program, they can touch others’ lives by supporting them and giving them safe spaces. Conduct top-priority seminars on this topic and incorporate it into how your employees run their lives. Make your business health-friendly by normalizing and promoting mental health by talking about it in the office so that your workers can open up as comfortably as possible. 

Offer Free Screening Services And Tools

Handling business the best way one should is important.
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Most mental health days’ problems are left unanswered since employees are unfamiliar with their signs and symptoms. Most often than not, they shrug this off because they tend to correlate it with just mental health stress. At the same time, they believe that this will go away as time passes by. Little do they know that there is a proper way to handle these situations.

As an employer, you can offer free screening services and tools. Encourage employees to answer the tools you provide them to be fully aware of their condition. Let them know how important these are, so both of you will know the next steps in addressing their mental health problems. 

If they do not understand what their result entails, remind them that they have their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP does not only revolve around physical and dental check-ups, but it also allows them to have several therapy sessions. Those couple of bookings with the mental therapists might be enough for them to be enlightened on what they are going through.

Keep Social Events Wholesome

Studies have proven that there is a significant link between mental health issues and alcohol. To keep work gatherings as healthy as possible, more and more employers are looking for healthier and safer ways to socialize. Instead of having free-flowing alcoholic drinks in these gatherings, employers are now putting a limit on consumption.  

The reason behind this is that they want parties to be as inclusive as possible. They want other people who do not drink to feel as welcome as possible. Given this issue, recent social levels have included other unique activities as parts of their night, such as bubble football or watercolor classes. Some even incorporate a buffet to make up for the absence of alcohol. 

Engage With Wellness Activities

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There are several ways to go about wellness activities. For one, you may promote healthy eating in the workplace. Besides giving out flyers or providing several lectures on this topic, make sure to incorporate it into your everyday work lives. Make sure to implement a healthy menu in your employee cafeteria as a way to promote this cause. Avoid putting junk food in the pantry.

Another way to build mental strength is through exercise. It’s your choice on how you’ll execute this, but some companies have at least one exercise a day to cap off their stressful workday. For instance, you may implement Wellness Wednesdays and undergo various productive exercise activities after work, including but not limited to yoga, Zumba, and aerobics. 

Do not expect that we’ll start treating mental illness the way we address physical conditions. Given that this topic is still taboo, it’s pretty hard to achieve that big step yet. Until then, your job as an employer is to give your employees a mental-health-friendly environment and mental health resources as much as possible. Do it one step at a time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can my business support mental health?

What are the 4 A’s of a mental health-friendly workplace?

How do you create a mental health-friendly workplace?

How do you create a positive mental health environment?

How can I promote mental health awareness at workplace?

How can my manager support my well-being?

What can I do to support my business?

How does HR handle mental health?

How do you coach an employee with anxiety?

What are the 5 Cs of mental health?

What are the three C’s in mental health?

What are the 4 Cs of mental health?

What are the six essentials of workplace positivity?

What are the ABCs of good mental health?

What are the 3 attributes of positive mental health?

How To Make Your Business Family-Friendly

Opening a business is a lifelong dream for so many individuals out there. After all, it promises many things, with being your own boss on top of the list. You will need to work like a dog, especially in the beginning, but at least you are making yourself richer in the process, not your superiors.

Being a business owner also entails that you get to pick whoever becomes a part of your team. That seems an impossible feat when you hold a position in a company where you are merely expected to join a pre-determined group for a project. Even if someone is slacking off or has an awful attitude, you practically need to suck it up or look for another job.

Of course, once you have a business, there is no limit to how much money you can make monthly. Considering you don’t have partners or loans, every cent is yours, and there is no reason to feel guilty. Hence, the road to financial freedom becomes more apparent than ever.

Perks aside, though, it is a sustainable idea to ensure that your business is family-friendly. Below are a few things that will help you guarantee that.

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Source: pexels.com

Make Products For All Ages

The first thing you can do is look at the products that you will be launching. Then, answer the following questions:

    • Do you have useful items for people of different ages?
    • Are they affordable enough for working dads and moms?
    • Are they essential to a family?

Some examples of products for all ages include toothpaste, toothbrush, water, clothes, food, etc. Say, if you open a Korean restaurant, you should have both white and red kimchi so that both kids and parents can get options. In case you have clothing stores, you may create garments in a broad range of sizes since that will be a hit to families that love to wear matching clothes.

how-to-make-your-business-family-friendly
Source: pxfuel.com

Set Up Interactive Sections For Adults And Children

A shop becomes family-friendly in an instant when you dedicate a section of it to interactivity. The most cost-effective way to do that is by setting up a picture wall on one side. It can follow the theme going on throughout the store or merely look like a garden wall. As long as your brand name or logo will always be in the frame, that will be great for the business.

Similarly, if there is no cap in your promotional budget, you may get touch-capacitive TVs that folks can use to see all your products. When you place it front and center of the store or right behind the glass wall, it will attract a lot of attention from curious children, who will undoubtedly pull their moms and dads into your shop.

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Source: pexels.com

Avoid Using Lewd Words Or Photos

Some business owners seem to get away with adding curse words or sexy photos around the stores, and that’s okay if the adults are your target market. However, considering you wish for children to grow up trusting your products, you need to let go of those things completely.

One of the businesses that exemplify that is the Japanese brand UNIQLO. When you visit any of their shops, you will notice a wide variety of clothes for men, women, and children. They come in various colors, types, fabrics, and sizes, yes, but most of them have a plain design. The graphic designs are concentrated on the T-shirts, although even those depict products of famous brands that they partner with. E.g., Coca-Cola, Disney, Sanrio, etc. Hence, everything remains child-friendly.

how-to-make-your-business-family-friendly
Source: pexels.com

Offer Freebies

The key to every promotional campaign is a freebie. With every purchase, you give the shopper an item, free of charge. It does not even need to be a full-sized version of what you have in store. You may manufacture keychains, stuffed toys, pens, and other products that are only for marketing purposes.

Offering freebies is a family-friendly thing because parents always love an excellent deal. Of course, it will be ideal to give them products at mid-range prices, but providing high-quality ones with free items may encourage them to buy something from your brand. That is especially true if your freebies are either too cute or too useful to pass up.

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Source: pexels.com

Final Thoughts

Assuming you are finalizing your business plan, there is still time to change a few things to make them more family-friendly. This way, you can launch your brand as such, and you won’t need to alter anything in the future.

In case rebranding is the only choice you have, though, it is not a problem. As with anything, come up with a new plan and execute it slowly but surely to make your business mental health friendly. Say, when a product line becomes sold out, you replace it with another one that’s suitable for kids and adults. Even if you don’t say it, it will be evident that you are gearing towards making your business family-friendly.

Good luck!

Workplace Transformations Post COVID-19

 

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Notwithstanding the scale, volume, and intensity of the COVID-19 global crisis, several work activities will attempt to return to the way they were – perhaps for a time. However, permanent transformations will exist and will forever modify how we think and behave at work.

Workplace. Your company office will not feel and look the same. As most workplace transformations, it won’t be a complete makeover, but the changes are visible. When employees go back to work, there will be social distancing and temperature checks implemented, which will possibly persist until the end of the year or more, depending on how this crisis will go. Once vaccines and treatments are discovered, things will be a little more relaxed. Productivity and community interaction will be emphasized.

On the other hand, conference rooms will be designed to be bigger and more social. The distance from the seats will be visibly much further apart to keep the guidelines at bay while trying to achieve work goals in the midst of the pandemic.

Flexibility In Working Conditions. A month after the coronavirus hit, people were able to figure out some strategies on how to continue earning without leaving their homes. Soon after this crisis ends, working from home will persist among professionals, pushing companies to be more versatile in their working conditions. As people have had realizations that they can be productive at home, it will somehow be difficult for companies to take away the skills that these people have learned while they were in quarantine. Encouraging people to work from home has proven to be profitable for everyone concerned.

Source: rd.com

We will not see an extensive shift to remote work, but there will be more flexibility, where people have more liberty to choose office work or work from home. It appears from surveys that some professionals do miss going out and commuting to their workplace.

Work-equipped Homes. For months, professionals found that working from home became challenging first because of self-seclusion but also because their homes were not equipped with things needed for them to work efficiently. A workspace was necessary for the Zoom meetings and personal video chats with their teammates, among others. These things were among the reasons for reduced productivity.

Internet performance was also another challenge for professionals working at home. Weak Internet affected 35% of people working remotely at some point during the COVID-19 crisis, and some would be forced to use their mobile hotspot to be able to continue working. As the Internet will improve, so will work productivity. Home offices will become an important issue that will be given priority.

Professional Attire Has Gone Obsolete. We have gotten comfortable with our dress downs, tank tops, and even boxers. You may have been used to dressing up for work before the pandemic, and even if you’ve tried dressing up while you were quarantined just because it would have been weird if you chose to wear heels or a suit. Perhaps the new normal would include a ‘dress yourself’ day, where you won’t be having formal meetings with consultants and clients. Even before, people who worked in call and tech companies wore shorts, shirts, and flip-flops.

Source: wallpaperflare.com

Digital Learning. Learning has always been vital to all families and communities, and many organizations have realized that offering the right skills is essential for improvement and modernization. A lot of corporate learning programs were about interpersonal workshops and conferences. After the pandemic, digital learning will play a significant role in ongoing learning. The interpersonal workshops will persist, but they’ll only be necessary for specific functions for specific groups of individuals within the business. Companies will exert their efforts in advancing their e-learning programs to make sure that their employees are staying ahead of the rest of the world.

As executives and employees have been accustomed to seeing each other in their normal environments, the boundary that divides their work from their personal lives has disappeared. Paradoxically, modern technology has paved the way to make this possible. This new normal in the corporate world has encouraged us to value our natural and non-automatic humanity now more than ever.

 

 

 

 

Getting Into The Business Of Cultivating Space

After spending several weeks at home, I longed to be outdoors and remembered attending this 2019 flower event. It was my first time going to Shrewsbury, home to the beautiful Quarry Park, one of the oldest picnic areas in England established in the 16th Century. As a business owner, I keep thinking about how much money the festival made in just two days and the amount of exposure and goodwill that such events bring to the community.

Source: wikimedia.org

Finding similar activities here in Lamesa is rare. I am an introvert with only two outdoor hobbies: gardening and playing golf. And yet I enjoyed my time there at Shrewsbury watching the marching bands and fireworks display. With thousands of attendees, I wondered about what are the benefits of cultivating public space?

It Promotes Wellbeing

Recreational parks all over the country differ in function. Vast areas are suitable for camping, while smaller greens have built-in playgrounds. Public places such as forests and lakes are nature’s way of healing the community. When we want to improve our physical, emotional, and mental health, experts recommend going outside to appreciate life.

Source: wikimedia.org

It Builds Harmony

A collective experience shared by our families stems from the neighborhood parks designed for camping and fishing. Keeping them well-maintained and decorated might transform the way we interact with our parks, just as I’ve appreciated the flower festival more because of its beauty and grandeur.

It Creates Jobs

Organizing festivals require many human resources, especially in constructing booths, decorating stages, preparing food supplies, and even rehearsing talents. The economic impact of investing in community projects can be seen almost instantly through profits and livelihood.

Source: pxhere.com

It Strengthens Culture

People determine culture in a city, community, or company. When we develop relationships with other people, it adds vitality and inspires us to act for others’ sake. The social impact of engaging with other people improves our quality of life, making us a lively and safe neighborhood to live.

Getting into the business of improving public space is not an easy task. Usually, this is our local government and city council’s job, but the benefits for sponsors and civil society serve as invitations for us to participate. But for now, I’ll go back to my memories of Shrewsbury as I tend to my flower garden.

How Will Life Be After COVID-19?

 

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Life returning to the way it used to be this year is somehow impossible. Even now that the quarantine guidelines are slowly loosened, COVID-19 will continue to impact our lives in more ways than one. What are the areas that will have difficulty going back to normal but will perhaps get there, and what areas might be different forever?

Technology Dependency. From utilizing Skype and Zoom to interact with co-workers to the WhatsApp and Facebook groups with the neighbors, digital technology has become one of the most important means for us to keep in touch, work, get healthy, be entertained, and explore new things. Moving forward, parents will need to make rules on the time that they can use these platforms to avoid computer or gadget addiction. As with video conferencing, it will probably be incorporated with the face-to-face meetings, as it has now evolved this way even before the pandemic.

Shopping For Clothes And Non-Essentials. Retail in the brick and mortar shops have been struggling for quite some time now, with the online shopping platforms in place going stronger since the start of the quarantine protocols. With the lockdown easing up, its effects will continue to have a tremendous impact on the way people make decisions when they buy clothes and non-essentials. With businesses relating to health, financing, and goods, the principle of the survival of the fittest will now persist. However, with the weaker businesses, like retail, sadly, the forecast is that these will make a rapid drop in the coming months.

Source: flickr.com

Rush Hours Won’t Be Too Rush. The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest shocker to ever impact business for the past century. When this finally subsides, companies will be thinking if they’re still going to get a spacious office for their staff or if they should decide to just designate work-at-home setups for others, especially for those who need to commute to work and risk contracting a disease. This setup would perhaps cause rush hour to become history. Businesses will discreetly start keeping money to prepare them for another pandemic. The banks, on the other hand, have not caught up with their previous losses from the financial crash. They won’t be able to, with companies not willing to invest yet. Restaurants, supply chains, and other stores will probably have shorter working hours too. Forget about a rush hour for the next couple of months – or years.

Online Learning. School days typically have their routine and rhythm in terms of lessons, lunch breaks, and holidays. Now, over 90% of the world’s children are out of school, as reported by UNESCO. This interruption will persist for years. Teaching and learning have shifted online, with lessons being created and passed through digital platforms. This, however, has created concerns, particularly in areas where underprivileged children do not have computers or devices of their own. Governments in other countries have been able to provide these to their children, while some are not that self-sufficient. Whether or not everyone in the world will be provided with online learning materials will not matter because digital learning will be here for the long term.

Source: school-news-.com.au

Neighborhood Interactions. When we have just surpassed a challenge, we see communities holding hands, hugging each other, and saying our congratulations for overcoming a major disaster in our lives. Do we see ourselves interacting physically with our neighbors when this pandemic subsides? The quarantines and lockdowns have blocked our sense of being neighborly, and this will probably be the case even long after the protocols are lifted. Social ties will be less physical as well, with only distant and less personal public conversations. Gatherings will be shorter if there’ll be any.

The world will begin with its repair to adapt to the new times. Let us hope that we, just like the virus, will transform into something better and stronger.