menta

Mental Clarity: Why It's the New Wealth in a World Designed to Confuse You

How Society is Failing Young Professionals: Workplace Stress and the Mental Health Crisis

How to improve team members' performance using information about mental fatigue

Yes, bad mental health days happen even for hackers. I had one last week. And I'll tell you how I turned it around in about 45 minutes. I had been stressed about more than a few things. To name a few... Business has not been great lately.
I hadn't slept great the night before (it happens, even to sleep hackers sometimes).
There are some exciting but intimidating pivots I'm in the midst of making with my business (which involves a lot of work and learning some new things).
And the looming threat of nuclear war (in the part of the world where my little family lives!) Then, my wife made a perfectly understandable, concerned comment while rushing out the door to attend to matters in Sofia, which set me off. So, I dove into work with ferocious intensity. But I was less productive than I wanted to be. My MacBook was dragging a bit (it needed an optimization which it received), a Brazilian guy messaged me who was excited to read my book for men but my e-commerce store was broken because of a really annoying issue with my new hosting company (so I sent him the book for free - and the store is now fixed, by the way), and some new AI toolsI'm experimenting with were frustratingly not delivering the creative vision I had in my head.When my wife came home a few hours later, it was time to deal with one of my least favorite things in the world: customs paperwork for importing supplements. Getting a package of Biohacking goodness in the EU is often like negotiating with a very litigious demon for the release of your soul from purgatory! My wife is great; she handles most of the unpleasant mess of paperwork this entails, but she had a lot of questions to ask me about the package, interrupting what I was trying to do. Standing in front of my laptop (facing way too many open browser tabs), seething at the world, I realized I was about to blow up at my wife and her small barky dog (my little frenemy here in our abode). I had promised her and myself earlier this year that I'd handle my anger better and that blow-up episodes were behind me, along with explaining to her that sometimes, I needed her to stop talking and give me space. So that's what I did, and it was really time to close my laptop. I sat down in the chair where I meditate, slipped on my headphones, put a calming Brain.FM binaural beat on in my headphones, and I just breathed. Slow in the through the nose filling my belly, slow out the mouth. After 10-15 minutes, I returned to my senses. It was time for a little positive self-talk, so I reviewed the last few days; they had been stressful, but actually, I got a lot of important things done, almost all the important things. All things considered, I was doing pretty well as a husband and entrepreneur this week. And there was a lot of reason for optimism about this year (except for the nuclear war concern, which is a good thing I got a stash of "Nuke Pills" - Potassium Iodide). So, I borrowed a bit from Dr. Joe Dispenza's transformative meditation and began future-casting gratitude. In faith, I raised my hands and quietly praised my Creator (in advance) for the beautiful life waiting for me, where my efforts would come to fruition. After about 30 minutes of that, I was back to cool cat Jonathan. Then, it was time to do a coaching call with one of my favorite clients. The client was also struggling with life a bit; I listened attentively, and I think I was able to provide some insight, inspiration, clarity, and out-of-the-box solutions. It ended up being a downright decent day. To summarize, what works when compounding stress and to-dos push you to the boiling point? Know when to get off the damn computer or your "smart" device.
Establish a rule with your loved ones or domestic partners - sometimes, you need silence and privacy.
Have a designated private space for relaxation - go there.
Binaural beats are a game-changer for mood - have some just a few clicks or swipes away at any given time.
Take 5-10 minutes just to breathe - I know it's boring, but it works!
Positive self-talk - praise yourself for what you've done right recently.
Then, future-cast gratitude - be thankful for the life you'll have. Hopefully, you can borrow from my tool kit when you inevitably find yourself on the verge of a blow-up, meltdown, or panic attack. Yes, bad mental health days happen even for hackers. I had one last week. And I'll tell you how I turned it around in about 45 minutes. I had been stressed about more than a few things. To name a few... Business has not been great lately. I hadn't slept great the night before (it happens, even to sleep hackers sometimes). There are some exciting but intimidating pivots I'm in the midst of making with my business (which involves a lot of work and learning some new things). And the looming threat of nuclear war (in the part of the world where my little family lives!) Business has not been great lately. I hadn't slept great the night before (it happens, even to sleep hackers sometimes). There are some exciting but intimidating pivots I'm in the midst of making with my business (which involves a lot of work and learning some new things). And the looming threat of nuclear war (in the part of the world where my little family lives!) Then, my wife made a perfectly understandable, concerned comment while rushing out the door to attend to matters in Sofia, which set me off. So, I dove into work with ferocious intensity. But I was less productive than I wanted to be. My MacBook was dragging a bit (it needed an optimization which it received), a Brazilian guy messaged me who was excited to read my book for men but my e-commerce store was broken because of a really annoying issue with my new hosting company (so I sent him the book for free - and the store is now fixed, by the way ), and some new AI tools I'm experimenting with were frustratingly not delivering the creative vision I had in my head. When my wife came home a few hours later, it was time to deal with one of my least favorite things in the world: customs paperwork for importing supplements. Getting a package of Biohacking goodness in the EU is often like negotiating with a very litigious demon for the release of your soul from purgatory! My wife is great; she handles most of the unpleasant mess of paperwork this entails, but she had a lot of questions to ask me about the package, interrupting what I was trying to do. by the way new AI tools Standing in front of my laptop (facing way too many open browser tabs), seething at the world, I realized I was about to blow up at my wife and her small barky dog ( my little frenemy here in our abode). I had promised her and myself earlier this year that I'd handle my anger better and that blow-up episodes were behind me, along with explaining to her that sometimes, I needed her to stop talking and give me space. So that's what I did, and it was really time to close my laptop. barky my little frenemy I sat down in the chair where I meditate, slipped on my headphones, put a calming Brain.FM binaural beat on in my headphones, and I just breathed. Slow in the through the nose filling my belly, slow out the mouth. After 10-15 minutes, I returned to my senses. It was time for a little positive self-talk, so I reviewed the last few days; they had been stressful, but actually, I got a lot of important things done, almost all the important things. All things considered, I was doing pretty well as a husband and entrepreneur this week. And there was a lot of reason for optimism about this year (except for the nuclear war concern, which is a good thing I got a stash of "Nuke Pills" - Potassium Iodide). So, I borrowed a bit from Dr. Joe Dispenza's transformative meditation and began future-casting gratitude. In faith, I raised my hands and quietly praised my Creator (in advance) for the beautiful life waiting for me, where my efforts would come to fruition. After about 30 minutes of that, I was back to cool cat Jonathan. cool cat Then, it was time to do a coaching call with one of my favorite clients. The client was also struggling with life a bit; I listened attentively, and I think I was able to provide some insight, inspiration, clarity, and out-of-the-box solutions. It ended up being a downright decent day. To summarize, what works when compounding stress and to-dos push you to the boiling point? To summarize, what works when compounding stress and to-dos push you to the boiling point? Know when to get off the damn computer or your "smart" device. Establish a rule with your loved ones or domestic partners - sometimes, you need silence and privacy. Have a designated private space for relaxation - go there. Binaural beats are a game-changer for mood - have some just a few clicks or swipes away at any given time. Take 5-10 minutes just to breathe - I know it's boring, but it works! Positive self-talk - praise yourself for what you've done right recently. Then, future-cast gratitude - be thankful for the life you'll have. Know when to get off the damn computer or your "smart" device. Establish a rule with your loved ones or domestic partners - sometimes, you need silence and privacy. Have a designated private space for relaxation - go there. Binaural beats are a game-changer for mood - have some just a few clicks or swipes away at any given time. Take 5-10 minutes just to breathe - I know it's boring, but it works! Positive self-talk - praise yourself for what you've done right recently. Then, future-cast gratitude - be thankful for the life you'll have. Hopefully, you can borrow from my tool kit when you inevitably find yourself on the verge of a blow-up, meltdown, or panic attack.

7 Lifehacks for Beating Back a Bad "Mental Health Day"

Mental health apps typically promise to alleviate symptoms, provide helpful information, or enable self-directed treatment. Their services are often reasonably priced — compared to professional help — or even free, contributing to their rising popularity. All of this sounds too good to be true. Is it? What Are Mental Health Apps? Mental health apps are mobile or desktop applications users can use to enhance their emotional, psychological, or social well-being. They typically gamify treatments to keep users coming back. There are several categories, each targeting unique conditions or behaviors. Professional Support Many mental health platforms offer one-on-one telemeetings with handpicked therapists, psychologists, or instructors. These platforms are often considered substitutes for traditional avenues of care because they make professional help more accessible and affordable. Self-Care Wellness apps fall under the mental health umbrella. They focus on mood monitoring, mindfulness, stress management, and sleep tracking. Their features often include activities like guided meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy exercises, or journaling. Symptom Tracking Symptom-tracking apps let patients track moods, outlook, symptoms or thoughts. Providers can use these records to see how much a patient is psychologically or socially affected by their stress levels, physical conditions, or mental health episodes. Social Support Sometimes, people who feel their mental health is suffering prefer a network of people in the same position over a professional. Social support platforms give them a place to gather, enabling them to vent their frustrations or discuss effective treatments. Why Are These Apps Popular? While mental health platforms have existed for years, their popularity exponentially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. People were cut off from professional help when lockdowns forced them inside and medical facilities were overrun. Of course, many were navigating loss and chronic anxiety for the first time. Mobile apps were a port in the storm. The destigmatization of mental health has also contributed to these apps’ popularity. Many continued performing well after the pandemic because the general public is more accepting — individuals are no longer afraid to be frank about their emotional or psychological struggles. These platforms have become popular alternatives to traditional avenues of professional care. Experts believe their value potential is promising. In fact, they expect the mobile health (mHealth) app market will reach $105.9 billion by 2030, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 11.8% from 2021 to 2030. The Implications of Popularity The exponential increase in mental health app popularity has impacted the mental health space for the better in many ways. In 2021, just under half of the approximately 20% of people in the U.S. with a mental illness received professional help. Since most people have a smartphone or computer, apps are one of the most effective ways to make care accessible. The platforms that have dominated the mHealth market spend millions of dollars advertising on sites like Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram. They reach tens of millions of people, simultaneously raising awareness and further destigmatizing mental health. As a result, they expose more people to therapists, support groups, and informational resources. That said, the recent surge in mHealth popularity also has negative implications. When companies are competing for market dominance, they may engage in unethical practices or make unsubstantiated claims. Moreover, the rapid market growth has outpaced regulatory action, creating room for dishonest businesses or even scammers. Out of the tens of thousands of mental health apps available online, only five have been formally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to date. Unlike most platforms, which offer the same care to all users, these apps cover particular age groups, mental health conditions, and treatment strategies. Are Mental Health Apps Effective? Although mobile mental health is a relatively new concept, various studies on its efficacy exist. While these apps can be effective, their clinical efficacy has yet to be proven. Further, research suggests they may not outperform alternatives. Mental Health App Efficacy Claims Many apps promise improvements regardless of consumers’ minds, goals, or moods. However, just 5% of mental health apps have been studied for efficacy. While larger companies produce their own studies, they have a clear conflict of interest — not to mention that self-reports are often inaccurate or biased indicators. At best, such unsubstantiated claims are misleading. At worst, they are malicious — they may adversely affect people’s mental well-being or prevent them from seeking professional care. For those with complex problems like post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, or suicidal ideation, that action could have genuine consequences. How Mental Health Apps Compare Research suggests treatment only works when users believe in it. One study compared Headspace — a self-described all-in-one mental health app — to a fake wellness app over six weeks. While both groups reported an increase in mindfulness and critical thinking, the researchers didn’t find evidence to support those claims. The placebo effect was likely at play. Does it matter that the placebo effect may be why users feel like they get something out of these platforms? To some extent, it doesn’t. However, telling people they’ll get better when no proof exists — or evidence suggests otherwise — is misleading at best and deceptive at worst. People with complex conditions who need genuine intervention are adversely affected. The Consequences of mHealth This industry skirts traditional regulations and guidelines the medical sector must follow. For instance, it isn’t a covered entity — meaning a provider, insurer, or clearinghouse — under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). As a result, many operating within it don’t preserve the privacy or security of personal health care information (PHI). Even some of the most well-known names in the industry are prone to these mistakes. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission recently issued BetterHelp — a mental health platform that provides remote therapy sessions — a $7.8 million fine for exposing users’ PHI after it promised not to. It also sold names, IP addresses, birth dates, and contact details. Crucially, BetterHelp didn’t create a clause requiring the buyers — which included Facebook, Pinterest, and Snapchat — to only use PHI and personally identifiable information (PII) for advertising. They could sell, use, or analyze that data however they wanted. At no point was any of this disclosed to users. In fact, the company lied to regulators when it was initially confronted. While few situations are as significant or egregious as BetterHelp’s case, they are more common than app users think. This is an issue since the value of PHI on the black market is 10 times higher than that of credit or debit card details. A person can’t change their medical history the same way they could get a new card — that data remains marketable for a lifetime. What Should Developers Do? Mental health platforms are generally effective when used to supplement professional help. Even if people use an app as a stand-alone intervention, it is better than going without care altogether. However, the complete disregard for privacy and data security these businesses show — coupled with their dubious claims — is a problem. One report from the Mozilla Foundation — a nonprofit dedicated to keeping the internet open and free — revealed that 59% of the mental health apps it investigated in 2023 participated in dishonest data practices despite dealing with highly sensitive PII and PHI. Crucially, the Mozilla Foundation noted its 2022 report motivated some companies to do better. Almost 33% improved their practices year over year. Frankly, if the tech industry is going to mingle with the mental health space, it must do better. Until regulators catch up, developers must listen to criticism from nonprofits like these or create their own governance strategies. Adhering to HIPAA is ideal for data security and patient privacy. As mHealth’s popularity rises and more people turn to mobile mental health, agencies like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services may even require it. Developers should also safeguard their platforms against man-in-the-middle attacks using encryption and firewalls. The Future of Mental Health Apps Mobile mental health’s popularity is growing exponentially, outpacing regulatory action and skirting rules that apply to the medical sector. For this industry to remain stable and profitable, companies must prioritize privacy and security. Protecting PHI and PII is essential, especially when caring for vulnerable groups. Mental health apps typically promise to alleviate symptoms, provide helpful information, or enable self-directed treatment. Their services are often reasonably priced — compared to professional help — or even free, contributing to their rising popularity. All of this sounds too good to be true. Is it? Mental health apps typically promise to alleviate symptoms, provide helpful information, or enable self-directed treatment. Their services are often reasonably priced — compared to professional help — or even free, contributing to their rising popularity. All of this sounds too good to be true. Is it? What Are Mental Health Apps? What Are Mental Health Apps? Mental health apps are mobile or desktop applications users can use to enhance their emotional, psychological, or social well-being. They typically gamify treatments to keep users coming back. There are several categories, each targeting unique conditions or behaviors. Professional Support Professional Support Many mental health platforms offer one-on-one telemeetings with handpicked therapists, psychologists, or instructors. These platforms are often considered substitutes for traditional avenues of care because they make professional help more accessible and affordable. Self-Care Self-Care Wellness apps fall under the mental health umbrella. They focus on mood monitoring, mindfulness, stress management, and sleep tracking. Their features often include activities like guided meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy exercises, or journaling. Symptom Tracking Symptom Tracking Symptom-tracking apps let patients track moods, outlook, symptoms or thoughts. Providers can use these records to see how much a patient is psychologically or socially affected by their stress levels, physical conditions, or mental health episodes. Social Support Social Support Sometimes, people who feel their mental health is suffering prefer a network of people in the same position over a professional. Social support platforms give them a place to gather, enabling them to vent their frustrations or discuss effective treatments. Why Are These Apps Popular? Why Are These Apps Popular? While mental health platforms have existed for years, their popularity exponentially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. People were cut off from professional help when lockdowns forced them inside and medical facilities were overrun. Of course, many were navigating loss and chronic anxiety for the first time. Mobile apps were a port in the storm. The destigmatization of mental health has also contributed to these apps’ popularity. Many continued performing well after the pandemic because the general public is more accepting — individuals are no longer afraid to be frank about their emotional or psychological struggles. These platforms have become popular alternatives to traditional avenues of professional care. Experts believe their value potential is promising. In fact, they expect the mobile health (mHealth) app market will reach $105.9 billion by 2030, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 11.8% from 2021 to 2030. will reach $105.9 billion will reach $105.9 billion The Implications of Popularity The exponential increase in mental health app popularity has impacted the mental health space for the better in many ways. In 2021, just under half of the approximately 20% of people in the U.S. with a mental illness received professional help. Since most people have a smartphone or computer, apps are one of the most effective ways to make care accessible. just under half of just under half of approximately 20% of people approximately 20% of people The platforms that have dominated the mHealth market spend millions of dollars advertising on sites like Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram. They reach tens of millions of people, simultaneously raising awareness and further destigmatizing mental health. As a result, they expose more people to therapists, support groups, and informational resources. That said, the recent surge in mHealth popularity also has negative implications. When companies are competing for market dominance, they may engage in unethical practices or make unsubstantiated claims. Moreover, the rapid market growth has outpaced regulatory action, creating room for dishonest businesses or even scammers. Out of the tens of thousands of mental health apps available online, only five have been formally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to date. Unlike most platforms, which offer the same care to all users, these apps cover particular age groups, mental health conditions, and treatment strategies. only five have been formally approved only five have been formally approved Are Mental Health Apps Effective? Although mobile mental health is a relatively new concept, various studies on its efficacy exist. While these apps can be effective, their clinical efficacy has yet to be proven. Further, research suggests they may not outperform alternatives. Mental Health App Efficacy Claims Many apps promise improvements regardless of consumers’ minds, goals, or moods. However, just 5% of mental health apps have been studied for efficacy. While larger companies produce their own studies, they have a clear conflict of interest — not to mention that self-reports are often inaccurate or biased indicators. 5% of mental health apps 5% of mental health apps At best, such unsubstantiated claims are misleading. At worst, they are malicious — they may adversely affect people’s mental well-being or prevent them from seeking professional care. For those with complex problems like post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, or suicidal ideation, that action could have genuine consequences. How Mental Health Apps Compare Research suggests treatment only works when users believe in it. One study compared Headspace — a self-described all-in-one mental health app — to a fake wellness app over six weeks. While both groups reported an increase in mindfulness and critical thinking, the researchers didn’t find evidence to support those claims. The placebo effect was likely at play. reported an increase in mindfulness reported an increase in mindfulness Does it matter that the placebo effect may be why users feel like they get something out of these platforms? To some extent, it doesn’t. However, telling people they’ll get better when no proof exists — or evidence suggests otherwise — is misleading at best and deceptive at worst. People with complex conditions who need genuine intervention are adversely affected. The Consequences of mHealth This industry skirts traditional regulations and guidelines the medical sector must follow. For instance, it isn’t a covered entity — meaning a provider, insurer, or clearinghouse — under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). As a result, many operating within it don’t preserve the privacy or security of personal health care information (PHI). Even some of the most well-known names in the industry are prone to these mistakes. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission recently issued BetterHelp — a mental health platform that provides remote therapy sessions — a $7.8 million fine for exposing users’ PHI after it promised not to. It also sold names, IP addresses, birth dates, and contact details. a $7.8 million fine a $7.8 million fine Crucially, BetterHelp didn’t create a clause requiring the buyers — which included Facebook, Pinterest, and Snapchat — to only use PHI and personally identifiable information (PII) for advertising. They could sell, use, or analyze that data however they wanted. At no point was any of this disclosed to users. In fact, the company lied to regulators when it was initially confronted. While few situations are as significant or egregious as BetterHelp’s case, they are more common than app users think. This is an issue since the value of PHI on the black market is 10 times higher than that of credit or debit card details. A person can’t change their medical history the same way they could get a new card — that data remains marketable for a lifetime. is 10 times higher is 10 times higher What Should Developers Do? Mental health platforms are generally effective when used to supplement professional help. Even if people use an app as a stand-alone intervention, it is better than going without care altogether. However, the complete disregard for privacy and data security these businesses show — coupled with their dubious claims — is a problem. One report from the Mozilla Foundation — a nonprofit dedicated to keeping the internet open and free — revealed that 59% of the mental health apps it investigated in 2023 participated in dishonest data practices despite dealing with highly sensitive PII and PHI. 59% of the mental health apps 59% of the mental health apps Crucially, the Mozilla Foundation noted its 2022 report motivated some companies to do better. Almost 33% improved their practices year over year. Frankly, if the tech industry is going to mingle with the mental health space, it must do better. Until regulators catch up, developers must listen to criticism from nonprofits like these or create their own governance strategies. Adhering to HIPAA is ideal for data security and patient privacy. As mHealth’s popularity rises and more people turn to mobile mental health, agencies like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services may even require it. Developers should also safeguard their platforms against man-in-the-middle attacks using encryption and firewalls. The Future of Mental Health Apps Mobile mental health’s popularity is growing exponentially, outpacing regulatory action and skirting rules that apply to the medical sector. For this industry to remain stable and profitable, companies must prioritize privacy and security. Protecting PHI and PII is essential, especially when caring for vulnerable groups.

The Rise of Mental Health Apps: What Are the Consequences?

TikTok and Diagnosing Mental Illness: Would You Please Kindly Shut Up About ADHD

TikTok এবং মানসিক অসুস্থতা নির্ণয়: আপনি কি দয়া করে ADHD সম্পর্কে চুপ করবেন

TikTok und die Diagnose psychischer Erkrankungen: Würden Sie bitte den Mund halten, wenn es um ADHS geht?

TikTok y el diagnóstico de enfermedades mentales: ¿podría por favor callarse sobre el TDAH?

TikTok et le diagnostic de la maladie mentale : pourriez-vous, s'il vous plaît, vous taire à propos du TDAH

TikTok और मानसिक बीमारी का निदान: क्या आप कृपया ADHD के बारे में चुप रहेंगे?

TikTokと精神疾患の診断：ADHDについては黙っててください

TikTok 및 정신 질환 진단: ADHD에 대해 조용히 말씀해 주시겠어요?

TikTok e diagnóstico de doenças mentais: você poderia, por favor, calar a boca sobre o TDAH

TikTok и диагностика психических заболеваний: не могли бы вы, пожалуйста, помолчать о СДВГ?

TikTok ve Akıl Hastalıklarının Teşhisi: Lütfen DEHB Konusunda Çenenizi Kapatır Mısınız?

TikTok và chẩn đoán bệnh tâm thần: Bạn vui lòng im lặng về ADHD

TikTok 与精神疾病诊断：请你闭嘴，不要再谈论多动症了

Mental Model for Generative AI Risk and Security Framework

How Mental Models and Mathematics Help Solve
Engineering Problems

For the last couple of years, instability has been the most stable thing in the world. This has been affecting almost every aspect of our well-being — mental health in particular. Talks about burnout, anxiety, panic, and the ways to deal with them have become more frequent in our professional and personal lives. Keeping our heads clear and our mental health minty fresh (as opposed to being on fire) is one of the keys to going through these times intact. Here are the steps that I take to remain focused and keep my mental health… well, healthy. Setting goals I am a firm believer that there should be a clear goal for every action. For a long time, I have been writing down and tracking almost every task I have. And I have passed this approach to the entire SupportYourApp team. For years, we have been using Kanban-style systems and boards like Asana and Jira. They allow us to track every little detail and progress on any major project and minute task. It is also a good tool to assess the productivity of every team member and adjust their schedule. This allows them to have enough time to be productive and successful at everything they do without burning or rusting out. I am also a big advocate of creating timelines and roadmaps. Our team uses them to assess the amount of steps and time required to complete complex tasks. We know exactly who we need to cooperate and collaborate with to achieve a desired result in a timely manner and what to do in case of roadblocks. Talking, talking, talking The culture of all-embracing communication came to SupportYourApp together with the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, we had meetings before that, but they were nowhere nearly as numerous as they are now. The fact that SupportYourApp started looking for new teammates all over the world only served as a catalyst. We needed to constantly be connected with new members of our team, especially during the first several months when they were only getting started. We utilized the same approach after Russia launched its unjustified attack against our country. When our teammates were scattered all over, we constantly remained in touch. We wanted to make informed decisions and make sure everyone stayed in the loop. In the most uncertain of times, open and frequent communication was the key to staying stable. Today, my team and I discuss every step SupportYourApp needs to take to keep on growing and remain successful. We talk about every idea and brainstorm whenever we have the opportunity. We do everything we can to support each other, which helps us remain calm even in the most uncertain situations. Making sport a part of life Sport and physical activities have been my companions for a long time. Playing squash, running, wakeboarding (whenever I can), going to the gym, and even walking are all part of my regular schedule. Sport grounds me and gives me time and opportunity to be with my thoughts, come up with new ideas, and relax after a long day. It is a long-proven fact that sport plays a crucial part in relieving stress. It helps with the release of endorphins and helps the mind switch from our daily routines to something completely different. Regular exercise is also a good way to improve the mood. And I am not even going to say anything about the feeling of accomplishment people have after a workout. It’s just fabulous. For me, physical activity is a near-perfect way to put my mind at ease when it is going a hundred miles an hour. As ironic as it may seem, a treadmill that is going fast seems to be the best way to feel as if the world stops spinning and gives you time to unwind. Maintaining work-life balance This may seem like a cliché that has been talked about one too many times. But this doesn’t take away from the fact that maintaining a work-life balance is one of the most important things to support one’s mental well-being. It took me some time to realize — staying connected and available 24/7 is not the recipe for success. It only promotes burnout and can make professionals irritated and annoyed with their jobs. This can happen even to those who love what they do. Right now, my favorite way to maintain my work-life balance is to put my phone somewhere away from me, unplug from all my devices, and relax with a book or in the gym (something I have already covered). This gives me time to come up with new ideas and dedicate my free time to myself, which helps me maintain my mental health. For the last couple of years, instability has been the most stable thing in the world. This has been affecting almost every aspect of our well-being — mental health in particular. Talks about burnout, anxiety, panic, and the ways to deal with them have become more frequent in our professional and personal lives. Keeping our heads clear and our mental health minty fresh (as opposed to being on fire) is one of the keys to going through these times intact. Here are the steps that I take to remain focused and keep my mental health… well, healthy. Setting goals I am a firm believer that there should be a clear goal for every action. For a long time, I have been writing down and tracking almost every task I have. And I have passed this approach to the entire SupportYourApp team. For years, we have been using Kanban-style systems and boards like Asana and Jira . They allow us to track every little detail and progress on any major project and minute task. It is also a good tool to assess the productivity of every team member and adjust their schedule. This allows them to have enough time to be productive and successful at everything they do without burning or rusting out . Asana Asana Jira Jira rusting out rusting out I am also a big advocate of creating timelines and roadmaps. Our team uses them to assess the amount of steps and time required to complete complex tasks. We know exactly who we need to cooperate and collaborate with to achieve a desired result in a timely manner and what to do in case of roadblocks. Talking, talking, talking The culture of all-embracing communication came to SupportYourApp together with the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, we had meetings before that, but they were nowhere nearly as numerous as they are now. The fact that SupportYourApp started looking for new teammates all over the world only served as a catalyst. We needed to constantly be connected with new members of our team, especially during the first several months when they were only getting started. We utilized the same approach after Russia launched its unjustified attack against our country. When our teammates were scattered all over, we constantly remained in touch. We wanted to make informed decisions and make sure everyone stayed in the loop. In the most uncertain of times, open and frequent communication was the key to staying stable. Today, my team and I discuss every step SupportYourApp needs to take to keep on growing and remain successful. We talk about every idea and brainstorm whenever we have the opportunity. We do everything we can to support each other, which helps us remain calm even in the most uncertain situations. Making sport a part of life Sport and physical activities have been my companions for a long time. Playing squash, running, wakeboarding (whenever I can), going to the gym, and even walking are all part of my regular schedule. Sport grounds me and gives me time and opportunity to be with my thoughts, come up with new ideas, and relax after a long day. It is a long-proven fact that sport plays a crucial part in relieving stress . It helps with the release of endorphins and helps the mind switch from our daily routines to something completely different. Regular exercise is also a good way to improve the mood. And I am not even going to say anything about the feeling of accomplishment people have after a workout. It’s just fabulous. relieving stress relieving stress For me, physical activity is a near-perfect way to put my mind at ease when it is going a hundred miles an hour. As ironic as it may seem, a treadmill that is going fast seems to be the best way to feel as if the world stops spinning and gives you time to unwind. Maintaining work-life balance This may seem like a cliché that has been talked about one too many times. But this doesn’t take away from the fact that maintaining a work-life balance is one of the most important things to support one’s mental well-being. It took me some time to realize — staying connected and available 24/7 is not the recipe for success. It only promotes burnout and can make professionals irritated and annoyed with their jobs. This can happen even to those who love what they do. Right now, my favorite way to maintain my work-life balance is to put my phone somewhere away from me, unplug from all my devices, and relax with a book or in the gym (something I have already covered). This gives me time to come up with new ideas and dedicate my free time to myself, which helps me maintain my mental health.

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