confidence

How To Stop Worrying – A Step By Step Guide

Do any of these thoughts sound familiar?

What if I fail?

What if I’m not good enough?

What if this doesn’t work out?

What if they don’t like me?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you are not alone! Constantly worrying can really take a toll on our health. So many of us tend to worry about things that are extremely unlikely to happen or things we have little – no control over. We may not be able to completely stop our worries, but we can dial down their intensity.

Identify The Trigger:

First things first, you’ll have to figure out what thoughts or events are causing you to worry. Did something recently happen? Are you going through a significant lifestyle change? Are you worried about what may or may not happen tomorrow? Once you understand the trigger or cause, you can work towards finding a solution. 

Journal:

Sometimes when we’re so worried, our imagination can get the best of us and make things feel bigger than they actually are.

Actually sitting down and writing out our thoughts and worries can help us better understand them and put them into perspective. Thoughts often look different on paper than they do in our mind after all. 

Think About The Evidence:

Remember, just because you feel something doesn’t make it true. Feelings are not facts!

Saying that out loud is one thing. Believing it is another. If you’re having a hard time finding appropriate evidence, here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself:

Has this worry come true in the past? If, so, how likely is it to happen again? 

What’s the worst thing that can happen?

Talk To Yourself Like You Would To Someone You Love:

Do you ever feel like you talk to your friends differently than you talk to yourself?

If a friend was going through what you are right now, what would you tell them to do? It’s time to become your own best friend and think things through rationally. Learn More

Making Decisions – Even When It’s Hard

Take It One Step At a Time

We often procrastinate because we’re afraid of what may or may not happen next.

Of course, the unknown can be scary. But it’s part of life, and we never know what the future has in store.

Whether we procrastinate or not, the day will still go on. 

When in doubt, the best thing you can do is break up your responsibilities into small realistic steps. 

You may not have all the answers right now, and that’s okay. 

You have two choices. You can either worry about what may or may not happen. Or you can trust your instincts and be confident that when/if any problems arise, you have what it takes to handle them. 

Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable 

There’s nothing wrong with having a strong support system and seeking advice from them. The thing is, when we seek advice from the same people over and over again, it’s easy to get a little too comfortable.

There is always more than one way to do something. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and seek advice from someone new. It’s time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

Avoid Avoidance

The longer we put something off, the scarier it tends to become. 

It is so much harder to make decisions when you’re scared or overwhelmed by anxiety.

All of those emotions can interfere with your decision-making skills and significantly delay the process.  

You may never feel 100% ready, and that’s completely okay. 

The journey may be bumpy, and you may make some mistakes along the way. You just have to remember that failure shouldn’t be avoided as it is your greatest teacher. Learn More

Reducing Anxiety and Stress During COVID-19

Experiencing fear, anxiety, sadness or anger are all very normal during stressful situations, change or significant life events.

It’s no secret that change is hard. Going through so many changes in a short period of time can be a lot to take in. However, the sooner you accept and embrace your feelings, the sooner you can move past them.

Focus On The Facts:

Emotions are very powerful and can often get the best of us – that is if we let them. 

We all have three states of mind. An emotional mind, a rational mind, and a wise mind.

Having an emotional mind is common during stressful situations. But if we aren’t careful, that mindset can quickly escalate anxieties.

Thinking rationally is all about focusing on the facts and staying clear of black and white thinking.

Spending Time Around Positive People:

The people we spend our time with have a massive impact on the way we think and feel. Both positive and negative behaviors are contagious. Chances are if you spend the majority of your time around positive people, their positivity will rub off on you.

Focus On Self-Care:

When life gets busy, we can often put ourselves last. No matter how difficult things may be right now, it’s so important to prioritize self-care. 

These self-care activities don’t need to be extravagant or break the bank. You can take a nap, read a book, draw, etc.

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Dating During Coronavirus

Starting a new relationship can be very exciting, but it can also be a little complicated – especially right now. 

Coronavirus has impacted almost all of our lives and routines in one way or another. Events such as weddings and vacations have been put on hold. But our dating life can very much continue. You just have to be a little creative and willing to put the work in.

Virtual Dating:

Dating apps are a fantastic way to meet like minded people you may not have met in person. 

We may not be able to meet up with the person we’re seeing face-to-face, but virtual dating is an option. Instant messaging is a great way to break the ice, but it isn’t always enough to form a solid connection. 

Video Chatting:

If you feel confident about taking your relationship to a more intimate level, make it a priority to graduate from texting as soon as possible. 

There are so many excellent platforms out there, such as FaceTime, Skype or Zoom. 

Actually, being able to see someone’s face and hear their voice can make a world of difference in your overall connection. It’s also much easier to be vulnerable and form chemistry. 

Making It Work:

Virtual dating is a process that requires patience and solid communication skills. Really getting to know someone and opening up takes time and trust. No matter what you want in life, you have to be willing to take risks and step outside your comfort zone – dating included!  Learn More

Adapting To Life After Quarantine

If you’ve been feeling anxious about what life will be like after Coronavirus you’re not the only one. Right now, more businesses are starting to re-open, and life is beginning to feel a bit more normal.

Most of us have been spending the vast majority of our time at home for many months now, and have established a “new normal.”

In fact, some people now prefer working, shopping, and connecting with loved ones virtually. 

There is still so much we don’t know about Coronavirus which can bring on stress and anxiety. 

If you’re feeling anxious about getting back out there, here’s what to do…

Go At Your Our Pace:

Just because some restaurants are open, doesn’t mean you have to go to the most popular one today. Do some research and see which restaurants have little – no foot traffic. Once you get more comfortable spending time in smaller establishments, you can slowly work your way up.

Chances are the first few outings will make you feel awkward or uncomfortable. But as time goes on, it will get better.

Focus On What You Can Control:

It may feel like you have little – no control right now, but you do! You have control over how often you wash your hands, what establishments you go to, who you associate with, and much more.

Talk To Someone You Trust:

Simply getting your worries and anxieties off your chest can make you feel so much better! When we get so worked up, it can be hard to think logically. If you’re feeling anxious right now, the best thing you can do is talk to a friend, family member, or healthcare professional. Who knows, your loved ones may be going through the exact same thing. If so, you can support one another along the way. Learn More

The Best Ways To Work From Home With A Toddler

If you have a toddler, you understand how difficult it can be to work from home. Now, it may be difficult – but not impossible. Keep on reading to learn more. 

Wake Up Earlier: 

Waking up earlier takes discipline and dedication, but it is so worth it.

Getting your most important work done early in the morning isn’t only a confidence booster, but you can pretty much guarantee little – no distractions. 

A good productivity tip is to complete the more complicated tasks in the morning and the simpler tasks in the afternoon. 

Nap Time Will Be Your Best Friend:

While your little one is napping, you can get some more work done, catch up on housework or take a much-needed break.

Remember, you deserve some me-time.

When we work too many hours in a row without a proper break, we are much more likely to make mistakes or experience burnout. Being at home allows you to get a little more creative with your breaks. You can shower, read a book or take a nap yourself.

Encourage Independent Play:

Independent playtime is a win-win for everyone.

If you like, you can set up a little play area with puzzles and dolls in your home office. That way, you can keep your eye on your little one and work at the same time.

Learn More

Dealing With Negative Emotions

Ready to change the way you deal with negative emotions?

Understand Your Emotions

It’s time to play detective and figure out what your emotions are telling you.

Negative emotions generally come up during stressful situations.

Take note of how you feel. What are your instincts telling you to do?

The sooner you understand your worries, the sooner you can find a solution.

Make Changes

Once you have identified your triggers, the problem solving can officially begin.

Of course, some things in life are completely out of our hands – but not everything!

Is your job stressing you out? See if you can take some vacation time.

Did a friend say something that upset you? Let them know how you feel.

Find an Outlet

If you want to take it one step further, try finding an outlet to help you unleash your emotions.

A few popular activities include running, meditating, or journaling. Again the choice is up to you.

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Making Friends as an Adult

Ever wish making friends was easier? You’re not the only one.

Here are a few great places to meet new people and form friendships.

Social Media

Social media is a great platform to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

You can organize social events, join Facebook groups, connect with communities and much more.

Don’t be shy to reach out to someone via messenger. We bet they’ll be glad you did.

Connect With Coworkers Outside of Work

Even though you may be around your coworkers the majority of your week, we bet there is a lot you don’t know about them.

Sometimes it’s easier to connect with colleagues and establish friendships outside the office.

Inviting them to grab a coffee or watch the game after work is a great place to start.

Connect With Your Neighbours

Your new friend may be closer than you think. In fact, they may even be next door.

The next time you run into your neighbour instead of politely waving, walk over and start a conversation.

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How to Make Tasks More Pleasant And Stop Procrastinating

We tend to avoid doing things we find unpleasant or painful. By changing your mindset, you can make these “unpleasant” tasks a little bit easier, and even fun!

Adapt The Task

Before you get started, take a minute to think about your strengths and weaknesses relevant to the task at hand.

Here’s an example.

A friend asks you to run alongside them on the treadmill at the gym.

However, cardio isn’t exactly your thing, so you tend to avoid it.

Here’s where adapting the task comes in.

There are several other machines at the gym that may be more up your alley.

By switching up the workout, you can make the experience fun.

Make it Pleasant

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could make “chores” more fun? Oh wait… you can!

All you have to do is ask yourself this one question.

“What can I do before, during, or after the task to make it fun?”

Take your time; there is no right or wrong answer.

If it’s a task that requires little concentration like cooking or cleaning, you can play your favorite song or audiobook in the background.

On the other hand, if this task requires a high level of concentration, reward yourself after every milestone.

The One Minute Struggle

Unfamiliar with the “One Minute Struggle?”

No worries, here is a quick overview.

Have you ever been in a situation, you just can’t get past? Maybe you can’t figure out that puzzle, or set up that computer software. Either way, you feel lost.

Instead of sitting there for hours on end, you have a few choices:

1) Get some help.

2) Ask yourself what else might work.

3) Come back to the problem later with a new set of eyes.

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How to Master Positive Self Talk

How to Master Positive Self Talk

Mentally healthy people have quite a few traits in common – masters of positive self-talk is right at the top of the list.

Ready to change the conversation with yourself? Great news, you’re in the right place.

Success Comes From Doing

Wanting to feel better is a choice. You know yourself best. You know what activities make you happy. So what are you waiting for? Go out and do them!

Challenges Are Opportunities

No one ever said life was easy or fair. But it’s not just on you. We all have bad days full of challenges and obstacles.

You can either feel bad about it.

Or do what you can to turn this negative into a positive.

We All Make Mistakes

Now, this may sound cliché – but it’s true. Everybody makes mistakes.

And mistakes are not a bad thing. In fact, they are one of the best ways to learn.

You can read about something day in and day out, but it isn’t until you actually go out there and practice, that you learn.

The biggest opportunity of your life might be just a mistake or two away.

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