So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Friday Quote 6/22/2023
Author: Looking for the Light
Looking for the Light is a Health and Lifestyle Blog that covers topics such as cooking, DIY projects, fitness, men's and women's health, and much more.
Please stop by, pull up a chair, and read through my archives.
Melinda
Hot and Heavy: The Role of a Clean Office in Promoting Employee Health
Are you tired of feeling stuffy and unproductive at work? Do you find yourself constantly sneezing or getting sick in the office? A clean office not only promotes good hygiene but also plays a crucial role in ensuring employee health and safety.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how maintaining a tidy workplace can lead to a healthy summer office and happier employees. So, get ready to turn up the heat on cleanliness – let’s dive in!
The Hazards of Working in a Hot Office
Working in a hot office can be extremely hazardous to your health. Such an environment can lead to dehydration, which can then lead to heat stroke. Unhealthy offices can also worsen conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
It is a good idea to keep your office clean and free of the clutter that will gather dust. A clean office will help you stay cool and comfortable and will also help you stay focused on your work.
Cleaning Tips for Hot Weather
Here are some cleaning tips to help you keep your office safe and comfortable during the hot weather months:
• Dust regularly and vacuum often to remove any build-up of dust and dirt.
• Wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant to prevent the spread of germs.
• Pay extra attention to high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, keyboards, and telephones.
• Regularly empty trash cans and recycling bins to prevent unpleasant odors from developing in the heat.
• Encourage your employees to do their part by reminding them about basic hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently with soap or sanitizer and keeping their workspace tidy at all times.
Ways to Keep an Office Cool
When the temperatures start to rise, it can be difficult to keep your office cool. Bear in mind, though, that there are always things you can do to help make your office more comfortable for workers. These include:
1. Ensure the air conditioning inside the building is working properly. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s important to make sure the AC is running efficiently before taking any other steps.
2. Use fans strategically. Placing fans around the office can help circulate air and keep everyone cool. Just be careful not to point them directly at employees, as this can create a draft.
3. Keep windows covered. Sunlight streaming in through windows can make an already warm room feel even hotter. Closing blinds or curtains can help block out some of the heat.
4. Encourage employees to dress for the heat. Employees should avoid wearing heavy clothing or clothing that doesn’t breathe well in hot weather. Instead, opt for lightweight fabrics that will keep them cool.
5. Provide cool drinks and snacks. Keeping a stash of cold water bottles and light snacks like fruit or yogurt in the office will help employees stay hydrated and cooler throughout the day.
Benefits of a Clean Office Environment in Hot Weather
In hot weather, a clean office environment is important for promoting employee health and safety. A clean office allows employees to stay cool and comfortable and reduces the risk of heat-related illness. A clean office also provides a safe and healthy place for employees to work.
Employee Health and Safety Considerations
First and foremost, businesses should provide employees with a clean and safe working environment. This means ensuring that the office is free of dust, dirt, and other contaminants that could potentially cause health problems.
Furthermore, businesses should make sure that all office equipment is properly maintained and in good working condition. This includes making sure that chairs, desks, and other furniture are ergonomically designed and meet industry safety standards. It is important that businesses train their staff and provide them with the necessary resources to remain safe while on the job.
By taking these simple yet effective steps, businesses can ensure safer working environments are created.
Conclusion
A clean office is essential for creating a safe and healthy environment for employees. It will not only help reduce the likely spread of diseases but promote better employee morale, leading to improved productivity. With proper cleaning protocols in place, employers can ensure that their offices are free of dust and germs while providing an enjoyable working experience for everyone involved. Cleanliness should be an integral part of any workplace culture if businesses want to create a safe and efficient work environment where employees feel comfortable and productive.
It is such a simple and cost-effective way to improve office life for everyone, so it makes sense to have the office cleaned properly, particularly during the hot months.
If budgets are tight, then consider cleaning more during summer months, and hiring those that know how to achieve this in the shortest space of time.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
How To Help Someone In A Mental Health Crisis
People who have a Mental Illness are like you and me, the only difference is instead of having Diabetes, they have wiring problems in the brain. Both have to take their medication or bad things can happen. Unless you know someone who has a Mental Illness you may have a stigma to overcome.
It’s a difficult time for people who have severe mental illness due to stigma and the ongoing hate in our country. Mental Illness is often overdramatized by television, nightly news, and trash rags, and Social Media is the worst.
There are many factors to consider when deciding to help a person during a Mental Health crisis. You can have the biggest heart in the world but your safety has to come first. If someone looks out of control, you can’t rush in and make the situation worst. You will have to help from afar.
The first step I would take if I saw someone acting, out of control, psychotic, delusional, talking to themself loudly, yelling out at people walking by, and maybe self-harm. against themselves, to name a few. I would call the police in the area, walk away and come back by to see they’re gone.
We want to help but we have to think about ourselves and our families. This is also a good read for teens that may find themself in a position to help. The way we can help reduce stigma is to learn the basics of Mental Health.
Even on medication or several medications people with severe mental illnesses, medications can stop working, some people will not take their medication and others have a more serious crisis. In an ideal world, we could easily find urgent Mental Health support in several areas of the city.
One important note!
If someone is clearly having a crisis or breakdown you can access the situation from afar and CALL POLICE.
If you see someone in need you have a couple of choices.
Call the police.
Call someone that knows him that can help.
Ask someone in the general area, do they know him or do they have his/her’s phone number. I would go as far as calling the number but would not get involved.
If there is a Mental Health Charity nearby, go there and ask them to help him.
Call the police!!!!!!! I can’t say this enough because the person may not know what they’re doing, have a weapon, steal your purse, steal your phone, and could become violent. I have Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder and have had my own crisis in my front yard with a Police pointing a gun at me.
*Most cities have talked for years about having several officers trained in Mental Health but I can’t say anything has been done.
We have to think hard these days about all people we meet, but if a person is erratic, violent, talking loudly to themselves, or walking in circles, you don’t have the skills to help and may get yourself hurt.
I watch almost nothing but Police, Law, and Spy show, you can imagine what I’ve seen. Television is drama, not real unless it states. When the show Dallas went off the air, I was in shock but quickly my mind settled, this was a nice overly dramatic show, just an escape.
The last thing I want to do is add to the STIGMA of Mental Illness, that goes against who I am. We need more free resources around town to support those in need. If you’re an abled body Advocate, look at the resources available in your town/city. Start relationships with the person by checking in every week, learn from this person where the crisis is happening, and see if you can get a Charity, Corporate or use your own money to build some signs, have a table with information about Mental Illness.
I hear too much disturbing news all day long, and so or our kids. Limiting children’s time on the computer and all social media, I don’t care if they’ve done it one way, You are the boss and the boss is making changes. Have strong settings on the phone, and don’t allow access to Social Media during school or other family functions.
While you are making changes to computer usage, your child might be savvy and try to get a phone. Don’t Do It!
Don’t fall for these B.S. Excuses!
My best friend has one
My bother has one
All the girls in my school have one.
I have to be a to reach my friends
With all the mass shootings in America scaring you as much as me, I would make some exceptions. As these are for school safety only and you can only call, the police, parents, or friends who may be able to help. Don’t allow them to get on the Internet from the phone.
Visit the NAMI for all information on Mental Illness and excellent support systems.
I have a passion for Mental Health Support and America is driving off the rails and leaving people on the streets and no support for their Mental Illness. Now is the time to bring the faces of Mental Illness to the front, and educate children and adults with real content and support services.
I did not say anything about helping someone yourself, when someone’s in a crisis they can get violent. I will never ask anyone to put their life in danger. One nice gesture, if they are calm, stop and get a couple bottles of water and a sandwich.
Melinda
Looking for the Light Is Celebrating 14 years on WordPress
I first joined WordPress in 2005 with a blog called Defining Memories and in 2014 I started Looking for the Light.
There is no way to thank everyone who has supported me thru the years. I am grateful every time you visit or leave a comment. Looking for the Light is a passion of mine, I like helping others if I can and work hard to be an armchair advocate.
I would not be the person I am today without all the kind words and I’ve learned so much in the past 14 years, you are great bloggers.
Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 14 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.
Melinda
If You’re Having WordPress Issues, Contact, Contact, And Contact Again
Are you having a problem with your WordPress site you are not alone and if luck you may get the issue fixed. Contact the Happiness Engineers every day, and contact them over and over until your issues are solved.
This is a similar post to what I’ve written about before, it’s a new problem that showed up yesterday. This is why Fortune 500 companies use the best practices for programmers by doing changes and updates offline. When programming is done live in the working with core systems, a fiasco continues almost daily.
My beef started on 5/11/2023 when the programmers jump in to make a change to the Reblog Sytems changes, I’ve had so many issues with bugs in the system, bugs that pop up before the original question I get answered.
WordPress has a bad reputation and I may have to share some articles with media and social media to see if WP gets the point.
I don’t want to leave WP, I want them to do their job, in a high-quality manner that services Bloggers.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Blooming Rosemary
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
Test Post for WordPress
I’ve been in heavy conversation with WordPress since 5/11/23 when they started on the Oh-So important Reblog changes. I hope this last post will give me the answer I need and no longer have to spend hours a day communicating with WordPress.
Thank you for hanging in while I work out my problems with WordPress.
I pray they get the sytem bugs worked out and then leave the process alone.
Melinda
Have A Chronic Illness? Take Control By Shaving Your Head
*This post is from 2017 and I’ve updated it to capture the years between 2017 and 2023.
There are times when Chronic Illness can get the better of you. I had such a week resulting in shaving my hair off. I’m no GI Jane but do have a nice head minus the scars from brain surgery.
For the past 13 years, I’ve been a caregiver to my grandparents and spent time in Psychic Hospital twice for ECT treatments. Finding an answer to my heart problem took three years, two cardiologists, and a trip to The Mayo Clinic I had a diagnosis in four days.
The search for ?? (Lyme Diseases) started in 2012 and the diagnosis in 2014. It took two attempts to find a competent doctor and tons of frustration. I’m not driving, my cognitive abilities like balance and memory were taken by Lyme.
Last week I discovered a total knee replacement is required and scheduled for 11/14/17. All the falls from Lyme blew out my right knee.
I’m not one to have a pity party but the weight on my shoulders became too much. I gave my husband many reasons why I shaved my head, the truth is CONTROL. I have four chronic illnesses and have to manage my health every day and every day can be different. There are many days I don’t have the strength to bathe, on those days I use medical-grade body wipes.
I’m 54, my mental illness is close to balanced, was looking forward to driving after several years, and most importantly I want to know who I am.
Shaving my head was liberating, a part of the new me came out. I can control some things and have to roll with the punches on others.
Can you imagine coming home from work to find your wife has shaved their head? My husband wasn’t surprised.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Mother Wintermoon
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Mother Wintermoon.
Mother Wintermoon
Stage 4 cancer, dv, trauma and NDE survivor.
Spiritual treasure hunter, learner, teacher, mystic, nurturer, and scribbler balancing on the tightrope between worlds. I share and receive guidance from Source and my Mentors in the celestial realm.
Peaceful warrior writing and winding my way through c-PTSD, loss, and grief.
I believe you and I crossed paths for a reason, at this pivotal moment in earth’s revolution. Welcome all lovers of the written word sharing your journeys and seeking to create community.
Check out her incredible storytelling and exciting art.
Melinda
Happy Father’s Day Gramps
My Gramps was the one they broke the mold on, he was the calmest, help anyone in need, and family’s first type of man and he worked hard.
I was a previous drug addict, alcoholic, and an out-of-control teen when I went to live with my grandparents. Gramps was a year from retirement so he was about 62 years old, he looked forward to fishing and playing dominos every day. Now there’s a 14-year-old living with them, not something either of us expected.
They raised me with tough love, the Greatest Generation way. I had so many rules to follow and I did not want to disappoint my grandparents by breaking them.
I didn’t realize he was not my biological grandfather until about 8 or 9 years old. Granny and I were talking and I said why is Gramp’s name different than my father’s. I was crushed at first then realized how fortunate I was to have him in my life. He was the only father I had, my father created trauma in my life and I had little to do with him.
If only everyone had someone like my Gramps in their life.
I think of you and miss you so much my heart aches. See you soon.
Melinda
Fun Facts
Thanks for stopping by today, I love hearing your comments each week.
Johnny Appleseed’s fruits weren’t for eating
Scotland has 421 words for snow
Samsung tests phone durability with a butt-shaped robot
The Windy City nickname has nothing to do with Chicago’s weather
Peanuts aren’t technically nuts
Melinda
Reference:
#Weekend Music Share-Aerosmith and Johnny Depp – Train Kept A Rollin’ *Johnny will blow your mind!
Each week I showcase one of my favorite songs. I’m so glad you dropped by, have a great weekend.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 6/16/2023
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Learning To Walk Away-Guest Blogger Join Us Down The Rabbit Hole
New ADD & ADHD Resources Added To Organizations That Can Help Page
I’ve added some important recourses for ADD & ADHD to the Organizations That Can Help page. The resources are under Mental Health.
Melinda
Good Times on the Highway to Hell Part 5
More Antics On My Journey In Life
I vomited in my new Land Rover on the way home from work. I could not pull over fast enough, vomit was everywhere and I didn’t have a napkin. Once I arrived home, the clean-up began. It was getting late and stopped only to find I had locked myself out of the house. I was living in a new neighborhood and only had three neighbors. I found a light on and asked if I could borrow a phone book, and she said yes. Bet I smelled bad and this was the first time I met her. Even after a professional cleaning it smelled and I traded it for something else.
My friends and I went to dinner to celebrate my 33rd birthday. Out of the blue, I decided to get a tattoo and a belly button ring. Several of us drove to a bad part of town because they wanted to watch me get the tattoo. Thank goodness I was drunk, they said on the sign not to be drunk but at that age, I was on top of the world.
FYI, the belly button piercing hurt so bad, like your guts were being pulled out. After six months of babying the spot, it would not heal and I took it out.
My gramps had Prostate and Bladder Cancer, the two pushing against each other caused him to have to pee about every 10-15 minutes. My cousin was in a small plane crash and was in really bad shape, Gramps had to go see him. The problem was the hospital was 1.5 hours away. Knowing that we would be stopping along the way I took an empty Gatorade bottle for emergencies. I’m flying down the highway close to 100 miles an hour and Gramps says I have to pee now! I had to push the accelerator all the way down to find an exit. I was Speed Racer! I found a spot and he peed in the bottle. It wasn’t funny at the time but it sure is now.
Melinda
Test Post for WordPress
I’m still having problems reblogging and you might be too. I’m doing a test to get to a certain screen for WordPress to see.
Melinda
Things I’m Loving
Here are a few products I’m in love with right now. I hope you find a new product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, family, or co-workers.
Olly Heavenly Hair Growth Gummies 60 count
It supports strong, healthy growth with Keratin, Amla, Biotin, and Minerals. They have a Tropical Citrus flavor which tastes good and is not too hard to chew. I haven’t been taking long enough to give you the results. Very affordable compared to other top gummies.
Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick
It softens, hydrates, and protects with a hint of flavor. No gloss or gooey lips, just pure natural goodness. The first products were launched in 1967 and Elisabeth Sigmund trained the first Dr. Hauschka Esthetician in 1971.
Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Body Lotion
The lotion is creamy and soaks in quickly. I love that the bottle stands upside down so the lotion is always at the top, no more squeezing to get to the bottom of the bottle. From Weleda’s website.
“Some cosmetics leech small microplastic beads and liquid plastics, such as silicones, into rivers and oceans, which pollutes the environment. We do not use these substances. Our Body Cleansing Scrub, for example, uses environmentally friendly wax beads made from carnauba and beeswax. We believe that quality and sustainability go hand in hand.”
Prime TV by Amazon
If you are a Prime Member you get so many perks it’s hard to believe for the price. One of our favorites is free Prime TV, it’s loaded with original content, movies for all ages, and series. We’re addicted to The Practice right now. All the regular TV shows have ended for the season, and now we have plenty of shows to watch.
I buy most of my products from Amazon.
What products have you added to your life that you love?
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *New Orleans in Bloom
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
Let’s Celebrate Flag Day on the 14th
For Flag Day 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched an international “United Flag Day” or “United Nations Day“, celebrating solidarity among the World War II Allies, six months after the Declaration by United Nations.[22][23] It was observed in New York City as the “New York at War” parade, and throughout the United States and internationally from 1942 to 1944.[citation needed]
The annual celebrations on Flag Day and also Defenders Day in Maryland (September 12, since 1814) commemorate the Star-Spangled Banner and its creator Mary Pickersgill, for the huge emblem that flew over Fort McHenry guarding Baltimore harbor during the British Royal Navy‘s three days attack in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 (1812–1815).[citation needed]
Through all the violence, hatered, and politics, I believe our flag is sacred.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-RabBits
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, RabBits.
RabBits
Stories about family, faith, friends and funnies. Pull up a chair. Grab a cup of coffee and laugh, cry, ponder and inspire about ordinary events of this wonderful, ever changing, bubbling pot that we call “every day life”.
RabBits is one interesting blog and I know you will find something that strikes you.
Melinda
Guest Blogger-WordPress Post On Reblogging
I went from 5/11 to 6/10 without an answer about why the Reblog process is changing and how to properly reblog. It’s a long read, you can skip down to the end of the post if you already know the new steps and my comments are at the end.
Reblogging Gets a Refresh
June 8, 2023
Dave Martin
Reblogging is a way to show appreciation for another creator’s work while also providing your own audience with a valuable piece of news, work of art, or thought-provoking opinion. We recently made a few significant improvements to the experience of reblogging to make it more customizable for you while also ensuring the original creator gets the credit they deserve.
What’s new with reblogging
1. Freedom to choose your title
You’ll now find the title field empty when you’re taken to the editor to reblog a piece of content. Rather than automatically using the original post’s title, you’re free to add your own flair. This allows you more creative freedom and reassures your audience (and the original creator) that you’re not simply passing off another person’s work as your own.
2. No more default featured image
We’ve also changed the automatic import of the featured image. This helps avoid the appearance of content duplication while also helping you manage your site’s media storage limits more effectively. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with text only, though — you can still add your own featured image to the reblogged post.
3. A new way to embed
Lastly, we’ve replaced the Quote Block with the core Embed Block for the post you’re reblogging. This change provides a more accurate representation of the original content and makes for a nice visual experience for your readers. Here’s what it looks like:
How do I reblog a post from the WordPress.com Reader?
Reblogging a post within the WordPress.com Reader is a simple process. Here’s how it works:
1. Navigate to the Reader by clicking on the “Reader” tab in your WordPress.com dashboard.
2. Browse through the posts until you find one you’d like to reblog. Click on the “Share” (arrow) button located at the bottom of the post.
3. Select the site that you’d like to reblog this post to.
4. You’ll be taken to the editor, where you can add your own title along with any additional thoughts or comments.
5. When you’re ready, click “Publish” to share the post on your own blog.
A more enjoyable experience for all
We believe these changes will make reblogging a more respectful and gratifying experience for everyone. As always, we’re eager to hear your thoughts. Try out the new process and let us know what you think!
Happy reblogging!
Cool! You are now subscribed. Now you can check your email for more details and how to manage the subscription.
—————–
I read thru the replies and many didn’t even know they could turn off the reblog button! What does that tell you? The Reblogging changes were to satisfy a few claiming reblogging is PLAGERISM. It seems counterintuitive to make changes to a process that already worked.
I’m asking EVERYONE ON WORDPRESS to contact a Happiness Engineer via email or chat and tell them you want notifications on pressing information including systems changes pushed thru the Notification section and not by email.
I’m not down on WordPress enough to leave but I would like them to send us news about upcoming projects, projected dates, what’s is the purpose of the change thru the Notifications, not an email. They can push information to us and we are less in the dark. After the project is finished a new notification goes out with how to apply the changes.
Melinda
Quote from Dr. Jacob Hascalovici Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for Clearing App
“Our patients go to battle every day, fighting through their pain to go to work, play with their kids, be ‘normal’ – medication is only one piece of the puzzle”
Dr. Jacob Hascalovici, MD, PhD
Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer
I had not been to the Clearing App in a while and I wanted to know what was new. I found the quote and had to share it. Here are two posts I wrote about Clearing.
The Clearing App Provides Pain Management On Your Time
Overview of Pain Management App Clearing
A New Recovery
#Weekend Music Share-Kelly Clarkson – favorite kind of high (Live at The Belasco Theater)
Each week I showcase one of my favorite songs. I’m so glad you dropped by, have a great weekend.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 6/9/2023
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Pink & Purple with a Starfish in the middle
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
Three Fantastic Ways Of Nurturing Positivity And Supporting Family During Challenging Times
In life, we all go through challenging instances. Life isn’t full of happiness all of the time and there will always be certain issues that we have to deal with. Whether we’re talking about health-related issues or something to do with our line of work, nothing ever goes as smoothly as we’d like. This might seem like a terrible thing because we’d all prefer a hassle-free life, but that’s not how things work. We need a few negatives in our life in order to really enjoy the positives. The chances are that your family will be going through a few issues at some point in their lives, and it’s up to you to make sure that you support them and provide positivity along the way.
Whether you are dealing with elderly parents that need extra help or somebody in your family has gotten a little ill, there’s always something you can do to help out. Helping out in a physical sense is obviously very important, but there’s so much you can do from a mental standpoint, too. While the right mental attitude won’t solve all of your problems, it can put you in a much better place to deal with the issues at hand. If you are happy and content during certain instances, you will make life so much easier. If you have family members that are going through a negative time right now, here are a few ways you can nurture positivity and show amazing support:
Practice Active Listening And Be Empathetic
When rough times occur, it’s so important that you partake in active listening when communicating with family members during challenging times. You have to put yourself in their shoes and really understand where they’re coming from. This will help to show compassion. Let them express themselves without feeling judged and do not interrupt. When you foster this kind of supportive and empathetic environment, you help to create a foundation for them to really express themselves and improve.
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms And Overall Self-Care
Coping mechanisms are all part of one’s recovery and dealing with issues. The problem is that a lot of people delve into the wrong kinds of coping mechanisms. It’s up to you to help them to develop healthier habits. Encourage them to engage in activities that will make them happier while bringing in a lot of joy and relaxation. Exercising, pursuing hobbies, and spending time outdoors can all contribute. Offer support whenever you can in terms of their self-care activities. It’s also wise to help them with the likes of journaling and seeking our professional help. When they have these kinds of outlets, they are provided with a safe space to process their emotions and understand more about themselves during tough times.
Look For Professional Help And Resources In Appropriate Areas
There will only be so much you can do to help them in this world. There will be times when you have to solicit help from professionals and those who are experienced in certain fields. If they are dealing with mental health issues, encouraging them to speak to a counselor would make a lot of sense. If they need specialized care, such as dementia care treatment, you might need to explore The likes of memory care facilities or home care facilities. If they have access to professional resources, it will help them to navigate rough times more conveniently.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Karina Hoisan
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Karima Hoisan.
Karima Hoisan
I perform frequent readings throughout SL, utilizing voice with selected music, some, my own original compositions, and images I display of photographs and artwork to accompany each poem.
Make sure you visit her site, the artwork is amazing!
Melinda
Book Review for Work It Out by Fiona Thomas
I want to give a special thanks to Publisher Soraya Nair of Trigger Publishing for sending me Work It Out by Fiona Thomas. The book is so relevant in our lives today.
About the Author
Fiona Thomas is a freelance writer who was born in Glasgow but is now living in Birmingham, UK.
Since starting her mental health blog in 2012 she has been published in Metro, Reader’s Digest, Happiful Magazine and Grazia to name a few. She has also been featured in Cosmopolitan, Red Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Refinery29. She speaks regularly about mental health and freelancing at events all over the UK.
Her first book ‘Depression in a Digital Age: The Highs and Lows of Perfectionism’ was published in 2018, and was called “brilliantly honest” by bestselling author Emma Gannon. Her second book ‘Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss’ is a guide to freelancing with a focus on mindset, practicality and mental health.
Her passion is working with female-led businesses and shining a light on the positive impact that freelancing can have on our wellbeing.
Blurb
“A brilliantly honest reminder about how to control your online space and not let it control you” – Emma Gannon, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Fiona writes about mental health with fearless honesty and a quick wit. So much will resonate with so many” – Yvette Caster, host of Mentally Yours podcast
Fiona Thomas was your average ’80s baby. She grew up without an iPhone, used actual landlines to make calls and didn’t have the luxury (or perhaps the curse) of Facebook during her adolescent years. But though her childhood took place in an analogue world, she found herself suffering from the same problems many young people face today: the race for perfectionism, high levels of anxiety, a fear of success.
After an unfulfilling university experience, a stressful beginning in a management career and a severe case of impostor syndrome, Fiona suffered a nervous breakdown in her mid-twenties. Amongst therapy and medication, it was the online community that gave Fiona the comfort she needed to recover and find a career that made her happy.
Through her own experience at the time and with the benefit of hindsight, Fiona provides signposts for the reader to help them to understand:
- the importance of the right type of connection, both on and offline, not only with others but with oneself
- how connection can aid in recovery
- that finding the right career can help to enhance our wellbeing and mental health
- how and why purpose and wellbeing are interlinked.
Peppered with listicles, questions to ask yourself and key takeaways, Work It Out perfectly combines first-person lived experience with practical advice. Fiona shows us how to prioritize our mental health by finding the right purpose-centered career and how the internet has helped to make that possible.
My Thoughts
Our lives are surrounded by Social Media if we let it and Work It Out shows you how to keep Social Media from taking over your life, and how to make real connections. Fiona share her experience with mental health challenges including a nervous breakdown and how along with medication the Social Media community gave her the support and comfort she needed.
Thru her personal experiences, she discusses how to understand the importance of the right type of connection, how and why purpose and wellbeing are interlinked, and many other ideas on connections.
I love the section on questions to ask yourself and Fiona provides examples of how to have balance in our life.
Work It Out is a first-hand experience of Fiona’s most challenging times and how she kept moving forward until she reached her goals and much more. When you see all the publications she’s been published in you will go WOW!
Work It Out is a book for adults who have experienced challenges and have a desire to find balance in their life and how to make better connections. Who doesn’t need a book that provides support you know and later, it’s a bookshelf treasure for sure.
I highly recommend Work It Out, I learned a great deal from reading the book.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 