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How Texting Can Impact Relationships

Never underestimate the power of face to face communication.

Conflict

Texting is a great way for couples to connect throughout the day.

But texting can also be used as a way to avoid dealing with conflict.

If you and your partner are in an argument, don’t text about it!

Instead, set aside some time to talk about everything in person.

Face to face communication is the way to go.

Texting When You’re Angry

It’s common to say something you don’t mean in the heat of the moment. Exactly why it’s never a good idea to text when you’re angry.

You can easily type something you’ll regret, or something can get misinterpreted along the way.

The best thing you can do is step away from your phone and take some time to calm down.

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We Can All Benefit From Some Alone Time

Believe it or not, there are many benefits of spending time alone.

Improves Concentration

It’s a common misconception that working as a team is more productive than working alone. But that’s not always the case.

When you work alone, the task at hand is all on you. If you miss something, it’s your responsibility to find a solution.

Or, if something is completely new to you, it’s your responsibility to do your research.

You Get To Know Yourself

The people we spend the majority of our time with have a huge influence on us.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

But at the same time you can’t be who you are without knowing who you are.

Being alone can help you realize what you’re truly passionate about – not what your friends are passionate about.

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Preventing Future Stress

There are plenty of habits you can implement as soon as today that can help prevent future stress.

Buy a Spare or Two

When is the right time for something to break or get lost? Trick question – there is no right time.

It never hurts to have backups of items you use daily such as keys, chargers or batteries. Your future self will thank you.

Learn Something New

Get ready because it’s time to learn something new.

We all have that one chore we always delegate.

Of course, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, but at the same time, it’s important to learn how to do things yourself.

One day your friend or spouse may not be available to fix that funny sound your car makes or reboot the wifi.

Now, you don’t need to master these skills overnight. Just take it one day at a time. You’ll feel confident before you know it.

Boost Your Retirement

Worried about your retirement fund? You’re not the only one.

On one hand you want to be prepared for the future.

But you still want to live comfortably.

Remember it’s better to start slow today than to never start at all.

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Find Work Holiday Parties Stressful?

You know yourself best. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at a work holiday party, don’t be afraid to leave early, or step out for some air.

Don’t Over Commit

Even if you love parties, attending too many can be stressful.

Remember, the choice is yours. If you ever feel like you have too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to say no to an event or two.

Now, some work parties may be mandatory. This is where you’ll need to pay attention to your instincts.

If an event ever feels like too much, you can always leave a bit early or take a step outside for some fresh air.

Your me-time matters.

Be Mindful

Have you ever spent an entire event glued to your phone?

It’s more common than you think – especially if you tend to feel uncomfortable in social situations.

Here’s a tip. Make a list of ways you can practice mindfulness at every event.

Try your best to appreciate the moment and of course, have fun!

Change Your Thoughts

You know that negative voice in your head that pops up at the worst times?

Well, it’s time to turn that voice off.

This step does require some homework, but it’ll be well worth it in the long run.

Take some time to challenge your thoughts before every party. That way, if any negative thoughts do pop up, you’ll know how to deal with them.

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How to Calm Down Your Anxious Child

Do you ever feel like nothing you say or do can help your child calm down? If so, you’re in the right place. Here are a few ways you can help manage your child’s anxiety.

Breathe

When a child is anxious, it’s typical for them to take fast and shallow breaths, which can actually make their anxiety worse.

Now, if your child is having trouble with their breathing, you can practice with them.

Show them how to breathe in through their nose and out through their mouth at a slow pace.

Narrow Focus

If your child has a great imagination, this may be the technique for them.

Simply ask them to imagine their happy place.

What is a happy place, you ask?

It’s a place they feel comfortable, relaxed and of course happy.

If they want to go the extra mile, they can even draw their happy place! Your fridge can never have too much artwork, after all.

Embrace Humor

Never underestimate the power of a good laugh.

Whether your little one likes to tell jokes, play games, or watch a funny show, every bit of laughter helps.

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How to Embrace Failure

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could finally embrace failure? Here are a few ways you can fail your way to success.

Identify as a Beginner

Every expert was once a beginner just like you! When trying to learn something new, questions will be your best friend.

There is no such thing as a stupid question, so don’t be afraid to ask many.

Criticism is a Good Thing

We get it, not a lot of people enjoy being criticized.

But it’s actually one of the best ways to learn.

Think about it. Just because you’re doing something “the right away” doesn’t mean there isn’t a better way.

Don’t be afraid to go out there and encourage others to criticize you.

There is always more to learn. You just have to be open to it.

Don’t Expect Overnight Success

Just because you’re having a hard time learning something new, doesn’t mean you’ll never get there.

Take a few minutes to brainstorm 5 things you’re already great at!

Now, be honest with yourself. Did you master those skills overnight? Or did it take time and dedication?

Take Breaks

Staying up all night working may sound like a good idea in the moment – but it’s actually far from the truth
You have to listen to what your body is telling you.

When you feel overworked – take a break. If you’re angry – walk around the block. When you’re ready, you can come back to the task with a new attitude.

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What to do When You’re Frustrated

We get it. No one enjoys feeling frustrated.

You just have to remember that feelings are not facts and are only temporary.

There are also several learnable skills out there that can help turn the frustration dial down.

Practice Patience

Patience isn’t something we can force. It’s one of those skills that takes time to master.

Don’t ignore your frustration. Instead teach yourself to understand it.

If you’re having trouble getting in the right headspace, focus on your breathing instead of your frustration.

Vent to a Friend

Even if nothing gets resolved right away, venting to a friend or family member can be very therapeutic.

When you’re frustrated, it’s not easy to think logically. Sometimes we just need someone to listen and remind us that everything will be okay.

Knowing you have someone on your side, can help you feel at ease.

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Therapy Dogs 101

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Therapy dogs aren’t ordinary dogs. They’re trained to provide emotional support, and deliver unconditional love.

What Makes Them Different

Most household dogs can get hyper around crowds…

Not therapy dogs!

They’re trained to stay calm and gentle around strangers. So, you don’t need to worry about them getting worked up.

How They Help Recovery

Several studies show that interacting with animals can help patients recover faster from surgery or accident.

How to Get a Therapy Dog

So, now you may be thinking to yourself, “Okay, I would love to get a therapy dog. What are the next steps?” Well, there are a couple of options.

You can either adopt one through an organization. Or, if you already have a dog, they can be trained.

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What it Takes to Forgive

Forgiveness truly is a gift you give yourself. It may not be easy. It may make you feel uncomfortable at first. But it’s one of the best ways to move forward instead of backward. Here are a couple of attributes it takes to forgive.

Know How to Deal With Others

Learning how to deal with people is such an important skill. In life, we won’t always see eye to eye with everyone, and that’s okay!

Life would be pretty boring if we all had the same opinions, right?

The sooner you learn to resolve conflict, the easier it’ll be to forgive.

Empathy

Having trouble forgiving someone?If so, try putting yourself in their shoes.

Maybe they’re going through a tough time, or maybe something got misinterpreted along the way.

Seeing and understanding a situation through someone else’s eyes can help you forgive and forget.

Signs Your Teen is Stressed

Everything from grades to peer pressure can cause a great deal of stress on teens. If left untreated, stress can lead to anxiety or other mental health issues. Here are a few signs parents should look out for.

Sleeping Problems

Sleeping too much or too little are both common signs of stress.

It’s also a little bit of a vicious cycle. When our sleeping isn’t on track, it’s harder to think logically, which can bring on even more stress.

Increased Irritability

We all experience mood swings – especially teenagers.

But constantly feeling irritated over insignificant details can be a sign that something bigger is going on.

Difficulty Concentrating

Getting homework done is hard when you have so much on your mind.

Our thoughts are powerful things after all. You know your teen best. If you notice any significant changes in their homework routine, go ahead and talk to them about it.

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How to Get Your Sleep Back on Track

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Are you tired of lying awake in bed all hours of the night? Are you ready to finally get your sleep on track? If so, keep on reading.

Track Your Sleep

You have some homework to do before officially getting started.

You’ve got to start tracking your sleep.

Even though you may not realize this, not all nights are the same. Chances are some nights are better than others.

But if you aren’t keeping track, you’ll never know for sure.

Do you sleep better on weekends versus weekdays?

Is it easier to fall and stay asleep in a cooler room?

After a week or two, you should start noticing patterns.

Love Your Bed

You have the power to train your brain to love your bed. You just need to learn the right skills.

A very popular tip is to reserve your bed for sleeping and only sleeping.

We get it. A lot of people like working or watching TV in bed. But doing so can make it harder to fall asleep.

The main goal is to teach your brain to associate going to bed with sleeping.

Manage Your Worries

Have you ever had one of those nights where all you can do is lie in bed and worry about the next day?

Falling asleep should be relaxing – not stressful.

Of course, it isn’t always easy to turn off our thoughts. But there are plenty of techniques that can calm them down.

Try your best to focus on the present moment. The here and the now are all that matter.

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Are You Constantly Tired Throughout The Day?

Feeling tired once in a while is one thing, but feeling tired every day is something else.

There are plenty of habits out there that can give you a much needed energy boost.

Pay Attention to Your Sleep

Most of us understand the effects of not getting enough sleep.

But did you know that getting too much sleep isn’t good for you either?

Sleep is so essential for our overall physical and mental health.

You know yourself best, but 7 – 8 hours are recommended for most adults.

Get Off The Couch

Isn’t it interesting how laying down can make you more tired?

Staying active and moving your body is what gives you energy.

And no…you don’t need to do an intense workout. Walking around the block is a great place to start.

Have Fun

There’s no such thing as too much laughter – it is free after all.

We all have that one friend who always makes us laugh and try new things.

The next time you’re feeling a little tired or run down, go ahead and give them a call.

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