Category: wellness

How Long Does It Take To Recruit a New Employee in 2024?

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Unsplash)

Unlock the secrets of modern recruitment: Discover tips for hiring new talent in 2024 and stay ahead in the competitive market.

In the dynamic landscape of recruitment, timing is crucial, employers constantly strive to minimise the time it takes to fill vacant positions while ensuring they find the best talent for their teams, and with the evolution of recruitment strategies and the integration of technology, the recruitment process has undergone significant changes in 2024. Similarly, it is really important to boost wellbeing at work and have strategies in place to support employees when you recruit and HR can assist with this.

Let’s explore how long it takes to recruit a new employee in the current landscape.

Streamlining the Recruitment Process

Traditional recruitment methods often involved time-consuming processes, including manual resume (CV) screening, multiple rounds of interviews, and lengthy decision-making cycles. However, in 2024, organisations are leveraging advanced technologies such as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and automation tools to streamline the recruitment process.

These technologies enable recruiters to sift through large volumes of resumes efficiently, identify top candidates, and schedule interviews with ease, significantly reducing the time it takes to fill vacancies.

It’s also worth checking out places that offer temporary workers, for example, those in the medical or mental health field will be able to take advantage of services like physician recruiter companies who can give you talented and passionate staff on a short term basis.

Enhanced Candidate Sourcing

In today’s competitive job market, attracting the right people requires innovative candidate sourcing strategies; Employers are leveraging social media platforms, professional networking sites, and job boards to reach a wider pool of candidates and in doing so you can uncover some hidden gem candidates. You also want to make sure that you support your candidates, especially when you come to hire.

Additionally, employee referral programs and talent acquisition partnerships with educational institutions and industry organisations have become popular avenues for sourcing qualified candidates. By proactively engaging with passive candidates and building talent pipelines, organisations can expedite the recruitment process and reduce time-to-hire.

Virtual Recruitment and Remote Onboarding

The widespread adoption of remote work has transformed the recruitment landscape, paving the way for virtual recruitment processes and remote onboarding practices- in fact, in 2022, it is estimated that around 27% of the US workforce was working remotely and this is an upward trend that has been seen in the UK too.

Video interviews, virtual career fairs, and online assessments have become integral components of the modern recruitment process, allowing employers to conduct interviews and assess candidates from anywhere in the world. This can also be helpful to people with disabilities and mental health issues, to be able to interview from within their own home.

Agile Recruitment Strategies

In response to rapidly changing market dynamics and evolving needs, organisations are adopting agile recruitment strategies to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and talent requirements. Agile recruitment involves breaking down the recruitment process into smaller, manageable tasks, enabling recruiters to respond promptly to hiring demands and make data-driven decisions. By adopting an agile approach, organisations can reduce recruitment cycle times, improve candidate experiences, and maintain a competitive edge when recruiting new talent.

2024 is the Best Time to be Recruiting!

In 2024, the recruitment landscape continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, changing workforce dynamics, and the need for agility and efficiency.

While the time it takes to recruit a new employee may vary depending on factors such as industry, role complexity, and candidate availability, organisations are using innovative recruitment strategies and technologies to speed up the process and secure top talent in a competitive market filled with approximately 12 million Americans every month and millions in the UK.

It is also important to support the mental health and wellbeing of new employees through the recruitment stage to onboarding and beyond, to ensure they feel settled and can thrive in your business. HR can assist with this, as well as developing wellness plans when employees begin

By embracing virtual recruitment, agile methodologies, and metrics-driven approaches, organisations can reduce time-to-hire, improve candidate experiences, and achieve better recruitment outcomes in the dynamic and fast-paced world of talent acquisition (whilst embracing employee wellbeing).

This article was written by a freelance writer

5 Potent Paths for Prolonged Pain: Where to Turn When Life Feels Overbearing by Meghan Belnap

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: free image)

Few trials in life are as demanding or relentless as those rooted in chronic physical pain or emotional trauma. For the young adult grappling with long-term afflictions, navigating through daily life can feel like traversing a battlefield with no map and an unreliable compass. 

Seeking Solace in Shared Stories 

When the weight of your struggle seems too heavy to bear, one of the most powerful avenues toward comfort and understanding is through storytelling and shared experiences. Whether you’re dealing with the debilitating effects of chronic illness, the fallout from trauma, or a blend of both, realizing you’re not alone can be profoundly liberating. 

Joining Support Groups 

Surrounding yourself with peers who understand firsthand the turmoil you face can provide a unique and invaluable support system. Consider reaching out to local or online support groups focused on your specific condition or trauma type. Here, you can share your story, glean insights from others’ journeys, and forge connections that transcend your individual pain. When you open up to a circle of understanding listeners, you’ll find that there is collective strength in solidarity. 

Creating Community 

Online forums and social media groups can serve as modern-day campfires, where you can find solidarity and support among those with similar struggles. From these virtual communities, real friendships and mentorships can blossom, creating a network that uplifts and sustains, even on the darkest of days. 

The Healing Art of Expression 

When words fail us, sometimes the canvas, the page, or the stage can amplify our voices. The creative process—whether through visual arts, music, writing, or performance—can be an outlet for the unspoken struggle within us. Engaging in art as a form of therapy not only provides an escape; it can also catalyse healing on a deeper, psychological level. Be careful though!

Exploring Therapy Through Art 

Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy that utilises creative means to express and process emotions, can be particularly powerful for young adults navigating complex internal landscapes. In a safe and guided environment, you can use artistic mediums to explore memories, release pent-up feelings, and discover new perspectives on your pain. 

Finding a Creative Community 

Being part of a creative community can cultivate a shared language around your pain that transcends traditional dialogue. Whether you join a local writers’ group, painting class, or theater troupe, immersing yourself in art alongside others can provide catharsis, camaraderie, and a fresh lens through which to comprehend and cope with your experiences. 

Professional Partners in Your Personal Battle 

With a struggle as intricate and unyielding as chronic pain or emotional trauma, it’s often necessary to call upon specialized professionals who can provide the knowledge and guidance you need to manage and, ideally, overcome your challenges. 

Therapy and Counselling 

The benefits of therapy and counselling for chronic pain and emotional trauma are well-documented. Contacting a skilled therapy center or counselling office can equip you with tools to address the cognitive and emotional aspects of your condition. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, in particular, has shown efficacy in helping individuals reframe their experiences and manage their pain more effectively. 

Seeking Medical Specialists 

Chronic pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Connecting with pain management specialists, physical therapists, or holistic health practitioners can lead to innovative treatments and strategies for maintaining your well-being. For those contending with trauma, seeking out psychiatrists, psychologists, or trauma-focused therapists can pave the way toward understanding and healing deep psychological wounds. 

Navigating Life With a Compassionate Guide 

The path to healing and resilience from long-term afflictions is rarely a straight line. Sometimes, having a life coach or mentor—a compassionate and knowledgeable guide—can help you chart a course that aligns with your personal goals and values. 

Life Coaches 

Life coaches work with clients to identify areas of dissatisfaction, set goals, and make strategic plans to achieve those objectives. While a therapist may look into your past to heal emotional wounds, a life coach can help you focus on the present and future, encouraging you to move forward with intention and purpose, despite your struggles. 

The Power of Mentorship 

Mentors, too, can be instrumental in guiding young adults through the labyrinth of chronic pain and trauma. Whether personal or professional, a mentor can offer support, share wisdom, and act as a role model for resilience. A mentor’s insight and perspective can prove invaluable as you learn to not just survive, but thrive, despite the weight you carry. 

Fortifying Your Internal and External Network 

In your darkest moments, it’s crucial to know that there are sources of strength—both internal and external—to which you can turn. These can be practices that you cultivate within, or connections you foster without, that fortify you against the relentlessness of your pain. 

The Power of Daily Practices 

Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques can serve as anchors in the storm of chronic pain or trauma. These practices help you tune into your body-mind connection, fostering a sense of control and calm that is often elusive. Establishing a consistent routine of these activities can help reduce stress, manage pain, and improve your overall quality of life. 

Building Resilient Relationships 

Cultivating healthy and supportive relationships can significantly bolster your resilience in the face of chronic pain or trauma. Whether it’s family, close friends, romantic partners, or even pets, the unconditional support and love found in strong relationships can act as a wellspring of hope and comfort. Nurturing these connections—through open communication, empathy, and mutual aid—can create a network of resources that sustain you through even the most challenging times. 

Finding your way through the intricate labyrinth of chronic pain and emotional trauma as a young adult can be daunting, but it’s not a lonely path. By reaching out to these potent sources of support and understanding, you can begin to unravel the complexities of your experiences and piece together a map that leads to a life defined not by your pain, but by your resilience and triumph. 

This article is by Meghan Belnap, freelance writer.

The Problem with Self-Medicating for Mental Health Issues by Maya

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Marcos Paulo Prado: Unsplash)

Self-medicating to resolve mental health issues can sometimes leave the door open for substance abuse. A lot of information goes into choosing the right psychiatric medicine, and it is not something you should choose without medical input. To avoid this common problem, here are a few things you should know about self-medication.

The Consequences

Mental and physical health are a top priority for dual diagnosis treatment. Depression, mania, anxiety and irritability are only a few underlying mood changes that someone may experience. On their own, these mental health conditions are already hard to deal with. When those same conditions are combined with possible substance use disorders, it creates a co-occurring disorder. As an example, a person that is suffering from anxiety will try to self-medicate with unprescribed depressant drugs. These downers are sedatives by nature, and can quickly turn into an addiction for someone who becomes dependent on how it makes them feel. These should only be prescribed by doctors and taken with care.

The Truth

When you’re aware of the consequences of self-medication, the treatment steps become much clearer as a goal. Without professional experience, you can’t diagnose the original underlying cause of your condition. Not all symptoms are created equally, and there is no way for a patient to factor in how a specific medication will interact. Psychiatric medications should never be combined with alcohol, which includes things like cough medicines. Self-medication is not good for you and your body or mind should never be the experiment to find out what works.

Risky Behaviour

Mental health stigmas are one of the reasons that people are open to the dangers of self-medication. They feel that society has a judgmental attitude towards mental health prescriptions. With self-medication, these same prescriptions and their variants are purchased after going through multiple illegal hoops.

Besides the legal issues that could arise, there is a good chance that you are not treating the correct condition. Getting medication to treat depression is a terrible idea for someone that is suffering from bipolar disorder. And when you’re suffering from anxiety, the risk of overdose rises. There is no reason to risk the mental and physical consequences of self-medicating when there are more appropriate avenues to treat your condition. Please seek help from your psychiatrist or get referred to one.

Reaching A Personal Goal

When your health is in danger, think twice about going the risky route of self-medicating. It’s easy to use clouded judgement as an excuse for not getting better. No matter how you start, a healthy mind will always be positively fuelled by making healthy personal decisions. Sometimes, self medication can turn into addiction, which can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Reach for appropriate medical support to help support your recovery.

This article was written by Maya.

Teaching Resilience to Teen Girls in a Challenging World by Dr Hannah Yang.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Yin Ge: Unsplash)

Today’s teen girls are growing up in a time that’s very different from when their parents and grandparents were young. They’re surrounded by new technology and social media that consistently exposes them to unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying and constant comparison to others.

This is why it’s so important for educators and parents to teach teen girls resilience – the ability to cope with challenges, bounce back from failures, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. This will then boost their mental health.

Challenges Encountered by Teenage Girls During Adolescence

The path to adulthood for adolescent girls is often lined with various challenges that significantly influence their development. While each girl’s experience is unique, there are some common struggles they frequently encounter:

Regular Use of Social Media

Building connections with family and friends is crucial for individuals of all ages. Social media has revolutionised the way we maintain these relationships, particularly over great distances. However, this constant online presence has a downside.

Many teenagers find themselves grappling with the pressure to maintain a certain persona on these platforms. Influenced by the glorified lives of young celebrities and popular influencers, as well as the need to keep pace with peers, this pressure can take a toll on their self-esteem and lead to a skewed perception of themselves.

Expectations From Friends and Family

The role of education in developing an individual’s skillset is undeniable. However, the stress of excelling academically, often influenced by lofty expectations within the family, can create significant strain on teenagers’ mental health. Comparing themselves to their peers, parents, or siblings sets high standards that can be challenging to meet.

If academic pressures aren’t managed well, they can harm a teenager’s self-esteem, particularly when they don’t meet their own expectations. It’s important for teenage girls to realise that their worth and intellect aren’t just measured by their grades or school performance.

Unhealthy Desires to Fit In

Despite the current portrayal of young online influencers as champions of self-expression, the struggle to conform to their ideals can be a significant issue for many teenage girls. Being part of a social circle can offer comfort and a feeling of belonging, which is often an essential aspect of their growth.

However, this pursuit of fitting in can lead girls to sacrifice their own beliefs and values. This may take various forms, such as changing their appearance significantly or adopting harmful eating habits, all in an effort to gain acceptance within a particular social group of peers.

The Importance of Resilience in Overcoming Challenges

Adolescent girls often draw strength from their relationships with friends and family. However, they frequently confront some of their toughest challenges when by themselves. This underscores the importance of resilience, giving them the ability to respond or recover from difficult situations.

Resilience goes beyond simply picking yourself up after setbacks. It encourages learning from these experiences and using them to build character, ultimately coming out stronger from going through various challenges in life.

Overcoming Personal Setbacks

In their formative years, young women often encounter various personal hurdles, including dealing with rejection, managing failures, or going through traumatic life events. If they don’t have strong coping mechanisms, these challenges can have lasting effects, shaping their self-confidence and future relationships.

Developing resilience equips these young women with the necessary skills to confront and overcome these challenging moments, growing stronger and more self-assured.

Learning From Success and Failure

Learning from life’s challenges doesn’t need to be a solo journey. Engaging with a mentor or participating in a support group can offer young girls new insights and different perspectives they might not have considered alone.

In situations that are more complicated, consulting with professionals in settings such as anxiety therapy or trauma therapy can provide a secure space for teens to work through their experiences effectively. These forms of support can also help young women build self-awareness of how their experiences may be having a lasting impact on their mental health while also discovering helpful coping mechanisms.

Improving Decision Making

Young individuals often possess a feeling of invulnerability and belief that they have all the answers. This combination of perceived invincibility and limited experience can result in hasty, impromptu choices, some with lasting impacts.

Teen girls who focus on building their resilience are more inclined to consider the long-term implications of their actions. They become experienced at evaluating the advantages and disadvantages beforehand, leading to wiser choices and avoiding potential mistakes.

Begin Cultivating Resilience Today

Developing resilience isn’t a one-off task – it’s an ongoing journey that demands persistence and dedication. By actively engaging in resilience-building activities and learning from both their successes and setbacks, young girls can cultivate effective coping mechanisms that will benefit them throughout their lives and help their mental health.

This article was written by Dr. Hannah Yang.

Visionary and healthcare entrepreneur by passion, Licensed Psychologist by training, Dr. Hannah Yang loves creating new possibilities in the world of mental health and wellness. Dr. Yang established Balanced Awakening in 2015 as a niche psychotherapy practice for women. As Balanced Awakening flourishes in Chicago, and soon Miami, she also loves to tap into her passion for design and Feng Shui to create fabulous environments for herself, her team, and clients.

5 Valid Reasons For Not Becoming a Mother

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

(image: Valentina Conde: Unsplash)

Women that don’t have children will often be on the receiving end of the big question of when they’re going to start having children. But, there are some women who simply don’t want to have children, and all of them are extremely valid. However, some don’t understand this concept, and if you’re wondering why someone would ever feel like that, you’ve come to the right place. While no woman should ever have to explain herself, we’re going to explore some of the reasons why a woman wouldn’t want to become a mother.

Health problems

For some women, the choice to have children may be taken away from them due to health concerns. It might be that they can’t have children because of their health, or it might even be that becoming pregnant could endanger their health. And, while there are many avenues when it comes to having children, such as surrogacy or adoption, some women would simply prefer to carry their child themselves. When this isn’t possible, they may then choose to not have children at all.

A painful history

Sadly, some women will have a difficult or painful history that might put them off the idea of having children all together. It might be that they’ve grown up with abusive parents and don’t want to make the same mistakes. Or, it could be that they’ve been through something extremely traumatic like rape, and would rather not bring that kind of history into their children’s lives, especially if they experienced a life long injury because of it. Instead, they may speak with a sexual offence solicitor and bring the offender to justice, and then move on with their lives.

They don’t want to bring a child into this world

Every person thinks about this at some point or another, and some women will choose not to bring a child into this world if they don’t believe they can provide them with a safe and happy upbringing. Others may look at the world, citing the sense of war, environment and poverty as a reason to question whether it’s a good idea to bring a child into this world.

Giving up a social life and less freedom

Another concern that some women have and choose not to give up is their social life or freedom to travel. While times have changed compared to, say, fifty years ago, it’s still common for the mother to stay at home with the child while the partner goes out to work. While it’s not impossible to have a social life when you’re a mother, it’s certainly not as easy. And, for some, this plus freedom to live the life they want to live is simply not something they want to give up.

Career priorities

Women have just as much of a right to have a successful career as men do, and some women choose to prioritise their career over having children. A career can sometimes take decades to climb and some don’t want to have time off to have children and juggle their work.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

What is Trichotillomania and How Can You Treat It?

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments

(image: Unsplash: Tim Mossholder)

Trichotillomania is a condition where you have an uncontrollable urge to pull out your own hair. This is usually hair from your scalp but may also involve other areas of your body such as your eyelashes, eyebrows, genital area, legs, armpits, or face. Pulling out your hair may help to relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. It is also known as “trich” or TTM. 

What are the symptoms of trichotillomania?

Symptoms of trichotillomania vary from person to person. They may be automatic, meaning you pull out your hair without being aware that you are doing it; for example when you are studying, reading, or watching TV, or focused which involves hair-pulling on purpose to relieve anxiety or stress.

Hair-pulling is usually done in private, and many people with trichotillomania feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition and try to hide it from others. It is commonly accompanied by other behaviours such as biting your nails, picking your skin, or chewing your lips or cheeks.

Symptoms of trichotillomania may include: 

  • Frequent, repeated episodes of pulling out hair from your scalp or other parts of your body 
  • Increased tension before pulling out your hair, followed by a feeling of pleasure or relief afterwards
  • Visible hair loss, thinning or bald areas on your scalp or other parts of your body
  • Irritated or sore skin around the area 
  • Damage to your hair follicles
  • Rituals such as pulling out specific types of hair, following the same steps or pulling out your hair in certain patterns
  • Playing with pulled-out hair, such as rubbing it across your lips or face, biting, chewing, or eating pulled-out hair
  • Repeated failed attempts to stop hair-pulling 
  • Avoiding situations where people might find out about your hair-pulling such as sleepovers, visiting hair salons, swimming, or sexual relationships 
  • Problems or conflict with family and friends as a result of your hair-pulling
  • Pulling fibres from blankets and clothing or hair from pets or dolls

What causes trichotillomania?

The cause of trichotillomania isn’t fully understood. It may be a way of dealing with stress, strong emotions anxiety, a habit, or a hormonal or chemical imbalance. Trichotillomania may also be genetic and often runs in families. 

What should I do if I have symptoms of trichotillomania? 

If you have symptoms of trichotillomania, remember that you are not alone, and help is available. Make an appointment to see your GP. 

How is trichotillomania treated? 

The main treatment for trichotillomania is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) called habit reversal training. Habit reversal training aims to replace a bad habit with something that isn’t harmful, and may involve:

  • Keeping a journal of your hair-pulling to identify triggers and learning how to avoid them
  • Learning to replace hair-pulling with another action that isn’t harmful, like squeezing a stress ball
  • Getting support from loved ones and support groups 

Some self-help tips for trichotillomania that may help include: 

  • Relieve stress by squeezing a stress ball or using a fidget toy 
  • Wear something over your hair such as a bandana or a tight-fitting hat
  • Cut your hair short
  • Exercise
  • Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation or take a soothing bath to ease stress or anxiety
  • Exercise
  • Put plasters on your fingertips

Other possible treatments for trichotillomania may include: 

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy — can help you learn to accept your hair-pulling urges without acting on them
  • Cognitive therapy — works by changing negative thoughts and beliefs, and learning healthy ways to manage your condition
  • Medication — trichotillomania isn’t usually treated with medication, but you may be prescribed medication such as antidepressants to treat an underlying condition like depression or anxiety. 

Further help and support 

Many people with trichotillomania feel isolated and try to hide their condition from others. Talking to people you trust as well as your GP and joining support groups can help you feel less alone and often helps to reduce your anxiety and hair-pulling. 

For further information, advice, and support on living with trichotillomania, contact:

  • Trichotillomania Support
  • OCD UK
  • Anxiety UK
  • Alopecia UK

This article was written by HealthPrem. Features sponsored links.

Navigating Through The Storm: How to Process Your Spouse’s Adultery by Lizzie Weakley.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Kelly Sikkema, Unsplash)

Discovering that your spouse has committed adultery (extra marital sex) can be a devastating blow to any marriage. The betrayal, hurt, and confusion can be overwhelming, and it may feel like your world has been turned upside down. One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with infidelity is processing your spouse’s tone of voice. How do you navigate through the storm of emotions and make sense of their words? This blog post will explore some strategies to help you process your spouse’s adultery and move towards healing and understanding.

Take a Step Back
When you first discover that your spouse has been unfaithful, it’s natural to feel a wide range of emotions, including anger, sadness, and betrayal. In the midst of all these overwhelming feelings, it’s important to take a step back and give yourself some time to process everything. Avoid making impulsive decisions or engaging in heated arguments based on your spouse’s tone of voice. Take a deep breath, step away from the situation if needed, and allow yourself some space to calm down before addressing the issue with your spouse.

Seek Support
Dealing with the aftermath of adultery can be incredibly isolating and lonely. It’s crucial to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a therapist who can provide you with a safe space to express your feelings and receive guidance. Talking to someone about your spouse’s actions and how it has affected you can help you gain perspective and clarity on the situation. Remember that you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. You may also want to seek legal support from a divorce lawyer if you’re considering divorce. 

Practice Active Listening

When confronting your spouse about their adultery, it’s important to practice active listening. This means truly listening to what they have to say without interrupting or jumping to conclusions. Try to understand their perspective, emotions, and reasons behind their actions. By actively listening, you can create a more open and honest dialogue with your spouse, which is essential for healing and moving forward.

Set Boundaries
Processing your spouse’s adultery may require setting boundaries in your relationship. It’s important to establish clear boundaries that will help rebuild trust and ensure that both you and your spouse feel respected and heard. This may involve limiting communication, taking a break from the relationship, or seeking professional help to work through the issues together. Setting boundaries can help create a more secure and healthy environment for both partners to address the infidelity and its consequences.

Focus on Self-Care

Dealing with the aftermath of adultery can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care and focus on activities that bring you comfort and relaxation. Whether it’s taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy, make sure to take care of yourself during this challenging time. Remember that you deserve love, compassion, and kindness, especially when processing your spouse’s adultery.

Processing your spouse’s adultery can be an incredibly difficult and painful experience. It’s important to give yourself time to heal, seek support from loved ones, and practice healthy communication strategies to navigate through this challenging time. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there is hope for healing and rebuilding trust in your relationship.

By taking care of yourself, setting boundaries, and practicing active listening, you can move towards understanding and forgiveness, whether that leads to reconciliation or separation. Stay strong, be kind to yourself, and trust that you have the strength to overcome this obstacle in your marriage.

This article was written by Lizzie Weakley.

5 Ways How Working Remotely Can Benefit Your Mental Health by Breanna Howell

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Kornel Mahl, Unsplash)

People are embracing working remotely; even tech companies are allowing their employees to decide whether they want to work from home indefinitely. There are several advantages of working remotely compared to working in offices, in person, but most importantly, remote work is valuable to your mental health. Here are five ways that working remotely can benefit your mental health.

1.   Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

When focusing on work, other aspects of life often end up neglected unless you have a healthy work-life balance. To be content and excited about work, employees also need leisure time to connect with their loved ones and pursue other talents and interests. Based on the time constraints, this becomes challenging with in-person work. Luckily, it is easier to find a balance when working from home; there is more time with family, and with proper management, more leisure time to pursue other interests.

If working conditions are more flexible, staff can find a healthy and effective work-life balance. Being able to work while still having a personal and social life makes them happier and improves their mental health. That is why more and more companies opt for time and attendance solutions to help their employees have a better work-life balance.

2.   Reduced Commute Stress

The daily commute is the least favourite part of a job for employees. Whether private or public transport, a lot of time is spent on the roads and you have to deal with traffic and overcrowding as everyone is in a hurry to get to their workplace. Thanks to remote work, you don’t have to worry about waking up early to beat traffic; simply prepare and start your day. You even have more time to establish an effective morning routine.

Commuting daily can take a toll on you, making you anxious and increasing your stress. You have to wake up early every day and deal with other people rushing to get to work on time. Working from home gives you a reprieve, allowing you to rest, have a good night’s sleep, and avoid traffic and congestion, which is a win for your mental health.

3.   Customisable Work Environment

With the traditional work setup, you get a designated space at the office, work with the same people, and have the same routine daily. You can also get interrupted by colleagues or have managers looking over your shoulders. The monotony and lack of freedom can negatively affect your outlook on life, sometimes even making you indifferent towards your job. Imagine working in your living room, your favourite cafe, or on the seafront. Being able to customise your space makes remote work exciting because it is not predictable; you can finally look forward to the day.

The power to control where and when you work makes you more productive because you are more relaxed and excited about your day. You can customise your workspace however you want, and that makes you happy and fulfilled, which is recommended for your mental health.

4.   Increased Autonomy

One of the advantages of working from home is that the staff gets the freedom to structure their day. Everyone knows what works best for them and can easily decide when and where they are more productive. Instead of a strict and stressful routine, you get the flexibility to choose, which has a massive positive impact on your work and overall well-being.

Autonomy allows you to prioritise the important while scheduling other activities that matter to you. Having control gives you peace of mind, calms you down, and makes you more productive, positively impacting your mental health.

5.   Opportunities For Healthier Habits

Between the daily commutes and extended office hours, there is little or no time for exercising, cooking, and eating healthy meals. Establishing a morning exercise routine becomes challenging, and many rely on calorie-rich snacks to help get them through the day. Fortunately, working from home gives you enough time to work out, cook proper meals, and develop healthier habits.

Eating healthy and exercising have a positive and lasting impact on your mental health. Being healthier can (along with other medical treatments) help issues like depression, ADHD, anxiety, memory loss, insomnia, and other illnesses that affect your productivity.

Conclusion

High stress levels are common in the workplace. There is quite a lot to deal with, from hectic daily commutes to strict schedules and a lack of time to pursue other interests and connect with loved ones. Before all these take a toll on your mental health, it is crucial to consider working from home. This way, you don’t have to worry about commuting, and you can customise your work environment and lead a healthy, happy life.

Breanna Howell is the public relations specialist at Claremont Diamonds living her dream of promoting positive public awareness of the company. As a freelance blogger and mom of two millennials, she’s also passionate about providing inspiration and support to everyone on their journey to a fantastic marriage.

This article contains a non sponsored link.

Creating A Calm Bedroom with SIMBA Hybrid Duvet (Gifted Review)

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: SIMBA)

Whether you struggle with your mental health or not, one way you can boost overall wellbeing, is to create a peaceful, calm bedroom environment. As well as keeping your room relaxed, tidy, clean and restful, you will want to look at your bed and bedding. This can all help to aid better sleep quality!

The team at SIMBA bedding and mattresses, gifted me one of their duvets to try, the Hybrid duvet. This luxurious 10.5 Tog duvet is suitable for year-round use. The Simba Renew Bio™ fill ensures wonderful, down-like softness and warmth, as well as superb breathability for a non-clammy feel; the fresh, cotton outer features their Stratos® temperature control tech to help dissipate excess heat. Perfect for me as I can get really warm at night and really good for the spring/ summer season! It felt super cosy and soft, and I had a great nights sleep.

Experts and SIMBA believe that when a bedroom has good feng shui, the nervous system can relax and we enter a place of safety, which helps promote a better night’s rest. Sleep hygiene and sleeping environment play a significant role in the quality of sleep we get at night.

They say,

‘Your bed is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home with respect to your feng shui.  When you’re sleeping, you’re classified as being in a passive yin state – and therefore more receptive to the vibrations around you. The bed is also the most private place in your home. It absorbs your qi and represents you.

We think we can help with that. Simba’s premium Bed Range allows you to create your ideal bed and choose all the specific features you need. with flexible under bed storage options, in single, double, king and super king. With 500 possible combinations, you can truly get the right look, colour, finish, storage and size for your space, and still have a bed that is unique to you.’

(image: Unsplash: By Matter, Made Better)

I love to have bedding that feels dreamy, induces calm and promotes a zen-like atmosphere. I feel so lucky to have tried my SIMBA duvet and know it will become a staple in my bedroom. As I struggle with anxiety, its so important that my bedroom is a place of calm and quiet, to help promote positive wellbeing. Good sleep often can mean good mental health and I can’t wait to curl up each night!

I was gifted a SIMBA duvet, in return for an honest review. This article contains non-sponsored links.

Understanding Mental Health Through Personal Hygiene Habits by Brooke Chaplan.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments

(image: free image)

Personal hygiene habits are not only important for physical health, but they also play a significant role in maintaining mental health. Poor hygiene can cause distress, social isolation, and low self-esteem. Good personal hygiene practices, on the other hand, not only affect our physical appearance but also have various psychological benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the correlation between personal hygiene habits and mental health and the importance of establishing healthy habits.

Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Maintaining good personal hygiene practices, including showering daily, brushing teeth twice a day, and wearing clean clothes, can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. When we look good, we feel good, and this positive feeling can help us conquer our day’s challenges. On the other hand, poor hygiene can affect our self-esteem and lead to the avoidance of social situations, further impacting our mental health.

Stress Reduction

Establishing good personal hygiene habits also has a stress-reducing effect. When we invest in our hygiene and appearance, we feel more in control of our lives, hence reducing stress. Besides, the sweet smell of a well-scented shower gel, for instance, and the soothing feeling of fresh and clean clothes can calm our minds, reducing anxiety and worry.

Social Bonding

Humans are social animals, and maintaining good personal hygiene habits plays a crucial role in social interaction. Poor hygiene, such as bad breath or body odor, can lead to social isolation and affect our mental health negatively. In contrast, when we smell good, look good, and feel clean, we attract positive attention and form stronger social bonds, boosting our mental well-being.

Mental Alertness

Establishing good personal hygiene habits also has a positive impact on our mental alertness. A clean and tidy space can improve our focus, making us more productive and efficient. Practicing good hygiene habits requires discipline and structure, which can help improve our cognitive function and increase our mental stamina.

Positive Self-Talk

Establishing good personal hygiene habits leads to positive self-talk, which improves our mental health. We can’t reinforce a positive self-image when we neglect our hygiene. Good hygiene is a way of showing care and respect for ourselves, and it gives us a reason to celebrate our achievements. Developing positive self-talk is essential for mental resilience and overall mental health.

Where To Start During Depression

Personal hygiene can be a challenge to maintain during a depressive episode. However, you can start by slowly implementing a routine that includes regular bathing, brushing your hair, and putting on clean clothes. When it comes to brushing your teeth, consider dental implants as a long-term solution to improve your oral health if they are needed. i not, carry on looking after yourself, as you matter. Remember to be patient with yourself, seek support from loved ones, and take small steps towards self-care each day. By focusing on your personal hygiene, you can improve your overall well-being and feel more confident in yourself.

To conclude, personal hygiene habits play a vital role in maintaining our physical and mental health. Poor hygiene can cause distress, isolation, and low self-esteem, while good hygiene habits can boost our self-confidence, reduce stress, improve social bonding, increase mental alertness, and promote positive self-talk.

As we go about our daily routine, we must make maintaining good hygiene habits a priority to reap these benefits and maintain our mental well-being.