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Articles & News
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.
Understanding Anxiety: Practical Tools for Finding Calm in Everyday Life
Having occasional anxiety is a common and normal part of life. The reality is life is tricky and it throws unexpected and difficult curve balls at us. We all worry about things at different times, such as a new situation, relationships, family members, big decisions, money or health.
Thriving Through the Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Stress and Finding Joy
The holiday season is a complex mix of emotions—a time of celebration that can simultaneously bring profound joy and significant psychological challenges. This guide explores the complex landscape of holiday stress, offering evidence-based strategies to foster mental resilience and genuine connection.
How Can I Help? A Te Whare Tapa Whā Approach to Mental Health Support
Mental health is shaped by a wide range of factors, which can make it challenging to know where to begin when someone we care about is struggling. Te Whare Tapa Whā, which translates to the four-sided house, was developed by Sir Mason Durie (1984) as a model for understanding Māori health.
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.
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.
Energise Your Workday: Why Regular Eating Matters
Are you struggling with concentration and energy at work? The key might lie in how often you’re eating. In today’s fast-paced world, we juggle numerous demands, from work commitments to personal responsibilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Fighting Fair: Getting Comfortable with Conflict at Work
Conflict is a part of work life that elicits discomfort in many people. Understandably there may be an urge to avoid or prevent conflict, however the research suggests it’s more important to address it
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
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.”
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.
Worried About Someone’s Wellbeing at Work? A Do’s and Don’ts Quick Guide
Have you noticed a change in someone’s mood or behaviour at work? It could be their drop in performance or a reduced capacity to manage day-to-day stress at work. They may not be their usual selves, seem more stressed than normal, snap at colleagues, or have become more withdrawn from team interactions.
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.
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…
Mental Wellness – 7 Strategies for Solo Business Owners to Thrive
Through this rollercoaster ride, I’ve experienced highs and lows, tasted success, and learned from failures. These experiences have imparted invaluable lessons and insights that I believe are common for solo business owners/operators.
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.
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.
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
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...
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...
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...
Radical Responsibility
In our fast-paced, digitally-driven competitive world, the call to improve performance, deliver exceptional results, and drive innovation is louder...
Regulate, Relate, Release, Reset
Have you ever wondered why some people always seem to stay positive, even when they face tough times, while others who appear to have everything are...
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...
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...
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,...
Emotional overwhelm and how to deal with it
Dealing with overwhelming emotions can be difficult and interfere with our daily lives. Emotional overwhelm can be an intense and distressing...
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...
Challenging your core beliefs
SITUATION > THOUGHT > FEELING > BEHAVIOUR > CONSEQUENCES The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model is a pivotal model in psychology...
Neuroplasticity – retrain your brain
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences, learning, and environmental stimuli. This process...
Meet your vagus nerve: The Brain Modulator
The vagus nerve is a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response. It plays a...
Relax in 4 minutes with Box Breathing
Did you know you can use your breathing to relax and destress? Box breathing is a simple and effective technique with powerful results that can...
How to deal with negative thoughts
I recently read that the average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. A high percentage of those (around 80%) are negative and mostly...
Dealing with setbacks and failures
THE SIX PS – WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN DEALING WITH SETBACKS AND FAILURES – Shiv Kumar “Good as gold”, the cab driver replied as I...
The Vicious Cycle of Stress and Breathing
Let’s talk about STRESS… I know a lot of you think you should just toughen up and “push through it”. Well, you won’t be able to do it for long....
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...
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,...
Roger Federer has a coach. Is that a sign of weakness?
Roger Federer has a coach. Is that a sign of weakness? I certainly don’t think so. We go to the dentist, doctor and potentially the optometrist...
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...
Let’s Talk About Mental Fitness
Let’s talk about mental fitness – with REMiND. Physical fitness creates healthier human beings - that much we can agree on. We’re all familiar...
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...
How to Create a More Meaningful Life
How to Create a More Meaningful Life What leads to meaning in life? And what do you do to create more meaning? What is the definition of meaning? ...
10 Steps to Boost Mental Health and Wellbeing
Positive Psychology uses pragmatic practices, resources, and strategies that leverage your strengths to build resilience, happiness and wellbeing....
The 7 Day Wellbeing Action Plan
I have teamed up with my good friend, and Clinical Psychologist, Ampara Bouwens, to touch on seven ‘quick-fire’ style topics and tools that can...
Post Pandemic Stress – What are the signs, and What you can do about it?
The pandemic has been life-changing for many around the world. We’ve been locked down in our homes, lost jobs, suffered heartaches and said goodbye...
Procrastination: the handbrake of life
I’ll never forget my Dad receiving a particular Xmas gift sometime in the early ’80’s. He was given this red, round plastic disc, called ‘a...
My number one tip to reduce overeating
Do you ever feel a bit ‘out of control’ around food? Would you consider your overeating ‘emotional’ or yourself an "emotional eater?” Feeling this...
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...
How to Build a Healthy Lifestyle
Discover tips and ideas you can use to make your life healthier. There is more than one way to stay healthy, and if you asked people around you...
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,...
Habits…easy come, easy go…no more!
Last night, when I was doing exactly what I’d been telling myself all lockdown not to do – staying up later for no good reason once the kids had...
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...
Glimmers and Triggers: Finding the help you need
Choosing the right counselling or coaching service Are you looking for help and feel a bit confused about where to start? How to choose the right...
Decoding Burnout: The new workplace syndrome
Right now, we’re hearing the word ‘burnout’ everywhere. There’s a healthcare crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare workers are ‘burnt...
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...
A Reminder Checklist (to myself)
A year ago I wrote myself a note that I ended up publishing, with a view to reminding myself of some basics in life and general guidelines to be...
Michael Barnett: Saving the next Cassandra Fausett
NZ Herald - 7 Oct, 2022, 05:00 am Link to article Photo / Robert Kneschke Michael Barnett: Saving the next Cassandra Fausett. Health services are...
Are You Stuck In A Negative Thought Pattern?
Something which has been plaguing me lately is the guilt, shame and fear actors who have been playing out varying scenarios in my head. My mind is...
How You Can Make Healthy Eating A Habit by Wick Nixon
If you have tried to quit smoking, drinking coffee or eating sugar, you will know that habits are hard to break. Much of the focus out there is...
How To Recharge Your Own Batteries by Carley Nicholson
Carley Nicholson – Resilience Coach & Trainer I’m guessing that you’re not a robot or a machine with the ability to operate at full capacity all...
Burnout, Depression and Recovery by Tim Kavermann
Click here to Listen to the Podcast by Tim Kavermann I wrote this article to communicate my experiences in what happens to the body and mind when...
When Your Business Partner Is Your Life Partner By Douwe Hoogstra
By Douwe Hoogstra from Love Your Business Being in Business with your Life Partner can be stressful Running a business can put relationships under...
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...
3 Tips For Empowering Yourself by Bee Nicholls
As we are slowing emerging out of our cocoons of the last few years, living through crisis after crisis globally - not to mention in our own lives -...
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