Grief

The Many Faces of Grief

Grief comes in many shapes, forms, symptoms. The most important aspect to keep in mind with grief is that the experience can be unpredictable and at times “messy”. I liked to use the analogy of grief being like an ocean and the tide. One minute it is calm and quiet, and the next minute the waves rise and the tide is high. This is how people might feel after a loss is fresh. They may have moments of acceptance and peace and then be a completely distraught the next minute. For people that might be type A, and or perfectionistic, this may be the hardest part of grief to come to terms with. In our western culture, grief is often not talked about enough and the bereft are allowed 3 days off for bereavement days, which seems so minuscule in light of the how traumatic the death of a loved one can be. In the following paragraphs, I will highlight the nuances of grief and suggest some coping skills. Additionally, it is important to note that people can experience grief not only after a death, but after as significant loss. Such losses might include a job, relationship (friendships/romantic), health issue, financial setbacks, etc.

meditation

The Why and the How of Meditation

Meditation is an essential part of wellness routines for many individuals due to the myriad of benefits. Seasoned meditators experience increased concentration abilities and controlled mental states. In fact, advanced meditators are known to have high levels of concentration comparable to an athlete who gets into their “flow” state (losing all sense of time/outside distractions). Regular meditation can help one get in the habit of focusing on the task at hand, which can also help discipline one’s mind to be in the present- aka mindfulness. Additionally, it can also reduce anxiety through helping promote a clear mind coupled with a state of calm.

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Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Social Media

Social media has allowed us to connect with loved ones and meet people from all over the world. It can be a great tool for promoting a business and provide convenience regarding online shopping. I love seeing pictures and hearing about the milestones of acquaintances and friends. It is a great way to hear about and celebrate the minor and major life events of friends and family. All in all, social media platforms are a good medium and a free way to stay connected and communicate with our social circle. In light of what is happening with the pandemic-it has been an important and efficient way to help people avoid isolation. We are social creatures. Even introverts and loners need some level of interaction with others. In fact, when we connect with others, we release a hormone, Oxytocin. This helps us to bond with others and makes us feel good.

Work From Home

Managing Working from Home

Since the pandemic emerged in March a significant number of people have been working from home. As a result, some people report more work life balance. On the contrary, others report that they are actually working more hours while WFH because they are finding it more difficult to separate the lines between work and home. Consequently, I would like to share some tips that may help with maintaining balance.

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COVID Coping

It is important to set specific goals and to be intentional in thinking about what you want to achieve. First of all, when reflecting on your goals -identify what your priorities are. In order to do this, it may be helpful to start with a wheel of life exercise. This is a wheel that many coaches use with clients initially.

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Two Simple Tips for Managing Your Anxiety, Rather Than Letting it Control You

So many people talk about managing anxiety in their lives, but especially right now since Covid- 19 emerged earlier this year. In fact, anxiety is one of the most common themes that I hear clients, colleagues, students and friends are currently struggling with. Consequently, I would like to offer 2 simple tips that can help to manage this issue.