Is Your Employer Really Caring For Your Health?

Is Your Employer Really Caring For Your Health?

Everyone has the right to be healthy and well, and that includes in the workplace as much as anywhere else. However, not many people are actually in a position where they feel this is the case. Your workplace is one place that you will definitely need to look into if you want to improve healthcare. There are many things that you need to do yourself to ensure that you are healthy and safe at work. There are also many things that your employer needs to do. In this post, we are going to focus on the latter rather than the former. We will look at some health and wellness things that you should be able to expect from your employer.

Reasonable Working Hours

If your boss is overworking you, then your health might be affected. It’s a situation that needs remedying as soon as possible. Of course, there can be a lot of difficulties inherent in this situation. These include office politics and feelings of shame and so on. So it can be tricky. Nonetheless, it is essential that you are not being overworked. Your health depends on it.

The evidence is clear how overwork can result in poor health. You are more likely to develop heart problems, have strokes, and even get cancer. Your stress levels will cause cortisol to rise and act like a toxin in your body. Clearly, this is a situation that you need to avoid as much as possible.

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If you think you are being overworked, you should speak to your employer about it, citing the reasons why. Request to have your hours reduced. If you are given a hard time about it, consider taking it higher up the chain of command.

Positive Office Environment

Your working environment can have a profound effect on your health. If it is a toxic environment, then that is going to lead to some pretty high stress levels. You might feel as if the work is damaging you in some pretty essential ways. Speak to your employer if you are worried that the office environment is causing you health concerns.

There are many things that can be done to improve this particular issue. That might include everyone going on a training day to learn how to speak to each other better. Also, it may require systemic changes taking place at a root level to ensure that the culture itself improves over time. As long as these things take place, it is going to mean that the office environment improves. Your mental and even physical wellbeing will improve as a result of this too. It’s more important than people often give it credit for, but it is something that you need to think about a lot.

Good Healthcare Program

Every employer should offer a healthcare program that gives employees the ability to take their healthcare into their own hands. Having adequate coverage can make a huge difference in your health.

If you think that the wellness plan is not quite up to scratch, you might want to speak to your employer and try to get a wellness plan you can count on from Accuplan or a similar trusted provider. This is going to help not just you, but all of your colleagues too. A good healthcare program is often the difference between health and sickness.

Healthy Workplace

The workplace itself should never pose a threat to anyone’s health. This is a basic requirement of your employer. If it is not being met, you have every right to complain. There are a few essential things that need to be taken care of in any workplace to ensure that the place itself is not hurting anyone’s health or wellbeing.

This includes the place being kept clean, covid-friendly, and free of obstructions which might cause injuries and accidents. It also means that fire safety is implemented, including training and the occasional fire drill. There should also be risk assessments for anything and everything that might pose a potential health or danger hazard.

As you can see, there are a few things to demand from your employer. So don’t be afraid to do so and call them out if it is lacking.

Where To Seek Out Mental Health Support Online

Where To Seek Out Mental Health Support Online

You don’t have to travel far to seek out mental health support. In fact, you can seek out mental health support from the comfort of your own home by accessing resources online. 

Where can you find the right support online? Well, there is a lot of poor and false information out there. It’s important to get support from the right places. Below are just some of the best places to get mental health support.

Blogs and articles

There are lots of blogs and articles dedicated to mental health topics. This can be a great place to start if you need basic advice or are looking to tackle mild mental health problems yourself.

Try to look for experts and advocates dedicated to your specific problem. For example, you’ll find advocates out there such as Mike Smeth that specialize in addiction recovery – which could be ideal if you or someone else has addiction.

Try to use trusted websites when looking for factual advice on treatment options. Sites like WebMD, Mayo Clinic and Healthline are great examples. 

Mental health apps

There are apps out there that can help when overcoming various mental health illnesses. Such apps allow you to get support from your phone wherever you are.

Moodfit is one such mental health app recommended by the likes of VeryWellMind that offers exercises to help address negative emotions. Whether you’re trying to overcome depression, anxiety or general stress, such an app could be great at helping you to manage your emotions and feel better without having to talk to anyone. This app is also free.

Other apps worth trying include MoodMission, Calm and Talkspace. Some apps may be designed with specific mental health illnesses in mind, which could be worth looking into if you have a specific diagnosis. For example, there are apps such as ACT Coach for veterans with PTSD and there are apps such as Recovery Record for treating eating disorders.

Forums

Online forums are great places for connecting with people who may be going through the same mental health issues as you. Such forums can be great places for sharing problems and developing a sense of camaraderie, all in all making you feel less lonely in your recovery process.

You can find forums dedicated to different mental health issues. For example there are forums for addiction recovery such as The Sober Recovery Forum and forums for those with schizophrenia such as Schizophrenia.com.

Try to stick to trusted online support groups that are moderated by professionals. This way you know that you are always getting the healthiest support. Some online forums may also host physical meetups where you can meet people in person. You may even be able to build lifelong friends through these support groups. 

Helplines

Need to find the number of a specific mental health helpline? The internet can be a great tool for finding the phone number you need.

There are helplines and listening services dedicated to all kinds of mental health problems from suicidal thoughts to concerns about other people. Check out Open Counseling for a list of helplines. 

Web chat services

If you’re anxious about talking to someone over the phone, another option could be to use a web chat service. These work much like helplines. They give you the option to talk to a mental health counsellor for free and work through your problems.

My Black Dog is a popular web chat service that caters to all kinds of mental health problems. When you need someone to talk to and don’t want to use a phone call, this can be the next best option. 

Online counseling sessions

You can also book online therapy courses that are conducted entirely via the internet. These can be a flexible option for many people with busy lives as you don’t have to travel anywhere. 

Online counseling sessions may be conducted via video chat or via phone. A professional therapist will be able to help you understand your problems and then find a way of overcoming them. They’ll be able to help you set goals and then check in on you from week to week to ensure that you’re working to meet these goals. 

Such counseling sessions are typically paid, but can vary in price. It’s worth taking the time to shop around for options. Make sure that the person taking the therapy session is qualified.

4 Things You Should Tell Yourself Every Morning

4 Things You Should Tell Yourself Every Morning

You may not think you need a morning routine, but it’s important to create one. Just like you clean your teeth or take a shower each day, establishing a routine will help get the day off to the right start. If you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, try saying these four simple statements to yourself every single morning.

#1 “I am strong.”

The first thing you should say to yourself every single day is, “I am strong.” This is a simple reminder that if you can get out of bed in the morning and start your day with this affirmation, then there’s nothing else stopping you. Too often, you may feel as though other people have the power to stop you from doing what needs to be done. But it’s important not to give them that much control over your life. This affirmation will help push those negative thoughts out of your mind and allow you to move forward with a positive attitude.

#2 “I am enough.”

The second thing you should say to yourself every single day is, “I am enough.” This affirmation reminds us that we are all worth something. Many people who feel they aren’t enough tend to resort to things that do damage to their bodies and minds. If you feel like you need help breaking the habit, feel free to visit the American Addiction Centers. There’s no reason for self-doubt or lack of confidence simply because someone else doesn’t appreciate the way you look, act, or sound. Reminding yourself that you’re enough can help banish any feelings of inadequacy that may have crept into your subconscious while you were sleeping. 

This affirmation also helps us to accept the parts of ourselves that we may not like but are a part of our identities. If necessary, spend a few minutes visualizing what it would feel like if these statements were factual about yourself right now and every single day going forward. Pretty soon, you’ll find that you believe these statements, and they become self-fulfilling prophecies.

#3 “I can do anything.”

The third thing you should say to yourself every single day is, “I can do anything.” This affirmation reminds you that you are capable of creating the life you want. We don’t need someone else’s permission, blessing, or help in order to accomplish our goals and dreams. Many things stop us. Maybe we think it’s too difficult or out of our reach. This affirmation will remind you that nothing is impossible if only you believe in yourself enough.

In addition, this affirmation helps us to push ourselves beyond our perceived limitations. We often convince ourselves that there are certain things we can’t do. But this is never true. The only thing stopping you from achieving your goals may be yourself. These three simple words – I can do anything – can help change how you think about what’s possible for your future.

#4 “I’m grateful for my life.”

The last thing you should say to yourself before beginning your day is, “I’m grateful for my life.” This affirmation reminds us that we have so much to be thankful for. We often take the things around us for granted. These things can disappear in an instant if something were to happen. It’s important not only to enjoy what we do have but also to appreciate how fortunate we are even just waking up today. By saying this statement every morning when you wake up, you’ll realize all of the good aspects of your life. You’ll be able to focus on them rather than dwell on any negatives or perceived shortcomings.

Smart Ways To Care For Your Body After Surgery

Smart Ways To Care For Your Body After Surgery

Your body is miraculous and its capacity for healing is immense, even after surgery. Although, to speed your recovery, taking extra special care of your body after an operation is the best approach. The good news is you can find out all about how to care for your post-surgery body in the smartest way possible, in the post below. 

Attend your post-surgery appointments 

First of all, to care for your body after an operation, it’s very important that you attend all of your appointments even when you are let out of the hospital. This is because your medical provider will need to check in with you and track your recovery. Additionally, they may wish to change your dressings or clean your wounds, which can be very hard to do at home. Also by seeing a professional in their early stages of healing they will be able to spot any issues or infections right away, which means you can get intervention treatment as fast as possible. 

Keep your wound clean 

As previously stated you may not be able to clean your wound or change your dressing yourself. However, there are many things you can do to keep the site of your operation clean. The most simple of these is to wash your hands before touching your wound. Secondly, be sure to adhere to any advice on avoiding getting your dressings wet, as even if they are submerged in clean water it can be harmful unless changed straight away. 

Make sure you receive the right aftercare 

Next, it’s vital that you receive the correct aftercare. For some people, this will be attending their post-surgery appointments and that will be it. Yet for others aftercare will be a much more complicated procedure. For example, some may require physical therapy to rehabilitate the area of the body that was treated. While others may require closer supervision and support when using provisions such as colostomy bags. 

Of course, those whose surgery didn’t go to plan may have to deal with additional consequences as well as their original complaint, something that could cause them even more pain and inconvenience. The good news is that if you have been affected by an operation that didn’t go to plan, you may be able to claim compensation to cover the costs of surgery and support to put in right. All you need to do is get in contact with a firm of medical malpractice attorneys to find out whether this is the case. They can then determine whether you have a valid claim and give you advice on how to proceed. 

Eat healthily 

Last of all, to take the best care of your body after surgery, it’s very important to make sure that it receives the nutrients it needs to heal. Of course, this can be a little challenging because as you recover you may not feel much like cooking or eating. However, taking the time to cook and freeze nutritious meals beforehand can help a lot here. Then all you will need to do is reheat them. Some services can provide such meals for you too, which can be very helpful if you are facing a long recovery period. 

Managing Your Mental Health

Managing Your Mental Health

The subject of health has dominated the headlines for the last year, and more and more of us are talking about mental wellbeing, as well as physical health. Just as we can take care of our bodies, we can also be proactive in protecting and nourishing our minds. In this guide, we’ll discuss simple self-care strategies you can try today. 

Managing your time

A lack of time is one of the most common causes of stress and anxiety. Many of us feel like we live our lives at a hundred miles per hour, and we long to be able to slow down. Try to manage your time effectively and make time for rest, relaxation and hobbies. Nobody can survive without sleep or be in two places at once. Analyze your schedule each week, discuss your workload with your boss if you’re working overtime frequently, and plan your day so that you have enough time to exercise, socialize and sleep. Achieving a healthy work-life balance can help to reduce stress and increase productivity. 

Realizing what is and isn’t ‘normal’

We all have mental health and we all have days where we don’t feel happy or motivated, or we’re out of sorts. It is perfectly natural to have the odd day where you feel a little on edge or upset, or you lack energy or enthusiasm. It’s also natural to feel anxious or nervous if you’ve got a deadline due, you’re preparing for an interview or you’re sitting an exam. One of the most beneficial steps you can take to manage and protect your mental health is to learn to spot the difference between what is and isn’t ‘normal.’ If you feel down for long periods, you struggle to relax or you feel anxious even in situations that should be calming or relaxing, or you find it hard to concentrate or stop your mind from whirring, don’t hesitate to seek help. 

There are many self-help techniques, as well as treatments and therapies such as counseling for anxiety, which can help to lift your mood, reduce stress and anxiety and help you to feel more confident and relaxed. You can talk openly about how you feel, get things off your chest, express emotions and learn how to cope with triggers in the future. There is no shame in asking for advice, and reaching out can make all the difference.

Appreciate the impact of your family’s wellbeing

It’s human nature to worry about our loved ones just as much as we worry about ourselves. As such, going the extra mile to protect your relatives can be as rewarding for your wellness as theirs. Crucially, you must maintain clear communication at all times as this is the only way to know exactly how they are doing.

You will need to take a proactive approach too. Spotting the signs of cognitive decline in an elderly loved one can help you secure the Parkinson home care services they need. Likewise, identifying your child’s poor eyesight or developmental issues is the first step towards solving them. Aside from the benefits for them, it will provide you with peace of mind while also enabling you to focus on your well being.

Devoting more time to people and activities that make you happy

It may sound simple, but one of the best things you can do to boost your mental wellbeing is to devote more time to people and activities and hobbies that bring you joy and happiness. When was the last time you caught up with friends or spent the day with your mom or sister? Many of us prioritize work and looking after others, and we don’t have enough time to enjoy ourselves. Try to connect with others, surround yourself with positive, supportive people and use hobbies to learn new skills, broaden your horizons, make new friends, relax, express yourself and have fun. 

We often focus on our bodies when we talk about health, but our minds are equally important. Self-care is all about looking after yourself and being proactive in protecting both physical and mental wellbeing. 

How to Build Emotional Resilience

How to Build Emotional Resilience

Building emotional resilience is a selfless act of love that can help you experience a sense of well-being in a hectic world. Let’s face it, life can get pretty stressful and hectic, whether it is surrounding your work or social life. So at times you probably find that you put your own wellbeing last, particularly when you live with other family members and are perhaps accustomed to looking after their needs first. But over time this lack of attention for yourself can have a negative impact, so finding time to do what you enjoy is very important. 

Bottling Up Your Feelings Is a Bad Habit  

When you are constantly battling through various scenarios in your life you might find that you learn how to build emotional resilience against any unexpected issues that arise. But in reality not looking after your own mental wellbeing can be damaging. So instead of bottling up all your emotions and just thinking ‘oh well, I don’t need to deal with this right now’ could be harmful in the long run. So allow yourself to deal with different emotional scenarios by talking to someone you feel comfortable with and writing down any stresses or concerns that may be bothering you. 

Not Sleeping Enough Affects Your Body’s Wellbeing

You might think you feel fine after only a few hours of sleep each night and that your body is able to function, but after a while this can have an effect on your body’s ability to fight off any infections, which is particularly rife around fall time. So try to find time to catch up on sleep and create a relaxing bedtime routine

Enables You To Enjoy Your Own Company 

There is nothing wrong with wanting to spend time on your own, unwind, and enjoy your own company. Essentially you should aim to do this as often as you can, so that you can spend time doing what you thoroughly enjoy and it enables you to process your own thoughts and feelings.

You Can Achieve Your Ambitions and Goals 

You don’t want to go through life putting your own ambitions and goals on the back burner, so try to remind yourself that you have dreams too to fulfill. Even if you haven’t realized them yet, you still can if you give yourself the opportunity to. Instead of putting yourself at the back of the queue, try to find time to pursue your own interests otherwise you might regret not fulfilling your ambitions. 

It might not come naturally to you but if you are someone who is used to putting other people first, then you need to try and get into the habit of focusing on your own well-being both physically and psychologically. You deserve to be happy.