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The Loneliness Epidemic: Navigating Connection in a Digital Age

The Loneliness Epidemic: Navigating Connection in a Digital Age

In an age of unprecedented connectivity, the “loneliness epidemic” stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Despite the advances in technology and communication, which have brought the world closer in some ways, loneliness has become a global phenomenon. It profoundly influences mental health, physical well-being, and social cohesion.

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Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Styles

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Styles

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a pivotal role in leadership, shaping how individuals manage their own emotions and respond to the emotions of others in the workplace. Defined by Daniel Goleman as “the capacity for recognising our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships” (1998), the term was originally created by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990.

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What is Autism, and How Do I Know if I’m Autistic?

What is Autism, and How Do I Know if I’m Autistic?

Those of us on the autism spectrum have differences compared to non-autistic people in how we communicate with and interact with others, and how we go about our routines and interests. In a world that doesn’t always “get” autism, this may feel overwhelming or cause challenges in our day-to-day lives.

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Navigating Redundancy

Navigating Redundancy

Those in the high job insecurity group are nearly 15 times more likely to be in the burnout risk group, highlighting the impact of job insecurity on wellbeing. This research reflects the changing economic environment in New Zealand, and the pressure the workforce is under due to fear of job losses.

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Dysgraphia: The Forgotten Neurodevelopmental Condition

Dysgraphia: The Forgotten Neurodevelopmental Condition

Have you always struggled to write down your thoughts, even when you know exactly what you want to say? Your words may not match what’s in your mind. You may find taking notes, writing emails, or filling out forms difficult, making it almost impossible to meet professional demands that require written communication.

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Supporting Success

Supporting Success

A Leader’s Guide to Reasonable Accommodations and Performance Management After Employee Wellbeing Disclosures. Millions of people today experience times of mental unwellness. According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, 25% of us Kiwis experience challenges with our mental health and emotional wellbeing.

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The Wellness Paradox: When Health Goals Become a Health Hazard

The Wellness Paradox: When Health Goals Become a Health Hazard

In recent years, the pursuit of health has gained significant fervour, becoming a cultural phenomenon. With new wellness boutiques popping up on every corner and social media feeds filled with curated routines—showcasing everything from cryotherapy to alkaline diets—this landscape can make wellness feel less like a personal journey and more like a public performance.

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Understanding Highly Sensitive Persons

Understanding Highly Sensitive Persons

Some people possess a unique sensitivity that sets them apart from others. They experience the world with a depth of feeling that can be overwhelming at times. While your colleague might easily brush off a manager’s criticism, the same remark could profoundly affect you.

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Navigating Digital Wellbeing

Navigating Digital Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology is deeply integrated into our daily lives, the line between work and personal life is becoming increasingly blurred – a phenomenon known as techno-invasion (Mondo et al., 2023). This concept highlights how the constant connectivity facilitated by digital platforms can intrude into personal time, leading to a seamless blend of work and leisure that can impact our wellbeing.

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The Neuroscience of Burnout

The Neuroscience of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight—it sneaks up on the “dedicated and committed,” those who pour everything into their work, only to find themselves drained, detached, and doubting their own abilities.

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Coping with Financial Stress

Coping with Financial Stress

Every day we are reminded that we are living in challenging economic times. With the cost of living increasing, you may feel worried about your finances and are struggling to make ends meet. Feeling all sorts of emotions in difficult times in normal. Many New Zealanders are struggling with money and experiencing financial stress at any given time.

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Five Common Myths about Wellbeing

Five Common Myths about Wellbeing

Our mental health and wellbeing affect not only our mood but every aspect of our lives. It’s good news that mental health awareness has never been higher. Encouraging people to talk openly about their challenges helps to break down the stigma long associated with mental health difficulties.

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Has “Anxiety” Just Become a Hashtag?

Has “Anxiety” Just Become a Hashtag?

It seems like anxiety has been everywhere lately, becoming a trending topic. While rising mental health awareness is undoubtedly beneficial, it is also crucial to distinguish between natural nerves and mental health conditions, like anxiety disorders, that can require professional support.

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Therapy myth busting: what is therapy actually like?

Therapy myth busting: what is therapy actually like?

For those who have never been before, therapy may feel shrouded in mystery. Hollywood portrayals and the confidential nature of therapy have contributed to many misconceptions about what goes on in the therapists office. This unfortunately may deter people from getting support. I want to demystify the therapy experience and remove this barrier. Let’s look at some of the common therapy myths.

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Should I go to therapy?

Should I go to therapy?

At some point in life, you may have asked yourself “Should I go to therapy?” However, it is not uncommon to hesitate in taking the next step of contacting a therapist. If therapy has not been normalised in your circle of family and friends, you may be unsure of when and where to seek help. So how do you know when you should reach out and to whom?

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The Psychology of Change

The Psychology of Change

It is well-established from psychological research that people do not make sudden decisions to change their behaviour and start acting differently. Change is a gradual and imperfect process. The behaviour change is just one part in the chain.

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Supercharge your Communication

Supercharge your Communication

Human beings need to communicate. It is the mechanism through which we build and maintain the relationships, groups, and communities essential to our survival. This includes our businesses. Some studies report that up to 80% of a worker’s day is spent communicating

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Psychosocial Hazards: A guide for SME business owners

Psychosocial Hazards: A guide for SME business owners

According to the occupational health and safety definition, the term ‘psychosocial hazards’ refers to “the aspects of design and management of work and its social, organisational context that may have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm.”

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What is ADHD and How Do I Know If I’m ADHD?

What is ADHD and How Do I Know If I’m ADHD?

While each person’s experiences with ADHD vary, difficulties often come from a lifetime of others not understanding us, being told we’re “Too much,” and challenges to focus, regulate our emotions, or maintain positive relationships.

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Addiction in the Workplace

Addiction in the Workplace

When we experience addiction, we are unable to stop pursuing the immediate feel-good sensation that certain substances or activities provide, even when we know it’s hurting our health, relationships, and professional performance. Often, this is driven by a need to escape emotional or physical discomfort. Over time, addictive behaviour can turn into a vicious cycle.

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What’s really stopping us from moving each day?

What’s really stopping us from moving each day?

What if we knew the words ‘Fitness’ and ‘Exercise’ were stopping us from moving each day? Fitness, Exercise, Training… What other words inspire you to say NO, stay planted on the couch… work late (now it’s too close to dinner to do anything)… wake up tired and hit snooze for the 3rd time…

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What is Neurodiversity: A Guide for Individuals and Organisations

What is Neurodiversity: A Guide for Individuals and Organisations

If you are neurodivergent, it means that your brain is wired to think, learn, solve problems, and interact with others in a way that is different from neurotypical people. New Zealand employers who embrace neurodiversity value and leverage unique skills and perspectives neurodivergent kaimahi (employees) bring to the table.

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I want to work on my fitness – please help me get started

I want to work on my fitness – please help me get started

Re-writing the fitness industry is something we’ve been doing at 09 Thrive for the past 11 years. Why?! You’re not the only one who has tried over and over again to set and carry out your fitness goals. Here’s to re-writing blame and shame into understanding and commitment.

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Managing Holiday Season Stress

Managing Holiday Season Stress

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time of celebration and connection, but it can also bring stress and overwhelm. For business owners in Aotearoa, balancing work and festivities can be a challenging juggle

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Harnessing Grit

Harnessing Grit

Harnessing Grit: A guide to success in life and work. Within psychology, 'Grit' occupies an important position as a trait connected to productivity...

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Navigating Imposter Syndrome

Navigating Imposter Syndrome

In the land of the long white cloud, where humility is prized and standing out can feel like breaking an unwritten rule, imposter syndrome (IS) is a...

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Cognitive Biases

Cognitive Biases

Cognitive Biases: What are they, how do they work and how can you overcome them? Human cognition is a marvellously complex process. Our minds can...

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Radical Responsibility

Radical Responsibility

In our fast-paced, digitally-driven competitive world, the call to improve performance, deliver exceptional results, and drive innovation is louder...

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Dude, we need to talk

Dude, we need to talk

  Dude, we Need to Talk: A casual guide to encourage men’s dialogue on Mental Health. Historically, conversations around mental health have...

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Embracing blunt communication

Embracing blunt communication

Embracing blunt communication: cracking the code to job wonders and mateship magic. In the world of Kiwi professionals, the golden ticket to success...

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What’s your Ikigai?

What’s your Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates to “a reason for being” or “a purpose in life.” It is the intersection of four elements: what you love,...

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Let’s Flow!

Let’s Flow!

Flow is a state of mind that is often experienced by individuals who are fully immersed in a task that they enjoy. It is a mental state...

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The Power of Positivity

The Power of Positivity

Why is positivity so important? And how do you grow yours? Find out here.  Positivity refers to our tendency to be optimistic in life. This...

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Taming the Burnout Monster

Taming the Burnout Monster

Making burnout the monster    Do you want to talk about burnout?  I’m guessing its not something you regularly discuss over your morning hot drink,...

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Meal Planning For Busy People

Meal Planning For Busy People

If you are like many people, you have such a busy life that making homemade, healthy meals each day is a constant struggle. Instead of just giving...

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How To Overcome Stress

How To Overcome Stress

How to Overcome Stress  Five key steps (and lots of tips) for understanding and beating stress.  You know the feeling. You can't find the release...

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How to Cope with Uncertainty

How to Cope with Uncertainty

Worried about the future? Try out these strategies to be more resilient in the face of uncertainty.    When uncertainty stresses us out, making us...

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Client Coaching Case Study

Client Coaching Case Study

In early Dec 2021 I was suffering from a mid-life crisis, feeling scrambled and anxious, stuck, and uncertain.  My situation felt dire and urgent,...

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How to cope with loneliness

How to cope with loneliness

Many of us have had to navigate feelings of loneliness at one point or another. This loneliness may materialise as a small tug when you’re sitting...

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Mindfulness Matters

Mindfulness Matters

What is your role at Resolution Retreats? As an Integrative Health Coach, I have a large focus on mental and emotional wellbeing and encouraging our...

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Burnout by Bree Nicholls

Burnout by Bree Nicholls

Guest writer and former burnout sufferer Bree Nicholls on the need to disconnect from certain areas of your life in order to reconnect with your...

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Do you need help now?

If you, or someone you know, requires crisis or emergency support, please reach out for help via the links below. You are not alone; there are FREE professional resources available to help you.