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If you’re like many people, the past year has been a challenging one. Maybe you’ve experienced economic hardship, job loss, or illness. Perhaps you’re struggling with anxiety or depression. 

Or maybe you’re just feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. If so, it’s important to remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. And while it may not be easy, there are things you can do to reestablish your sense of well-being. 

Here are three tips to get you started: 

Connect with Nature 

Spend time outside in nature, and take in the sights and sounds of the natural world around you, which can help you feel more connected to the world and provide a sense of peace and calm. 

Start with going outside every couple of hours, spending 30 minutes at a time. Dress accordingly, and don’t let the weather deter you. Watch the sunrise or sunset. The colors of the sky and the peace of the beginning or end of the day are very welcoming.

Exercise Regularly 

Physical activity releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Exercise can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Go for frequent walks or hikes. 

Go swimming or head to your local gym to lift weights. Take a dance lesson, go running, or rollerblading. The important thing is to get your body moving. 

Find a Hobby or Activity That Brings You Joy 

Doing something that you enjoy can help boost your mood and give you a sense of purpose. It can also help take your mind off of negative thoughts and events. Turn off the TV and put down your phone. 

This is a great time to focus on all the interests you have been putting off. Read a book, meditate, go on a trip, or learn something new. There is an abundance of things we can do that focus on the positive in our lives.

If you have decided to seek help from a mental health professional, you might be wondering which type is best suited to provide you with care. While similar, each type of mental health professional differs in the type of services they provide.

Psychologist

Psychologists administer and interpret various tests related to personality, aptitudes, and emotions. They evaluate a person’s mental health and can diagnose mental disorders. Psychologists treat mental health disorders through the provision of psychotherapy.

Seeing a psychologist can be a good choice if you are hoping to gain a deeper understanding of your mental health. Psychologists can help you to find the root causes of what is creating challenges for you. 

Mental Health Counselor

A mental health counselor can assess and evaluate a person’s mental health and create treatment plans for patients. They can provide psychotherapy as well as case management services.

You may choose to see a mental health counselor if you are looking for a combination of therapeutic services and more practical case management support.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A licensed clinical social worker can diagnose mental disorders and develop treatment plans. They can evaluate a person’s mental health and provide psychotherapy and case management. They also identify resources in the community that are beneficial to the patient and advocate on their behalf.

Licensed clinical social workers can be a great fit for someone who would like the support of a professional in all areas of their life. Social workers address not just mental health, but social determinants of health like housing, education, and violence.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed a residency in psychiatry. They can diagnose mental health disorders and provide therapy. Psychiatrists are also able to prescribe and monitor medication.

For patients who are seeking medication to manage a mental health disorder, psychiatrists are an excellent option.

SHRM states that as much as four percent of the adult population has ADHD. Of those individuals, only about 1 in 5 will have a diagnosis or treatment plan. ADHD Symptoms can have an impact on the work these individuals do. Understanding what they are can aid in developing a plan to minimize their effects on business success.

According to Mayo Clinic, adults with ADHD struggle with issues in attention, impulsivity, and typically coexist with other psychological and learning challenges, which can make treatment difficult. While the cause of ADHD is unknown, researchers suggest that genetics, environment, and issues at critical moments of development could be factors.

Attention

Difficulties in the area of attention include:

• Distractability either by external noises and activities or by internal thoughts and daydreams.
• Forgetfulness
• Inability to focus on a conversation.
• Time management issues include procrastination in starting a task, difficulty staying with a large task to completion, and meeting deadlines. 
• Boredom “blackouts” or loss of time during conversations or tasks
• Overlooking or missing details in paperwork or task

Impulsivity

Individuals with ADHD may display impulsiveness in ways that can negatively affect the workplace, such as:

• Becoming easily frustrated
• Losing interest quickly
• Having mood swings
• Seeming to have a short fuse or temper outbursts
• Interrupting conversations or talking over others
• Multitasking issues
• Lacking organizational skills

Hyperactivity

Employees with ADHD may seem to be:

• Restless
• Unable to relax
• Talking excessively
• Unable to remain seated for the expected amount of time.

Business success is still achievable, and turning ADHD into an advantage is possible with creativity and help. CHADD.org, a leading advocate for children and adults with ADHD, lists nine common symptoms that can interfere with business success along with some solutions to assist in overcoming those difficulties. 

As the world continues to fight through this global pandemic, people experience various emotions from sadness to frustration to fear, especially in a dense city like New York. It can be tough taking care of your mental health and feeling positive when the world is in such distress. 

Here are three tips for dealing with the pandemic without fear. 

Stay Informed

Fear often stems from a lack of information or understanding, so one of the best ways to reduce your anxiety is to research the virus so you don’t feel so in the dark.

Staying informed does not mean you should be picking up your phone to check CNN every twenty minutes or have FOX news on in the background all day long. Give yourself time and space away from the current state of things, but don’t become ignorant or disconnected from the situation.

Support Others

Humans lean on one another during hard times, and the pandemic should be no exception. Even if you are social-distancing or isolated at home, reach out to your friends, family, and people you see routinely. 

Don’t let valuable connections fade or sit on the back burner because the instability in the world consumes you. In supporting others, you will, in turn, feel supported and connected to people even if you can’t be physically with them. 

Prioritize Your Mental Health

It can be easy to let yourself slip into poor habits and moods when the world is in such a sad state. Some people feel less inclined to focus on their mental health when they don’t have many social interactions. 

On the contrary, this is one of the most crucial times to reach out to professionals to maintain your mind. So whether this means medication or meditation, make sure you keep your mental wellness as your top priority. 

Just remember, you are not alone in your feelings of fear and stress. 

While most people are well aware of the benefits of exercise on the body, what is less well known is the effects of exercise on the brain and mental health. Does the health of the body have any impact on the brain? Does your level of physical fitness have any effect on your mental health?

Effects of Exercise on the Body and Mind

Regular exercise makes it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With the positive effects of regular exercise on the body, what effect does regular exercise have on the brain? Can exercise help improve mental health?

Dopamine and Serotonin

When we exercise, our body produces chemicals that can help boost our moods. These chemicals are serotonin and dopamine, both of which impact our lives for the better in many ways. In fact, these chemicals also help us sleep deeply at night, which can also impact how we feel emotionally.

Exercise and Self-Esteem

One large factor in mental health is our self-esteem. When we don’t see ourselves as valuable and worthwhile, our mental health suffers. Fortunately, physical activity can see a marked improvement in self-esteem, which in turn can bolster our mental health.

Stress and Mental Health

If our bodies stay in a state of stress for a long enough time, then our mental health can take a dive. However, routine exercise increases our endorphins, which in turn help us to manage stress better. Needless to say, when stress levels lower, our mental well-being improves, and we can feel more like ourselves again.

Lower Anxiety Levels

Anxiety, like stress, can eat away at our emotional wellness, leading to insomnia and depression. Physical activity like exercise can combat anxiety, starting by helping our muscles relax and balancing out our stress hormones, which can make symptoms of anxiety worse. 

Life is hard, and to deal with it, many people use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as those listed below. Luckily, there’s always a way to take control and turn it around. Read through these five harmful coping mechanisms and how to change them for ideas to transform your own life.

Overeating or Not Eating Enough → Meal Planning and Healthy Diet

If you find yourself turning to food–either too much of it or not enough–to cope with the stresses of everyday life, it’s time to adopt a “diet.” We don’t mean a miserable, restrictive eating routine that feels like punishment, but rather a healthy and balanced meal plan that incorporates your favorite foods.

Start by browsing recipes and making a grocery list. Incorporate three meals and three snacks, and make sure to include indulgences like brownies for an afternoon snack and that expensive cheese you love for dinner.

Procrastination → Realistic Planning

First of all, severe procrastination can be a sign of depression, so you may want to talk to your doctor if that’s you. But if not, buy yourself a planner and break large tasks into small and manageable bites. Stay on top of it and watch it transform your productivity and mood.

Drinking Too Much → Self-Care Routine

Drinking takes up a lot of time as well as is bad for your body. Instead, develop a self-care routine that involves drinking tea and delighting in your evening snack, taking a bath, reading a book, or anything else you might do to take care of yourself.

Media Binges → Join a Book Club

Too much Netflix or Instagram? Join a book club and read in the evenings and your spare time instead. The club will keep you accountable for following through, and you’ll feel accomplished and happy with yourself as well.

Overworking → Invest in a Hobby

It may seem counter-intuitive, but a lot of people use their jobs to numb out by overworking. If this is you, find a hobby instead. Set goals for yourself and use what should be spare time to work on them. You may see that your productivity during regular business hours goes up.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on many people. One of its most lasting legacies is social isolation, and many people are still suffering from its effects. Let’s look at ways you can help mitigate social isolation, even if in-person gathering is still at a minimum.

“See” Friends and Family Over Video Chat

Millions of people stayed connected to loved ones through the pandemic by utilizing platforms such as Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype to keep in touch and “see” each other. Although it’s safe in most places to gather in person, health concerns, careers, extra caution, or whatever else may still make it hard.

Join an Online Community Such as a Book Club

One of the best ways to connect with new people online is through a common interest. Book clubs, which are often moderated and controlled, are just one example of a kind of hobby-related online community. The chances are good that there are many for whatever phase of life you’re in, from parenting to retirement to travel.

Work from Home Somewhere Else

If you’re going a little stir-crazy staring at your own four walls, and you feel safe doing so, try working from somewhere else in public. Many coffee shops have re-opened their cafe seating areas, including bars, restaurants, libraries, and more. Try to interact a little bit with staff and other patrons.

Volunteer in an Essential Sector

Even if you don’t have an essential job yourself, there’s lots of need, even more than before the pandemic began. Consider volunteering in a soup kitchen or at a non-Covid hospital. You can even look into volunteering through your church or religious organization, a political cause you’re passionate about, or with children at a before or after school program. 

The best part is that you’ll meet other people in the same boat as you, with similar passions and values.

Stress is an unfortunate part of all of our lives. Sometimes, though, stress levels can skyrocket, causing disruptions to our ability to function and our daily lives. If that happens, it’s essential to take some critical steps to reduce your stress. Let’s look at four basic coping tips.

Maintain Boundaries Between Your Work and Your Life

While work can be rewarding and enriching, it is a significant source of stress for many people. If and when this happens, it’s crucial to take breaks. You can do this by unplugging or disengaging from your job outside of business or work hours.

Try not to check email or take calls when you’re not in the office. If you work from home, create a separate workspace that you can physically leave at the end of the day. Spend your time with family or enjoy your hobbies rather than working on professional projects.

Take Care of Your Body

Stress isn’t all in your head. If your body isn’t getting what it needs to thrive, it will trigger a stress response in the body. Get enough sleep and rest, eat a healthy and enjoyable diet, and get a little exercise every day. 

Spend Time Outdoors

Experts aren’t totally in agreement on why spending time outdoors reduces stress, but one thing is clear: it’s enormously effective. It boosts your endorphin and dopamine levels and lowers cortisol (the stress hormone). Find something you enjoy doing in nature and devote time to it regularly.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, life’s stressful circumstances leave us feeling hopeless and helpless. If you’ve tried some home remedies for feeling better without results, it might be time to seek counseling. Certified therapists and mental health professionals can give you space to talk out what’s bothering you, as well as provide proven methods for coping.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone worldwide. Aside from the obvious public health crisis, a second catastrophe has become apparent: the mental and emotional toll of loss, isolation, and uncertainty.

It’s critical to acknowledge how difficult things have been, but it’s also up to us to take control of our physical and mental well-being. Let’s look at some basic tips for doing that.

Take Care of Your Body

Your mind and body are intricately connected, which is why doing the basics physically can help your mental state. This entails getting enough sleep, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet (which includes occasional indulging in your favorite foods), and getting some exercise every day.

Keep Up with Your Hobbies

When we’re depressed, it can be challenging to find the motivation or desire to do anything, even things we enjoy. However, it’s more crucial than ever to make time for these things. Doing so boosts the positive-feeling hormones in your brain, and those benefits carry over into everything else.

Stay In Touch with Loved Ones

Even if you have to be apart physically, you don’t have to be apart emotionally. Schedule time for phone or video chat dates with people you would usually see in person. Share meals over video chat with people. There are even apps and programs where you can host a game night or hang out with friends.

Maintain Work-Life Balance

Many of us worked from home for the first time during the pandemic. If you’re among them, it’s essential to separate work and the rest of your life. Try to have a different space in your home for work that you can leave at the end of the day. Take your allotted breaks away from your desk, and try not to check email or do other work projects outside of business hours.

The sad reality is that there is a serious stigma against seeking counseling when life gets tough. But the truth is that it can be tremendously transformative. 

Let’s look at five reasons you should consider it to change your life.

1. It Can Revolutionize Your Relationships

Whether you go to counseling alone or with a loved one, qualified therapists can help you improve your communication skills and be more circumspect about others’ behavior. 

2. Become More Resilient

Whether it’s little things like getting cut off in traffic when you’re late or big things like a loved one’s devastating diagnosis, counseling can help you learn how to weather the squalls and storms. 

Therapists allow you to talk through your troubles and have the education to equip you with tools to handle them.

3. Live in the Moment

If you find yourself spiraling deep into sadness about the past or worries about the future, then counseling is a must. Therapists tout the benefits of mindfulness, and for a good reason: it’s been proven time and again to be a powerful tool against both anxiety and depression. 

Meeting regularly with a therapist can help you get there.

4. Understand Your Thoughts

It seems counter-intuitive that you’d need someone else to help you understand your thoughts, but it’s true. Humans are amazingly poor at self-objectivity. By getting help from counseling, you benefit from an expert’s perspective on your thoughts, especially those that trouble you the most.

5. Love Yourself (and Others) Better

One of the most fundamental reasons to seek mental health care is to feel better toward yourself. Eventually, those feelings can transcend into behaviors that allow you to take better care of yourself, which is amazingly beneficial for your overall physical health. 

Not to mention, becoming a more whole and happy person means you have a better capacity to care for and love others.