stress

The Mental Health Implications of COVID-19

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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to enormous repercussions for people around the world.

There are so many worries and fears that people have. There are health concerns, and then there are the financial consequences that have come with economic shutdowns.

There are also the people on the front lines of the pandemic, including first responders and medical professionals who are grappling with an unknown virus.

According to Darras Law, while we are learning more about coronavirus and the treatments seem to be getting better, and deaths appear to be declining, the mental health effects might last far beyond 2020 for many people.

From job loss to isolation, it’s important to be aware of your own mental health and to check in with the people you love.

Everyone Reacts to Stress Differently

Source:bangkokhospital.com

You may feel like you’re much more stressed than others around you about coronavirus or its effects. That’s normal, and people react to stress differently.

People also have different levels of fear in different situations. What may seem incredibly overwhelming for one person may not be as anxiety-producing for someone else.

Some of the people who may have the strongest reactions to the stress of COVID-19 include:

  • People who are considered high-risk to develop severe illness if they contract COVID-19, such as older people or people with certain underlying health conditions.
  • Children and teens.
  • Health care providers and other frontline workers.
  • Essential workers.
  • People with existing mental health concerns.
  • Individuals with a substance use disorder.
  • Someone who’s lost their job or experienced major employment changes.
  • People who live alone and are socially isolated.

If you have a pre-existing mental health condition or a substance use disorder, you may be especially vulnerable to the effects of stress such as what’s stemming from the crisis situation created by coronavirus. It’s important that you’re aware of your risk factors so you can take steps to care for yourself.

What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Again, stress is a normal reaction to certain things in life, and of course, a pandemic would qualify as a stressful situation. It’s imperative that you do give yourself some understanding if you’re experiencing stress but you also have to be able to recognize when things you’re experiencing or feeling might go beyond what’s considered “normal.”

If you have ongoing feelings of sadness or helplessness that aren’t situational and don’t go away, it could be a red flag. If you’re experiencing symptoms like problems concentrating, body aches, or changes in appetite, and these symptoms last for several days in a row, it may go beyond stress. Also if your symptoms are causing problems in your functionality in your daily life, it may not be considered just normal stress.

Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19

Source:healthblog.uofmhealth.org

If you’re struggling during COVID-19, there are things you can do to take care of yourself and perhaps help your mental health.

Self-care is important for everyone right now.

Make sure that you have a good sleep routine and schedule and that you get plenty of sleep each night.

Regularly exercise because movement can help boost your mood and reduce anxiety. If you can find an activity you can safely and comfortably do outside, even better. Getting sunlight is good for your mental health and it’s also an important part of your physical health because it provides vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to worse COVID outcomes.

Don’t give into the temptation to cope with stress by eating unhealthy foods, such as refined sugar and packaged items.

Be careful about your consumption of alcohol because it can make mental health symptoms worse.

Also, aim to limit your screen time. Whether it’s a TV, your phone, or a computer, too much time in front of a screen is going to breed more anxiety and also keep you from engaging in more healthy activities.

If you can turn off the news, you’re likely going to see some big improvements in your mental health just from taking that one step. Constant news about COVID-19 and other things going on in the world right now is incredibly stressful. Social media can expose you to conflict and false information as well.

Know what your triggers are and actively work to avoid them.

For example, if you’re constantly refreshing the COVID death counter on your computer, then you’re triggering yourself over and over again.

Keep a journal for a week where you write down the situations that make you feel most anxious or depressed. After that week is up, look over them and start to identify those patterns that could be your triggers.

Work on training your brain to avoid them and break the loop.

We don’t even realize that sometimes we become addicted to bad news or things that trigger us.

We then put ourselves into a negative emotional spiral. If you can be more mindful and create a replacement for yourself when you find that you want to engage in these triggering behaviors, it can help your mental health.

Source:mymcmedia.org

Get Help If You Need It

By recognizing red flags and warning signs, you may be positioned to get help for yourself if you need it. It’s important to be proactive about seeking help when it comes to your mental health because otherwise the condition can worsen.

There are many options available to you.

One option is to seek support from the people in your life.

You might also reach out to someone who’s part of your faith community.

If your employer has an assistance program, they can provide you with a referral to a mental health profession.

There are organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that can put you in contact with service providers and programs.

You can also talk to your primary care doctor and talk about what your options could be.

What’s most important through all of this is that you realize you aren’t alone. Be compassionate with yourself, and do what you need to do to stay mentally healthy.

Top 5 Game Testing Tricks

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One of the most important elements of the game development life cycle is game testing. With the recent developments in the industry, according to NEIT, being a video game designer pays itself off. When you see someone outside of the studio actually sitting and playing, you can better understand if your game is user-friendly, easy to use, and with attractive mechanics. These are not questions you want to answer after the game is released to the general public. As such, the data collected from game testing can be a valuable tool in reducing risk and ensuring the best chance for your game to be successful.

However, there are many methods for testing games that may fail, so it is important to create a process in which you feel confident and make improvements over time. Here are 5 game testing tricks that may prove useful to your team:

1. Hire specific players

Source:gamedevacademy.org

When designing a playtest, you need to be very familiar with the types of players the game is suitable for. While your game may appeal to a wider audience, “design for all” is wrong. Most likely, adults won’t be interested in simple adventure games, while complex strategies might be too complicated for the younger players. PlayStation and iPhone games provide different experiences and require different skill sets. It is better to hire players who already know how to use a specific device. We found it helpful to identify the identity of the target audience, for example, “Jane, 25-34, has an iPhone,” and try to recruit players who fit that description exactly. Consider the following aspects:

  • How old is your target audience?
  • Target audience: men, women or divided?
  • What device or platform will your game run?
  • Does your game assume that the player has some prior knowledge?

Of course, it can be tricky to find and hire game testers that exactly match your objective role. Some online communities (such as those associated with your game) may have players who want to be able to visit your office and share their feedback with you. But even though his biggest fans want to help, they tend to know and interact with his game better than normal players.

2. Test before you test

Before the testers arrive, allow time for all team members participating in the game test for a software testing company to complete the test. Testing through QAwerk can ensure that everything goes smoothly as issues are resolved early and the entire team stays on the same page.

Start checking the player’s experience when you enter the house. When you enter or find the login form, your game tester will be happy to welcome you. Every detail is important and can create comfort.

It may have a state-of-the-art usability lab and tons of updates, but it doesn’t matter if the building’s front door is locked or not! Are all your techniques normal? Test your speakers, mouse, keyboard, and the Internet. You don’t want to call IT while testing the game because you forgot to install the necessary plugins to run the game.

3. Reduce stress

Source:businessinsider.com

The game testing concept is still new to some game developers. For an ordinary person, this is completely strange. Game testers may not be sure what will happen, and uncertainty can negatively affect test results. Make your game testers comfortable so they can focus on the game and you get the best feedback. During the test, be sure to tell the facilitator that it is different from the game.

The testers should understand that this activity can’t be the same as playing at home: the game is not perfect yet and it can have many issues. It is essential to explain to the participants that such work might not be what they imagined it to look like — it can get frustrating and even boring. Testing is a job, not just entertainment.

It is also useful to record the trials of other teams in the game for later review. Since most people don’t play video games in front of laptops and cameras, we’ve found it important for gamers to easily look at these items and explain why they help. Players often walk into our office not knowing what will happen, but they only understand what a playtest is and why we are playing a game.

4. Rock the Survey

After players are done playing, they almost always want to ask them a few questions. Try to predict these questions in advance and include them in the questionnaire to collect the same data set for each game tester. If you have spontaneous follow-up questions, you can ask them after completing the questionnaire. Serious and targeted surveys can make it easier to share your game test results with your team. Focus on solving the game testing problem directly.

Feedback is one of the main outcomes of the game testing process. Be consistent with it and: divide the questions into different categories, try to think of every aspect of the game that should be evaluated. It is also important to be realistic — don’t omit the parts that you think are not problematic and should not cause any issues. Remember that the fresh eye notices the least apparent things.

Source:sundaysundae.co

5. Analyze in Aggregate

After testing the game, you will receive survey results and feedback from many different game testers and watchers. Quickly collect data and share it with your team without the need for analysis or conclusions.

After collecting the data, don’t forget! Identify the problems found in your playtest and prioritize the next step. The data you collect while testing a game, including everything from a player’s emotional state to the number of unsuccessful attempts to press a button, can always help you draw conclusions and develop action items for your team. If your data is not accurate, consider reviewing the playtest structure and the next survey.

The amount of data might seem overwhelming. Each player has something to say, and their observations might be drastically diverse. Take your time to analyze the information properly or delegate the task to a separate specialist. Remember that this feedback is the whole point of testing, and it is the key to making your product better.

Incredible Tips to Help You Take Care of Your Skin

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Your skin requires proper care and treatment. But often, people concentrate more on either their faces or hairs and therefore, spend less time caring for the skin. If you properly take care of your skin, it will glow and this will improve your self-esteem. Everyone wants to have smooth and clear skin, but you can easily achieve that by applying correct strategies. This article gives you some of the incredible tips that can help you take care of your skin to make it healthy and glowing. Continue reading to explore these tips.

1. Drink a lot of water

Source:india.com

Drinking adequate water is one of the simplest ways you can take care of your skin. If you don’t take enough water to quench your thirst, you will get dehydrated. Additionally, if you don’t take water frequently the condition of your skin tone may deteriorate.

When you fail to drink plenty of water, your body absorbs the moisture from your skin for it to fulfill its functional duties. And because of this, the skin becomes dry and is left with tiny contorts and small spots.

2. Select lotions and products carefully

Source:youtube

When you want to purchase lotions, you should consider your skin’s condition and complexion. Bad lotions can affect your skin and give it many dark spots and bumps. You should also know the ingredients that a lotion possesses.

Try to avoid brands that have toxic chemicals such as Propylene glycol and Sodium lauryl sulfate. These toxic chemicals can enter your bloodstream through the skin and cause severe problems which may eventually result in cancer. So when choosing a cream or oil, choose one that is suitable for the type of your skin. There are also products such as Delfinaskin, which can be used on both dry and sensitive skin.

3. Eat a healthy and balanced diet

Source:outoff.com.co

Your diet also has an effect on your skin’s appearance. Eating fruits and vegetables regularly can enhance your skin’s appearance. Try to avoid tobacco, as well. The reason why fruits and vegetables are good for the body is because they are full of nutrients and antioxidants. They are also full of water, which is very crucial. Also, taking foods that are rich in Vitamin C is ideal for your body. Fruits such as bananas, strawberries, etc. are known to contain high amounts of vitamin C, D, or E which are necessary for healthy skin.

4. Moisturize your skin regularly

Source:lorealparisusa.com

Moisturizers tend to keep the upper layer of the skin cells well hydrated and they seal in moisture, as well. Moisturizers can also attract moisture, keep hold of it, and soften the spaces between the skin cells. Dermatologists recommend that when moisturizing, you should:

  • Not over-wash your face because it can destroy the oily layer of the skin, causing dryness
  • Use warm water when washing your face
  • Avoid using harsh soaps as they can harm your skin
  • Moisturize immediately after bathing
  • Use body-friendly creams and ointments.

5. Exfoliate your skin

Source:yesstyle.com

You should get rid of the dead cells layering on your skin’s surface. The dead cells act like a barrier that prevents crucial products like vitamins and lotions from moving underneath the skin, slowing down the road to having a gorgeous skin. There are several methods you can use to wipe out dark spots- you can use an enzyme or an acid-based cleanser. Remember to exfoliate before applying any lotion.

6. Get enough sleep

Source:top-o.com.ph

Through sufficient sleep, you can boost your mental and physical condition. Proper sleep also affects your usual appearance. If you don’t sleep properly, tiny wrinkles may start forming under your eyes. Normally, adults should sleep for at least 8 hours while teenagers should sleep for 8-10 hours. Make sure to get adequate sleep if you haven’t.

7. Protect your skin against the sun rays

Source:endosystems.us

It is no secret that the sun rays can really harm the skin. Exposing your skin to too much sun can cause age spots, wrinkles, etc. It can also increase the risk of getting cancer of the skin. That’s why dermatologists advice people to avoid too much sun.

When going out on a sunny day, use sunscreen. The sunscreen will protect your skin against sun damage and protect it against skin cancer. Proper clothing like a wide-brimmed hat and woven long-sleeved shirt can also protect your skin when you are out in the sun.

8. Quit smoking

Source:wiskindesign.com

Smoking can make your skin appear pale and old. It can also make you develop wrinkles. Smoking narrows the blood vessels in upper skin layers, which decreases the blood flow. This will make the skin look dull. It also takes away the nutrients and oxygen that are vital for your skin health.

Smoking also damages collagen and elastin [the fibres that makes the skin strong and elastic]. The constant facial expression you make while smoking; for instance, pursing your lips when inhaling or squinting your eyes to exhale smoke, can cause wrinkles. Moreover, smoking can also make you develop skin cancer. So if you want to protect your skin, the best thing is to stop smoking.

9. Look for ways to manage stress

Source:simplyscrub.com

The majority of people don’t know this fact, but high levels of stress can cause skin problems such as itchy skin, hair loss, hand rashes, forehead acne, and many other skin issues. Various studies have proved that stress boosts sebum production. Sebum is the oily substance that clogs pores.

Managing or decreasing your level of stress can significantly enhance your skin appearance by making it smoother and clearer. Some of the techniques you can use to manage or reduce stress include practicing yoga or meditation.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve read some of the ways you can take care of your skin, we hope that you implement them and make it healthy and glowing. Remember the above tips shouldn’t be just practiced one in a while; you should incorporate them in your skincare regimen.

5 Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Medical Lawyer

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The health department of the United States of America has come a long way since the 1980s and 1990s, but even today there is the possibility for problems to arise when you go for a checkup or to talk with your doctor. Unfortunately, this happens because the countries health department constantly pushes hospitals, doctors and other medical staff to work harder.

This kind of stress and constant pressure from the government can make even the greatest doctors make a simple mistake like prescribing the wrong drug or giving the wrong advice to the patient. While most of the time these little mistakes do not have such an impact on people’s lives, there can be situations where a wrong medical judgment may lead to more serious problems for the patient.

If you have found yourself in this kind of situation, you have probably started looking for a lawyer who might help you with this kind of problem. The lawyer that will be able to help you with this issue should have a lot more experience in this area or more specifically, medical malpractice.

Considering just how many lawyers are out there that are offering their services to the people in need, it is very difficult to find the right one. Fortunately, we have made this article that will help you is exactly that. With these questions that we are going to list you will definitely find the right medical lawyer for your situation.

Have you ever dealt with the case similar to mine?

Source: accident-claim-expert.co.uk

This may be the single most important question that you can ask a lawyer to determine whether he or she is the right person for the job. It is no secret that experience is one of the most important things when it comes to dealing with a case that is on trial, this is why it is very important that you find someone that has been introduced to cases that are similar to yours.

So, if you have found a contender to be your attorney, you have got to ask them whether they have dealt with the situation that is comparable to yours.

Can I see some proof?

Source: lawyersincorporated.com

Assuming that the attorney answered that they do indeed have experience in medical malpractice than they probably need some documentation to use as proof to show that they have actually worked a case similar to yours. There’s nothing wrong about asking for files that they should always have at hand.

If the attorney ever shows some signs that they don’t actually want to show you their history of documents then that is a red flag. It is basically a sign that you should start looking for someone else that may be able to help you with your legal problem.

How long have you have been an attorney?

Source: bestdealfor10.life

Another very important thing that you have to consider before hiring anyone to help you with this legal issue, you have with your doctor or with the hospital is to determine whether that person is familiar enough with the law.

Even if they do have previous experiences and have dealt with cases that are very similar to what is happening to you right now, it is still vital that they have years of experience of being an attorney. Because it’s not just about understanding the wrongdoings of the doctor or the hospital, it is about their ability to communicate with the hospital, Judge, and jury to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

This is why I personally recommend that everyone that has any kind of legal issue, should first question the attorney about his or her experience with their job. If you’re looking for a medical lawyer in Florida and with a lot of experience, you should check out thelawcenter.com.

How much is this going to cost me?

Source: ftcguardian.com

Naturally, it is going to be very important for you just how much money you’re going to spend with this legal problem. The entire point is not just about you proving the hospital that you are the person who has been wronged, you also deserve to be paid back for all of your troubles. Spending thousands of dollars on a lawyer just to get a settlement that is worth just a couple hundred dollars does not make a lot of sense.

This is why you should look for someone who will have reasonable fees and will provide you with the best possible legal support that you can get for that money. Of course, you shouldn’t just look for the cheapest possible lawyer, but you also shouldn’t pay a ridiculous amount of money while getting the same quality of legal representation.

Will this go to court?

Source: naturalpapa.com

Not every case that is related to medical malpractice goes to court. In fact, most of them get settled out of court. Naturally, dealing with this kind of issue is always better without having to work with the judge, go on trial, etc.

Unfortunately, sometimes you just can control what is going to happen and you will have to face the hospital in court. An attorney that has had experience with cases just like yours will know whether it will be going to court or not as soon as he or she glances at your file. They have had their fair share of trials which means they can come to the conclusion on what kind of future your case will have.

If you have found a lawyer that is unable to answer this question for you, you should definitely be looking for someone more educated on the matter.

What we listed above are some of the most useful questions you can mention to the lawyer that you’re considering to hire. Keep in mind, even if the attorney manages to answer all of these questions correctly or in the right way, that does not mean that they will be able to solve your case easily. There are some complications that they simply cannot control.

Why Obesity is so common in the USA?

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It has been a long and difficult topic of why obesity is so spread throughout the United States. And this problem will not be resolved in the next couple of years so easily. The reason for this is because one of the latest studies about obesity in the US shows that in 2013, at least 40% of all adults were obese, and 20% of the youth were overweight too. If you think about it, those are huge numbers. Almost half of the population of the United States has a problem with obesity, or in other words, a hundred and fifty million people Americans are obese.

Source:thefiscaltimes.com

This information shouldn’t be too surprising because this problem with obesity has been here for more than ten years. A lot of previous researches and studies have shown almost the same percentage. This indicates that people in the US must make a change to start dealing with this issue because, in the future, the problem could get even bigger and bigger.

Obesity is determined by the rate of BMI or body-mass index, and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everything above 30 BMI to be obese. Another exciting thing to mention is that most obese Americans have not developed this problem because of sweets or high-calorie foods, but because of a lot of other factors such as exercise, stress, or even sleep deprivation. This means that if we want to make a change in the country, we will have to change a lot more than just our diets.

Here are the two biggest factors that influence obesity.

No physical activities whatsoever

Source:evidentlycochrane.net

One of the biggest reasons why people see symptoms of obesity is because they avoid doing any physical activities or because their lifestyle does not leave them any room for exercise. In this world of constant communication, the internet, and access to every information from our chairs, beds, or office desks, our daily physical activities have been considerably reduced.

An average American worker gets to his office, sits on his chair for more than 6 hours taking calls, writing on their computer, and working with their computers. However, the problem doesn’t end there, because the worker also needs to get home, which is usually by train, bus, or car. This results in even more seating time and then finally, when people get home tired and sleepy they spend some more time lying in bed or sitting and watching TV.

Anxiety, depression or stress

Source:infjramblings.com

Most people, whether working or studying, are under constant stress because they are afraid they will underperform in their tasks or tests. These big amounts of stress result in a lot more energy expenses than what the body is used to. By spending more energy, our bodies need something to replenish it with, so we turn to food. Because of this, our bodies get used to spending huge amounts of energy, but when we don’t (no stress days), the food we consume gets stored as fat. This is also one of the bigger factors that lead to obesity.

If you are having problems with your body weight, we recommend you to check out www.hardmenstore.com.

Things That Can Help With Your Digestion  

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Your digestion is directly impacted by your lifestyle and the foods you eat. The digestive system is crucial for breaking down foods into nutrients your body needs and neglecting it can lead to a number of problems such as an upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, gas, constipation, or diarrhea.

Experiencing these symptoms occasionally is something most people go through, however, if they start occurring frequently, they can cause major disruptions in your daily life and have an impact on your overall health. Luckily, there are ways to improve your digestive health, so here are some steps you can take and changes you can make that will have a positive impact on your digestion.

1. Pay Attention to Your Diet

Source:naturalfoodseries.com

If your diet consists of a lot of processed foods full of food additives, trans fats, and artificial sweeteners, it increases your risk of having digestion problems. Limiting the intake of such foods might be crucial for improving your digestion.

Instead, eat foods that are high in fiber since such a diet promotes regular bowel movements. Make sure to get both insoluble and soluble fiber because they help in different ways. Add healthy fats to your diet – they are needed for proper nutrient absorption and help you feel satisfied after a meal. When you eat meat, it is better to select lean cuts and avoid fatty ones.

2. Eat Mindfully and On Schedule

If you are not paying attention it is easy to eat too much too quickly. This can cause gas, indigestion, and bloating. Instead, practice mindful eating by focusing on all aspects of your meal such as the smell and temperature, chewing slowly, and avoiding any distractions. Aim to eat your meals around the same time each day and pay attention to your hunger or fullness cues.

3. Take Natural Supplements

Taking natural supplements such as digestive enzymes can help your body break down foods and absorb nutrients easier. They help speed up digestion, alleviate bloating and constipation, and a good amount of studies have shown that they can be extremely helpful. Not only that, but supplements such as MindZymes provide digestive support and have other benefits such as improving memory, getting rid of adrenal fatigue, and helping with anxiety and stress.

4. Relax and Manage Your Stress

Source:mindful.org

Stress hormones directly affect digestion and have an extremely negative impact on it. When you are under a lot of stress, your body thinks you do not have time to rest and digest. This is why reducing stress is very important to eliminate these problems. Three ways you can manage it is by getting enough sleep, exercising, and having a good support network. You can also find activities that you enjoy and that help you relax and do them as often as you can.

5. Get Moving and Stay Hydrated

Exercising regularly is not only great for reducing stress, but it also helps the movement of foods through your digestive system and reduces the symptoms of constipation. Low fluid intake is a common cause of constipation, so staying hydrated is extremely important for your digestive health. Besides water, you can stay hydrated by drinking herbal teas, other non-caffeinated beverages, as well as eating fruits and vegetables that are high in water.

Source:getthegloss.com

Conclusion

Taking certain steps to improve your digestion might seem like a challenging and difficult thing to do. However, these diet and lifestyle changes will not only do wonders for your digestive system but can also have an extremely positive impact on your overall health and sense of well-being.

Vacation Is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Career

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Job, gig, career, work – whatever you call it – it takes time and attention. Sometimes a lot of it.

Thankfully there is that thing called compensation. But you could be marveling over the numbers in your bank account and then suddenly see that exotic locale flash across the screen. There’s a sunset, the sky, a mountain, a vast blue ocean. Remember those?

You realize that there is a life to live for yourself out there. You realize that you’ve been getting up to an alarm and following the same old routine every day – with little to no change (in perhaps years). But don’t worry. A vacation could be your reality paycheck. A vacation is a chance for perspective. For autonomy. For evolution. 

It has a bad wrap, the word ‘vacation’. Hearing it conjures an image of a sunbather. That’s right, the one who’s laying on a wooden chair on the beach with nothing to do but sit and sip cocktails from coconuts all day.

Img source: libertytravel.com

But setting out on a journey away from it all is not the time to do nothing. It’s an opportunity to work on yourself and to make life-course adjustments. Going on the right trip could be a turning point in your life.

Rather than a temporary escape from the stress, vacations can be a career and personal success catalyst. It’s all in how you approach it. But how much vacation time should take? According to entrepreneur.com, you should find the ideal balance between vacation time and work that will let you relax but at the same time not forget about your duties and responsibilities. 

Some of the soul searching and questions you must ask yourself simply cannot be done on the job site in the middle of the grind. You’ve got to break free. When you have true clarity of mind, you can reflect on the following:

  • Is it the right job at the right time?

Who else is in your life? A spouse? A child? How does your schedule influence the time you share with them? Are you earning enough to achieve your financial goals? Is there happiness? What else could you be getting paid to do? Maybe you are considering a career change? Then take your time to create a resume to get the job of your dream. Or it might be a better idea to ask a professional resume writing service, like resumeget, to do it for you. In the meantime, you can enjoy your vacation. 

  • Are you climbing or clinging to that career ladder?

Img source: hassonassociates.com

Is there mobility in your current position? Can you grow or be promoted? What is in your power to request? What can you demand?

  • Are you the one making the job work or are you working for the job?

Granted not all of us are on the cutting edge when it comes to our jobs, but the handle is just as important as the blade. Can you innovate or improve a system or process that you use? 

Remember that there’s nothing keeping you from ‘branding’ the way you go about things either. After all, doing your work your own way is the ultimate freedom.

It’s so easy to fall into a vacuum of eat, sleep, work, repeat. To be comfortable and to trade ambition for regularity. Your labor should follow from your own life’s pursuits. That is, if you wish to be the one thriving, not just your employer. Your work output should be in tandem with your legacy and what you want to leave behind.

Afford yourself perspective to truly see your part in the bigger picture. Lift the dome off your career vacuum. Become a better professional and person for those around you. Achieve your dreams. Go on vacation.  

Does acupuncture work for stress and anxiety?

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Stress is the biggest enemy threatening the health of modern people. Long-term experience of stress is likely to cause a decline in immunity which can invite several health-related problems. If you are troubled by stress and have been plagued for a long time, you must find a way to relieve stress. Acupuncture decompression is one of many treatments. It is an unconventional medicine based on the use of natural and biological methods to strengthen the body’s immune system. It advocates different natural methods of care to stimulate the body’s self-healing capacity. When the internal circulation of energy is disturbed, health suffers – this is the eastern conception of stress that considers this state as an energy traffic jam. But to avoid these “plugs”, acupuncture proposes to treat the cause of this dysfunction and not just the symptom. Several healthcare services provide treatment through Acupuncture. Pillars of Wellness is one of such Healthcare Centre that provides such services.

Img source: healthline.com

Acupuncture is a very mysterious method for most people. Because in daily life, this technique is rare, and occasionally it can be seen, only in TV dramas or movies, seeing doctors perform needles in various parts of the patient’s body.  Most people may be curious, so many needles on the body, do not hurt? Can you cure a disease with a needle? Here’s everything you need to know about Acupuncture and how it is effective for stress.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the needle is inserted into the patient at a certain angle, and the specific part of the human body (usually acupuncture point) is stimulated by a special technique (or twisting or lifting). It proposes to solve many health problems with needles, in order to restore the normal circulation of energy within the body. This energy is called Qi (pronounced as Chi). In Chinese medicine, Qi, also called “Breath or Vital Energy”, is one of the five substances circulating in the body through meridians, with blood, organic liquids, the spirit, and essences. These substances serve to maintain the body in a harmonious balance around the notions of Yin and Yang. The concept of Yin and Yang is that our universe is composed of competing and complementary forces like dark and light, male and female, etc. Meridians help to nourish and harmonize Yin and Yang and maintain the balance between different parts of the human body.

How does it work to release stress and anxiety?

Img source: azulambar.com

In modern society, due to the obvious pace of life, intense work competition, various pressures, the brain is in a state of tension and excessive fatigue for a long time. An anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses. Stress and lead to insomnia, depression, and several other chronic diseases. The acupuncturist will also analyze all the feelings involved: anguish, anger, fear, sorrow. Knowing that Chinese medicine does not separate the body from the mind. The organs have both a physical function and a psychic function. For example, the liver, which defends the body and takes care of the imagination, is very sensitive to anger. The spleen is going to be vulnerable to worry, the kidney to fear, the lung to sadness, and so on. Chinese medicine believes that: stress is a seven-injury internal injury, which can lead to no suppression of evil, viscera, Qi and blood loss, blood stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm, dampness, heat and cause cancer. The principle of acupuncture relieving mental stress is to relieve liver and relieve stagnation, regulate air Qi, and regulate physical fitness to achieve the therapeutic effect of decompression. The acupuncturist inserts a fine needle into certain specific acupuncture points on the “meridian” that spread throughout the body and corresponds to certain organs. Meridians can be seen as energy highways or as “Qi” in Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is a barrier off the highway by getting rid of this energy. When the highway is crowded, energy is supported. When the meridian is unblocked (no roadblock), the gas flows freely. When the needle is inserted, acupuncture releases endorphins and activates natural painkillers. It has also been found that acupuncture stimulates the part of the brain that controls emotions. As such, it reduces stress naturally.

Does it hurt?

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The Acupuncture needle vastly used is made of stainless steel. The needles are obviously sterile and disposable and their size and diameter depend on the location of the body that is stung, the size of the patient, and also on the preferences of the practitioner. It is often read that a medium acupuncture needle is equivalent to the diameter of three hairs. They are therefore much thinner than those used for blood sampling. The needle here is not hollow, and a much smaller diameter. The pain is therefore much less during insertion. If your acupuncturist has a good insertion technique, you will not feel any pain.

Acupuncture is based on the principle that the human body must be harmonized in its local particularities as well as in its entirety. It, therefore, proposes a global approach.

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