As we approach our middle years, it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of uncertainty about our lives. We may start to question the choices we’ve made, feel unfulfilled in our jobs or relationships, and experience a general restlessness that can leave us feeling lost and disconnected. While it’s easy to get stuck in this rut, there are plenty of ways to turn things around and come out the other side stronger and happier than ever before. Below, POSITIVITY+ shares some tips to help you develop your own strategy.

Develop Healthier Routines

One of the most effective ways to deal with a midlife crisis is to focus on improving your health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can all have a profound impact on your mood and overall well-being. Consider working with a personal trainer or nutritionist to create a plan that meets your specific needs. Taking care of your body will not only improve your physical health but also give you the energy and confidence to tackle other challenges in your life.

Examine What Makes You Unhappy

It’s essential to dig deep and figure out what’s really causing your midlife crisis. Are you unhappy with your job? Feeling unfulfilled in your relationship? Unsure of your purpose in life? Identifying these underlying issues is the first step toward making positive changes. Consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you work through these feelings and identify practical solutions.

Try Something New and Daring

Sometimes, life can feel monotonous and uninspiring. However, all it takes is a little bit of adventure to shake things up. Embarking on a solo trip to a foreign country, trying an extreme sport like bungee jumping, or exploring a new hobby can help you gain a fresh perspective on life. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you might discover new passions and experiences that bring joy and excitement back into your everyday routine.

Take Steps to Laugh Frequently

It’s no secret that laughter is a powerful force when it comes to improving mental health and overall well-being. Amidst the struggles of a midlife crisis, finding ways to incorporate humor and laughter into your life can make all the difference. Whether it’s through spending time with friends, watching a funny movie, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, laughter has the power to reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, and help you navigate the challenges of midlife with greater ease and positivity.

Keep Everything Organized

In midlife, as responsibilities and commitments burgeon, maintaining an organized repository of crucial documents becomes pivotal. From financial records, medical histories, to legal papers, an ordered system can prevent unnecessary stress and pave the way for efficient planning and decision-making. Beyond physical organization, the digital age offers the boon of digitization, preserving the integrity and accessibility of these essential records. Embracing free online tools to convert documents into PDFs is a smart move, ensuring longevity, easy retrieval, and protection against potential loss or damage.

Although going through a midlife crisis might be difficult, it doesn’t have to be the center of your existence. You may change your life and become happier and more satisfied than ever before by making healthier lifestyle choices, exploring the causes of your unhappiness, working for yourself, going on an adventure trip, etc. Never forget that it’s never too late to alter your life for the better. Start now, and be open to the possibilities that lie ahead.

At POSITIVITY+, we’re dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of students, from elementary through to postsecondary stages. Dive into a world of support; download the POSITIVITY+ app now.

Written by Brad Krause

We all have changes that happen at some point throughout our lifetimes. This might be something as simple as graduating high school and going off to college, or it could be a tragic event, such as the loss of a spouse. Today, Positivity+ tunes into a few specific major life changes and offers up examples of ways that you might best manage these transitions.

Moving.

Moving often happens in the wake of another life event, but it’s worth noting on its own. Occasionally, the most effective way to bring about positive change is by immersing yourself in a completely new environment. If you’re inclined to leave behind the burdens of maintenance or downsize to reduce the demands of upkeep and cleaning, not to mention eliminate clutter, you might want to explore the option of renting a new space. To locate a suitable rental property, you can browse online listings and refine your search by considering factors such as cost, property type, as well as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. 

Even if you’re moving back to your hometown, things will never be exactly as they were. Look for ways to feel reconnected, such as visiting familiar places. You can even use an online search engine to find people you graduated from high school with. These programs are quick and easy to use, and all you need is the name, school, and graduation year to reconnect with friends (and maybe even an old flame) that you left behind in Atlanta when you moved away.

Recognizing the power we have over our lives.

At some point, you will hopefully have an epiphany and realize that you have more influence and control over your surroundings than you may think. For example, embarking on a new career and going back to school can improve your prospects by earning a bachelor of education. With a degree in education, you can learn skills such as instructional practice and learning strategies, which they can apply to a job in teaching. An affordable online program gives you the flexibility to balance work, family, and school. 

Experiencing trauma.

While there are many different events that might cause trauma, it’s important to understand when you’ve had a traumatic event and know how to navigate your internal feelings surrounding the time the trauma is taking place. Traumatic events are typically those that are unprepared for and that leaves you feeling powerless. If possible, try to maintain your awareness in the moment so that you can hold onto your clarity until you get through the worst.

Public humiliation.

Being humiliated in public is a major life event that might even trigger a move or a trauma response. It’s intensely painful, and it can take years to recover. Public humiliation may come in the form of something happening privately within your family or, more likely, blasted online for the world to see. While there is no good way to “get over it,” it can help to remember that you are not alone and view the crisis as an opportunity for change before moving on to the rest of your life. The Overwhelmed Brain notes further that you shouldn’t hide, but you should consider whether or not revenge is worth further consequences.

Divorce.

While divorce is nothing new – LegalJobs points out that there were more than 630,000 in 2020 alone, although rates are declining – it is a painful experience that can leave you struggling to regain your sense of self. After all, you may have spent decades defining yourself by your coupling. Try to remember that you are fully capable of taking care of yourself and making decisions that don’t require the input of another. And never lose sight of the fact that you’re more valuable than the other person may have made you feel throughout the end of your marriage.

Learning how to overcome major life changes is just one way to keep your mental and spiritual health in check. Whether you choose to spend time in nature, keep a journal, or even connect with your faith community (or old friends from high school), we must all learn how to recover from pivot points in our lives. Today’s post touches on just a few of these in hopes of inspiring you to handle life with grace, poise, and confidence.

Written by Brad Krause

The modern healthcare landscape can be complicated, making it essential for individuals to be active participants in their own care. Self-advocacy in healthcare doesn’t just improve your experience during doctor visits; it could significantly affect your long-term well-being. The better you understand your own health, the more effectively you can make choices that serve your needs. In this article from Positivity+, we’ll delve into key strategies for becoming your own best health advocate.

1. Educate Yourself on Health Matters

Understanding your health begins with education. It’s crucial to stay informed about your medical conditions, potential treatments, and prescribed medications. Websites, publications, and conversations with healthcare providers are great resources for gathering information. However, it’s vital to ensure that you’re consulting reliable sources. Understanding your own health not only empowers you but also enables you to have meaningful dialogues with healthcare professionals.

2. Prioritize a Healthy Lifestyle

A cornerstone of good health is a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients and engaging in regular physical exercise can drastically reduce the risk of developing various health issues. Small changes like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals, taking short walks, and drinking enough water can make a significant difference. Adopting healthier habits today will pay off in the long run.

3. Be Proactive with Preventative Care

Preventative care, including regular check-ups and screenings, can catch health issues before they become severe. Scheduling these assessments should be a routine part of your healthcare management. Regular check-ups give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider and can lead to early intervention, which often results in better outcomes.

4. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Health insurance policies can be complex. However, a thorough understanding of your plan’s coverage, including limitations, copayments, and deductibles, is essential. Being informed enables you to make educated decisions about treatments and consultations. Open and effective communication with your insurance provider can clarify ambiguities and help you utilize your coverage optimally.

5. Manage Medical Records Effectively

In this digital age, keeping an organized record of your medical history is easier than ever. Digitizing your documents as PDFs can save time by reusing file content and making your records accessible anytime you need them. Online conversion tools offer a straightforward way to organize your medical records, which can be especially useful during consultations with new healthcare providers.

6. Maintain Detailed Medical History Records

Having a well-documented medical history, including prior treatments, surgeries, and medications, can be incredibly beneficial for healthcare providers. This detailed record enables them to make well-informed decisions regarding your care. Keep a file that includes all this information, updating it whenever there’s a change in your healthcare situation.

7. Seek Second Opinions

Sometimes, healthcare decisions are too critical to rely on a single opinion. In cases involving complex diagnoses or treatment plans, seeking a second opinion is advisable. Additional perspectives can offer alternative solutions, validate initial recommendations, or provide new insights, thereby allowing you to make the best possible decisions about your health.

8. Take Control Through Healthier Living

Ultimately, your health is in your hands. While healthcare providers offer invaluable guidance, your daily choices play a significant role in your overall well-being. Making deliberate, healthy decisions each day can help you avoid many potential health issues. Understand that leading a healthier life is the best way to advocate for your own well-being.

Self-advocacy in healthcare involves educating yourself, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, being proactive with preventative care, understanding your insurance coverage, effectively managing your medical records, maintaining detailed medical history, seeking second opinions, and taking control through healthier living. Taking charge of your healthcare is not just empowering but essential for optimal well-being. The more proactive and informed you are, the better healthcare decisions you’ll make, setting the foundation for a healthier and happier life.

For mental health services, including guidance coaching and therapy, for students in elementary, middle, high school, and postsecondary institutions through a user-friendly app, download the Positivity+ app today!

Written by Brad Krause

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook our own well-being, especially when it comes to our mental health. However, prioritizing self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for achieving optimal mental wellness. Taking the time to care for ourselves can have transformative effects on our overall well-being, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and inner strength.

In this article, courtesy of PositivityPlus, we will delve into the importance of prioritizing self-care for mental wellness and explore the incredible benefits it can bring to our lives. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving our emotional well-being, self-care practices have the potential to create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves.

A Better Night’s Rest

Adequate sleep is integral to mental health. By incorporating relaxing self-care activities such as reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath before bedtime, you can condition your mind and body for restful sleep. This calming routine signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down, leading to better sleep quality, which in turn improves cognitive function and emotional balance.

Enjoy a More Positive Outlook

Self-care is an affirmation of your self-worth, sending a powerful message to your subconscious that you matter and deserve care. This attitude cultivates a positive mindset, which can significantly impact your overall mental health. Regularly engaging in activities you love, like gardening, painting, or cooking, can foster a sense of accomplishment and happiness, promoting positive thinking.

Stress Takes a Backseat

Stress is a common trigger for many mental health challenges. Self-care acts as a buffer, helping to mitigate the harmful effects of stress on the mind. Whether it’s through yoga, deep-breathing exercises, or simply taking a leisurely walk, these self-care practices can induce relaxation and reduce cortisol levels, thereby lowering stress and anxiety levels.

More Time for Reflection

Self-care is not always about doing; sometimes, it’s about being. Setting aside quiet moments for self-reflection and introspection can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. It allows you to connect with your inner self, understand your feelings, and address any emotional discomfort. Journaling, meditation, or just sitting quietly in nature can provide this much-needed space for self-discovery and personal growth.

Feel Happier

Indulging in self-care activities that bring joy can significantly enhance your mood and emotional well-being. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. Meanwhile, simple joys like listening to your favorite music, treating yourself to a new book, or having a hearty laugh with friends can significantly uplift your spirits and contribute to emotional wellness.

Healthy Eating Is Self-Care

What we put into our bodies directly impacts our mental state. Consuming wholesome, nutritious foods is a form of self-care that can significantly improve mental health. Opting for healthier snacks like granola or fruit instead of processed foods can stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing mood swings and improving overall brain function.

Job Satisfaction and Mental Health

Your job can significantly influence your mental health. If your current role induces stress or dissatisfaction, it may be time to consider a career change as a form of self-care. Changing careers often involves crafting a compelling cover letter, which can serve as your ticket to landing interviews for roles that align better with your skills and passions. However, you can save time by reusing file content to create a persuasive narrative about your qualifications and interest in the new role, which can contribute to improved job satisfaction and mental well-being.

Prioritizing self-care for mental wellness is not a selfish act; it is a profound act of self-love and self-preservation. By making the conscious decision to invest in our well-being, we empower ourselves to live a more fulfilling and balanced life. Remember, self-care is not a one-time event or a fleeting trend. Rather, it’s a lifelong commitment to nurturing our minds, bodies, and spirits. So, let us embark on this transformative journey, embracing self-care as an essential part of our daily lives.

PositivityPlus offers mental health services to help students who are struggling. Let us know if you have any questions!

Written by Mary Green of holisticlivingtoday.com

As a parent, you want your kids to thrive. This is especially true if your child is dealing with health issues like alopecia. However, you shouldn’t sacrifice your own well-being for that of your children. Luckily, there are plenty of actionable self-improvement steps that you can take to improve the entire family’s health and happiness. Here are some self-improvement steps from Positivity+ that you can implement in your family that will help kids and adults alike.

Create a healthy home to support healthy habits

Healthy habits start with a healthy home. Start by decluttering your space and giving it a deep clean to remove dust, mites, and other potential allergens that can harm health. Next, equip your house with products that are conducive to good health. For example, keep all-natural kid-friendly shampoos and conditioners in your shower. You can also use organic cleaning products instead of heavy chemicals.

Embrace positivity in your family

A happy life starts with a happy mindset. Encourage a positive atmosphere at home by leveraging optimistic mantras. Parents have a list of positive affirmations you can teach your children to empower them, like “I can do hard things,” “I can do whatever I set my mind to,” “I am worthy of love,” and “I am grateful for who I am.” Say them together in the mirror in the mornings, and you’ll both benefit.

Get active together as a family

Physical activity is important at any age. Get your whole family moving by exercising as a group. There are many fun ways to be active, like going for a family walk or hike, taking a bike ride, or having a dance party. Games like tag and hide and seek can also be a great way to get your heart rate pumping. As your kids get older, encourage them to get into sports. You can practice games like baseball and soccer together.

Revamp your family mealtimes

Family mealtime is an opportunity to socialize and catch up with the kids. While mealtime itself can be fun, preparing the food for the meal itself can be tedious. Encourage the whole family to get involved in food preparation by embracing kid-friendly recipes. Jamie Oliver has a list of family meals that are healthy and easy to prepare. Many of these are also easy to reheat. You can batch-cook meals and then reheat them later.

Find ways to combat stress together

Stress can impact kids and adults alike. If your little one has alopecia, this is a major concern, as stress can exacerbate hair loss. Encourage your kids to master techniques that help them reduce stress. Exercise is one option. Other possibilities include deep breathing,  muscle relaxation, visual imagery, and sensory activities. Activities like practicing music or taking up a new hobby can also help.

Make education a family-wide priority

A good education sets your kids up for a bright future. Lead by example by pursuing your own scholastic ambitions. You can pursue an online degree program while still working full-time and caring for the kids. Make sure any online school you choose is accredited. When picking a degree program, consider your goals. For example, if you want to be a nurse, you’ll need a nursing degree.

As a parent, be a role model in your professional life

Pursue your dream job and set a great example for your kids. Update your resume, then use a free tool in order to convert to PDF online and begin your job search. This includes modeling the process of how to search classified ads and job postings in your field, as well as how to write a professional cover letter.

Alternatively, you might consider starting your own business. A limited liability company (LLC), protects your personal liability and simplifies the tax burden on your business. Research what it takes to start a business, like appointing a registered agent to accept documents from law firms, the government, and tax agencies on your behalf.

Parenting a child with alopecia isn’t always easy. You can help support your little one’s well-being – and your own – by implementing the above self-improvement tips. By taking steps like pursuing your dreams and starting a business, you’re showing your child how to thrive.

Positivity+ is happy to offer a variety of mental health services. Contact us if you have any questions!

Written by Mary Green of holisticlivingtoday.com

If you’re an introvert, taking care of yourself can be a difficult task. Finding the time to relax and re-energize can be tricky as we are often pulled in many directions by our friends, family, and work responsibilities. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help you develop sustainable self-care practices so that you can maintain your mental and physical well-being. Start by downloading the POSITIVITY+ app, where you can get much-needed therapy and coaching at your own time and pace.

Go Inward With Meditation

Mindfulness is a great way for introverts to practice being present in the moment while tuning out external noise. Taking time each day to focus on calming your mind and body is essential for any self-care routine. It will help you stay grounded and connected to yourself so that you don’t become overwhelmed by outside influences.

Give Yourself Grace to Rest

For introverts, getting enough sleep is essential. A lack of rest will lead to feelings of irritability and energy depletion. This can be especially difficult if you’re trying to keep up with a busy schedule or juggle multiple tasks at once without feeling overwhelmed. Making the effort to get enough shut-eye is key to ensuring that you have enough energy and peace of mind to tackle your responsibilities. Furthermore, adequate sleep will help reduce stress and improve overall mental health — two things that are particularly important for introverts.

Move to Your Own Beat

Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health — it can also improve your mental clarity and reduce stress levels. But if the idea of going for a run or hitting the gym seems intimidating, start small with something like an online home workout, which doesn’t require interaction with strangers. As you grow more confident in your workouts, consider taking classes from time to time to get out of your comfort zone.

Spend Time in Nature

Spending time outdoors surrounded by nature is one of the best ways for introverts to recharge their batteries after days spent dealing with people or overwhelming situations. Take some time each day or week to spend quality time in nature, even if it’s just taking a walk around your neighborhood or sitting in a park for a few minutes at lunchtime.

Nurture Quality Relationships

For introverts, it can be easy to shy away from forming relationships, but making a conscious effort to nurture them can be extremely rewarding as well. Although you may not have the same desire for social contact as extroverts, dedicating a bit of time and energy to friends and family will help build and strengthen connections. Set aside a specific day each week for dinner with loved ones or take regular walks with a close friend. It’s important to remember that relationships are worth valuing, even if it requires stepping out of your comfort zone at times.

Bask in Your Me-Time

Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. It’s important for all of us — introverts, especially — to take time away from socializing in order to recharge our batteries. Find activities that will help you reconnect with yourself, such as reading books or listening to music — anything that doesn’t involve interacting with others but still brings joy into your life.

Create a Safe Space

Excess clutter is often more than just a nuisance in our homes — it can create chaotic energy that hampers productivity and invites negative feelings. Clearing out clutter and taking the time to clean your home can be incredibly therapeutic, allowing you to refocus and reconnect with yourself while creating an environment that caters to your tranquility. Taking the time to clear away clutter will help you create balance, which in turn helps bring positive vibes into your home.

Leave a Stressful Job

Finding a new job when your current role is too stressful can be overwhelming and intimidating. It’s important to remember that it’s okay if you don’t have the answers right away. Take your time to figure out what kind of job would be best for you, and set goals accordingly. Do your research, develop a strong resume and cover letter, and apply for jobs that are aligned with your skillset. Most importantly, don’t forget to trust yourself — you have the power to create a career that best suits you.

There are many different ways introverts can practice self-care without feeling overwhelmed by outside influences or stretching themselves too thin. Practicing meditation, getting good sleep, exercising regularly, and even cleaning and decluttering are all great ways introverts can better care for themselves.

Written by Mary Green

When you devote ample time to improving your mindset, emotional well-being, and personality, you maximize your potential and find greater joy in life. Adopt these pointers from Affordable TeleMental Health for increased self-improvement.

Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene refers to habits that promote total sleep wellness. Adequate rest energizes you to accomplish your goals and aids your mood and creativity. Keep weekly notes about your pre-bedtime routines and isolate activities that disrupt your slumbers, such as excessive napping, irregular bedtimes, and a lack of exercise.

Create a bedroom atmosphere conducive to falling and staying asleep by removing the TV and workstation and keeping the area cool, quiet, and dark. Avoid taking naps, but if you must have some shut-eye to recharge, limit yourself to 20 minutes in a comfortable chair instead of reclining on a bed or couch. Keep a consistent sleep schedule and cut the caffeine after lunch.

Find Mental Health Support

If you’re overburdened with anxiety, don’t delay locating services for help. Check your health insurance plan for practical resources. Many insurers provide access to virtual therapy, which can be more convenient, less expensive, and less intimidating than an in-person session. The Positivity+ App is one potential option. It is designed with privacy and confidentiality in mind.

Advance Your Career

When the bulk of your waking hours is devoted to working, you should enter a profession that fulfills you. Find online help for writing a new resume tailored to your desired industries. Hiring managers sift through dozens of applications, so draft a work history that focuses on concrete achievements and relevant skills. A free resume maker lets you create a professional resume with predesigned templates.

Starting your own company can be even more rewarding. Forming a business has never been easier with online services that walk you through the process of creating a business entity in your state. Services can also connect you with the best banks and lenders for opening a business checking account and credit card. The focus a business requires bolsters your personal development by:

• feeding your curiosity
• growing your network
• helping you identify your strengths
• earning you respect from others
• providing you a new perspective on life
• filling you with pride

Try to find a business idea that can fulfill these things for you. Interior design, for example, could serve if that’s something you’re interested in, and here’s a guide to start this type of business that can help. Having a resource available that’s built around the specific needs of your chosen business area can make a big difference.

Spend More Time in Nature

Studies demonstrate that moderate exposure to sunlight helps reduce stress and fights inflammation. Many outdoor activities aid your health by getting you moving. Spend a couple of hours gardening or handling lawn care. Go for a walk in the woods to enjoy a forest bath. Take a bike ride in the park. You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated afterward.

Surround Yourself With Encouraging Individuals

Toxic relationships sap your strength to do good. Respectfully decline invitations to events with people who tear you down or push you to engage in risky or unhealthy behaviors. Search for organizations and communities with like-minded individuals, such as a mastermind or volunteering to feed the homeless.

Eat a Little Healthier Each Week

Maybe you’ve given up on dieting because you’re depressed from not meeting weight loss goals. Instead of setting aggressively unrealistic objectives, make one healthy change each week. You could cut back on sweets or alcoholic drinks one week and introduce more seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet the next. A great start is drinking a glass of water every day after waking.

You owe it to yourself to live your best. You may never be wealthy or famous, but you can live an enviable life by steadily improving yourself.

Written by Cheryl Conklin

Losing your job or having your hours cut back can be a stressful and difficult event. But it doesn’t have to mean the end of the world. Positivity+ can help you cope with this challenge. And if you’re underemployed or unemployed, there are lots of ways to supplement your income, so we’ve put together a list of the top ways you can make extra money on the side to ease the financial pressure of being laid off or underemployed.

Put Your Writing Skills to Good Use

If you’re a writer, freelance writing is a great way to use your writing skills and make some extra cash on the side. There are tons of websites that pay freelance writers for content. All you need is an internet connection and a laptop. Plus, many freelance writers can work full-time hours from home.

Monetize Your Admin Skills

Becoming a virtual assistant is a great way to make use of your administrative skills, even if you don’t have an office job. As a VA, you can provide support services like scheduling meetings, managing emails, setting up appointments, and more. If you’re unsure about becoming a VA, there are plenty of online resources that can help you learn more.

Teach and Reap the Rewards

Do you have knowledge in a certain subject? Why not put it to good use and become an online tutor? You can help students with their homework or teach them something new in exchange for money. There are plenty of websites that offer online tutoring services so you don’t have to worry about finding clients yourself.

Become a Bona Fide Expert

Are you an expert in something? Creating an online course is one of the best ways to monetize your expertise and help others learn at the same time. It takes some work upfront, but once it’s done, all you have to do is promote it and collect payments from customers who buy your course.

Create a Business You Can Be Proud Of

If you’re crafty, why not turn that passion into profit? Selling arts and crafts online is becoming increasingly popular as more people look for unique handmade items instead of mass-produced products found in stores. Plus, selling online means no overhead costs since you don’t need a physical store space. 

If creating is not your thing, you can still sell stuff online as an affiliate. Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services that are sold by other companies in exchange for a commission. You can promote these products and services through social media, blogs, email newsletters, etc., and it’s a great way to make money if you already love spending time online.  

Be a Pet Whisperer

Love animals but don’t want the commitment of owning one? Pet sitting or dog walking may be just what you need. You can offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services on your own or through one of many pet-sitting apps available today, all while making some extra money on the side. 

Join the Gig Economy

Delivering groceries is an increasingly popular way to make some extra money. By signing up with a grocery delivery service, you can get paid for running errands and helping people shop from the comfort of their own homes.  

If driving is more your thing, then why not sign up with a ride-sharing service? This lets you set your own schedule while still earning extra money by picking up passengers when it’s convenient for you.

Go Back to School

Going back to school may sound overwhelming, but learning new, marketable skills can open up lots of opportunities for employment down the line. For example, if your passion is IT, going back to school to become certified in the field of information technology degree will pave the way for serious earning potential. And by pursuing your certification through an online degree program, it’s easier to juggle your studies while you’re working.

Making extra money on the side doesn’t have to be hard. The key is having an idea of how to best put your skills to use. With determination and creativity, there’s no limit to what kind of additional income stream you can create.

Written by Cheryl Conklin

The beginning of the year can be an exciting time because it is a great opportunity to start fresh. People like to do New Year’s resolutions so they can either set the tone for a new chapter, plan for the foreseeable future, or just to intentionally make new changes in their lives. On the other hand, it could also be an anxiety-inducing time. Making resolutions is one way to reduce the stress of what’s to come, but these plans don’t always pan out. In fact, carrying them out successfully don’t happen more often than not.

So, what realistic steps can you do to start the new year right? Here are our suggestions.

Set reasonable goals.

We all set goals for ourselves – sometimes, to the point of making them unattainable, like setting an unreasonable timeframe to achieve something. And then once we fall short of the goal, we feel frustrated and anxious. It’s important to be selective when you establishing your goals, and then getting to them, slowly, but surely rather than speeding up the process just so you can say you have accomplished them within the timeframe you have set for yourself.

Make course corrections if you have to.

Our goals are not set in stone. There will be instances that you might need to make a few changes or adjustments if you are not heading in the right direction. Course corrections are necessary in a person’s journey. You will find that these corrections will teach you valuable life lessons as you go along, making each step more satisfying and fulfilling.

Ask for help if necessary.

The future can be scary, but you don’t have to go through the ride alone especially if you are struggling to navigate it. There is no shame in admitting that you might need some help or guidance. You can ask your family and friends for assistance. You can also ask a mentor or counsellor to give you pointers to get to your destination correctly. If things are not going according to your plan, never hesitate to ask.

Schedule time for your personal needs.

Forgetting about what you personally need is so easy especially if you are too laser-focused in reaching your goals. You need to remind yourself to take care of yourself more than anything else. Take some time off if you must. Your mental health may be compromised if you don’t get enough rest. Schedule time on your calendar where you can be free from distractions and just relax.

Avoid doing things the same way.

Albert Einstein’s famous quote, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” can be applied in different aspects of our lives. In order to move forward, you must learn to not keep doing things the same way, especially if it has caused you problems instead of solutions. If these actions didn’t work in your favor the first time, try a different approach. Your past failures should not define your future. You have all the time in the world to make a difference.

Written by Sheena Javier

Albert Einstein: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing …. https://professorbuzzkill.com/einstein-insanity-qnq/

Bernstein, G. (2019, December 29). How to Start the New Year: The First 5 Things to Do in 2020. Gabby Bernstein. https://gabbybernstein.com/start-the-new-year/

Matuson, R. (n.d.). 10 Tips To Start The New Year Off Right. Forbes. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertamatuson/2021/12/31/10-tips-to-start-the-new-year-off-right/?sh=20ea4d9fc1f6

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for so many people, and it can sometimes be hard to let go of. Just the thought that all the fuss leading up to the holiday season, decorations and the Christmas tree are put and stored away would mean that the festivities are definitely over can be difficult for some to accept. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the holiday blues refer to feelings of anxiety and stress due to unrealistic expectations or memories attached to the holiday season. Not to mention the anxiety that people go through as we get closer and closer to the New Year.

It can be a lonely time for some, so here are some valuable tips for beating the post-Christmas blues and preparing for the New Year.

Acknowledge those feelings

It is normal to feel lonely after the end of the festivities. Instead of denying those feelings, the best course of action is to acknowledge them. You might think that these feelings won’t go away, but acceptance is vital so you can address them in a way that’s healthy and suitable to your situation. Remember that you are not alone in this. So many people go through the same thing.

Start and stick to a routine

The holiday season can be a free pass for many to overindulge and completely forget to make healthy choices. One way to beat the post-holiday blues is to start again and stick to a routine. Try to fix your sleeping habits. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every night or eat your meals around selected times. Keep a workout routine daily. These things could help your day to have more structure.

Make a to-do list

During the holidays, our brain tends to exaggerate our day-to-day life, causing us to feel anxious or depressed when it’s time to return to our regular routine. One way you can help to remind yourself that the holidays are indeed over is to make a to-do list and prioritize what needs to be accomplished. By making this, you are rewiring your brain with a forward plan of action. It can include short-term or medium-term goals if you just want something that can be easily attained in the next few days, weeks, or months. You can also choose long-term goals if you wish.

Prioritize your daily needs

Never take your daily needs for granted. Not only will it make you feel better, but it will definitely impact your overall well-being. Your physical health is just as important as your mental health. Get enough sleep and eat nutritious foods. Keep your close relationships strong. If you are feeling down, do something you love – whether going out with friends or watching films at home; find an activity that you know will perk up your mood. It is also imperative to maintain boundaries. You always have to remind yourself that a healthier you means a happier you.

Written by Sheena Javier

What Are the Post-Holiday Blues? (n.d.). Verywell Mind. Retrieved November 19, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-post-holiday-blues-5214403

‌Post-Holiday Blues: What It Is and How to Cope. (2021, December 17). Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-manage-post-holiday-depression#tips

‌The top 8 tips for overcoming the post-Christmas blues. (n.d.). Www.counselling-Directory.org.uk. Retrieved November 19, 2022, from https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/the-top-8-tips-for-overcoming-the-post-christmas-blues#accept-cookies