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Showing posts from June, 2024

The Neuroscience Behind Taking A Break

In our fast-paced world, we often feel the need to constantly be doing something productive.  But what if I told you that sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mind and body is... NOTHING? According to science, taking breaks and allowing ourselves moments of doing nothing can significantly enhance our well-being.  Here’s why: Mental Rejuvenation : Our brains need downtime to process information and consolidate memories. Doing nothing gives our minds the space to recharge and reset. Stress Reduction : Moments of stillness can reduce cortisol levels, helping to lower stress and anxiety. It’s a natural way to soothe the nervous system. Creativity Boost : Still moments allow our minds to wander, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Some of the best ideas come when we least expect them! Improved Focus : Taking regular breaks and doing nothing for a while can improve our concentration and productivity when we return to our tasks. Default Mode Network Activ...

Note To Self: You Will Never Have This Version of Yourself Again

We often notice that we have different selves; we might be silly with friends, romantic with partners, shy in public, and confident at home. This is normal. The more aware we are, the more we explore these different selves, allowing them to be. We refine and tune our behaviors to align with what we want while accepting the flaws we can't change. Many of us think we are self-aware. However, only a few truly are. There are simple and effective ways to improve our self-awareness: Mindfulness Meditation: Regular practice helps you observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment (also known as cognitive defusion in ACT). Journaling: Writing about your thoughts and experiences reveals patterns and insights. Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your actions and decisions to enhance self-understanding. Mindful Breathing: Focus on your breath to become more aware of your physical and emotional states. Cognitive Reframing: Practice noticing and changing negative thought pattern...

Do You Work Under Pressure?

Ever written down 'works well under pressure' on your resume? Been there, done that. Truth is, it's a short-term fix, not a sustainable strategy. Despite the constant talk of optimization and thriving in the workplace, the reality is shocking. According to a Harvard Business Review study, only 32% of employees worldwide say they're thriving, while nearly 43% are facing daily stress levels that could lead to burnout. So, before you claim 'working under stress' as a badge of honor, pause and ask yourself: ‘Is this really a strength, or just a coping mechanism learned the hard way?’ As therapists, we can't guarantee our clients won't face tough managers, challenging projects, or overwhelming to-do lists. Our emphasis lies in helping them recuperate from stress, not just tolerate it. So, what exactly is recuperation? It's the art of recovering and bouncing back from stress. Imagine this: You've got a massive presentation next week. Its outcome could...

Don’t tell your child to ‘Man Up’

Don’t tell your child to ‘Man Up!’   Instead of telling your child to ‘man up’ you should tell them: speak up Cry it out I am here for you Or else, they will grow up to be men who do not know how to express their feelings, struggle with recognizing their emotions or even feel ashamed to address them. If you find it difficult to manage your feelings, or communicate them or you know someone who does, it is okay. We are all work in progress, and the key is to know that these are skills that can be worked on and developed. Did you know? Men report significantly lower life satisfaction than women 73% of adults who ‘go missing’ are men Men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent Men make up 95% of the prison population 72% of male prisoners suffer from two or more mental disorders Men are nearly 50% more likely than women to be detained and treated compulsorily as psychiatric inpatients Men have measurably lower access to the social supp...