Tag: Employment

Returning To Work After A Long Time Away And Work Mental Health

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Josh Duke: Unsplash)

While we might think that everyone is a buttoned-down professional, everyone has their own relationship to their work. But what about returning to work after a long time away? Maybe you’ve been on maternity leave, have suffered an illness, been struggling with mental health, or have been off work for a variety of reasons.

However, it’s true that settling back into the regular working cycle is often a form of mental health and self-care in itself. This is because work is hard, as is balancing a job around personal priorities. As such, it’s important to get out there, to make the right preparations and to believe you can do it. The secret is that you really can, even if you had to fight against your previous employer thanks to their lack of labor law compliance tracking.

With that in mind, let’s discuss how to brace yourself for a return to work, even after a long time away.

Plan Ahead For Your Transition

Your employer likely knows that you have a period of unemployment in the past, and may have asked you about it. If you were candid about it and still gained the job, your employer will likely understand. For the first couple of weeks, you might ask to do staggered days or part-time shifts, then slowly move into full-time. It can’t hurt to ask.

Alternatively, you might integrate a full month of regular 9-5 work to onboard, and then consider remote working from that point on. Planning ahead for your transition, making these requests, or asking for any appropriate support measures can be key. For example, perhaps you need to visit your physiotherapist once a week for mobility assistance. Laying this all out on the table is healthy, because you have nothing to be ashamed of, and reasonable provisions must be made for you (as they legally ought to be for anyone who experiences a personal condition or disability).

Refresh Your Skills & Knowledge

Even the most capable professional can feel rusty in their skills after a period away, as work isn’t like riding a bicycle, it takes a little adjustment period to feel your best. As such, you might ask to review certain work materials before you start, such as the company structure, role boundaries and parameters, and specific preparations to make.

In some cases, you may have the tools to play around with before you start. If you’re working in the content production section of a marketing department, you might focus on Premiere Pro revision or editing software understanding once more, checking out the new updates to see what has changed. This way, you arrive at the new place a little sharper and more practiced.

Get Into The Daily Schedule Beforehand

You may have a couple of weeks before you start work again, which is a great practice period for getting used to your new schedule. You might begin waking up early in the morning and going to bed early, to help your body clock adjust to the new normal. You could even take the commute a few times to make sure you relax into it, and don’t have to worry about being late for your first day. If taking the train during rush hour or figuring out the best route to drive, that can give you great peace of mind. If you are struggling with your mental health, definitely reach out for support.

Moreover, you might prepare your lunch the night before just to get into the habit, or purchase your train tickets set to be valid by a certain date. Getting into the swing of things allows you to avoid feeling tired out or a little shocked when you settle back into work. You don’t want to wake up for your first day tired, irritable, and hungry, but energised and ready to get started. If you have work anxiety, its OK speak to a trusted friend, family member or therapist and seek support.

Don’t Try & Reinvent The Wheel

Most people like to give a good impression as they turn up to a new job for the first time, but that doesn’t mean you have to become the employee of the year in the first week. Just take it easy, and follow the onboarding plan. That’s all you have to do to begin with. Sure, you might be involved in new meetings, but you don’t have to lay out a large vision or plan just yet. Sure, you might be an integral part of the team, but you don’t need to take everyone’s work on immediately. 

It takes time to adapt to a new workplace, and any manager worth their salt understands that. This is also a period to ask as many questions as possible, even if they seem silly on the surface. After all, if you don’t ask now, when will you? Moreover, if you’re a little rusty, don’t be afraid to admit that and slowly sharpen your skills. You don’t have to put every insecurity out there of course, but don’t feel like you have to be perfect, because that’s the quickest way to make a mistake.

Manage Stress & Anxiety Responsibly

It’s natural for people to feel a little stressed at work, and if you have anxious feelings, a new job is fertile ground for them to surface. But you can manage your anxiety with care. You might use supplements to help you (consult a doctor first), and this could include valerian root which is know to deal with mild stress, or ashwagandha, a herbal blend known to relax. Use what works for you and is approved by your doctor, and if advised against taking it or if they clash with any medications you take, make sure to stay well clear. Seeing a therapist can also be helpful.

Moreover, breathing exercises, good sleep schedules and hygiene, and the willingness to take each day at a time can help you feel more relaxed in no time. The first few weeks can be worrying, but sooner rather than later you may begin to feel at home.

With this advice, you’ll be certain to brace yourself even after a long absence preceding your return to work. 

This article was written by a freelance writer.

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

How to Improve Employee Engagement and Wellbeing In Your Workplace.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Brooke Cagle, Unsplash)

Employee engagement is a critical factor in the success of any organisation. By encouraging employee engagement, organisations can create a workplace that is both productive and enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll look at some effective strategies for improving employee engagement and getting more out of your workforce.

Set Clear Expectations But Check In…

One of the most important steps to creating an engaged workplace is setting clear expectations. Make sure employees understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as the company’s goals and objectives. This will help them stay focused on what needs to be done and better understand how their work contributes to overall organisational success. This also includes setting measurable objectives and providing regular feedback so employees know when they’ve achieved their goals.

These objectives must take into account any mental health issues or disability if the employee has one, when they begin. Reasonable adjustments can be made for employees who need them.

Foster Collaboration

Encourage collaboration between team members by creating opportunities for them to work together. This can be done through brainstorming sessions, collaborative problem-solving activities, or team-building exercises. Working together helps employees build trust and understanding, leading to a more engaged workforce. You can also do this by providing resources such as group communication tools, flexible working arrangements, or company social events.

Invest in Adequate Training

Provide employees with adequate training and professional development opportunities. This will help ensure they have the knowledge, expertise, and confidence to perform their tasks effectively. Investing in employee training also shows them that you value their skills and are willing to support their growth. Additionally, ensure you provide enough resources and support for employees to do their jobs. This could include access to the right technology, adequate workspace, and a comfortable work environment.

Promote a Positive Work Environment and Wellbeing

Creating a positive work environment is essential for keeping employees engaged and motivated. Encourage an open dialogue between team members, provide recognition for good work, and offer incentives to reward outstanding performance. Additionally, implement policies that promote equality and respect among all staff members regardless of differences in race, gender, or background. Furthermore, make sure you have staff trained in mental health first aid and employee wellbeing- this is vital in ensuring a safe and happy workplace.

(image: Annie Spratt, Unsplash)

Utilise Technology

Technology can be used as an effective tool for improving employee engagement. For example, goal-setting software can help employees track their progress and stay motivated. Collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams can also encourage employees to work together and share ideas more easily. Technology also helps businesses stay connected with their remote employees. By providing resources like video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing, organisations can ensure that everyone stays on the same page regardless of their physical location.

Measure And Assess Progress

Finally, organisations should measure and assess employee engagement on an ongoing basis. This can be done through surveys or interviews to understand how employees feel about their work environment and what they believe could be improved. Tracking progress over time will also help businesses identify trends and areas of improvement that can be addressed in the future.

Don’t forget to also measure the success of any initiatives or programs you implement. Ensure that employees know what is being done to improve engagement and understand how their participation in them makes a difference. This will help ensure they remain involved, motivated, and engaged with their work. Additionally, collaboration in this way can boost wellbeing if done correctly.

Communicate Regularly

It is also important to keep employees in the loop about any changes that may be happening within the organisation. This includes ensuring they know about new projects, goals, or initiatives. Also, fostering an open dialogue will help ensure that employees feel their opinions are heard and appreciated. Regular check-ins can also be beneficial in helping to keep employees up-to-date on the progress of their work.

Creating a culture of employee engagement within your organisation takes time and effort, but it is essential for success. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your team is motivated and engaged so that everyone works together for the common goal of organisational success.

Overall, organisations can improve their employee engagement by setting objectives, fostering collaboration, investing in adequate training, creating a positive work environment, utilising technology, and measuring progress. These strategies will help create an engaged workforce that can contribute to a more productive and enjoyable work experience for everyone involved.

Additionally, these techniques are essential for ensuring that employees stay motivated, energised, and committed to achieving their goals. By taking the time to implement these strategies, organisations can ensure they are creating an environment where their employees can thrive.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

Maintaining a Healthy Work Life Balance, Why it Matters: Guest blog for Mental Health Awareness Week by Loveitcoverit

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

loveit2

(image: Unsplash)

 

When establishing and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, the overarching goal is clear; an individual should not feel as though their professional life is intruding on their personal time or vice versa. However, it’s always easier to explain than it is to physically manage – which is why it’s important to fully understand the implications of a poor work-life balance and the proactive steps we can all take to minimise any negative impact – such as poor mental wellbeing.

Although this challenge is known to many, you may not be fully aware of how prevalent it is across the entire nation. In fact, the Mental Health Foundation has commented that work-related stress costs Britain 10.4 million working days per year!

Now, as you would expect, the emergence of modern technology – such as smartphones – has drastically transformed our professional lives and, as such, it can be difficult to create concrete boundaries. Many of our devices can now take on the features and responsibilities of a larger computer system and so our working lives are available at just the touch of a button. So, how do we assess whether this detracts from our free-time and if this impacts our mental health?

Well, in recent months, this very topic has been investigated by mobile phone insurers, loveitcoverit.   

Their research found that an astounding 80% of workers identify their smartphones as a tool for their professional responsibilities, clearly demonstrating that they have surpassed the singular, social use that spurred their beginnings. So, whether it’s to communicate with colleagues, access working documents remotely or utilise organisational platforms, our mobiles have become an integrated part of professionalism on a wide scale. As such, it can be difficult to imagine the two in separation – but is this a good thing?

Overusing our mobile devices can be detrimental to our work-life balance as they create an access channel that is available to us at every hour. So, whilst leading mental health organisations emphasise the need for distancing measures – such as short breaks, time off and established social environment outside of work – our smartphones may act as a reminder of our professional responsibilities. In turn, this can lead to individuals feeling pressure to work outside of their agreed working times and intrude on their personal lives. 

Due to the sheer number of smartphone users across the country, this could mean that millions are facing the challenge. In fact, less than half of workers claim to have a ‘healthy’ work-life balance! 

Of course, this isn’t to say you should never complete a professional task in your free time, it simply means that you must actively monitor and manage how often this happens. This might seem a menial task, but it’s vital.

If you often find yourself feeling stressed due to your working life, then you could be at risk of developing illnesses such as anxiety or depression.

However, luckily, there are further actions we can take to ensure our balance does not tip!

 

Setting tangible guidelines

 We’re not saying that you must ignore your phone if a professional emergency arises, but it is important to make sure your working correspondence doesn’t intrude on your personal life. So, start with something simple – like enforcing a rule of no work related phone use after six on any weekday and perhaps not at all on the weekends.

Ultimately, it’s your decision to make, so find out what works within your routines and go with it!

 

Communicate with your employer

No one wants to be seen as a ‘complainer’, but if your work responsibilities are damaging your mental health it is important to speak up. Set up a meeting or informal chat with your manager to discuss how you’re feeling and why you feel that way. From there, you can work in tandem to better the situation and make wider improvements that benefit others too!

 

 Better understand your own situation

There is normally a tangible reason for any feelings of stress or anxiety but it might not be clear at first glance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break and try to dissect your situation.

If you can understand what is causing your stress, you’re in a wholly better position to try and improve it, whether this is in reorganising your routine and methods or in talking to someone else at work!

 

Creating a healthy and sustainable work-life balance is imperative for our mental wellbeing, so we all must take the time to figure out how to best achieve it. Remember, the working world existed before smartphones did, so it’s a durable environment, and taking the time to figure out positive and progressive ways of moving forward will never be a waste.

 

This guest blog was written by loveitcoverit, mobile phone insurers in the UK at www.loveitcoverit.com 

Yulife launch new App to help Employee Mental health: by yulife

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

 

yulife

(image: yulife)

A new start-up based in Camden, London has launched an app to help companies improve the wellbeing and mental health of their staff. The company, yulife, launched last year and uses technology to monitor exercise and wellbeing and rewards employees that take part.

Staff members that download the app will have their daily exercise monitored including how many miles they walk or run and how long they meditate for each day. Every individual that takes part receives yucoin, the company’s digital wellbeing currency, which can then be exchanged for rewards.

The more you walk and meditate, the more rewards you get.

yulife have partnered with several household brands including Amazon and ASOS to provide discounts and offers reserved for employees that are proactively improving their health and wellbeing. Other perks including gig tickets, Avios air miles and gift cards.

The role of employee benefits has become significantly more important for organisations and HR in recent years, understanding that individuals are not a means to an end, but processes must be in place to assist with mental health, physical wellbeing, stress and anxiety.

Accordingly, by addressing an employee’s mental health and lifestyle, it should result in better productivity and engagement.

The yulife proposition offers life insurance for your staff at the forefront of their product offering and this ties in neatly with the wellbeing aspect.

yulife work closely with experts to make their app as useful as possible. One of these experts is renowned wellbeing physician and author, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, author of the 4 Pillar Plan, which is at the core of the yulife app.

Dr Chatterjee commented: “yulife looks at the wellbeing of the whole person – physical, mental and also financial. This is exactly the 360-degree view that I have been urging patients to adopt and I’m excited to be working with yulife to help our members to be their best selves.”

This sponsored article was by yulife. For more please see:  https://www.yulife.com/

 

Mental health, work and the realities of freelancing: by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 8 Comments

 

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This article was voted for on my Facebook group last month but as always, there has been a lot going on and I wanted to give this one the time it deserved.

Mental health and work is a huge topic. Mental ill health affects peoples ability to work at times- depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other symptoms can stop us from working and disrupt careers. It is one of the biggest causes of sickness, with people being signed off work by their doctors- from stress or other mental health issues. However, some  people are able to manage their health symptoms and work through it. For me, and many others, I had to switch to self employment, in order to work more effectively.

I started off at uni studying English Literature and Drama at Goldsmiths here in London, got a 2:1 degree and then worked for a year as a teaching assistant in a primary school. I decided then that it may not be for me and I applied to study a masters degree in Applied Theatre at the Royal Central drama school. This was amazing and eye opening- but I was suffering from anxiety and panic attacks (possibly part of my bipolar disorder or just general..).

The anxiety attacks were debilitating for me at times- but I managed to get my Masters. However, I have often found that certain work places are far less forgiving of people with mental health issues- if they are still symptomatic.

I always thought that I would work as a teaching assistant and become a Reception teacher. I worked in several schools and I loved working with the children. I also tried working for a mental health charity. However, I found that my anxiety was getting worse and worse (despite taking medication and having therapy) and that the career just wasn’t working for my health.

So,  I decided to go self employed and become a freelance writer. The perils of freelancing can include: late payment of invoices from clients, having articles pulled at the last minute because the editor changes their mind, clients wanting you to write for free, waiting months for work to be published and some clients only paying on publication- so you don’t get a regular ‘salary’. Income is less stable, its harder to trust people and that you are often sending out pitch emails for writing work- only to get ignored, as editors are often busy with their in house team and work.

The pluses of freelancing: some regular gigs (Thank you Metro!), being featured in Glamour UK is a huge honour and in Happiful and Cosmopolitan/ Elle. I have written a lot this year and I am grateful every day for the editors who have taken a chance on me and commissioned my work.

However, its a balance. Yes working from home is great. Yes setting own hours is good. But, it means that income is less stable for sure. I have far less anxiety and panic working like this. Thats a major plus.

I often feel bad for not earning enough. Or because you have to develop a thick skin to deal with rejection.

In terms of mental health at work- there is SO much that needs to be done. Sickness records mean employees are still penalised, despite their genuine need for a mental health day. Each work place should be trained in signs to spot and have a mental health first aider. Some work places are disability friendly, but many just see you as a worker and if you have a mental illness, will only tolerate so much time off.

I don’t really know what to suggest if you are also in my position. In the UK, we have the benefits system which has been very important for me due to my illness. However, I would love to get to a stage where I can earn enough not to need it.

If you are struggling with your mental health at work, speak to a trusted colleague. HR will not always be supportive – it depends on the organisation, but don’t suffer alone. Just be aware that if you are off sick a lot, some companies will see you as unreliable. This may be 2018, but outdated attitudes at work still exist unfortunately.

There are positives and its important to know  there are good, wonderful people out there. I have met many. 

What is your experience?

Eleanor x

Guest Post by UnitedMind Laughter Yoga: How to get the most out of your Job and Wellbeing.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

healthcom
(image:health.com)

Being unhappy at work isn’t just ‘one of those things’ you need to put up with, even in today’s society where hating your job can seem to be glorified. You don’t have to be incredibly passionate about your industry or role to still enjoy coming in (although it helps if you do love it!) , and there are a few tips and tricks that can help transform that negative outlook into a positive one.

Have a carrot at the end of a stick

Spending your time at a job you don’t like is always going to be stressful, so we recommend thinking about the carrot at the end of your stick when you’re staying late or having a busy day. What are you saving for? What are you looking forward to? You might not care about the company you’re doing the work for, but you will care about the dream you’re putting the money towards.

There’s nothing wrong with working a job for the pay check; we all need a roof and food. However, if you really want to start genuinely enjoying your job more, we recommend trying to get more out of it than just a pay slip at the end of the month; or at least get more out of that pay slip.

Get pleasure out of purpose

In Happiness by Design, Paul Dolan speaks about how we derive pleasure from purpose, and this is directly important to how we should approach work. Doing the bare minimum isn’t great for the company or team you work in, and “just enough” will start to mentally make you feel inadequate. Inadequacy usually leads to anxiety,  and sometimes you feel awful. You  then a cocktail for a terrible working environment and for your own wellbeing.

Instead, you should try hard at your job , as long as it is not affecting your health. Positive peer reviews and promotions can reward the work you put in, which will make you feel more positive, and that positivity can snowball from there into something considerable.

Hard work and happiness breed confidence, so even if you still don’t like the place where you work, there’s nothing stopping you from taking this new found conviction to go and land a job you will love. Sometimes a fresh start is all you need.

Turn your co-workers into friends

Walking in to an office full of people that you don’t know and aren’t friendly with can make work a lonely experience. However, if you socialise with your co-workers and make an effort to speak to them, then you might even start looking forward to work because you’ve got Emma that you can speak to about the match at the weekend or David who you can chat with about the latest episode of your favourite show.

We recommend, even if it means leaving your comfort zone, that you go to as many work outings as you can. Drinks after work are always good at making everyone feel more comfortable around each other, but even going to something like a light yoga session at lunch could be the start of a routine to bring you and your colleagues closer together.

A nod and smile in the hallway is, relatively speaking, a small gesture – but it can make a workplace seem so much more welcoming.

You and your space

If you have a desk, something as small as tidying it can do a lot to change your mind set. If you have papers and rubbish all over your work space, you will start to feel cluttered and swamped; physically and mentally. The process of throwing away everything you don’t need can feel very relieving and almost like a detox.

Personalising your work space can also help make work more enjoyable. A picture of a loved one, a little happy picture/ object or even a plant you can look after all help make your area feel yours; we can forget how important individuality is sometimes.

This article was provided by the team at United Mind, who provide laughter yoga for those that want to have a little fun while improving their mental and physical health. Thanks also to Jack Bird.

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Life Mental Health Update and the Liebster Award!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

Its been a really interesting week for me. I firstly decided after not getting the right NHS therapeutic support that I had to take life into my hands in two ways. Firstly, I needed to see if I could get funding for private therapy to help my anxiety and panic attacks about work. I was able to and then I have booked an appointment to see a recommended psycho-dynamic counsellor. I am hoping that my counselling sessions will help the anxiety and fear around certain things.

Secondly, I decided that if I want to live my dreams and have a life that is fulfilling and true to myself, I have to pursue them. Obviously I have to make my dream achievable too so I have been applying for jobs that feel right for me. My dream has been to be a teacher and I hope to get there one day. I have been interviewing for various positions in schools and hopefully the right one for me will come up soon. I will leave it to God and the universe to decide and do all I can.

So, its been quite a whirlwind for me this week and definitely being pushed a little outside my comfort zone, putting my heart and dreams on the line. However, I am really proud of myself for doing this. I have wanted to seek therapeutic help for years and while its a shame I can’t get it for free on the NHS, I hope it helps me to change my life. My family are a great support for me with this. I am starting this week and will see what happens.

So I have been going to job interviews and its really scary being asked so many questions and waiting for feedback. I know though that I can do it and make myself and my family proud (I hope anyway!)

As well as the above, I am very excited to be going to see Aladdin the musical at the theatre with my boyfriend for our anniversary. He is a wonderful support to me and I love disney!

Lastly, a blog friend, the Happiness Hunter https://thehappinesshunt.wordpress.com   has nominated me for the Liebster Award which celebrates new blogs. My blog has been going almost 2 years but I feel so thrilled to receive the award. Thank you so much! Due to time constraints I can’t nominate other blogs for the award but dedicate it to all my blog followers who are battling mental health stigma and writing so amazingly.  

Go and visit the above blog too, its wonderful! Thanks again 🙂

liebster