Health Benefits
“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy”. And we should add bitter and sick and inefficient and a bad friend and s-t-r-e-s-s-e-d out! Even with this age-old adage reminding us of the importance of “play,” more than 30 percent of North Americans do not use all their vacation days. Even when paid, approved and granted, these days often remain “banked and borrowed from.” Whether it is out of a fear of losing one’s position, a sense of competition (in the office or in one’s self), a lack of opportunity or some other unknown, it simply isn’t a good idea to let your vacation time go by without you; not for your mind, your health or your company. There is much research into the importance of daily downtime and quiet in order to give the mind and body the opportunity to reflect and rejuvenate, and this is no less true on the grander scale. It is essential that you take blocks of time to relax, refresh, reconnect and recharge in order for you to be a healthy, productive and happy person. There is no question that your body and soul require rest, repair, laughter, time, quiet, reflection, connection and play; these activities support a person’s emotional well-being, relationships, creativity and intelligence, physical health, problem solving ability and outlook on life. In proof (justification if you need), research has been done on the benefits of taking your time:
Health Benefits
Taking time away from work and routine allows the body to replenish and repair itself. There are studies showing positive impact on many conditions, most notably cardiovascular disease. Further to a boost in the immune system, lower levels of infection and inflammation and a reduction in musculoskeletal conditions, vacation and leisure activities help to lower blood pressure and control waistlines. A variety of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, inflammatory and metabolic disorders can be kept at bay if only you find time to both rest and play.
Emotional Benefits
Vacations and “downtime” contribute to higher positive emotional levels and less stress, anxiety and depression. Studies have found that people who engaged in more leisure activities reported more life satisfaction, fewer negative emotions, tended to be more spiritually connected, and reported having a lot of support from family and friends making them feel more content. All aspects of mental health are encouraged by rest and relaxation….and a bit of laughter with loved ones.
Creativity and Intelligence Benefits
When the mind has some time and space to relax, its potential and ability begin to shine. When it isn’t focused on a specific task day in and out, it can access parts of the brain responsible for creativity, innovation and exploration. It reflects and problem solves and creates, but only when it isn’t forever working away at something or worrying about a stressed, tired and overworked system. Many people have some of their best ideas away from the job or at times when they are at rest (think when you wake up with a brilliant idea or when laughing with friends it all seems to make sense!) Without the pressure to respond to each crisis that arises, we have the opportunity to consider creative and innovative approaches. There is a lot of research that says in order for the brain to grow and create and build new pathways, it needs to be….bored! It refreshes and motivates the brain cells to relax.
Productivity Benefits
When employees take vacations, businesses and the economy benefit. Often, employees report feeling better about their jobs and more productive after taking a vacation stating there is a restorative power in taking time off as it recharges and motivates them to work “better.” Workers who forgo their vacations aren’t doing themselves or their companies any favors. Even if they are physically present, they may have mentally checked out, and they often take more sick time, stress leaves, have a poorer attitude and waste time at work (the mind will take its holidays either way……). For example, if people are overworked, they’re surfing the Internet or daydreaming or taking extra breaks, they’re not contributing to the bottom line anyway.
Taking a vacation helps revive the heart (literally), rejuvenate your body, recharge your mind, and soothe your soul. It doesn’t need to be a grand and expensive getaway; only a break and opportunity to relax or play as you wish. Time is the most valuable thing you have; it’s time to start treating it that way….
April 24 2017
April 24 2017
Sometimes You Just Need a Good Listening-To……Should I Try Counselling?
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have someone listen non-judgmentally and with interest to what you think/ believe/ want/ hope for/ fear/ hate/ distrust/ desire/ need? Or even just someone to bounce ideas off of? Just be there while you cry? Help you find creative or practical solutions to your struggles? That is the very definition of a counsellor.
But isn’t counselling just for people who are crazy? Depressed? Alcoholics?
Sure, I would definitely recommend counselling for those struggling with mental health issues, those stuck in negative patterns, those experiencing crisis or those living highly stressful, anxious lives; however counseling can also work wonders for the everyday person who wants to think, feel, problem solve, create and grow in the presence of, and with help from another caring and thoughtful person. Maybe it’s a habit you want to break. Perhaps you’re struggling with family conflict. Or maybe you’re unhappy in your job, and need some guidance in figuring out what career will really make you happy. Sometimes people just want to get something off of their chest, or ask philosophical questions. Most often, someone is struggling to understand a situation or needing support through a difficult time or major change. Counselling can be a great option in these situations!
So what’s stopping you? The way counseling is portrayed in movies and TV shows can paint a judgy, awkward and pretentious picture It is also often used interchangeably with the word “therapy” — the differences between the two lie in the certification of the provider, as well as the presenting topic – more medical and diagnosed mental health concerns should seek therapy. But in reality, while there may be a couch or a comfy chair, therapists are not detached, distracted listeners who charge an arm and a leg for an hour of their time and come out with a statement full of judgment or a diagnosis that paints you with a negative brush. Just because you receive counseling doesn’t automatically mean that something is wrong with you. A lot of people seek out a counsellor to help them with a goal or dream, and still others for support as they hope to help others through their struggles.
Seeing a counsellor also doesn’t mean you’ll need medication, group therapy or extensive, lifelong treatment programs. While all of the above are a possibility depending on the situation, a good counselor will start with the gentlest strategies to find success, and only work with what you are comfortable with. A good counsellor listens, helps you find your strengths, identifies thoughts, feelings, questions and answers and helps you to realize the changes or directions you would like to go. They support you during your difficult times, celebrate your good times and guide you through goal setting, reflection and problem solving.
It’s also easy for people to get hung up on the cost of therapy — which can run the gamut from $80 to $200 for a session (usually an hour in length). Therapy is expensive, but it’s an investment and you should be getting a return on your investment. There are other things that are expensive, that we don’t question the finances of so much, such as hiring a good attorney if you’re going through a divorce. Also, often private health care plans will cover the cost of counselling sessions, and sometimes companies or employers will have Employee Assistance Plans for the same purpose. I often tell people that they are going to “work through” their challenges one way or another: spending money on counselling is a good investment as opposed to alcohol, shopping, shoes, gambling, food or other distraction techniques…
“But aren’t therapists just people you’re paying to listen to your problems?” you may ask. While compassionate listening is an important part of the counseling process, therapists have master’s and doctorate degrees and have spent years studying how people change, relationships, work environments, conflict resolution and communication. We spend years living in those systems and training in those systems so we can help you get to that part of yourself to understand the things that are driving your habits and choices. There are many theories, strategies and evidence based practices based on solid research that these professionals can draw upon once the client is ready to move on to problem solving and/ or change.
So how would you even start? The first step to starting therapy is to find a therapist. If cost is an important factor, you could ask your insurance company for a list of therapists who would be considered in-network. There are also government organizations and Not-For-Profit support services. Still more private offices may offer “sliding-scale” programs. Churches and schools also have people trained in counselling. You could also try searching the internet, yellow-pages, social media or friends to ask for a list of mental health professionals. Especially if you are looking for a therapist for a particular issue (i.e. divorce, weight loss, grief), referrals from friends/ family or specific internet searches may be the way to go! There are also more and more online options (cyber-counselling) over email popping up to offer counseling at your pace, place and convenience. Check out www.seekersknow.blogspot.com for more info!
One of the most important aspects of counselling is the counsellor/ client “fit.” Not everyone clicks with everyone…don’t let this be a reason for you to give up! No different than your doctor, vet or employer, you need to find the person you connect with, trust and respect. It’s okay not to like a person’s style and find the best person to help you! All counsellors have a different personality, belief system, and style….shop around! Even ask ahead of time some questions about their strategies, style or beliefs about your struggle…a good counsellor will talk with you and take time to answer these questions!
There is also the question of how many sessions one should go? Some people want to have a speedy experience, where the problem is solved in six sessions or less. If this is you, then you should look for a “solutions-focused therapist.” It is still important to keep in mind that you can’t expect that all problems can be solved in a short period of time, as some situations take longer to sort through. Meanwhile, other people can end up going to therapy for years, either because the situation has never been resolved, or because they like being able to come in for an hour each week to talk about life – either one is okay and you can decide what is best for you.
So…what is the first session like? Some therapists do a first session by getting an assessment of the current problem. Some will do history, relationship or background information gathering. Others will listen and let you guide the process, and still others will engage using metaphors or thought-provoking questions. It isn’t just a one-way relationship to be sure….you need to have an idea of what you would like to talk about, and what you would like to get out of therapy. Be sure to communicate that desire…you’re the boss and the therapy should meet your need! A counsellor’s job is to help guide people where they would like to go. As a trust and rapport builds, this sharing and reflection will become more natural.
The purpose of counselling is to build. Grow. Repair. Remake. Lift. Understand. Seek. Answer. Identify. Feel. Live. Smile. Listen. Be.
If you need or want any of those things….give it a try!
March 3, 2014
March 3, 2014
Words to live by…
Words can be a very powerful way to experience our world. Emotions, ideas, quotes and thoughts can open our hearts and minds and inspire us ….here are a few of my favorite words to live by:
April 24 2017
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