Mid Year Motivation & Mental Health

posted in: General 0

So, it has been just a little bit over two years since I last wrote a blog about how to stay positive during Lockdown. This will be our 3rd year of the pandemic.  A fact that we can’t ignore. Little did we know what was going to hit us, and how long it was going to last. In a world of not knowing, we all suffered some sort of loss but we can say the last couple of years brought us personal growth, understanding, and hopefully, renewed optimism. To mention a few points, we value our friends and family more, and we adapted to the new normals. There have been new developments in science, such as the COVID-19 vaccines, and we are just about over the 5th wave. Today we can watch sports again and go to church and concerts and so much more. In the work environment, people have been offered opportunities again, and we are all ready and eager to get going.  Even Expos and Trade Shows are coming back, and that gets me all excited!

It all just shows that we are a testament to humanity’s commitment to healing.  That brings me to the topic of Mental Health. It is imperative that we should learn how to take care of ourselves even more, not only physically but mentally as well.  In fact, I think Mental Health should continue to be a priority in the upcoming years, without a healthy mind, you can’t have a healthy body.

What is Mental Health? 

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences cognitionperception, and behaviour. It also determines how an individual handles stressinterpersonal relationships, and decision-makingMental health includes subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacyautonomy, competence, intergenerational dependence, and self-actualization of one’s intellectual and emotional potential, among others. 

From the perspectives of positive psychology or holism, mental health may include an individual’s ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how one defines “mental health”.  Some early signs related to mental health problems are sleep irritation, lack of energy and thinking of harming yourself or others.

Mental Health Tips:

1. Value yourself
Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favourite projects.

2. Take care of your body
Eat nutritious meals, Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods and Get enough sleep.

3. Surround yourself with good people
Make plans with supportive family members and friends or seek out activities where you can meet new people.

4. Give yourself
Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You’ll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in.

5. Learn how to deal with stress
Practice good coping skills, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humour in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

6. Quiet your mind
Try meditating, relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life.

7. Set realistic goals
Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally, and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high but be realistic and don’t over-schedule. You’ll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal. 

8. Break up the monotony
Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures, or try a new restaurant.

9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs
Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate” but, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.

10. Get help when you need it
Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.

I’ll leave you with a bit of mid-year inspiration with a quote from Winston Churchill, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the Courage to Continue that Counts”.

Sources:
Mental health – Wikipedia
Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health | University Health Service (umich.edu)
Mental Health Awareness Month 2022 | South African Government (www.gov.za)


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About Christine Brooks

My journey started in 2015 with Leads 2 Business, as an Account Executive, and gradually grown to take the role of being the Client Liaison Officer (CLO) since 2018. Assisting in the delivery of our services and insuring our clients expectations and requirements are exceeded.

Stay Driven & Plan for 2022

posted in: General 0

In order to stay driven and motivated at year-end, think back on what you have accomplished throughout the year so far.

Look at the goals you are near to achieving. Remind yourself how well you have done and how close you are to completing your goals. Motivational self-talk helps.

Lean on your Support System. Stay connected, stay in touch with friends and family that will keep you motivated and support you.

Remember to ask for help if you need it. Asking for help develops relationships, improves resilience, develops a growth mindset, improves mental health, and shows maturity.

When planning for 2022, don’t get discouraged; take smaller steps, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Make sure to give yourself time and space to accomplish your goals, be realistic.

Whenever you are setting goals, be willing to change the direction. Remember to plan and prioritize in order to keep things manageable.

Ask yourself: Is this goal relevant? Is this something I intend to accomplish in the future? What is the purpose of this goal? Is this goal reasonable and attainable?

 

Remember, motivation starts within. Find what works for you.

Never forget that you may fall and trip along the way, but keep your head up high and keep going! Stay focused on the bigger picture and visualize yourself succeeding.


To view more Articles, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.

About Robyn Moffett

I am a relaxed person that likes to get to know the people around me. I am independent and strong-willed but kind.

#10Best Blog Posts for the year

Leads 2 Business : #10BEST

 

So its roundup time. End of year contemplation combined with a healthy amount of mayhem. But as we close off and tie up all the loose ends in a pretty bow, I wanted to present you with a neat package of all the best the year has had to offer. Well, strictly speaking, the 10 best blog posts we have had to date (which trickles just over a year) voted by your foot traffic.

 

Without further ado…

 

  1. Wanting to save resources? Here are some top tips – “Ways to reduce your Carbon Footprint
  2. Looking for a means to getting your tender on in a better manner?  Look no further than “Is there Value in attending Tendering Workshops?
  3. Keeping our country pristine is not easy.  But being able to do something about our resources is priceless. The follow up to a popular post with local news “Too close to Home! What the frack!”
  4. You have heard about the growth of … well almost everything… in Africa. Get some fact here “Developing Africa….is Africa the new China?
  5. Covering industry exhibitions as we visited a popular “Cape Construction Expo
  6. Our campaign to create awareness of the desperate plight of our black rhino in Southern Africa – “Heart of a Ranger
  7. The story of our team trip to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve to film the Heart of a Ranger video – “Rhino dreaming in Timbavati
  8. Taking a look at our country and it’s colourful journey is Sherina Swart with “South Africa … just how far have we come?”
  9. Looking around us and following the trends “Trends in Africa
  10. Some inspiration from history with our witty Claire Donaldson’s “Ancient Inspiration for Modern Motivation

 

 

Now that you have had your fill of a good combination of facts and humour, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you well for a fantastic festive season and peaceful New Year. Our offices will be closing on the 15th December and re-opening on the 6 January 2016.

 

Until then, have a wonderful break and hopefully rest.

 

 

 

 

About Carmen Barends

Social Media adventurer exploring new frontiers and learning how to survive. Tongue in cheek and mischief are the order of any good day topped with a sprinkling of laughter.

Welcome to the Silly Season!!!

 welcome

So here we are again!
One month til’ Christmas!!!!!!!
I’m sure my head isn’t the only one spinning by the idea!

Now just so you know, I use the word “silly” in this title of my blog very loosely as I’m sure many of you can relate, this last month has just taken off with full speed.
People have all of a sudden woken up and have become very demanding of my time, clients, kids, cats, cousins, you name it, they want something from me right now.  There are all sorts of deadlines whether at work or in our personal day to day lives that now need our undivided attention!! Not to mention, I feel as though my mobile number has been broadcast on some “marketers paradise” website!

In the last week I’ve been offered 3 mobile contracts, medical insurance for my pets, a free toaster with a “dream holiday” – timeshare no doubt…. and another funeral policy – I already have 4 of those!, for some reason I just battle to turn those ones down, I guess the thought of my family not having a bus on the day haunts me! lol!

5651-multitaskofficeassistant

So anyway,  I’ve come to realise there are two kinds of people right now….
One is the person who has been slacking / cruising until now, and has just realised this and because they have done very little until now, they have a spring in their step and oozing energy and getting things done and frankly making us, the number two kind of people, look bad!
They are excited to no end about the Christmas shopping that awaits, the packing of away trips, the spring cleaning of their houses while on leave and all the super fun stuff they are going to bake!!!!
kill me right now!

 

Co-Worker-Slacker

Now the second kind of people we have are the people who consistently working hard through out the year in all aspects of their lives, we forever taking on more, pushing for extra and expecting more, from ourselves, our partners and if they have any, their kids too!

bigstock-Super-Mom-22747457

 

 

 

It’s Tiring, I’m Tired!!!!

0511-1107-2914-1722_Tired_worker_asleep_on_the_job_in_front_of_the_computer_clipart_image

 

 

So when I think about traipsing around busy shopping malls over the Christmas session having my achilles heel knocked in by rogue trollies pushed by faces buried in cell phones!!!!, thinking of new ways to entertain my 3 kids for 6 weeks of their summer holidays, cooking and baking endless Christmas delights, not to mention picking up and redecorating my Christmas tree daily because my lovely cats seem to think I erected it for their personal pleasure!
I want to cry…… really, I want to cry!

holidaystress

 

 

Oh there I go sounding like a complete grinch… which I am not! I swear!

grinch

 

 

 

No Wait!….I’ve just thought about it and there is a third kind of person out there, and they’re are the worst!
These are the peeps who never put in the time or energy but are always complaining about how much they have done and how tired they are!

tired

 

You know what, lets not talk about these people anymore, they just making me feel worse!
Let me see if I can try recover this blog from doom and gloom ;).

So, just for curiosity sake…. have you worked out which kind of person you are yet?  I think it is very apparent that I class myself firmly in the number two spot! Lol! And even though it sounded like I was totes whining about it all the way, I am here to tell you that I wouldn’t change a thing!
Hard work always reaps reward, even if this doesn’t manifest into something material, it is a great feeling to get to the end of the year and know I have done everything I could do to be better than I was the year before!

 

 

So a blog wouldn’t be a blog if I didn’t do some kind of real research…. so I went forth and found you some Christmas hacks to make your lives a little easier this “silly” season!

HACK #1

online shopping

Shop online!
Now for some this is still a really scary place to shop…. don’t be scared, it is amazing, I did a huge chunk of my shopping online last year and I did it all in my jammies!

 

HACK #2

Hack2
This is for the Singles or couples that don’t have kids to think of (and have liquor lips!)
Jello Shot Christmas Tree!

 

HACK #3

Hack
This one is for the die hard organiser!

how exciting for you all……index

 

 

HACK #4

Hack 4
For the eternal cheap Skate……You’re welcome 😉

 

HACK #5

roll-dont-fold
For the traveler – roll it, don’t fold it! This will save you space as well as save your clothes from creases 🙂

 

And finally for the Foodie

HACK #6

Cut your Ice-Cream instead of fighting with an ice-cream scoop!

hack food

Make your brownies or fudge in Christmas cookie cutters!

HAck 5

Use Christmas cookie cutters to make flapjacks 🙂

hack5

I love these ideas!

 

I’m not sure about you but I’m already feeling better, I’m not quite ready to break out the Boney M cd’s….. but I’m considering it;)

Possibly even putting my tree up a little earlier, sending out a few Christmas cards this year and maybe even making some of those “jello-shots” we saw a little earlier;)

The possibilities are endless at this point!!!

 

But back to what kind of person you have been this year…. it doesn’t matter…. its pretty much too late to change that, however there is still plenty time to do better going forward!

Whether you working through the festive season or taking a well deserved break, please, take the time to be thankful for all the people who make your life easier, fuller or happier.

Do something that will make you feel proud to be you, do something for someone who you know can’t do anything back for you.

 

I wish you all a wonderful and safe festive season regardless of your religion, this is still a time of goodwill, so go out and spread it!!

…..and then come back next year ready to work harder, be better and do better!

 

41e92fbb502ad13d224b1b9ae900b607

About Sherina Shawe

"You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." from: Silver Linings Playbook.

For goodness sake, Wear Something

 

inspiration

 

 

 

 

 

It’s nearing the end of the year. When researching for this article, trying to find something to write about, I came across all the quotes and inspirational tidbits that float about the web. Some witty and others seriously inspirational. Designed to give you a kick up the backside to conquer what you need to conquer and live your best life etc and so forth and blah blah fish paste. I have nothing against any of it. I, myself, enjoy a good “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster just like the next girl. But I’m tired and grumpy and my last nerve is in witness protection. My criticism of the below, is nothing against the good intentions. It’s just theres always advice and no How-To when it comes to these things. A manual. I’d like a step by step manual. And I’d probably have something snarky to say about that as well. The original is in bold and my lowly thoughts are in normal text.

 

This is your life Apparently. You don’t know me.

Do What you love, and do it often. Nothing. Does nothing count? I don’t think they were talking about nothing. They probably mean productive, ingenious things that only bring joy and peace to the world and mankind. A wee bit self indulgent. It’s good work, if you can find it. More power to you. I’ll be over here, doing what I have to do. Doing it often. And trying to “love” it. I think the young’uns call it “adulting”.

 

If you don’t like something, change it. But get permission first. You can’t go around changing other people’s stuff just because you don’t like it. You can change your stuff, not other people’s. Just so we’re clear. You can merrily change it with time, money and a viable replacement. So do the math, do the research or do your nut. Otherwise, shush. No one wants to hear it, if you are not currently changing it or haven’t actually changed it yet. Talking about planning to intend to change it, is not the same.

 

If you don’t like your job, quit. This is appalling advice. No. I assume you like having a roof over your head, and food on the table. Perhaps you have other human beings who are dependent upon you to supply them with the same. If you are unhappy, and nothing you have done has corrected this, then quietly make plans to get out. Do not cut off your nose to spite your face. You still have responsibilities which need to be met, so quit like a smart person. Do not quit, based on the moment’s emotions. It’s not the airy fairy idealistic world out there. Our economy is not what it used to be. This is not meant to guilt trip you into being a prisoner of your “Oh woe is me” job, but to prepare you that sometimes quitting is a lot of work.

 

If you don’t have enough time, stop watching tv. Really? TV? I’ve never had a problem with TV. Most of my “not to be quoted in any serious conversation” general knowledge comes from the infamous “TV”. This I feel is a bit out of date. Cellphones and social media, to be exact, would probably update this bit of advice nicely. Yes, they are a massive time suck. But they also connect people, are good for a laugh and can be quite inspirational. But there’s a time and place and a little balance wouldn’t go amiss. If you can’t go any significant time, without actively checking your phone; then you need to definitely go a significant amount of time without it to see that you won’t die of FOMO. Most people probably don’t have enough time because of husbands, wives, kids, chores, errands, mini disasters and all the things that demand our attention and the things that we would actually choose to do. If you want to do it, you’ll find the time. No one’s that busy.

 

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop. Um.. it’s a big world out there

 

They will be waiting for you when you. They’re waiting? Don’t they have anything else to do? Am I holding them up?

 

Start doing things you love. There is no logic to this piece of advice. Do whatever the hell it is you want to do. Go out, take up hobbies, dating websites, personal ads (don’t do personal ads. Just don’t. Does anyone anymore?), put yourself out there, keep yourself at home, try too hard, don’t try at all. Whatever. This, you have to sort out for yourself.

 

Stop over analyzing, life is simple. So simple, we need a 10 point plan how to navigate it. Life happens. It’s going to keep ticking over with or without your cooperation. Over analyse, if it makes you feel better, like you’re in control (hahahahaha!). If it doesn’t make you feel better, than dial back on the analysing. But you have to think a little about life. A smidge. Whether you want certain things or have to handle certain things (that you did not want). Life isn’t so simple that you can’t think about it once in a while. Just not on birthdays (especially any birthday that has a 0 in it). Or any other significant indicator of time passing. Maybe a random Wednesday. Have a good think about your life, and then pack it away for next year.

 

All emotions are beautiful. Perhaps this person hasn’t heard the expression “Snot en Trane”. Or when I’m blind with rage, my red complexion really brings out my crazy eyes. Oh yeah. I feel beautiful then. Argh. Yes, we all have emotions. Happy, sad, disdain, empathy, fear, embarrassment, anger etc. The list goes on and on and on. We, weirdly, though don’t have any control over what emotions get triggered when something happens or someone says something so earthshatteringly stupid that you have to lie down. But we all have control on how we handle it. Blah blah, we’ve heard this all before. Grin and bare it, or corner the offending human when they are alone and explain the beauteous of your emotions at that time.

 

When you eat, appreciate every last bite. This sounds mildly threatening, I say eyeing my Cadbury Minty Top Deck.

 

Open your mind, arms and heart to new things. In a controlled setting. Don’t be doing this randomly on the street. No one has time for that.

and people, we are united in our differences. A good sentiment. Differences traditionally do not bring people together though. Differences, however, can be complimentary. Underestimating and overestimating people based on external criteria, just sets everyone up for embarrassment and disappointment. If you can see each person’s strengths and weaknesses, see what people actually do; then you’ve got a handy trick up your sleeve.

 

Ask the next person you see what their passion is. Like I said before, in a controlled setting. And what exactly will this achieve? Will this poor person who’s been accosted on the street, appreciate some random’s interest in their “passion”? Maybe they will. Maybe I’ve got this all wrong. Maybe they will love being able to share their secret love of mushroom farming or their hidden delight in interpretive dance. Who knows? It’s a crazy world out there. [I have nothing for nor against mushroom farming nor interpretive dance. I’m sure they are both fulfilling in their own ways]

and share your inspiring dream with them. Go on. I dare you. Go find someone you don’t know and “share your inspiring dream” with them. Cashiers are always good. They can’t go anywhere. Oooo… the next time a telemarketer calls. Come on. Does this mean that you should be ashamed of whatever it is you dream about or aspire to be or do? Of course not. If you find that one thing that makes you ridiculously happy, go forth and do that thing (How? I don’t know. Google it). Waxing lyrical to strangers, I feel is not really going to get you very much besides a couple of “looks”.

 

Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. I’m all for travelling often. What with money, leave and visa applications also being available often. Getting lost, not so much. I have a terrible sense of direction. Horrible. You know that quote “Not all who wander, are lost”. Well, if you see me “wandering”; I am most definitely lost. Help me. Point me in the right direction. Don’t just leave me there. I’m not being all poetical. I need assistance. I’ve never really been able to understand the “find yourself” concept. I’m with me, wherever I go. I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time, and that’s probably not going to change if I end up backpacking through India or communing with the elephants in Bali. I believe we can experience new things and learn, but ultimately we are who we are always going to be. You can’t be something that wasn’t in you already. People do not change. And they shouldn’t have to.

 

Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Oi. If you’re impulsive, sure; grab away. Grab that one and only chance. If you’re not impulsive, go ahead and do the same. Nothing in this, says it’s going to work out. Or if it’s the right opportunity for you. There’s no guarantee one way or another. Even so, if an opportunity comes around multiple times; what does that mean? Do you take it or ignore it until the next go around? The number of times an opportunity is available, doesn’t matter when it comes to your choice. A once off or every single day kind of choice is no more or less important than the other. What we choose, and our ability to take responsibility for our choice, is what makes it count. If you believe in what you’ve chosen, you cannot be made to regret it or second guess it.

Life is about the people you meet. People are a finite resource. We don’t last forever.

and the things you create with them. Can be both beautiful and ugly all at once.

So go out and start creating. Or stay in. Whatever floats your boat.

Life is short, live your dream and wear your passion. Yes, life is short. Way, way too short. Live your life. Whatever it is, however it turns out. You’ll only have this one. “Wear your passion”; I have no idea what to do with this gem; but for heaven’s sake; wear something.

http://www.livingggood.com/inspiration/this-is-your-life/

About Claire Donaldson

I started working at Leads 2 Business in February 2005, and have served as Head of Department of Daily Tenders from 2007 until the present. I oversee both the Daily Tenders South Africa and Africa Departments.

Mid Year Motivation

Mid year slump?
Mid year slump?

 

So we are over the half way mark, and how are you feeling?

For most, you have now reached that time in the year where all your New Years resolutions have failed and long gone, even the guilt has started to fade and you are back to being the smoking, drinking, fast-food eating, non-gyming, gym contract owner….. yip! You know who you are!

Obviously there are the chosen few who are super humans, you are the ones who have given up all your vices and are looking and feeling amazing, and all I can say to you is, well done! You are awesome! Teach me! Teach me!

 

Nevertheless the middle of the year for all of us can take its toll, the excitement of our promises to ourselves has past, our goals not quite reached seem even further away now as we have less time in the year to reach them.

Summer has long forgotten us, we wake up when its dark and get home from work when its dark… Gosh!! I’m depressing myself, this was not the purpose of this blog!!!

 

“Motivation wherefore art thou??”

 

Well here it is:)

The amazing thing about this time of year is, the best is on its way, we are less than a month away from Spring people!!!

I’ve thought long and hard about how I will see the rest of this year, and I’ve decided, instead of seeing it as a downward spiral to “year end madness” with no real time to start or finish anything, instead I have set new resolutions of change and set new goals. A challenge if you will.

This, along with spring cleaning is bound to give me a new lease on life!

 

We all know the old wedding bridal tradition of “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”?

 

Well I’ve devised my own!

 

 

It’s titled: Something for my Heart, Something for my Soul & Something for my Health!

 

Something for my Heart
Something for my Heart

 

For My heart I have pledged to give up some of my time and devote it to my kids who have developed a strong love for board games, and I’ve decided to cultivate this before it turns to evenings of “Charades”!!! ‘cos once that happens , I’m out! And I will need to find a new place to devote my time, I’m thinking watching paint dry sounds fun!

 

Something for my Soul
Something for my Soul

 

For My Soul I have committed myself to a life change, this change, many may regard as me giving up something, where I truly see it as gaining a whole lot more. I will be giving up one of my vices, and I’m totally excited for the change:)

And last but not least, my health.

 

Something for my Health
Something for my Health

 

 

For my health I have joined my local gym – Yes I know its August! Don’t judge me! Lol!

 

The way I see it, I’m giving myself a head start on the New Years Resolutioners!

 

And by the end of December when all my passion and drive for change has started to loose its appeal…. guess what? It’s New Year again and I will be ready to recommit myself to a better me all over again! It’s a win, win, it’s a fool proof plan to remain motivated all 12 months of the year:)

When you feel better, you do better and it will show, at home and at work and it will even start rubbing off on the people around you. I urge and challenge you all to do the same – find a goal or better still, a few goals, these should inspire you and give you something to see you through the next 6 months of this year:).

 

For your mid year goals – dig deep! Take yourself out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, don’t celebrate mediocrity!! If you expect your best, you will give your best – it’s a fact I promise:) I have chosen 3 things to change, all of which will take a great lot of effort to master, but once I have them down I will be a way better person for it, and isn’t that what goal setting is all about? Being better? And let me tell you, I can already feel it, I know I can get through the rest of this year with the same excitement I started it with!

 

However if you feel you just not up to any life changing challenges, how about doing a few small ones, some more fun than challenging….

 

    • Once a month offer someone a cup of coffee that you don’t usually make for.
    • Find someone new to complement every day.
    • Call someone you haven’t spoken to in months and find out how they are.
    • Give away something you haven’t used in the past 8 months.
    • Find a children’s story book and read it out loud with passion and expression.
    • Give up all social media for 3 days.
    • Compete wholeheartedly for something.
    • Say yes as often as possible.

 

And last but never least – Smile Smile Smile!

……And because I always like to leave you all with something to think about when I end my blog, here it is:

There are only 21 Fridays left until Christmas!!! 

                “Yip! You’re welcome!!” 😉

About Sherina Shawe

"You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." from: Silver Linings Playbook.