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Let's learn about via these 29 free stories. They are ordered by most time reading created on HackerNoon. Visit the to find the most read stories about any technology. Mindfulness /Learn Repo 1. The Art of Letting Go Have you ever wondered, why nobody uses your SaaS / App, after all this hard work 2. Technology Is Killing Creativity Technology is killing creativity in the sense that it is making it more challenging to be creative. 3. How to Prevent Burnout and Keep Your Organization on Track As a result of significant events against me, I burned out in 2016. Here are the keys to overcoming (and potentially protecting staff/colleagues from) burnout. 4. When I give, I have control: Meet the Writer Baptiste Monnet Baptiste Monnet, on personal development, cooking videos, and the danger that comes with Lithium mines. Read the latest in the "Meet the writer" series. 5. Write A Letter Your Future Self Will Thank You For Four reasons to write a letter to your future self, plus the biggest work-life balance lessons I'll be taking note of for mine. 6. 5 Mental Tricks to Do Your Best Under Pressure We all face situations where we need to perform under pressure. Here are 5 mental tricks that work best in such circumstances. 7. JOMO Will Increase Your Productivity by x97 Jomo is the opposite of FOMO. And FOMO is a pandemic right now. In this article, we will give tips to enjoy JOMO. 8. The Four Cornerstones of Mindful Leadership Mindfulness: Paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgement. 9. 5 Incredibly Simple Yet Useful Tips To Push Your Motivation Flywheel How can I make motivation part of my life to do things that will help me achieve my goals in the long run? For me, motivation was a state of mind. Some days I was all excited and motivated to get to my toughest goals and important tasks that I had avoided in the past. Then there were other times I felt lost, unsure of how to make even tiny progress on things I got to do. 10. The Era of Attention Economy and Its Destructive Impact: Reasoning by Examples Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Gmail, Amazon, Apple, Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram, Medium, Spotfiy. Everyone wants our attention today on every platform possible. 11. The First Step: Just Take it 'Bird by Bird' Sometimes, it is about thriving. Sometimes, it is about surviving. We would be wise to adjust our strategies accordingly. 12. 2 Ways to Effectively Manage Extra Work in a New Startup Below we will discuss how to become more efficient daily. There are always mistakes in a new business, but hopefully, this can alleviate some of them. 13. Is Your Technology Addiction Taking Over Life and Your Mental Wellbeing? In this article, we’ll be diving deeper into the Relevance and Risk of Smartphone and Technology Addiction in the times we live in today — during COVID-19. 14. Social Entrepreneurship Qualities You Should Harness Social entrepreneurship is an excellent way to profit and change the world at the same time, offering a business model that will be pivotal for many years ahead 15. How To Reduce Workplace Stress Work is a big part of our life. Done well, it can be a source of joy. But when managed poorly, it can often lead to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction at work 16. Solving Balanced Parentheses Problem Using Regular Expressions 17. Cut Out the Fat of Your Device: Why You Should Adopt Intermittent Phone Fasting Exploring the reasons why fasting from technology (limiting its use to periods of time in the day) can improve your productivity and overall quality of life. 18. How To Train Your Brain To Be More Optimistic When faced with adversity, most people feel indecisive, restless, and anxious about the future. It is what happens afterward that makes a difference. 19. 5 Actions of Protest Against the Monetization of Your Attention Hello, you. You, who are designing, coding, marketing, selling, or simply using the technology that will shape our collective future. To what extent do you realize that everything that you and I do, and every bit of technology you and I envision, create, sell, or simply use — has an impact on our lives? 20. Digital Mindfulness vs the Real Thing During the Pandemic: Digital Age’s Impact How the mindfulness movement changed over the course of the pandemic. 21. Overthinking: Causes, Impact, Strategies for Taking Action I thought I was pretty good and smart at making decisions from routine tasks with little cognitive load like what to eat for lunch, what dress to wear to the office, how to avoid traffic on the way to work to the more mentally demanding activities like putting together a hiring plan, defining org structure and thinking about the future strategy of my organisation. 22. What Is Your Leadership Style Leadership comes in many shapes and forms, sizes, titles or lack thereof, and has a profound impact on whoever and whatever follows. Google defines leadership as "the action of leading a group of people or an organization", and to lead as "organize and direct", "be the principal player of a group", or "set (a process) in motion" among many similar definitions. 23. Why You Should Start a Business or Side Hustle Today If you still dream of leaving your 9-5 job, being your own boss, and finally start pursuing your passion, then keep reading. 24. RAIN: How to Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture Emotions RAIN can create a mental space to by practising awareness of our feelings, thoughts, and behaviours without being caught in their narrative. 25. Interview with The Zensory: Mindfulness for Cybersecurity Yvonne Eskenzi is the owner of a cybersecurity PR agency in London. She and her daughters, Jasmine and Jade, are building a new app called The Zensory. 26. Is Tech Good For Mindfulness? Last year, I drove to a friend’s get-together in a remote French village. The roads were icy and I swerved into a lake. I passed out, and came back to underwater. It was dark. And cold. And I didn’t even know which way was up. This was it, I was going to drown. And then I noticed that when I opened my mouth, the air bubbles floated up, and that’s how I knew which way to swim. 27. Hacking Time — Is There a Way to Gain More for What You Want? We’re all susceptible to miscalculation and misuse of time, so how do we use the tools available to make our time work for us? 28. Man, Know Thyself How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, by Arnold Bennett is part of HackerNoon’s Book Blog Post series. Chapter VIII: The Reflective Mood 29. Tech Addiction and Smartphone Dependency: Latest Science and Statistics How do we choose to have our new and rapidly evolving tools and capabilities impact our lives as individuals, organizations and as a global society? In order to make a smart choice, it is imperative that we have a good understanding of the impact digital technology already has or can have on our lives. What can we say with a degree of certainty? Thank you for checking out the 29 most read stories about Mindfulness on HackerNoon. to find the most read stories about any technology. Visit the /Learn Repo

29 Stories To Learn About Mindfulness

In this interview, I talk to Yvonne Eskenzi, owner of the specialist cybersecurity PR agency Eskenzi PR. We’re going to be talking about her new startup she founded with her daughters, an app called . So, with no further ado, into the questions! The Zensory What is your company in a nutshell? We are creating an app which bridges the gap between productivity and wellbeing. Why is now the time for your company to exist? I’ve worked for a cybersecurity PR agency for a long time, over 20 years. In lockdown my daughter and I were very, very aware of the fact that people struggled to focus well. People were overwhelmed, burnt out, stressed and anxious. We started looking at what was out there to help people focus better, be more creative, when working on their own and realised that there wasn’t really anything. So, we took the absurd decision, with no experience whatsoever, to develop an app. What we wanted originally was to create a building where you could go in, and you’d stimulate your senses, which each room dedicated to another sense. Now those things have totally mushroomed, I went to one called on Friday, and immersiveness has become very trendy. Dopamine Experience We spoke to some 20 neuroscientists, and worked through about 200 papers on what helps people get into the right mindset to work better. It all comes down to a very simple concept, trying to calm your , the fight and flight part of your brain. You can’t think when you’re stressed. amygdala What we’re trying to do is calm that down so that you can actually focus by stimulating the front part of your brain using your . prefrontal cortex Certainly in we know that people are under-resourced. They don’t have enough staff. They’re burning out. They’ve got to be constantly on high alert for anomalies the whole time. So within our industry there’s never been a more apt time to look at how we can calm people down. cybersecurity Along with the mental health side, neurodiversity is a major factor in cybersecurity. We have so many people who are neurodivergent, and that’s a great thing as people are talking about it now. And we’ve found that our app helps people get into the right mindset. Weirdly, the other apps out there tend to only concentrate on meditation, while ours aims to stimulate whichever sense you respond to, so it could be music and sound, it could be light, could be smell, could be touch, could be movement which is why it works so well if you are on the spectrum. What do you love about your team, and why are you the ones to solve this problem? I love this team because I started this journey with my oldest daughter, Jasmine. And then my youngest daughter Jade has joined us so it’s a mother and two daughters running this which is phenomenal. And because it’s cross-generational, we see everything from different points of view which has been fantastic. Interestingly, we have had lots of people using the app and reviewing it, telling us they have  ADHD and it’s one of the best things they’d ever used. Then Jasmine started thinking about the symptoms people were talking about and got diagnosed, which shocked us all, and is probably why the app works the way it does as she’s been integral to its design and even wrote the binaural beats and music. I’ve always suffered from SAD as has Jade, and just listening to the binaural beats looking at the naturescapes and touchpads has really helped me feel less anxious and calmer. The whole app comes from a very personal space, where we’ve developed it in the hope it can help others calm down to focus well. There aren’t many people that necessarily put their money where their mouth is, and I’ve decided to do that. If you weren’t building your startup, what would you be doing? I’m really doing two jobs at the same time, so my daughters are building the startup and I’m advising them and spending a lot of time with them doing it. If I wasn’t doing it, I’d still be running Eskenzi PR. What would I do if I wasn’t doing either of those? I’d still carry on. I love what I do, I wouldn’t give it up for anything. At the moment, how do you measure success? What are your metrics? Well, we have a 4.9 star review on the and 5 on the . And that’s for an MVP still being developed. Then there’s reviews from people writing to us, telling us how it’s changing their life. We were probably one of the busiest stands at a recent conference. App Store Play Store We’re just a tiny team, literally three of us with a few technical people helping, and we’re somehow doing really well so it’s definitely something that people need and want. We have our first paid pilot coming up with __ __which is really exciting. KnowBe4 We’ve been giving it away to charities that we believe in, so there’s police using it with domestic violence survivors and some NHS wellness hubs are using it as well. At the moment, our measure of success is feedback we’re getting from users, which is phenomenally exciting and positive. In a few sentences, what do you offer to whom? So, as short as possible. It’s an app that uses your five senses to help you improve your mood, to focus or relax. What’s most exciting about your traction to date? Definitely the feedback we’re getting, people are absolutely loving it. That’s rewarding to see. Where do you think your growth will be next year? I think cybersecurity is our industry, it’s my industry. I’ve been in over 25 years and I think cybersecurity professionals really, really need this. It’s necessary in the industry. It would be great to have 50 paying clients and our paid pilot successful, and becoming a really big project. I have this model in my head, kind of a Robin Hood model, where corporate customers pay us for the app for their staff, and that subsidises us to give it away to students and kids, the NHS, charities. I’d love to think that so long as we’re self-sufficient, the rest we would use to fund support for charities who can benefit from it. That’s our vision. Tell us about your first paying customer and revenue expectations over the next year. We have our paid pilot with KnowBe4, which is phenomenally exciting. I’m so pleased they had the trust in us to trial it with 100 of their customers, so we’re going to work very, very hard to try it to see how it’s helping them with their training. The idea is if you can get into a good space for your cybersecurity awareness training, you’ll more easily be able to focus and identify anomalies such as phishing attacks. While you’re doing the training you’d spend a couple of minutes doing some breath work, listening to the music, playing with the touchpad visuals, and quietening down your amygdala. Then focus while you’re going through the training. Revenue expectations, I hope we’re self-sufficient and making money with this at this time next year. What’s your biggest threat? I think the meditation apps. Everyone compares us to them, but they’re very one dimensional. They only do meditation, while we do everything from breathing to touch pads, music to movement. We’ve even got our own essential oils. The meditation apps are worth billions of dollars, and have loads of people working for them, so our biggest threat is scaling quickly and dealing with the techies and devs which is a constant demand on us. Our biggest advantage though is developing from the heart and giving it a soul that others can benefit from. Thanks to Yvonne for speaking with me about The Zensory. I work enough in the cybersecurity industry that I’ve seen the strain it places on employees. There’s a lot of pressure to be constantly on which takes a toll and means many of the best and brightest burn out too soon. Anything that helps security professionals to focus and relax in a more deliberate way is only going to benefit the industry. For more on ways to help survive a career in cyber security, follow me on HackerNoon. Comment below if you know of any other great tools to help with your mental health in the field.

Interview with The Zensory: Mindfulness for Cybersecurity

People are very social beings by default. Even the most introverted ones still have people that they like a bit more than the rest of the bunch. We rely on co-operation to survive and thrive. We usually learn from each other quicker than by ourselves. The disconnect that happened between all of us and between us and nature during the pandemic hit us fast and hit us hard. . People had and still do have a lot more time on their hands and minds and it’s even easier to get wrapped up in social media, the fast-moving world, and forget to connect with other humans, nature, and ourselves. Rates of anxiety and depression among U.S. adults were about 4 times higher between April 2020 and August 2021 than they were in 2019 Constant regulations, changes on how to fight the pandemic every day, preventive measures, and other things daily spin in our minds and occupy our thoughts. No wonder a lot of people are turning their heads into this thing mindfulness and are trying to find and learn the best practices. The times when you thought that mindfulness only exists somewhere on a mountain with a bald man all wrapped up in cloth sitting inside a tree are long past. The word itself is pretty straightforward, it means being present in your mind, your body, with all of your senses. Imagine standing in the shower and feeling the drops of the water on you, feeling how you stand, your posture, the breathing in your lungs as you inhale and exhale, and the sound of the running water. That's mindfulness, being there in the present moment without thinking about the past or the future and that’s generally how people that look into this movement want to feel like. Mindfulness is a great way to reduce anxiety, however, just like anything else, it needs practice. The Pandemic and its Impact on Mental Health Anxiety rates have increased during the pandemic and people more often than not turned to yoga, meditation, therapy, and other methods. However, some have seen themselves run into the arms and art of escapism, which is another method, albeit not always looked upon positively. , there is evidence that the fear of isolation that many people experienced during the lockdown measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic is positively related to the consumption of media that elicits nostalgia. People run off to TV shows, movies, books, video games - anything that takes them away from current life and situation, aka they escape into the world of fiction. According to research The recent increase in consumption of media that seems nostalgic is one of the reasons why people started listening to decade-old songs or why TikTok’s dance trends saw a rise with songs that most consider nostalgic. Running away from the trap that becomes your mind is not an easy feat. People who struggle with mental health issues have to find the time in their usually busy schedule to book appointments, go to a yoga class, meditation or a therapy session. However, during the pandemic, most of these activities became unavailable due to numerous restrictions in the communities country-wide. Therefore, those who already struggled started struggling even more, not to mention that others who’d become impacted during lockdown didn’t even have a chance to start exploring mindfulness, as they had fewer options to choose from. All the options accessible before were not available due to restrictions, making people try to come up with other ways to fight mental illness. Another thing to keep in mind is that these options are a good way to improve mental health and dip into the world of mindfulness for those who are not struggling with income, or other criteria. Therapy sessions with a trained psychiatrist can be an expensive solution that somehow needs to fit into your daily life and busy schedule. Yoga classes may be full by those doing it for years and finding a suitable time slot can be challenging as well. Let’s not forget that all of the options may not be available at all depending on where you live. The Rise and Popularity of Mindfulness Apps The pace of everyday living is extremely high and there’s just so much to do, we’re currently on the edge of our seats when it comes to just living our lives. What is more, in the thriving age of technology it’s more and more difficult to disconnect from reality, as you are always available and reachable via social media. The consequences of being constantly interrupted by today’s hyper-connected digital lifestyle are a chronic state of anxiety, stress, busyness, and a general sense of restlessness. “Focus is one of the most important skills of the 21st century but it’s becoming much harder to pay attention because our smartphones are always interrupting us.” Sometimes it feels as if it is difficult to run away and wanting to throw your phone away becomes a constant. But there’s an antidote to this age of digital distraction. That antidote is digital mindfulness, which involves developing smartphone habits that enable you to focus and concentrate for long periods of time by training your attention and minimizing interruptions. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in downloads of mental wellness applications, and specifically, those focused on meditation, dealing with anxiety and helping users fall asleep. According to a from app store intelligence firm Sensor Tower, the world’s 10 largest English-language mental wellness apps in April saw a combined 2 million more downloads during the month of April 2020 compared with January, reaching close to 10 million total downloads for the month. new report From what we can see, the mindfulness topic is becoming closely entwined with technology, which I personally find fascinating, therefore deciding to write an article about it. It may seem counterintuitive to solve digital distraught and constant social media notification onslaught with another app but as long as it works, the world is our oyster. The rise of apps like , , and others that offer a variety of breathing exercises, yoga, music for better sleeping, meditation and even psychological advice seems logical. You can now explore being mindful and practice mindfulness without even leaving your apartment or your room. And the biggest advantage and one of the reasons these types of apps see a rise in downloads and installs is that they can be used anywhere at any time. You don’t have to book an appointment with your therapist, you can just sit down during your lunch break and immerse yourself into the calming waters of mindfulness. Headspace Calm Yours App , a recent application to join the mindfulness scene, even offers professional psychologist advice, which sets the tone for future and current applications to amp up their game in addition to current features. Moreover, and let’s be real for a second, things are expensive - lessons, classes, therapy sessions. Applications can provide a lot of various content and cost less than one yoga class. Yours App Mindfulness Apps Vs. the Real Thing Let’s think critically about mindfulness applications and physical therapy sessions, yoga classes, meditation exercises. Applications pros and cons: App content is available at any time during the day or night and at any location; A lot of apps provide customizable features and content, so you get what you’re in need of; Different people require different needs and being social (aka a group yoga class) can improve their mental health; It is easy to get sidetracked when using an application, as you’re the one responsible for attentiveness; Physical activities pros and cons: You can get out of the house and change your surroundings, which is also crucial to your mental health; One on one sessions or activities are accustomed to you, specifically, therefore might be more accurate; Activities can be expensive and not available to everyone (f.e.low income, rural areas, etc.); Activities are scheduled and may be difficult to reschedule when plans change. Summary The pandemic hit us hard not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. Anxiety and mental health issues have seen a rise during Covid, making it more difficult for those already struggling and increasing the number of people who suffer. While there are a number of methods and possibilities available like meditation, yoga, psychotherapy and others, not all of them may be accessible to everyone. The rise of mindfulness applications seems to be making a positive impact on those having issues, not to mention being more available to the majority. It is enthralling to see how technology evolves to fit the specific needs of the users of such applications that focus on mental health. These kinds of adjustments and flexibility are always welcome, as technology becomes more personalized and ready for those who want to immerse themselves into the world of mindfulness.

Digital Mindfulness vs the Real Thing During the Pandemic: Digital Age’s Impact

Last year, I drove to a friend’s get-together in a remote French village. The roads were icy and I swerved into a lake. I passed out, and came back to underwater. It was dark. And cold. And I didn’t even know which way was up. This was it, I was going to drown. And then I noticed that when I opened my mouth, the air bubbles floated up, and that’s how I knew which way to swim. This entirely fabricated story is a good way to introduce this mindfulness-themed article: This is especially true in your 20s, when you feel that if you don’t succeed by 25 someone will literally come kill you, and you’re both terrified and relieved by that thought. This is, of course, in part due to the constant pressure technology puts on our lives, which has led to the creation of a movement aiming at the gradual or intermittent abandonment of our tech. Yet, I wonder, is there necessarily a dichotomy between mindfulness and tech? when you find yourself lost and disoriented and underwater and you don’t know which way is up, it’s important to breathe . What Is Mindfulness? Let’s first get the theory part of this exposé out of the way. People expect too much from mindfulness and its partner in crime, . There is no version of it that will serve as a quick self-actualization tool, despite what that Instagram Self-Help Guru tells you. Sounds hard and convoluted? Well, so is summarising 2,500 years of wisdom in one sentence soooo… meditation Much of Buddhism isn’t about knowing ourselves, it’s about tolerating not knowing, and finding an inner, label-free space where we are who we’ve always been, as the body fades away, hence shedding the delusion that pervades ordinary consciousness, allowing us to see the world with a clarity that doesn’t just liberate us from suffering but transforms our view of, and relationship with, reality itself. What are the Effects of Mindfulness? Despite its innate complexity, can do (small) wonders to the mind, and by extension the body, both at home and at work. It is even possible that the 1-century-old science of psychotherapy from better understanding this 25-century-old art of mindfulness. In fact, there is some empirical evidence suggesting that meditation might help with a variety of inherently human experiences, such as anxiety and pain, and produce measurable changes in the brain. It is however far from a miracle cure, and there’s still a lot of research to be conducted, especially about the kind of casual meditation people may choose to partake to in the course of a busy day, and whether some types of meditation are more effective than others. mindfulness may strongly benefit Indeed, the term “meditation” can be used to describe a breathing exercise, a silent chanting of a mantra, a focus on feelings of love and kindness, a visualization, a positive affirmation, or even a mindful minute paying attention to the taste of a raisin, all of which can be touched upon by technology in a different way. In addition to the , have found that mindfulness exercises can provide stronger focus, help stay calm under stress, improve memory and enhance corporate citizenship. In short, a boon for a manager looking to increase productivity through various digital or physical training. Yet, one should be wary of falling under the fad ’s spell: as the Harvard Business Review rightfully points out, in a professional environment, and as such will not necessarily make you a better, more efficient leader. The real kicker, though? People who are more emotionally intelligent tend to be more stressed, potentially negating many overall rewards reaped within a company. Furthermore, emotionally perceptive people their emotionally unavailable peers. meta-study mentioned above several studies du jour Without Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness Doesn’t Work are said to be more susceptible to feelings of depression and hopelessness Nevertheless, and though (or even regular exercise), meditation has the draw of being cheap and scale-able, which partly explains why various practices are being implemented in across the western world where it was once thought to be inapplicable, results. The other part of the explanation is the trend effect, upon which app designers, yoga teachers and… rely to make a living, often at our expense. it does not replace therapy with unexpected traders (?) Does Tech have a role to play? You may have recently run across adverts for apps such as Headspace or Calm, haranguing you to do nothing for 15 seconds. That’s inherently stupid. I can do nothing for hours at a time. Meditation isn’t about “doing nothing”, it’s about learning to do one, very, very hard thing deliberately and repeatedly, which requires training, and calm. Let me assure everyone that “enabling notifications” appears nowhere in the Noble 8-Fold Path. Neither does “upgrading for a small fee to unlock more advanced lessons and exercises” (that’s Scientology, not mindfulness). Yet, notifications can be turned off. Gamification is, however, more counter-productive: it exemplifies the app makers’ need to track, incentivise, and transform any and all self-improvement endeavor into a benchmark and/or a competition, whether with others or yourself, in the name of future revenues. Having meditated more than others is nothing to be proud of. Or ashamed of. Or anything for that matter. It should be baffling to all that apps encourage you to share your “achievements” on social media. Pics or it didn’t enlighten! Beyond apps, the corporate world has also hijacked meditation for the sake of productivity. Google, Goldman Sachs, Salesforce, Volvo… all the cool kids are doing it, and it’s a safe bet that a sudden newfound respect for the metaphysics of Buddhism isn’t at the heart of this trend(one can hardly imagine a banker praising the A doctrine). It’s also true that mindfulness meditation, as typically taught by companies to their employees, bears only a small resemblance to the philosophy mindfulness meditation as described by those who perfected the art. natta Yet one’s rebellion against the commodification isn’t a simple, open-and-shut case wherein the benefits of spiritual endeavors are held above those of therapeutic endeavors. In fact, there’s a long, rich debate in meditation traditions about the choice between seclusion from the world or immersion in it — the argument presented being that one who achieves peacefulness in the hustle and bustle of modern life is somehow more worthy, having reached a much harder goal. Some people need to become recluse to tune out the world, while others pursue tranquility from inside life’s chaos. Smartphones and full-time jobs just confront us with the latest version of this choice. Furthermore, the road to mindfulness isn’t strictly binary. As strange as it may sound, you can experience a small percentage of the peacefulness sought by monks simply by pursuing a simple daily meditation routine. Then, as time goes by, maybe a little more, perhaps slowly replacing a mere therapeutic pursuit with a spiritual one. Until then, you may be a little less stressed, a little bit less anxious. The main thing is to make progress over time, inevitable backsliding notwithstanding. And the first step on that path can consist of just calming down a little, even if your initial motivation for calming down is to ace next week’s sales pitch. In those instances, some virtual assistance can, indeed, be beneficial. Breathe in. Breathe out. Join a movement This article was originally made for , an online magazine providing in-depth analyses of today’s technological challenges. . The Pourquoi Pas Click here to access it

Is Tech Good For Mindfulness?

I’ve been on training for mindful coaching recently, and almost a day in, I started wondering on how to apply what I learned to coding. How could a team benefit from combining the two concepts? How could mindful coding help to ease the pains of building software? For those new to the topic, mindfulness is a concept that teaches our mind to be in the present, in whatever we do right at that moment. Not thinking about the future, the laundry we have to do, neither dwelling in past mistakes we did. It’s also about not judging. Not judging others, not judging ourselves. Not feeling controlled by our feelings and learned actions on a subconscious level. Sounds easy? It is not. It is harder than you might think. But it’s worth it. And well research (New? Start ). here Now, let’s explore my thoughts on how to combine that with software development. You are not your code Code reviews can be great. If you are open and willing to learn. On both sides. Reviewer and reviewee. However, they can turn ugly pretty quickly, if you believe someone judging your code is judging you. We are sometimes too close to our own work, that we can not distinguish between critic on our work and critic on us. We take it personally. And when we do, we react in defense and might bark back or do other shit. One thing that mindfulness can teach us in this situation is not to take that personally. We are not our code. The code is something we produced. It might be good, it might be bad. It depends on who’s reading it and their definitions of good/bad. However, one thing is for sure, we are not the code. IF we can overcome that feeling of personal judgment, we might learn much more in those reviews. Besides they might go much more enjoyable. Others are not their code It is essentially the same thing, just the other way around. We are judging now. We judge the code. We judge the dev who wrote it. “That stupid morons can’t code” — ever thought something like that? Don’t do that. Maybe she/he had a bad day, was on a tight deadline or whatever. It’s even worse if you continue to judge devs because you read some shitting code of them ten years ago. If you don’t think your code a year ago was shit, you don’t make progress. Anyways, judging brings just tension to a team and eventually will destroy any team spirit. FLow Working in the flow is great. Fulfilling. And pretty much impossible in a working environment because co-workers don’t respect it. If we would be living mindful in the present, we’d notice what’s around us. We would see if we can ask Bob a question or if he so deep into work and leave him alone. Waiting for a better time. We would notice that our own behavior disturbs our co-workers. Talking loud on the phone and holding meetings at a desk and freaking out the others in the room. Most of the time, people don’t do that on intention. They are not aware that they do that at all. So focussed doing their little task, that they ignore everything around. When we are aware of what is happening in our environment and we interact with it, we can adjust our behavior and be more respectful. You are not a rockstar I am not sure if it is actually part of mindfulness or just happens to be close. Yet, this being in the presence and not judging has much to do with taking our ego out of it. I can not be in the presence, listening to someone and trying not to judge, while being focussed on my ego. It does not work for me. As soon as I start judging, I am not listening anymore. My mind is gone. I am gone and thus not mindful anymore. The further I go down this path, the more I learn that my ego is in my way. Yep, it is everywhere. Yours too. My code is not the best in the world. Or better than the code my teammates wrote. I am not a rockstar coder, guru or whatever. Neither are you. Accepting limitations and reducing our ego, makes us humble. A humble mind is open, willing to learn. Learn from our mistakes and learn from others. It doesn’t judge — not us, not others. It knows its limits. Imagine working in a team using mindful principles. What would it look like? Write it in a comment. Originally published at codeboje.de .

Mindfulness in Software Development

Blockchain is quickly becoming a ubiquitous technology across just about every industry. In real estate, it is being used to compile listings, property records, and even democratized ownership of shares in properties. In healthcare, it is making the lives of medical staff and patients easier through smart contracts that grant patients private key access to signing off on operations as well as many other functions. Another area where blockchain is showing its utility is in the wellness and attention economy. New blockchain-based apps and games are capitalizing on the popularity of mindfulness culture. These applications of blockchain are fusing with the concepts of music streaming services, podcasts, and MOOC communities to reward users with currency for participating in yoga and meditation. Many of the offerings in the wellness-blockchain space use augmented and virtual reality to make an engaging and truly transcendent experience for users. Yoga and meditation on the blockchain offer users as well as content creators the opportunity to monetize knowledge and self-knowledge alike without having to leave the house. The gamification of these practices offers incentives beyond intrinsic, self-focused goals as well as contributing to a community of healthy and mindful users. Learn more about with the infographic below, provided by HighVibe. blockchain and mindfulness

How the Blockchain Will Increase Your Mindfulness

Is your mind feeling scattered as you read this blog? Are you thinking of what to do next, or getting ready to open the next tab on your browser? If so, here’s a simple exercise to bring you back to the task on hand… Close your eyes… Focus on the space below your nostrils. Become aware of your breath. Immerse yourself deeper into that experience… Feel the warmth of your breath, the deep inhalations and deeper exhalations. Do this for two-three minutes. Now get back to your reading and notice the difference. This is just one way to practice mindfulness, a meditation technique that helps you become aware of the ‘here and now’. A practice that allows you to be in the moment, without letting your mind stray into other things, or worry about the past or future. In an era, where every ping of the smart phone is raising our stress levels, and where the pressure to achieve greater numbers and collaborate with diverse geographies is pulling us in different directions, mindfulness can become a useful management tool. Several studies have successfully linked mindfulness with enhanced productivity and better health. Why CEOs should be mindful Leaders especially are facing more pressure than the rest: they have to unite teams and bring together diverse personalities toward a common vision… They have to be trouble shooters and motivators at the same time… And they have to respond to pressures like market uncertainties externally, and increasing attrition internally. All this requires leaders to be agile and alert. The age-old practice of mindfulness can be used effectively. Mindfulness is essentially about becoming aware, being in the moment, and responding to a situation from a place of stillness and calm… This eventually leads you to becoming more receptive and responsive rather becoming reactive. More importantly, mindfulness increases concentration and makes you a keen listener, tuning into the other person, while you keep your own emotions and thoughts at bay. Mindfulness also aids decision-making as it helps you focus on the minor details, heightening your acuity. Companies like Google and Apple already have mindfulness programs in place. In fact, the late Steve Job was known to be a meditator who practiced mindfulness to become more aware of the challenges his company was facing and to enhance his creativity. But how does one practice mindfulness at work? The Buddhist monk and author Thich Nhat Hanh in his book talks about how mindfulness can be used at work: The Miracles of Mindfulness ‘…keep your attention focused on the work, be alert and ready to handle ably and intelligently any situation which may arise — this is mindfulness… During the moment one is consulting, resolving, and dealing with whatever arises, a calm heart and self-control are necessary if one is to obtain good results… Mindfulness is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves.’ Mastery over oneself and restoration from stress are thus the key benefits of mindfulness. Some of the other benefits of mindfulness are: 1. where people are more willing to collaborate and work with each other in harmony. Improved relationships within the organisation, 2. As people work with calm and reduced stress levels, they become more productive, and can focus on personal growth too. A general sense of well-being and happiness in the company… 3. As concentration and stillness increase, the ability to see problems from different angles and find unique solutions also arises. Enhanced creativity leading to greater innovation. 4. As people become more mindful and receptive to another person’s point of view, they become more tolerant and understanding of other team members. Reduces conflict within teams… 5. Every situation is looked at with an open mind and a positive approach is adopted in dealing with the challenge. Makes an organisation more nimble and ready to deal with change… 6. Instead of making greed and profits a priority, organisations that are mindful become more detached, focusing instead on sustainable practices that impact society as a whole. Makes organisations more conscious… A few mindfulness practices for organisations Looking inward, being with yourself, and paying attention to the fleeting thought, for even a few moments a day, can be a transformative practice. Once you begin to experience mindfulness at a personal level, you can spread it to the rest of your organisation too… Here are some ways of doing it: Start meetings with a few moments of silence People come into meeting rooms with traces of what they had just stopped doing, or a task on their mind that still needs to be completed. In order to get them to focus on what you have to say, and to achieve the goals of the meeting, give them some time to collect themselves. Ask them to close their eyes, and focus on their breathing. You could also ask them to chant three ‘oms’… Any chanting, especially when done collectively, has therapeutic benefits. 2. Become a keen listener As a leader, you may want to rush into your agenda and ensure your point of view is heard and implemented. But a leader’s job is to encourage others to think and grow too. For this you require patience and empathy…you need to be open to view points from others and restrain yourself from a counter-view, till such a time as the person has completed his train of thought. When you encourage independent thought, you also encourage autonomy and decision-making, allowing your team to become more confident in their work and plans. 3. Conduct mindfulness programs Mindfulness need not always be about sitting quietly and meditating in a corner, it can be fun as well. You can encourage teams to think of mindfulness games that allow them to stretch their imagination. You could give them hypothetical situations and ask them to come up with different strategies for the same. You could also ask them to create different outcomes for a particular campaign or project you are launching. When people are immersed in a creative activity, mindfulness is the natural outcome. 4. Create spaces for breathing Meditation rooms are still to become an important feature in offices in India and the world. And for people to actually start using them will take even more time, as many feel guilty about meditating at work. But meditative practices and mindfulness are a growing trend. More and more people are practicing (a detox practice), and doing yoga on a regular basis. If a small corner of your office can be devoted for mindfulness, or if you can allow employees to take some time off to practice meditation, you will see happier and more productive employees. kriyas As a CEO, when you practice mindfulness yourself, you will see it permeate to the rest of the organisation too. And when you promote it among employees, you will see new levels of happiness and performance in your organisation. The power of mindfulness is a deeply transformative one, ultimately impacting the industry and society you live in too. So take those few moments to meditate and experience its manifold benefits in your life and in the lives of those around you. This article was first published in Yellow Spark — a unique management consulting firm with an expertise in the people side of business. Thanks for taking the time out to read my post. You add more energy to my pen… If you like my blog, you can… PS: Leave a comment Press the ❤ button and recommend it Share it with your network Follow me for future posts <a href="https://medium.com/media/cba137a338d47bff8649da34aa55718d/href">https://medium.com/media/cba137a338d47bff8649da34aa55718d/href</a>

Let Mindfulness Lead the Way

It’s a necessary evil — every entrepreneur spends a lot of time thinking… It’s how they became entrepreneurs in the first place… They contemplated the world, they contemplated its problems, they contemplated how they could solve those problems, and then they contemplated how those solutions could reach millions of consumers. The mind of an entrepreneur is an overly-taxed one — constantly thinking, brainstorming, problem-solving. But the mind of an entrepreneur is also a dynamic and evolving one. From it emerge many ideas…some great, some not-so-great, some repetitive, and some disruptive. Hence the mind of an entrepreneur needs to be taken care of. And very often the mind of the entrepreneur needs to be emptied, as it gets too full of thoughts and ideas. The mind needs to move away from conflicting, doubting, self-defeating and negative thoughts, and move more toward constructive and positive ones instead. For this, an entrepreneur needs to make conscious attempts to calm the mind, and make it more restful, so that it can eventually gain greater clarity and become more effective. This is possible through mindfulness. I read a book authored by the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh titled . According to Hanh, only meditation provides complete rest. Even when you sleep or lie down, you are not completely at rest; it’s meditation that stills the mind. Hanh says — ‘Mindfulness is the miracle with which we master and restore ourselves.’ The Miracle of Mindfulness Through the book Hanh provides several tools to help you meditate, become more watchful of your thoughts, and concentrate on your breath. My favourite is the half-smile method. Hanh says whenever you meditate and sit in a cross-legged position, give a half smile — this erases any creases on your forehead; it also puts you into a more blissful state of mind. The half smile can be used at any time, not only when you are meditating… You could put it on while exercising in a gym, working at your desk, or walking on the streets. Hanh also suggests that when you conduct any activity, you must get completely immersed in it, and focus only on that — be it ‘washing clothes or dishes, making tea, or eating tangerine’. This will help you get more centered, and will stop your mind from running all over the place. In the case of an entrepreneur, this destroys the myth of multi-tasking completely. No one can achieve much with scattered attention; you need to focus on one problem at a time. And, don’t hurry up with the task, watching the clock continuously. Immerse yourself in the task instead, like it’s the only thing in the world for you to do at that point in time… The task will no longer seem difficult, and the time taken to solve it will reduce too. Hanh, in the book, also talks about labeling your breath…so if you’ve inhaled a short breath, call it that, and if you’ve exhaled with a long breath, mentally say that to yourself. This will help you observe the patterns of your breathing better. Likewise, if you are feeling any emotion — sadness or pain, joy or fear — identify that emotion, and try to ponder upon the reason for its ‘origination’ and the factors that can lead to its ‘dissolution’. Observing the mind and its mental objects is the primary purpose of meditation. Hanh quotes the Pali text written by Nyanasatta that states this well: Satipatthana Sutta Thus he (the monk) lives contemplating mental objects in mental objects internally, or he lives contemplating mental objects in mental objects externally, or he lives contemplating mental objects in mental objects internally and externally. As an entrepreneur, start thinking about your thinking, start thinking about why you’re thinking those thoughts, and if they are negative and too consuming, what you can do to rid yourself of those thoughts. Getting obsessed with any issue is draining for the mind and body. Thus, distance yourself from the situation, by observing the thought - the ‘mental object’ that is disturbing you, internally or externally. Finally the benefits of the practice of mindfulness will be felt not just by you, but by those around you as well… ‘In a family, if there is one person who practices mindfulness, the entire family will be more mindful,’ writes Hanh. For the entrepreneur this essentially means that if you become more mindful and calm, a similar environment will be created in your workplace too, among your co-workers and co-founders, investors and service providers…even your consumers. Each one involved in the enterprise will think more about their thoughts and responses while dealing with a situation. As they think more about their thinking, the end product or service they create will be a better reflection of themselves and their vision. It will reflect cohesiveness, and eventually connect more deeply with the world. To quote Hanh — ‘People normally cut reality into compartments, and so are unable to see the interdependence of all phenomena. To see one in all and all in one is to break through the great barrier which narrows one’s perception of reality.’ Entrepreneurs — Think about your thought; think about how you think of that thought … Become more mindful, more joyful, more peaceful, and be sure to create something truly revolutionary! I would like to thank Thich Nhat Hanh for , a book that makes you calmer just by reading it… And a big thank you to Pratik Patel for gifting it to me, and insisting I read it and write about it… Though I still have to apply all of its practices into my daily life, I can already feel myself becoming more mindful. Heartfelt Gratitude: The Miracle of Mindfulness Thanks for taking the time out to read my post. You add more energy to my pen… If you like my blog, you can… PS: Leave a comment Press the heart button and recommend it Share it with your network Follow me for future posts

Mindfulness for the Contemplative Entrepreneur

This article contains information about creating the style guide: when it is beneficial;
how to write it;
which parts should be included in it. Why Use a Style Guide? Each professional technical writer has a unique writing style. This style is like a fingerprint, and it is visible in any content created by a human hand, no matter if it was intended to be a piece of art or a helpful guide. This style is shaped by many years of expertise, educational and cultural background, lexicon, and even current mindset. However, any company wants to scale its business and avoid the situation when an employee becomes irreplaceable. It may be pretty expensive and time-consuming to rewrite all company documentation in case the technical writer left the job for good or just wanted to share the growing amount of tasks with a new employee. It can take ages to onboard someone new to the company. Moreover, the documentation and all UI texts should have perfectly consistent terminology and at least a similar style. Basically, creating one's own style guide is a sign of a mature approach to documentation in a company. Is it Beneficial to Use a Style Guide? Using a style guide has a number of benefits: Common style of documents in the company.
Easy onboarding of new technical writers.
Automatic checks and other work automation.
Scalable and interchangeable technical writing teams.
Improved text quality. Everything has its drawbacks, and the style guide is not an exclusion: Time and effort are used to create and keep the style guide up to date.
As with any tool, using a style guide takes some mindfulness: paying attention to possible exclusions.
Making new employees familiar with the style guide. This may take time and effort to set up some tests and onboarding procedures.
Establishing proper processes, which involve reviewing documentation to match the style guide requirements. All in all, a company will require some time to get used to it, especially technical writers and UI specialists. As a start, it may be a wise decision to make some presentations for colleagues who may be impacted by key features of a new style guide. Using a Style Guide Using the style guide might now be as straightforward as it seems. Use style guide as a strong recommendation: this helps to maintain its purpose. However, keep an eye on situations, when a style guide may be more of an obstacle, than a helpful tool. For example, there are some situations to make a style guide a base, not a strict guide: You have a really specific document, which was not in mind when creating a Style guide. If you write a whitepaper, or maybe a general short article, you may use some style guide recommendations (using terms or capitalization rules, for example), but keep in mind the document's purpose. Later, you may want to create some guidelines for this type of document too. You have a document, that should be compliant with the style guide, but it has some specific terms or requirements that improve its understanding of the target audience. For example, it may involve using slang terms and acronyms, and certain ways of formatting text. You may have to adapt a document for certain purposes, for example, automatic translation. In this case, it may be more efficient to adapt the style guide to facilitate the translation process. However, if you don’t need to set up the process, it may be easier to avoid using certain style guide recommendations. To sum up – be mindful and keep the balance between style guide recommendations and target audience comfort. The main purpose of the technical writer’s work is a customer’s benefit, keep that in mind as our main guideline. How to Write a Style Guide? A style guide contains a set of guidelines on the most important parameters of the document being created. To write a style guide, get yourself familiar with two main things: Existing style guides of the industry leaders or top companies in your country. Understand the needs of the target audience. The style guide should make the documentation address these needs as precisely as possible. Now, create a structure for the style guide. No need to make it perfect from the beginning – you can tune the requirements later, as you come up with great ideas. In general, consider including the following parts in the style guide: Description of a brand voice. This will build a positive attitude towards the company brand. Terms, acronyms, capitalization conventions, and descriptions. This is important to make the whole document consistent in using the terms. Accessibility guidelines and inclusive language. This is important to make documentation comfortable for everybody. Grammar and language guidelines. This part is important to improve understanding for people of different backgrounds. Formatting and organization. Describes how to organize information in the document and how to format it to make it easy to find and easy to scan. Linking. Describes how to make links work. Content recommendations: instructions, lists, images, charts, tables, code examples, etc. This part is important to make documentation consistent. It may be helpful to create a separate style guide for UI texts, as this type of text is very special and needs different guidelines. Tune your style guide to the needs of your company and of your audience: the set of guidelines is totally customizable and should benefit your company brand and customer experience. Keep in mind that the style guide should match the current requirements of your company and customers. This means, that you should review and update it in a regular manner. Remember, the style guide should serve your goals of delivering quality documentation, it should not be the obstacle in most cases. Summary To sum up: Using a style guide is highly beneficial in a company with more than one technical writer.
To develop a great style guide, it is critical to be familiar with the target audience's needs.
A style guide should be reviewed and updated regularly. This article contains information about creating the style guide: when it is beneficial; how to write it; which parts should be included in it. when it is beneficial; how to write it; which parts should be included in it. Why Use a Style Guide? Each professional technical writer has a unique writing style. This style is like a fingerprint, and it is visible in any content created by a human hand, no matter if it was intended to be a piece of art or a helpful guide. This style is shaped by many years of expertise, educational and cultural background, lexicon, and even current mindset. However, any company wants to scale its business and avoid the situation when an employee becomes irreplaceable. It may be pretty expensive and time-consuming to rewrite all company documentation in case the technical writer left the job for good or just wanted to share the growing amount of tasks with a new employee. It can take ages to onboard someone new to the company. Moreover, the documentation and all UI texts should have perfectly consistent terminology and at least a similar style. Basically, creating one's own style guide is a sign of a mature approach to documentation in a company. Is it Beneficial to Use a Style Guide? Using a style guide has a number of benefits: Common style of documents in the company. Easy onboarding of new technical writers. Automatic checks and other work automation. Scalable and interchangeable technical writing teams. Improved text quality. Common style of documents in the company. Easy onboarding of new technical writers. Automatic checks and other work automation. Scalable and interchangeable technical writing teams. Improved text quality. Everything has its drawbacks, and the style guide is not an exclusion: Time and effort are used to create and keep the style guide up to date. As with any tool, using a style guide takes some mindfulness: paying attention to possible exclusions. Making new employees familiar with the style guide. This may take time and effort to set up some tests and onboarding procedures. Establishing proper processes, which involve reviewing documentation to match the style guide requirements. Time and effort are used to create and keep the style guide up to date. As with any tool, using a style guide takes some mindfulness: paying attention to possible exclusions. Making new employees familiar with the style guide. This may take time and effort to set up some tests and onboarding procedures. Establishing proper processes, which involve reviewing documentation to match the style guide requirements. All in all, a company will require some time to get used to it, especially technical writers and UI specialists. As a start, it may be a wise decision to make some presentations for colleagues who may be impacted by key features of a new style guide. Using a Style Guide Using the style guide might now be as straightforward as it seems. Use style guide as a strong recommendation: this helps to maintain its purpose. However, keep an eye on situations, when a style guide may be more of an obstacle, than a helpful tool. For example, there are some situations to make a style guide a base, not a strict guide: You have a really specific document, which was not in mind when creating a Style guide. If you write a whitepaper, or maybe a general short article, you may use some style guide recommendations (using terms or capitalization rules, for example), but keep in mind the document's purpose. Later, you may want to create some guidelines for this type of document too. You have a really specific document, which was not in mind when creating a Style guide. If you write a whitepaper, or maybe a general short article, you may use some style guide recommendations (using terms or capitalization rules, for example), but keep in mind the document's purpose. Later, you may want to create some guidelines for this type of document too. You have a document, that should be compliant with the style guide, but it has some specific terms or requirements that improve its understanding of the target audience. For example, it may involve using slang terms and acronyms, and certain ways of formatting text. You have a document, that should be compliant with the style guide, but it has some specific terms or requirements that improve its understanding of the target audience. For example, it may involve using slang terms and acronyms, and certain ways of formatting text. You may have to adapt a document for certain purposes, for example, automatic translation. In this case, it may be more efficient to adapt the style guide to facilitate the translation process. However, if you don’t need to set up the process, it may be easier to avoid using certain style guide recommendations. You may have to adapt a document for certain purposes, for example, automatic translation. In this case, it may be more efficient to adapt the style guide to facilitate the translation process. However, if you don’t need to set up the process, it may be easier to avoid using certain style guide recommendations. To sum up – be mindful and keep the balance between style guide recommendations and target audience comfort. The main purpose of the technical writer’s work is a customer’s benefit, keep that in mind as our main guideline. How to Write a Style Guide? A style guide contains a set of guidelines on the most important parameters of the document being created. To write a style guide, get yourself familiar with two main things: Existing style guides of the industry leaders or top companies in your country. Existing style guides of the industry leaders or top companies in your country. Understand the needs of the target audience. The style guide should make the documentation address these needs as precisely as possible. Understand the needs of the target audience. The style guide should make the documentation address these needs as precisely as possible. Now, create a structure for the style guide. No need to make it perfect from the beginning – you can tune the requirements later, as you come up with great ideas. In general, consider including the following parts in the style guide: Description of a brand voice. This will build a positive attitude towards the company brand. Description of a brand voice. This will build a positive attitude towards the company brand. Terms, acronyms, capitalization conventions, and descriptions. This is important to make the whole document consistent in using the terms. Terms, acronyms, capitalization conventions, and descriptions. This is important to make the whole document consistent in using the terms. Accessibility guidelines and inclusive language. This is important to make documentation comfortable for everybody. Accessibility guidelines and inclusive language. This is important to make documentation comfortable for everybody. Grammar and language guidelines. This part is important to improve understanding for people of different backgrounds. Grammar and language guidelines. This part is important to improve understanding for people of different backgrounds. Formatting and organization. Describes how to organize information in the document and how to format it to make it easy to find and easy to scan. Formatting and organization. Describes how to organize information in the document and how to format it to make it easy to find and easy to scan. Linking. Describes how to make links work. Linking. Describes how to make links work. Content recommendations: instructions, lists, images, charts, tables, code examples, etc. This part is important to make documentation consistent. Content recommendations: instructions, lists, images, charts, tables, code examples, etc. This part is important to make documentation consistent. It may be helpful to create a separate style guide for UI texts, as this type of text is very special and needs different guidelines. Tune your style guide to the needs of your company and of your audience: the set of guidelines is totally customizable and should benefit your company brand and customer experience. Keep in mind that the style guide should match the current requirements of your company and customers. This means, that you should review and update it in a regular manner. Remember, the style guide should serve your goals of delivering quality documentation, it should not be the obstacle in most cases. Summary To sum up: Using a style guide is highly beneficial in a company with more than one technical writer. To develop a great style guide, it is critical to be familiar with the target audience's needs. A style guide should be reviewed and updated regularly. Using a style guide is highly beneficial in a company with more than one technical writer. To develop a great style guide, it is critical to be familiar with the target audience's needs. A style guide should be reviewed and updated regularly.

Style Guide in a Nutshell: What to Know

ISTJ is one of the 16 personality types according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. It’s one of the most common personality types, comprising 11 to 14% of the world’s population, and is about 1.5 to 2 times more prevalent in men than women. Myers-Briggs framework distinguishes personality traits based on how a person perceives the world, performs in certain activities, and manages their life decisions. Four aspects that are taken into account: attention focus: extravert (E) / introvert (I);
information intake: senses (S) / intuition (N);
decision-making: thoughts (T) / feelings (F);
world approaching: judgment (J) / perceptiveness (P). ISTJ is the abbreviation for Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging, with the dominant function for Sensing. Generally, these people have a rational outlook, are practical, organized, and methodically purposeful in all life spheres, and lean toward reservation, quietness, and mindfulness. Characteristics of an ISTJ Personality Type Focused on the present moment and grounded, noticing and collecting information on what’s happening around them. Well-organized, value order and structure, and prefer to plan everything in advance and with great attention to detail. Operate with matter-of-fact and practical information and make reasonable decisions based on objective data. Have a logical approach and seek rational explanations for all the events in their lives. Enjoy clear guidelines rather than abstract scenarios and work steadily and efficiently to accomplish concrete tasks at hand. Loyal to themselves, respectful to others, and emphasizing traditions, laws, rules, and established procedures. Hardworking, responsible, and trustworthy and tending to keep their promises. Have internal values and are fair and honest to themselves and others. Direct and straightforward in verbal communication around rational questions while experiencing difficulties expressing their emotions. Independent and preferring to be on their own, but reliable and committed friends and partners when they have met the right people. Can be stubborn, find it hard to adjust to new circumstances, and can be too harsh on themselves when something goes wrong. Careers for ISTJ Personality Types People with an ISTJ personality type strongly focus on tasks, have developed analytical skills, delve into the smallest details, are responsible and materialistic, all about the practical value of information and its accurate application, and prefer working independently. Generally, the best fit for ISTJs is careers aligned with a logical approach and connected to facts and figures, extensive data analysis, planning, and reporting. It makes the IT sector a favorable sphere for their successful professional application. The roles can vary from data and information security analysis and computer network administration to engineering and software and web development. They also feel comfortable and confident in the fields that operate strictly by facts, rules, and norms and require a high level of responsibility, such as banking and accountancy, law, and medicine. Professionals in these domains are expected to be able to navigate through large volumes of data and interpret information accurately and reasonably. As for work environments, ISTJ personalities feel more comfortable in quiet and stable places with defined schedules and deadlines, clear assignments, well-regulated and performance-driven protocols, and a concrete set of duties and distinct areas of responsibility. ISTJs are likely to fail in professions that require creativity, active communication with people, or have a degree of uncertainty, spontaneousness, and the necessity of dynamic adjustments. These are creativity-related professions like design, art, or copywriting. Since ISTJs prefer to rely on the rational part of their brain rather than their imagination and emotions, these occupations will be naturally uncomfortable for them. Entrepreneurship is another unlikely match associated with high risk and uncertainty levels. It requires the readiness to accept challenges, instantly react to changes, and seek brand-new solutions, contrary to the ISTJ type. Introverted individuals will also feel stressed in sales and services as these professions involve active and constant communication with other people. How to Best Interact With ISTJ Colleagues Understanding and engaging with ISTJ individuals based on their four core personality traits is essential for effectively communicating with them. Introverted: Be respectful of their personal space. Introverts need time to feel comfortable around you and open up to you. Sooner of all, you won’t become close immediately. You should respect their wish for privacy and be as correct as possible, not overloading them with questions. Sensing: Try to express your thoughts accurately and factually, with no lyrics or excess emotions. Give preference to verbs and nouns and use adjectives to a lesser extent. And be prepared for multiple follow-up questions, as they will try to get as many details as possible. Thinking: Be direct and structured with your statements and messages. Try to explain thoughts logically and gradually. Judging: Be patient. This personality type is reliable and fair, but needs time to make a decision and won’t rush into it. They would rather follow the rule of measuring twice and cutting once. ISTJ personalities are fans of independent work tasks, and usually, they do not seek close communication with their co-workers. They can seem cold and closed because they are trying to protect their personal space. Ultimately, successful relationships in the workplace are based on shared interests or beliefs. ISTJs require a particular effort from your side to convince them of the worthiness of allocating their work time to external communication. ISTJ is one of the 16 personality types according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator . It’s one of the most common personality types, comprising 11 to 14% of the world’s population, and is about 1.5 to 2 times more prevalent in men than women. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Myers-Briggs framework distinguishes personality traits based on how a person perceives the world, performs in certain activities, and manages their life decisions. Four aspects that are taken into account: attention focus: extravert (E) / introvert (I); information intake: senses (S) / intuition (N); decision-making: thoughts (T) / feelings (F); world approaching: judgment (J) / perceptiveness (P). attention focus: extravert (E) / introvert (I); information intake: senses (S) / intuition (N); decision-making: thoughts (T) / feelings (F); world approaching: judgment (J) / perceptiveness (P). ISTJ is the abbreviation for I ntroverted, S ensing, T hinking, and J udging, with the dominant function for Sensing. Generally, these people have a rational outlook, are practical, organized, and methodically purposeful in all life spheres, and lean toward reservation, quietness, and mindfulness. I S T J Characteristics of an ISTJ Personality Type Focused on the present moment and grounded, noticing and collecting information on what’s happening around them. Well-organized, value order and structure, and prefer to plan everything in advance and with great attention to detail. Operate with matter-of-fact and practical information and make reasonable decisions based on objective data. Have a logical approach and seek rational explanations for all the events in their lives. Enjoy clear guidelines rather than abstract scenarios and work steadily and efficiently to accomplish concrete tasks at hand. Loyal to themselves, respectful to others, and emphasizing traditions, laws, rules, and established procedures. Hardworking, responsible, and trustworthy and tending to keep their promises. Have internal values and are fair and honest to themselves and others. Direct and straightforward in verbal communication around rational questions while experiencing difficulties expressing their emotions. Independent and preferring to be on their own, but reliable and committed friends and partners when they have met the right people. Can be stubborn, find it hard to adjust to new circumstances, and can be too harsh on themselves when something goes wrong. Careers for ISTJ Personality Types People with an ISTJ personality type strongly focus on tasks, have developed analytical skills, delve into the smallest details, are responsible and materialistic, all about the practical value of information and its accurate application, and prefer working independently. Generally, the best fit for ISTJs is careers aligned with a logical approach and connected to facts and figures, extensive data analysis, planning, and reporting. It makes the IT sector a favorable sphere for their successful professional application. The roles can vary from data and information security analysis and computer network administration to engineering and software and web development. They also feel comfortable and confident in the fields that operate strictly by facts, rules, and norms and require a high level of responsibility, such as banking and accountancy, law, and medicine. Professionals in these domains are expected to be able to navigate through large volumes of data and interpret information accurately and reasonably. As for work environments, ISTJ personalities feel more comfortable in quiet and stable places with defined schedules and deadlines, clear assignments, well-regulated and performance-driven protocols, and a concrete set of duties and distinct areas of responsibility. ISTJs are likely to fail in professions that require creativity, active communication with people, or have a degree of uncertainty, spontaneousness, and the necessity of dynamic adjustments. These are creativity-related professions like design, art, or copywriting. Since ISTJs prefer to rely on the rational part of their brain rather than their imagination and emotions, these occupations will be naturally uncomfortable for them. Entrepreneurship is another unlikely match associated with high risk and uncertainty levels. It requires the readiness to accept challenges, instantly react to changes, and seek brand-new solutions, contrary to the ISTJ type. Introverted individuals will also feel stressed in sales and services as these professions involve active and constant communication with other people. How to Best Interact With ISTJ Colleagues Understanding and engaging with ISTJ individuals based on their four core personality traits is essential for effectively communicating with them. Introverted: Be respectful of their personal space. Introverts need time to feel comfortable around you and open up to you. Sooner of all, you won’t become close immediately. You should respect their wish for privacy and be as correct as possible, not overloading them with questions. Introverted: Sensing: Try to express your thoughts accurately and factually, with no lyrics or excess emotions. Give preference to verbs and nouns and use adjectives to a lesser extent. And be prepared for multiple follow-up questions, as they will try to get as many details as possible. Sensing: Thinking: Be direct and structured with your statements and messages. Try to explain thoughts logically and gradually. Thinking: Judging: Be patient. This personality type is reliable and fair, but needs time to make a decision and won’t rush into it. They would rather follow the rule of measuring twice and cutting once. Judging: ISTJ personalities are fans of independent work tasks, and usually, they do not seek close communication with their co-workers. They can seem cold and closed because they are trying to protect their personal space. Ultimately, successful relationships in the workplace are based on shared interests or beliefs. ISTJs require a particular effort from your side to convince them of the worthiness of allocating their work time to external communication.

What Is the ISTJ Personality Type, and Why Do They Favor IT Careers?

The Uncomfortable Truth About Comfort

আরাম সম্পর্কে অস্বস্তিকর সত্য

Die unbequeme Wahrheit über Komfort

La incómoda verdad sobre la comodidad

La vérité inconfortable sur le confort

आराम के बारे में असहज सच्चाई

快適さに関する不快な真実

편안함에 관한 불편한 진실

A incômoda verdade sobre o conforto

Неудобная правда о комфорте

Konfor Hakkında Rahatsız Edici Gerçek

Sự thật khó chịu về sự thoải mái

关于舒适的令人不安的真相

If you are an app developer, unfortunately, the weight of uncertainty surrounding an influx in layoffs and talks of layoffs has you living life on the edge of indecision, but don't worry, you're not the only one. Just mentioning downsizing or restructuring within a company can quickly result in severe anxiety for anyone—even the most seasoned professionals. When your position feels tenuous, it's crucial to have strategies to manage these challenges. "Layoffs have threatened the app development industry recently. Of course, reports showing a noticeable spike in job losses around different sectors do nothing to alleviate concerns. Among the industries hit the hardest, the tech and government industries have likely experienced the most significant threat of downsizing. Veteran app developer and mind behind the anti-anxiety app Calmer, Daniel Leimanis, understands the struggles. Drawing from his own experiences and expertise, Leimanis has opened up to share his top six most invaluable tips for app developers who might be contending with anxiety in 2024. 1. Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation Incorporate mindful practices into your daily routine to promote a sense of remaining grounded and evident during times of uncertainty. Utilize deep breathing exercises, guided meditation sessions, or any other technique that resonates with your core being. This essential practice offers respite from the whirlwind of stress accompanying intense coding sessions and debugging challenges. 2. Prioritize Physical Well-being As most know, maintaining physical health is a principal necessity. However, many might need to realize how crucial physical health is for strengthening mental resilience. Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure adequate sleep to safeguard your overall well-being. Take brief breaks for a stroll or whatever you need to do to relax and recharge your batteries. Additionally, paying attention to ergonomics and frequent stretch breaks can help prevent physical strain during prolonged coding stints. 3. Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries Avoid falling into unrealistic expectations by breaking down larger projects into manageable tasks with achievable deadlines. Utilize project management tools to track progress and outline unmistakable boundaries between work and personal life. Burnout is a typical result of over-commitment, so prioritize self-care and know when to step away from the desk. 4. Cultivate a Supportive Work Environment Build connections with supportive colleagues and promote open communication channels within your workplace. Collaborative efforts, like peer programming and regular check-ins, can lead to camaraderie and lessen feelings of isolation. A positive work culture can make all the difference. 5. Incorporate Stress Relief Techniques Incorporate effective stress-relief practices into your routine to diminish the daily pressures. Yoga, journaling, or listening to your favourite music can relieve stress. Find whatever works best for you, but periodically taking breaks to engage in hobbies or non-work-related activities can be an immensely vital reset button for the brain. 6. Seek Professional Support When Needed Lastly, remember that there is no shame in obtaining some help when anxiety becomes overwhelming. Therapy, counseling, or consulting with a mental health professional can give you invaluable insights and coping strategies. Numerous tech companies now offer employee assistance programs that include crucial mental health services. Use these resources if you have access to them. As Leimanis emphasizes, managing anxiety is an obstacle-filled journey, but there is no inherent reason why it must be traversed alone. By implementing the above-noted six strategies and being bold in reaching out for support, app developers can navigate the uncertain days ahead with greater resilience and grander fortitude. If you are an app developer, unfortunately, the weight of uncertainty surrounding an influx in layoffs and talks of layoffs has you living life on the edge of indecision, but don't worry, you're not the only one. Just mentioning downsizing or restructuring within a company can quickly result in severe anxiety for anyone—even the most seasoned professionals. When your position feels tenuous, it's crucial to have strategies to manage these challenges. "Layoffs have threatened the app development industry recently. Of course, reports showing a noticeable spike in job losses around different sectors do nothing to alleviate concerns. Among the industries hit the hardest, the tech and government industries have likely experienced the most significant threat of downsizing. Veteran app developer and mind behind the anti-anxiety app Calmer , Daniel Leimanis, understands the struggles. Drawing from his own experiences and expertise, Leimanis has opened up to share his top six most invaluable tips for app developers who might be contending with anxiety in 2024. Calmer Calmer 1. Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation Incorporate mindful practices into your daily routine to promote a sense of remaining grounded and evident during times of uncertainty. Utilize deep breathing exercises, guided meditation sessions, or any other technique that resonates with your core being. This essential practice offers respite from the whirlwind of stress accompanying intense coding sessions and debugging challenges. 2. Prioritize Physical Well-being As most know, maintaining physical health is a principal necessity. However, many might need to realize how crucial physical health is for strengthening mental resilience. Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure adequate sleep to safeguard your overall well-being. Take brief breaks for a stroll or whatever you need to do to relax and recharge your batteries. Additionally, paying attention to ergonomics and frequent stretch breaks can help prevent physical strain during prolonged coding stints. 3. Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries Avoid falling into unrealistic expectations by breaking down larger projects into manageable tasks with achievable deadlines. Utilize project management tools to track progress and outline unmistakable boundaries between work and personal life. Burnout is a typical result of over-commitment, so prioritize self-care and know when to step away from the desk. 4. Cultivate a Supportive Work Environment Build connections with supportive colleagues and promote open communication channels within your workplace. Collaborative efforts, like peer programming and regular check-ins, can lead to camaraderie and lessen feelings of isolation. A positive work culture can make all the difference. 5. Incorporate Stress Relief Techniques Incorporate effective stress-relief practices into your routine to diminish the daily pressures. Yoga, journaling, or listening to your favourite music can relieve stress. Find whatever works best for you, but periodically taking breaks to engage in hobbies or non-work-related activities can be an immensely vital reset button for the brain. 6. Seek Professional Support When Needed Lastly, remember that there is no shame in obtaining some help when anxiety becomes overwhelming. Therapy, counseling, or consulting with a mental health professional can give you invaluable insights and coping strategies. Numerous tech companies now offer employee assistance programs that include crucial mental health services. Use these resources if you have access to them. As Leimanis emphasizes, managing anxiety is an obstacle-filled journey, but there is no inherent reason why it must be traversed alone. By implementing the above-noted six strategies and being bold in reaching out for support, app developers can navigate the uncertain days ahead with greater resilience and grander fortitude.

6 Strategies for App Developers Dealing With Anxiety During Layoffs

ছাঁটাইয়ের সময় উদ্বেগ মোকাবেলা করার জন্য অ্যাপ বিকাশকারীদের জন্য 6 কৌশল

6 Strategien für App-Entwickler zum Umgang mit Ängsten bei Entlassungen

Seis estrategias para desarrolladores de aplicaciones que enfrentan la ansiedad durante los despidos

6 stratégies pour les développeurs d'applications face à l'anxiété lors des licenciements

छंटनी के दौरान चिंता से निपटने वाले ऐप डेवलपर्स के लिए 6 रणनीतियाँ

解雇時の不安に対処するアプリ開発者のための 6 つの戦略

해고 중 불안에 대처하는 앱 개발자를 위한 6가지 전략

6 estratégias para desenvolvedores de aplicativos que lidam com a ansiedade durante as dispensas

6 стратегий для разработчиков приложений, которые помогут справиться с тревогой во время увольнений

İşten Çıkarılma Sırasında Kaygıyla Başa Çıkan Uygulama Geliştiricileri için 6 Strateji

6 chiến lược dành cho nhà phát triển ứng dụng đối phó với nỗi lo lắng khi bị sa thải

应用程序开发人员应对裁员焦虑的 6 个策略

As stress increasingly contributes to heart diseases and, consequently, mortality, well-being practices become more important. Massage is one of the most effective ones. However, not everyone across the world has access to it. How to address this gap and lower stress levels? The answer is obvious: create and use technologies. Human Death Factor According to the latest available data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the top two causes of mortality worldwide are stroke and ischemic heart disease. Moreover, the National Centre for Health Statistics of CDS (Centers for Disease and Prevention) which indicates the mortality index in the US confirms states that heart disease is the number one cause of death with about 700,000 cases per year. One of the general reasons for cardiovascular diseases and strokes is stress. The work of Andrew Steptoe and Mika Kivimäki, "Stress and Cardiovascular Disease," among others, confirms that, indicating that chronic stress predicts the occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD). Moreover, short-term emotional stress can act as a trigger for cardiac events among those with advanced atherosclerosis. Among those at greater risk are people who experience work-related stress. This correlation is shown in the latest research by the Health and Safety Executive. According to this data, 875,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety (new or long-standing cases) in 2022 and 2023. Human Life Factor Fortunately, there are techniques to decrease stress levels. Breathing exercises, laughter, helpful thinking, mindfulness, and social activities, as mentioned in the Human Resources Datasheet of the University of Michigan, are among them. Additionally, the WHO recommends maintaining a daily routine, connecting with others, ensuring quality sleep, paying attention to nutrition, and engaging in regular physical exercise. Montana State University provides a more precise explanation of the biological mechanisms behind stress reduction through exercise and other wellness practices. They reduce adrenaline and cortisol, two stress hormones. To maintain cortisol within the norm, scholars advise monitoring caffeine and alcohol as both can increase cortisol. Time management and maintaining work-life balance can also contribute to mental well-being. Body treatments and massages also play a role as anti-stress techniques. This is confirmed in the case study "Physiological Adjustments to Stress Measures Following Massage Therapy: A Review of the Literature" by Albert Moraska and his partners from various health institutions across the US. A study by the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine further reveals that massages can reduce cortisol by an average of 31% in a single session. It also improves sleep quality and lowers heart rate and blood pressure, thereby mitigating risks associated with cardiovascular disease. Massage to Masses However, not everyone can access body therapy and massage. Common barriers include a lack of available or efficient massage therapists and their limited working hours. This means that when you need a session after long hours at work, you may have to wait until a suitable hour. Costs also play a role, with one session averaging up to $100. It's not surprising that human performance comes at a high price in today's world. Imagine going to a theater with only one visitor - you. It would be expensive. However, when you're among many, economic dynamics allow services to be more accessible and affordable. Technologies offer a liberating solution. They have already changed numerous industries. Consider the field of education: digital platforms enable students from around the globe to participate in the same programs for much less money than traditional institutions offer. You can now access information from Cambridge in your hometown while having a bath. In the realm of body therapy and massage, we see a similar shift. While tech solutions may not entirely replace massage specialists they can help bridge existing gaps in labor and lower therapy costs in the future. Some solutions transform Tui Na, a form of traditional Chinese medicine bodywork similar to deep tissue massage. They use sensors to pinpoint pressure points and deliver customized massages. Other devices available on the market are designed for home use with various attachments for different massage experiences. The success of robotic solutions is foreseeable, given the widespread use of robotic and AI-driven technologies in healthcare. In 2022, the global artificial intelligence in the healthcare market reached around $15.1 billion, with projections expecting a surge to approximately $187.95 billion by 2030, boasting an impressive growth rate of 37% from 2022 to 2030. North America’s AI in the healthcare market alone reached $6.8 billion in 2022. The market for AI in robotics is expected to grow even faster, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.2% over the next five years. As stress increasingly contributes to heart diseases and, consequently, mortality, well-being practices become more important. Massage is one of the most effective ones. However, not everyone across the world has access to it. How to address this gap and lower stress levels? The answer is obvious: create and use technologies. Human Death Factor Human Death Factor According to the latest available data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the top two causes of mortality worldwide are stroke and ischemic heart disease. Moreover, the National Centre for Health Statistics of CDS (Centers for Disease and Prevention) which indicates the mortality index in the US confirms states that heart disease is the number one cause of death with about 700,000 cases per year. data data confirms confirms One of the general reasons for cardiovascular diseases and strokes is stress. The work of Andrew Steptoe and Mika Kivimäki, "Stress and Cardiovascular Disease," among others, confirms that, indicating that chronic stress predicts the occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD). Moreover, short-term emotional stress can act as a trigger for cardiac events among those with advanced atherosclerosis. confirms confirms Among those at greater risk are people who experience work-related stress. This correlation is shown in the latest research by the Health and Safety Executive. According to this data, 875,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety (new or long-standing cases) in 2022 and 2023. shown shown Human Life Factor Human Life Factor Fortunately, there are techniques to decrease stress levels. Breathing exercises, laughter, helpful thinking, mindfulness, and social activities, as mentioned in the Human Resources Datasheet of the University of Michigan, are among them. Additionally, the WHO recommends maintaining a daily routine, connecting with others, ensuring quality sleep, paying attention to nutrition, and engaging in regular physical exercise. mentioned mentioned Montana State University provides a more precise explanation of the biological mechanisms behind stress reduction through exercise and other wellness practices. They reduce adrenaline and cortisol, two stress hormones. To maintain cortisol within the norm, scholars advise monitoring caffeine and alcohol as both can increase cortisol. Time management and maintaining work-life balance can also contribute to mental well-being. provides provides caffeine caffeine alcohol alcohol Body treatments and massages also play a role as anti-stress techniques. This is confirmed in the case study "Physiological Adjustments to Stress Measures Following Massage Therapy: A Review of the Literature" by Albert Moraska and his partners from various health institutions across the US. A study by the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine further reveals that massages can reduce cortisol by an average of 31% in a single session. It also improves sleep quality and lowers heart rate and blood pressure, thereby mitigating risks associated with cardiovascular disease. confirmed confirmed study study improves improves lowers lowers Massage to Masses Massage to Masses However, not everyone can access body therapy and massage. Common barriers include a lack of available or efficient massage therapists and their limited working hours. This means that when you need a session after long hours at work, you may have to wait until a suitable hour. Costs also play a role, with one session averaging up to $100. It's not surprising that human performance comes at a high price in today's world. Imagine going to a theater with only one visitor - you. It would be expensive. However, when you're among many, economic dynamics allow services to be more accessible and affordable. averaging averaging Technologies offer a liberating solution. They have already changed numerous industries. Consider the field of education: digital platforms enable students from around the globe to participate in the same programs for much less money than traditional institutions offer. You can now access information from Cambridge in your hometown while having a bath. In the realm of body therapy and massage, we see a similar shift. While tech solutions may not entirely replace massage specialists they can help bridge existing gaps in labor and lower therapy costs in the future. Some solutions transform Tui Na, a form of traditional Chinese medicine bodywork similar to deep tissue massage. They use sensors to pinpoint pressure points and deliver customized massages. Other devices available on the market are designed for home use with various attachments for different massage experiences. The success of robotic solutions is foreseeable, given the widespread use of robotic and AI-driven technologies in healthcare. In 2022, the global artificial intelligence in the healthcare market reached around $15.1 billion, with projections expecting a surge to approximately $187.95 billion by 2030, boasting an impressive growth rate of 37% from 2022 to 2030. North America’s AI in the healthcare market alone reached $6.8 billion in 2022. The market for AI in robotics is expected to grow even faster, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.2% over the next five years. surge surge projected projected

How Technology Can Make Stress-Relief More Accessible in the Near Future

Virtual Reality (VR) has long been considered useful for gaming and not much else. However, a recent study suggests that VR technology is terrific for exercise. The University of Victoria in Canada (UVic) conducted a study together with tech giant Meta to evaluate the impact of Meta’s VR fitness platform Supernatural’s workouts on energy expenditure. In the study, led by Dr. Ryan Rhodes at UVic and co-authored by Tabitha Craig and Dr. Yoah Sui, participants between the ages of 18-40 engaged in Supernatural Flow, a full-body cardio workout, which was discovered to have similar cardiovascular benefits to running. On the one hand, this is likely a clear effort by Meta to promote its product and demonstrate, using scientific backing, that its technology is beneficial for our health. On the other hand, it is plausible that combining VR technology with exercise makes it just as beneficial and effective, and is simultaneously entertaining. For many, exercise is a tedious bore. Today, with VR, it no longer needs to be. In addition to exercise, users can enjoy enhanced VR for yoga and overall wellbeing sessions. Many consumers will be pleased to know that Alo Moves, a well-known online on-demand "movement and mindfulness" platform is making a mixed reality yoga app for the Meta Quest 3 – the first of its kind to use virtual coaches for fully immersive at-home yoga sessions. The technology offers users the ability to exercise or practice yoga with a unique virtual reality experience, the key difference being that the coach will be in their home rather than in a virtual environment. In addition to the experience, the actual physical aspect of using VR for this purpose has benefits. Users can choose from an endless amount of sports options such as boxing or tennis. By playing such games, users are drawn into a virtual reality experience that engages them for longer than they might have exercised otherwise. Having a goal, such as winning a tennis game or a boxing round, gives people a goal to work towards and helps achieve a longer-lasting and more beneficial workout session. At the same time, some research has found that exercising with VR for a shorter period is just as beneficial as exercising for a longer period without the use of VR. A new study examining the effects of virtual reality exercise on mental health finds that people can cut down on the amount of weekly vigorous exercise and still maintain mood-boosting benefits. Other studies have also validated the positive psychological impacts of VR fitness, even for a shorter period of time than fitness without VR. It seems obvious that VR can help people through exercise and that it has physical and mental health benefits, but most people don’t seem to be aware of this. According to Athletech, 80% of Americans don’t exercise regularly with fun, captivating games and fitness workouts. VR companies aim to change this and attract more potential consumers to an activity long considered too tough to engage in. By demonstrating that VR exercise, aerobics, yoga, or meditation is psychologically and physically beneficial, as well as more fun and entertaining, it is likely that tech companies can convince millions more people to become interested in these activities combined with VR technology. If you never liked exercising or doing yoga, this is your moment. Buy a VR headset and immerse yourself in a fun and captivating world that will take your mind, body, and spirit to a whole new level. Virtual Reality (VR) has long been considered useful for gaming and not much else. However, a recent study suggests that VR technology is terrific for exercise. Virtual Reality (VR) The University of Victoria in Canada (UVic) conducted a study together with tech giant Meta to evaluate the impact of Meta’s VR fitness platform Supernatural’s workouts on energy expenditure. conducted a study Meta In the study, led by Dr. Ryan Rhodes at UVic and co-authored by Tabitha Craig and Dr. Yoah Sui, participants between the ages of 18-40 engaged in Supernatural Flow, a full-body cardio workout, which was discovered to have similar cardiovascular benefits to running. On the one hand, this is likely a clear effort by Meta to promote its product and demonstrate, using scientific backing, that its technology is beneficial for our health. On the other hand, it is plausible that combining VR technology with exercise makes it just as beneficial and effective, and is simultaneously entertaining. For many, exercise is a tedious bore. Today, with VR, it no longer needs to be. In addition to exercise, users can enjoy enhanced VR for yoga and overall wellbeing sessions. Many consumers will be pleased to know that Alo Moves , a well-known online on-demand "movement and mindfulness" platform is making a mixed reality yoga app for the Meta Quest 3 – the first of its kind to use virtual coaches for fully immersive at-home yoga sessions. Alo Moves The technology offers users the ability to exercise or practice yoga with a unique virtual reality experience, the key difference being that the coach will be in their home rather than in a virtual environment. In addition to the experience, the actual physical aspect of using VR for this purpose has benefits. Users can choose from an endless amount of sports options such as boxing or tennis. By playing such games, users are drawn into a virtual reality experience that engages them for longer than they might have exercised otherwise. Having a goal, such as winning a tennis game or a boxing round, gives people a goal to work towards and helps achieve a longer-lasting and more beneficial workout session. At the same time, some research has found that exercising with VR for a shorter period is just as beneficial as exercising for a longer period without the use of VR. research has found A new study examining the effects of virtual reality exercise on mental health finds that people can cut down on the amount of weekly vigorous exercise and still maintain mood-boosting benefits. Other studies have also validated the positive psychological impacts of VR fitness, even for a shorter period of time than fitness without VR. new study Other studies It seems obvious that VR can help people through exercise and that it has physical and mental health benefits, but most people don’t seem to be aware of this. According to Athletech , 80% of Americans don’t exercise regularly with fun, captivating games and fitness workouts. VR companies aim to change this and attract more potential consumers to an activity long considered too tough to engage in. According to Athletech By demonstrating that VR exercise, aerobics, yoga, or meditation is psychologically and physically beneficial, as well as more fun and entertaining, it is likely that tech companies can convince millions more people to become interested in these activities combined with VR technology. If you never liked exercising or doing yoga, this is your moment. Buy a VR headset and immerse yourself in a fun and captivating world that will take your mind, body, and spirit to a whole new level.

University Study Reveals VR’s Unexpected Benefits for Exercise

A new podcast just dropped with Dr. Don Wood is a visionary in the field of trauma-informed performance enhancement. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling, he has dedicated his career to understanding the impact of trauma on the human mind and performance. https://youtu.be/I8EI1tHisQE?embedable=true As the founder and CEO of the Inspired Performance Institute, Dr. Wood has developed the groundbreaking TIPP method, a patented approach designed to help individuals overcome trauma and reach their full potential. If you want to listen to the full podcast, listen on successstorypodcast.com or on YouTube. We all know physical concussions can mess you up. You hit your head, you see stars, you stumble around. Everyone gets it—you need to rest. But what about those invisible hits we take every day? The kind that leaves emotional concussions? Think about it: The boss who rips into you in front of the team.
The teacher who tells you that you'll never amount to anything.
The partner who constantly criticizes your choices. Those words and experiences don't just fade away. They stick with you, chipping away at your confidence, leaving behind deep-seated beliefs that undermine your potential. This is the world of emotional concussions – a realm of trauma that's often dismissed as "weakness" or "overreacting." Traditional approaches might tell you to just get over it or throw some pills at the problem. But what if there's more to the story? Dr. Done Wood, creator of The Inspired Performance Program (TIPP), is flipping the script. He's saying those emotional concussions are just as real, just as impactful, as getting knocked on the head. They mess with your wiring on a deep level. The Trauma Loop: Your Mind's Worst Enemy These unresolved emotional experiences don't disappear quietly. According to Wood, they create a "trauma loop" running in your subconscious, like a broken record. This constant background stress wreaks havoc: Your Body Takes a Hit: Chronic inflammation, weakened immunity – ever feel like you're always getting sick? That could be your trauma loop at work.
Your Brain Gets Rewired: Neurotransmitters get messed up, so instead of calm and focus, you get anxiety and brain fog. Here's the craziest part—that trauma loop can sabotage your best efforts. You work hard, try to make good choices, yet something always seems to pull you down. Therapy, self-help…sometimes they help a little, but never seem to fix the core of the problem. That's the trauma loop fighting back. Escaping the Trauma Loop – Can It Be Done? So, your body's on fire, your mind's a mess, and your efforts feel futile because of that relentless trauma loop. Is a life beyond survival mode even possible? Dr. Don Wood says YES. And the answer may not be what you expect. Traditional therapy often focuses on the conscious mind—unpacking memories, analyzing feelings. That's good, but it's like trying to defuse a bomb while only focusing on the timer. Dr. Wood's TIPP approach dives deeper… way deeper. Target the Root: Talk might identify triggers, but TIPP aims to pinpoint the original event that sparked the trauma loop. Maybe it was a childhood humiliation that shaped your fear of failure today.
Reset the Wiring: Wood's program uses techniques to rewire your brain's association with that past trauma. The goal? Break the negative loop and replace it with a neutral or even positive association.
Fast Results? Here's where TIPP gets wild. They say this reset can happen in as little as FOUR HOURS. Not four weeks, not four months. Does that mean all your problems vanish? Nope. But it means potentially dismantling that deep-rooted sabotage in record time. And there's even more mind-bending stuff from Wood… Wait, My Ancestors Traumatized Me? Turns out, the effects of trauma can be passed down through generations – we're talking changes within your DNA. That's called epigenetics, and it's both scary and empowering. The good news is, breaking your own trauma loop might positively impact your kids and even future generations! Addiction Redefined: Not a Disease, But a Desperate Escape Dr. Wood flips the script on addiction. He says it's not about weakness or a brain disease, but rather your mind's well-intentioned (but tragically misguided) attempt to numb the pain of unresolved trauma. Fix the underlying issues, and guess what? Addiction and those brutal withdrawal symptoms might melt away. Those "Mental Illnesses" Might Not Be What We Think This one might rattle cages…Dr. Wood argues that conditions like depression, ADHD, even schizophrenia, could be your body and mind reacting to overwhelming, unresolved trauma. Not saying meds don't have their place, but what if addressing the root cause could lead to life-changing results? Fight Back: Small Steps, Big Changes Understanding trauma loops is huge, but knowing what to do about them is the real game-changer. Here's where it gets exciting and practical: 1. Move Your Body (Even When You Don't Want To) You've heard it before, but this time it's deeper. Exercise isn't just about biceps; it's about disrupting the trauma loop. When you're depressed, the last thing you want to do is move. But force yourself. Why? Because movement signals to your brain: "Hey, I'm not stuck anymore. I'm breaking the pattern." Even a short walk changes the game. 2. Mindfulness with a Twist Meditation's great, but if you're deeply wired for stress, sitting still can make anxiety worse. Try this: When you notice the trauma loop revving up—the worry, the anger—don't fight the feeling. Acknowledge it: "Okay, there's the loop…" Now, focus on your body. Notice the tightness in your chest, the heat in your face. This interrupts the mental tailspin and brings you back to the present. 3. The Power of "Reframing" Your brain is a storytelling machine. Bad events get turned into "I suck" or "The world is against me." Time to rewrite the script. Catch those negative storylines and flip them: "That was a tough experience, but it taught me…" or "I'm a survivor, and I'm getting stronger." Might feel cheesy, but those tiny reframes chip away at the power of the trauma loop. 4. Seek Support (But the Right Kind) There's power in talking. But not everyone "gets it" when it comes to trauma. Find trusted people or a therapist specializing in trauma-informed care. They'll validate your experience, not just tell you to "get over it." Feeling understood matters. 5. Don't Wait for Perfection Healing is messy. Some days you'll nail it, others you'll crash. Don't give up. The goal isn't to be a Zen master overnight; it's about consistently chipping away at that trauma loop's power. Small wins add up. A Note on TIPP Therapy… Dr. Wood's work is fascinating, but is it right for you? Do your research! Therapy is personal. If those rapid results resonate, seek out a certified TIPP practitioner. If a more gradual process feels better, that's valid too. There's no one-size-fits-all. The Big Idea Trauma loops are real, and they can hold you back far more than you realize. Traditional solutions often just scratch the surface. But you're not broken, and you don't have to live under that invisible weight forever. Knowledge is power. Now it's up to you to use it. You got this. If you want to listen to the full podcast, listen on successstorypodcast.com or on YouTube. A new podcast just dropped with Dr. Don Wood is a visionary in the field of trauma-informed performance enhancement. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling, he has dedicated his career to understanding the impact of trauma on the human mind and performance. https://youtu.be/I8EI1tHisQE?embedable=true https://youtu.be/I8EI1tHisQE?embedable=true As the founder and CEO of the Inspired Performance Institute, Dr. Wood has developed the groundbreaking TIPP method, a patented approach designed to help individuals overcome trauma and reach their full potential. If you want to listen to the full podcast, listen on successstorypodcast.com or on YouTube. If you want to listen to the full podcast, listen on successstorypodcast.com or on YouTube . successstorypodcast.com successstorypodcast.com YouTube YouTube We all know physical concussions can mess you up. You hit your head, you see stars, you stumble around. Everyone gets it—you need to rest. But what about those invisible hits we take every day? The kind that leaves emotional concussions? Think about it: The boss who rips into you in front of the team. The teacher who tells you that you'll never amount to anything. The partner who constantly criticizes your choices. The boss who rips into you in front of the team. The teacher who tells you that you'll never amount to anything. The partner who constantly criticizes your choices. Those words and experiences don't just fade away. They stick with you, chipping away at your confidence, leaving behind deep-seated beliefs that undermine your potential. This is the world of emotional concussions – a realm of trauma that's often dismissed as "weakness" or "overreacting." Traditional approaches might tell you to just get over it or throw some pills at the problem. But what if there's more to the story? Dr. Done Wood, creator of The Inspired Performance Program (TIPP), is flipping the script. He's saying those emotional concussions are just as real, just as impactful, as getting knocked on the head. They mess with your wiring on a deep level. The Trauma Loop: Your Mind's Worst Enemy The Trauma Loop: Your Mind's Worst Enemy These unresolved emotional experiences don't disappear quietly. According to Wood, they create a "trauma loop" running in your subconscious, like a broken record. This constant background stress wreaks havoc: Your Body Takes a Hit: Chronic inflammation, weakened immunity – ever feel like you're always getting sick? That could be your trauma loop at work. Your Brain Gets Rewired: Neurotransmitters get messed up, so instead of calm and focus, you get anxiety and brain fog. Your Body Takes a Hit: Chronic inflammation, weakened immunity – ever feel like you're always getting sick? That could be your trauma loop at work. Your Body Takes a Hit: Your Brain Gets Rewired: Neurotransmitters get messed up, so instead of calm and focus, you get anxiety and brain fog. Your Brain Gets Rewired: Here's the craziest part—that trauma loop can sabotage your best efforts. You work hard, try to make good choices, yet something always seems to pull you down. Therapy, self-help…sometimes they help a little, but never seem to fix the core of the problem. That's the trauma loop fighting back. Escaping the Trauma Loop – Can It Be Done? Escaping the Trauma Loop – Can It Be Done? So, your body's on fire, your mind's a mess, and your efforts feel futile because of that relentless trauma loop. Is a life beyond survival mode even possible? Dr. Don Wood says YES. And the answer may not be what you expect. Traditional therapy often focuses on the conscious mind—unpacking memories, analyzing feelings. That's good, but it's like trying to defuse a bomb while only focusing on the timer. Dr. Wood's TIPP approach dives deeper… way deeper. Target the Root: Talk might identify triggers, but TIPP aims to pinpoint the original event that sparked the trauma loop. Maybe it was a childhood humiliation that shaped your fear of failure today. Reset the Wiring: Wood's program uses techniques to rewire your brain's association with that past trauma. The goal? Break the negative loop and replace it with a neutral or even positive association. Fast Results? Here's where TIPP gets wild. They say this reset can happen in as little as FOUR HOURS. Not four weeks, not four months. Does that mean all your problems vanish? Nope. But it means potentially dismantling that deep-rooted sabotage in record time. Target the Root: Talk might identify triggers, but TIPP aims to pinpoint the original event that sparked the trauma loop. Maybe it was a childhood humiliation that shaped your fear of failure today. Target the Root: original Reset the Wiring: Wood's program uses techniques to rewire your brain's association with that past trauma. The goal? Break the negative loop and replace it with a neutral or even positive association. Reset the Wiring: Fast Results? Here's where TIPP gets wild. They say this reset can happen in as little as FOUR HOURS. Not four weeks, not four months. Does that mean all your problems vanish? Nope. But it means potentially dismantling that deep-rooted sabotage in record time. Fast Results? And there's even more mind-bending stuff from Wood… Wait, My Ancestors Traumatized Me? Wait, My Ancestors Traumatized Me? Turns out, the effects of trauma can be passed down through generations – we're talking changes within your DNA. That's called epigenetics, and it's both scary and empowering. The good news is, breaking your own trauma loop might positively impact your kids and even future generations! Addiction Redefined: Not a Disease, But a Desperate Escape Addiction Redefined: Not a Disease, But a Desperate Escape Dr. Wood flips the script on addiction. He says it's not about weakness or a brain disease, but rather your mind's well-intentioned (but tragically misguided) attempt to numb the pain of unresolved trauma. Fix the underlying issues, and guess what? Addiction and those brutal withdrawal symptoms might melt away. Those "Mental Illnesses" Might Not Be What We Think Those "Mental Illnesses" Might Not Be What We Think This one might rattle cages…Dr. Wood argues that conditions like depression, ADHD, even schizophrenia, could be your body and mind reacting to overwhelming, unresolved trauma. Not saying meds don't have their place, but what if addressing the root cause could lead to life-changing results? Fight Back: Small Steps, Big Changes Fight Back: Small Steps, Big Changes Understanding trauma loops is huge, but knowing what to do about them is the real game-changer. Here's where it gets exciting and practical: do 1. Move Your Body (Even When You Don't Want To) 1. Move Your Body (Even When You Don't Want To) You've heard it before, but this time it's deeper. Exercise isn't just about biceps; it's about disrupting the trauma loop. When you're depressed, the last thing you want to do is move. But force yourself. Why? Because movement signals to your brain: "Hey, I'm not stuck anymore. I'm breaking the pattern." Even a short walk changes the game. 2. Mindfulness with a Twist 2. Mindfulness with a Twist Meditation's great, but if you're deeply wired for stress, sitting still can make anxiety worse. Try this: When you notice the trauma loop revving up—the worry, the anger—don't fight the feeling. Acknowledge it: "Okay, there's the loop…" Now, focus on your body. Notice the tightness in your chest, the heat in your face. This interrupts the mental tailspin and brings you back to the present. 3. The Power of "Reframing" 3. The Power of "Reframing" Your brain is a storytelling machine. Bad events get turned into "I suck" or "The world is against me." Time to rewrite the script. Catch those negative storylines and flip them: "That was a tough experience, but it taught me…" or "I'm a survivor, and I'm getting stronger." Might feel cheesy, but those tiny reframes chip away at the power of the trauma loop. 4. Seek Support (But the Right Kind) 4. Seek Support (But the Right Kind) There's power in talking. But not everyone "gets it" when it comes to trauma. Find trusted people or a therapist specializing in trauma-informed care. They'll validate your experience, not just tell you to "get over it." Feeling understood matters. 5. Don't Wait for Perfection 5. Don't Wait for Perfection Healing is messy. Some days you'll nail it, others you'll crash. Don't give up. The goal isn't to be a Zen master overnight; it's about consistently chipping away at that trauma loop's power. Small wins add up. A Note on TIPP Therapy… A Note on TIPP Therapy… Dr. Wood's work is fascinating, but is it right for you? Do your research! Therapy is personal. If those rapid results resonate, seek out a certified TIPP practitioner. If a more gradual process feels better, that's valid too. There's no one-size-fits-all. The Big Idea The Big Idea Trauma loops are real, and they can hold you back far more than you realize. Traditional solutions often just scratch the surface. But you're not broken, and you don't have to live under that invisible weight forever. Knowledge is power. Now it's up to you to use it. You got this. If you want to listen to the full podcast, listen on successstorypodcast.com or on YouTube. If you want to listen to the full podcast, listen on successstorypodcast.com or on YouTube . successstorypodcast.com YouTube

Escaping the Trauma Loop With the TIPP Method

টিআইপিপি পদ্ধতির মাধ্যমে ট্রমা লুপ থেকে বেরিয়ে আসা

Mit der TIPP-Methode aus der Traumaschleife entkommen

Escapar del circuito del trauma con el método TIPP

Échapper à la boucle du traumatisme avec la méthode TIPP

TIPP विधि से आघात चक्र से बचना

TIPPメソッドでトラウマループから脱出する

TIPP 방법으로 트라우마 루프에서 벗어나기

Escapando do ciclo do trauma com o método TIPP

Выход из петли травмы с помощью метода TIPP

TIPP Yöntemi ile Travma Döngüsünden Kurtulmak

Thoát khỏi vòng lặp chấn thương bằng phương pháp TIPP

利用 TIPP 方法摆脱创伤循环

The Quiet Crisis That Is Stealing Our Health (and How to Get It Back) - Insights From Dr. Eric Berg

Your small business faces various challenges and threats. However, the most significant threat it faces is identity theft, which is one of the most under-recognized threats. When a threat actor steals an individual’s information that validates them as themselves and not some fake personality, it is referred to as identity theft. Let’s examine identity theft and why it is disastrous for your small business. What is Identity Theft? Identity theft is defined as a type of crime where a threat actor procures personal information and uses that information to deploy malicious attacks. The stolen data may include: 👉 Personal Information of your clients, customers, and employees. It includes name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and government-issued identification numbers. 👉 Financial Information of your customers, clients, and employees: It includes credit card details, bank account numbers, or other financial account information. 👉 Online Credentials such as usernames, passwords, and security questions used to access online accounts. Cybercriminals may use this information in various ways; here are a few of the scariest. 📌 Open new accounts: Cybercriminals can open new accounts using stolen identities, such as your employee, client, or customer. They can also apply for credit cards, loans, or other financial services. 📌 Make fraudulent purchases: They can also make fraudulent purchases in the name of stolen credentials. Unauthorized transactions are also part of financial crimes. 📌 Obtain government benefits: With this stolen data, cybercriminals can apply for all government benefits and leave your clients, customers, and employees high and dry. Cybercriminals commit other crimes, such as filing false tax returns or engaging in illegal activities under the victim's identity. Impact of Identity Theft on Your Small Business There are various ways identity theft can affect your small business; here are a few of them. 📍Financial losses: Unauthorized transactions, fraudulent loans, or stolen funds can lead to significant financial losses. 📍Reputational damage: Business reputation and customer trust can be severely undermined if confidential information is compromised. 📍Operational disruption: Dealing with identity theft can be time-consuming and divert attention away from core business activities. 📍Damaged credit: When your business’ credit is compromised, it affects your ability to secure loans or favorable terms with vendors. The Scope of the Threat Over the years, small businesses have become a favorite target of cybercriminals. Reason: They have loads of data, including 📌 Customer information 📌 Employee records 📌 Financial details 📌 Proprietary data This data is lucrative for threat actors seeking access to personal information for malicious purposes. Common Attack Tactics To Steal Your Identity Threat actors use numerous tactics to steal your identity, the most prominent ones being the most common ones we keep warning you about. Yes, you read that right. Phishing Emails Phishing is one of the most common techniques for stealing information. It involves sending deceptive emails or messages to trick your employees into divulging sensitive information. The emails and messages appear to be from reputable sources and often have a certain urgency about them. In simple words, they have Malware and Ransomware Malware implies malicious software. It infiltrates your network or systems and wreaks significant damage to your systems. Ransomware is a type of malware where the threat actors encrypt your data and ask for ransom for the decryption key to release your data. Threat actors can deploy malware/ransomware in your network in various ways. Some common ways include – infected email attachments, compromised websites, or vulnerable software. Once in your systems/networks, they can 🎯 Steal your sensitive information about your clients, customers, or even business data. 🎯 Disrupt operations by running malicious code in the background that can slow your network connection. 🎯 Extort ransom to release your data and can threaten to sell the data on the dark web. Social Engineering Attacks It is one of the most common tactics used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive and confidential information. It can also manipulate them to take specific actions that compromise security. Social engineering attacks rely on human psychology more than technical vulnerabilities in your business. Fake Websites As a small business owner, you must be careful about fake websites that appear legitimate. These websites are meant to steal your sensitive data and your clients' and customers' personally identifiable information. The moment you enter your personal details, they are captured and stolen to be used fraudulently. Data Breaches Breaches are the most common way to obtain personal information or credentials that can be manipulated for malicious purposes. It is essential to be mindful of data breaches and have an incident response plan to avoid any mishaps. How to Mitigate Identity Theft Threats You can mitigate identity theft threats by deploying these proactive security measures. ✅ Train your employees: Educating your employees on best cybersecurity practices. This training must also include how to recognize phishing attempts and how your employees can safeguard sensitive information. ✅ Handle your data securely by encrypting it: Use encryption for both data at rest and in transition. Data handling must be a mandate even while making payments, so use secure payment gateways. Practice the principle of Least privilege and restrict the access to confidential information to authorized people. ✅ Continuous and regular monitoring: Continuous monitoring helps identify suspicious activities around the network. Regular monitoring of your system and network can help you and your team quickly catch any anomalies. ✅ Incident response plan: Having an incident response plan also helps you quickly and efficiently respond to breaches. Final Words Identity theft can have serious consequences for your business, including financial losses and reputational damages. It can also cause emotional distress along with damage to your credit scores. Stay vigilant and practice mindfulness to avoid identity theft. Your small business faces various challenges and threats. However, the most significant threat it faces is identity theft, which is one of the most under-recognized threats. When a threat actor steals an individual’s information that validates them as themselves and not some fake personality, it is referred to as identity theft. Let’s examine identity theft and why it is disastrous for your small business. What is Identity Theft? Identity theft is defined as a type of crime where a threat actor procures personal information and uses that information to deploy malicious attacks. The stolen data may include: 👉 Personal Information of your clients, customers, and employees. It includes name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and government-issued identification numbers. 👉 Financial Information of your customers, clients, and employees: It includes credit card details, bank account numbers, or other financial account information. 👉 Online Credentials such as usernames, passwords, and security questions used to access online accounts. Cybercriminals may use this information in various ways; here are a few of the scariest. 📌 Open new accounts: Cybercriminals can open new accounts using stolen identities, such as your employee, client, or customer. They can also apply for credit cards, loans, or other financial services. 📌 Make fraudulent purchases: They can also make fraudulent purchases in the name of stolen credentials. Unauthorized transactions are also part of financial crimes. 📌 Obtain government benefits: With this stolen data, cybercriminals can apply for all government benefits and leave your clients, customers, and employees high and dry. Cybercriminals commit other crimes, such as filing false tax returns or engaging in illegal activities under the victim's identity. Impact of Identity Theft on Your Small Business There are various ways identity theft can affect your small business; here are a few of them. 📍Financial losses: Unauthorized transactions, fraudulent loans, or stolen funds can lead to significant financial losses. 📍Reputational damage: Business reputation and customer trust can be severely undermined if confidential information is compromised. 📍Operational disruption: Dealing with identity theft can be time-consuming and divert attention away from core business activities. 📍Damaged credit: When your business’ credit is compromised, it affects your ability to secure loans or favorable terms with vendors. The Scope of the Threat Over the years, small businesses have become a favorite target of cybercriminals. Reason: They have loads of data, including 📌 Customer information 📌 Employee records 📌 Financial details 📌 Proprietary data This data is lucrative for threat actors seeking access to personal information for malicious purposes. Common Attack Tactics To Steal Your Identity Threat actors use numerous tactics to steal your identity, the most prominent ones being the most common ones we keep warning you about. Yes, you read that right. Phishing Emails Phishing is one of the most common techniques for stealing information. It involves sending deceptive emails or messages to trick your employees into divulging sensitive information. The emails and messages appear to be from reputable sources and often have a certain urgency about them. In simple words, they have Malware and Ransomware Malware implies malicious software. It infiltrates your network or systems and wreaks significant damage to your systems. Ransomware is a type of malware where the threat actors encrypt your data and ask for ransom for the decryption key to release your data. Threat actors can deploy malware/ransomware in your network in various ways. Some common ways include – infected email attachments, compromised websites, or vulnerable software. Once in your systems/networks, they can 🎯 Steal your sensitive information about your clients, customers, or even business data. 🎯 Disrupt operations by running malicious code in the background that can slow your network connection. 🎯 Extort ransom to release your data and can threaten to sell the data on the dark web. Social Engineering Attacks It is one of the most common tactics used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive and confidential information. It can also manipulate them to take specific actions that compromise security. Social engineering attacks rely on human psychology more than technical vulnerabilities in your business. Fake Websites As a small business owner, you must be careful about fake websites that appear legitimate. These websites are meant to steal your sensitive data and your clients' and customers' personally identifiable information. The moment you enter your personal details, they are captured and stolen to be used fraudulently. Data Breaches Breaches are the most common way to obtain personal information or credentials that can be manipulated for malicious purposes. It is essential to be mindful of data breaches and have an incident response plan to avoid any mishaps. How to Mitigate Identity Theft Threats You can mitigate identity theft threats by deploying these proactive security measures. ✅ Train your employees: Educating your employees on best cybersecurity practices. This training must also include how to recognize phishing attempts and how your employees can safeguard sensitive information. ✅ Handle your data securely by encrypting it: Use encryption for both data at rest and in transition. Data handling must be a mandate even while making payments, so use secure payment gateways. Practice the principle of Least privilege and restrict the access to confidential information to authorized people. ✅ Continuous and regular monitoring: Continuous monitoring helps identify suspicious activities around the network. Regular monitoring of your system and network can help you and your team quickly catch any anomalies. ✅ Incident response plan: Having an incident response plan also helps you quickly and efficiently respond to breaches. Final Words Identity theft can have serious consequences for your business, including financial losses and reputational damages. It can also cause emotional distress along with damage to your credit scores. Stay vigilant and practice mindfulness to avoid identity theft.

Identity Theft Could Ruin Your Small Business, Stay Ahead With These Tips

Workplaces are filled with moments when it’s easy to lose your calm. Uncontrollable, sudden, and intense emotions that overwhelm you, can dramatically and unexpectedly lead to an emotional outburst. Negative emotions like anger, fear, or frustration show up when your expectations aren’t met or people say or do things that conflict with your personal values and aspirations. Ignoring the conflict or whatever’s bothering you for too long creates inner turmoil—it makes you react to other people or the things in your environment. You act without thinking. You become a of your thoughts and circumstances. victim Not being in control of your emotions can make you say or do things that you regret later. You may shout at a coworker. Say impolite things to a junior member of your team. Burst into tears when others disagree with you. These emotional outbursts may not only lead to extreme distress; they’re also damaging to your relationships at work. Others can’t see the inner conflict bubbling up inside—they can’t make sense of why you are calm one moment and agitated the next. No doubt they’ll find your reaction inappropriate and unnecessary. What’s done is done. You can’t go back in time and fix your overreaction, but you can certainly build emotional agility—move on with curiosity, courage, and compassion. Emotional agility is not only about keeping your emotions in check and not lashing out your frustrations at others, it’s also about what you do once you react in unintended ways. Here are the 5 practices to prevent strong emotions from overwhelming you, take control of the situation, and do damage control if you do end up acting out in an unhealthy way: Instead of Emotional Avoidance, Lean Toward Emotional Acceptance Hundreds of thoughts will run through your mind after acting in undesirable ways: Everyone will think I am crazy. No one will speak to me. I will not get more opportunities. All these thoughts can consume so much of your time and energy that you can fail to connect with your emotions. You may avoid negative emotions with the hope that they will go away. But avoidance is like a prison. It prevents you from experiencing critical life lessons. You fail to build the skills necessary to deal with discomfort. Every repeated cycle of negative emotions leading to avoidance makes it powerful and weakens your ability to deal with difficult situations. Noam Shpancer, professor of psychology at Otterbein University and a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders says — “Attempts at avoiding negative emotions are usually futile. Telling yourself that a certain emotion is intolerable or dangerous traps you in constant vigilance regarding the very thing you're trying to avoid. You become hyper-vigilant about any possibility of this feeling arising. The fear of the impending negative experience becomes a negative experience in itself.” This also applies to how you deal with your emotions after losing your calm at work. Instead of confronting your feelings, you may believe that the best way to deal with them is to put them out of your mind. But ignoring or avoiding makes these feelings much harder to overcome while acknowledging them can result in real personal growth. Instead of stifling or pushing them away, what if you learn to accept your emotions? Accepting does not make them true. It just allows your emotions to be what they are without judging them or trying to change them. Seeing the emotion for what it is without attempting to get rid of it shifts you from emotional avoidance towards emotional acceptance. Noam Shpancer calls emotional acceptance a far better strategy than avoidance because accepting, acknowledging, and absorbing them makes you spend less energy in pushing the emotion away, and instead, pursue the behaviors that are aligned with your goals and values. He says “Emotions, when viewed as part of a spectrum of available sources of information, are a bit like the weather report. They are important to know, consider, and understand, but they are not necessarily the overriding factor in your life plans. When the weather is bad (not to your liking), it doesn't mean you have to deny it, focus all your attention on it, or cancel your plans because of it. What you need to do is accept the weather and adjust your plans accordingly.” So, the first step to dealing with an emotional outburst at work is to come in touch with your real emotions—become fully aware of them as they show up. Mindfulness guides us to become more emotionally agile by allowing us to observe the thinker having the thoughts. Simply paying attention brings the self out of the shadows. It creates the space between thought and action that we need to ensure we’re acting with volition, rather than simply out of habit. But mindfulness is more than knowing ‘I’m hearing something’, or being aware ‘I’m seeing something’, or even noticing ‘I’m having a feeling’. It’s about doing all this with balance and equanimity, openness and curiosity, and without judgement. It also allows us to create new, fluid categories. As a result, the mental state of mindfulness lets us see the world through multiple perspectives, and go forward with higher levels of self-acceptance, tolerance and self-kindness. — Susan David Mindfulness will not only help you better manage your emotions after losing your calm; it will enable you to avoid such emotional outbursts in the future—learning to be present in the moment without judgment and observing your feelings without being overwhelmed can create space for better understanding and acceptance of your emotions, making it easier to manage them effectively. Name the Emotion to Tame the Emotion After an emotional outburst, you’re bound to feel some very strong emotions. It’s not enough to acknowledge them. You also need to give words to your feelings. In other words, say to yourself, out loud, what negative emotion you’re experiencing, as you’re experiencing it. For example: I am feeling embarrassed. I am feeling ashamed. I am feeling angry at myself. Simply naming it is going to calm you down. This technique introduced by psychologist Dan Siegel creates a bit of space between you and that emotion. Naming your emotions tends to diffuse their charge and lessen the burden they create. There’s another advantage of naming emotions this way. Matthew Lieberman is a Professor of Psychology at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His research has shown that labeling of negative emotions, also called can help people recover control. His fMRI brain scan research shows that labeling of emotions decreases activity in the brain’s emotional centers, including the amygdala. “affect labeling” And once your amygdala is calm—that part of your brain involved in mode—it gives you the chance to take a step back and come up with a more thoughtful response. “fight-flight-freeze” In the brain, naming an emotion can help calm it. Here is where finding words to label an internal experience becomes really helpful. We can call this “Name it to tame it.” And sometimes these low-road states can go beyond being unpleasant and confusing—they can even make life feel terrifying. If that is going on, talk about it. Your inner sea and your interpersonal relationships will all benefit from naming what is going on and bringing more integration into your life. — Daniel J. Siegel Instead of letting your unconscious brain exaggerate the negative effects of a temporary emotional setback making you feel powerless and helpless, recognizing and naming the emotion can give you a sense of control enabling you to choose a more appropriate response. Don’t Settle for Superficial Reasoning, Dig Deeper Connecting with the emotions and naming them gives you the mental clarity needed to think clearly. When your thinking is not clouded by emotions, you can face the facts of what really happened—what caused you to behave this way. By understanding what caused you to lose your calm, you can do better damage control and can also prevent it from happening again. Engaging in deep self-reflection can help you uncover the real reason behind your outburst as opposed to what initially appeared to have triggered it: What situation were you in when you had an emotional outburst? What about the situation you did not like—was it something someone said or did, was it the way you were treated, were you denied something that was important to you, were your beliefs and values challenged in some way? Was it the first time you felt this way or has it happened before? What did you say to yourself at that moment? What caused you to finally lose your calm—dig deeper into the real reason and not what appears to be the issue at first. For example: You may snap at a coworker after your manager tells you that you have been passed up for a promotion. You may yell at an intern after a recent conflict with a coworker who blamed you for delaying the project. In these situations, what you’re experiencing is unhandled frustration which leads to psychological displacement, a term coined by Sigmund Freud which is an unconscious defense mechanism in which your mind substitutes a new aim or a new object for goals felt in their original form to be dangerous or unacceptable. It operates in the mind unconsciously with transference of emotions, ideas, and wishes in the face of aggressive impulses. By ignoring whatever annoys you about work, you let the inner conflict bubble up inside. The stress and anxiety that comes from unhandled frustrations can cause you to overreact. Amy Arnsten, an American neuroscientist explains how stress can impair judgment “The release of high levels of catecholamines during uncontrollable stress rapidly switches the brain from a thoughtful, reflective state to a more unconscious, reflexive state. This may save our lives when we are in danger, but it is often unhelpful when we need top-down control to properly guide our actions and decisions.” Knowing how the environment is pulling your strings and playing you is critical to making responsive rather than reactive moves. — Ronald Heifetz By understanding your triggers, you can prevent your autopilot mode from kicking off destructive behaviors and instead deliberately engage in constructive actions. Instead of Berating Yourself, Engage in Self-Kindness An emotional reaction that you’re not proud of can turn you into a self-critic. You may think that being harsh and mean to yourself will set you right, but engaging in self-criticism at such moments is the worst thing you can do to yourself. Self-criticism involves a harsh and judgmental internal dialogue in response to perceived failures, mistakes, or shortcomings. It often includes negative self-talk, self-blame, and self-condemnation. Having a rigid and unforgiving attitude towards yourself can make you feel shameful, guilty, and inadequate. It can lead to increased stress, anxiety, diminished sense of self-worth, and a cycle of negativity that undermines self-confidence and well-being. Instead of engaging in self-criticism after an emotional outburst, try being self-compassionate. Self-compassion involves responding to yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance when faced with difficulties or when you fall short of your own expectations. Self-compassionate people take a more balanced and realistic view of their imperfections which fosters a sense of worthiness and self-acceptance. They understand that everyone makes mistakes; it is a natural part of being human. The biggest misconception about self-compassion is that it can undermine your motivation to push yourself to do better; being warm and kinder to yourself will make you lazy. Quite the opposite. Self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional resilience. Self-compassion does not mean avoiding responsibility for your actions or ignoring areas in which you need to improve. Instead, self-compassion involves approaching yourself with kindness and understanding, even when you make mistakes or face difficulties thereby fostering a healthier and more positive relationship with yourself. shows that being compassionate to oneself builds emotional resilience and psychological well-being. People who are self-compassionate: Research Have lower levels of depression and anxiety. Less likely to ruminate on negative thoughts and emotions or suppress them. Show increased optimism. Are able to take personal initiative. Involved with more positive emotions like kindness, happiness, and connectedness. For example, after an emotional outburst: Instead of: I can't believe I messed up. I'm so stupid. Say: It's okay to make mistakes; everyone does. I can be kind to myself and learn from this experience. The truth is this: sometimes we display good qualities and sometimes bad. Sometimes we act in helpful, productive ways and sometimes in harmful, maladaptive ways. But we are not defined by these qualities or behaviors. We are a verb not a noun, a process rather than a fixed “thing.” Our actions change—mercurial beings that we are—according to time, circumstance, mood, setting. — Kristin Neff Don’t Just Apologize; Own Your Reaction Finally, you have to face the people who experienced your emotional outburst. You can’t ignore them or pretend as if nothing happened. You may try to put the reaction behind you and just go on with your day with the assumption that everyone will forget about it, and things will get better on their own. But, not owning how you behaved makes things awkward for others. They may feel uncomfortable around you and hesitate to approach you or avoid communicating with you altogether. Not communicating what led to an emotional outburst has another problem—when others don’t know what made you lose your calm, they’re free to create their own version and treat it as a source of truth. She’s moody. She’s completely unpredictable. She is rude and mean. To avoid being labeled after an emotional outburst, own your reaction. To do this: Don’t just apologize, talk about what led to overreaction. When it’s something that you can’t talk about openly, share a general description e.g., personal issue, conflict at work, lack of understanding, etc. Doing this will help others see that you’re just another human with flaws and imperfections. Reassure them that you’ll do your best to avoid emotional drama and have productive conversations. Reassurance goes a long way in rebuilding broken trust. If it happened due to a problem that can be discussed with them, seek out their advice on what must change to prevent it from happening to you or others again. Bringing others into the equation shows them that no one is immune to such outbursts. For example: Instead of: I am sorry that I lost my temper yesterday and yelled in front of the team. Say: I am sorry for how I reacted yesterday. I reflected on my behavior later during the day and realized that even though I was angry due to a recent conflict at work, I shouldn’t have lashed out my frustration at you. My behavior was completely unjustified and I promise not to engage in such unproductive expressions. I hope we can move on and can continue collaborating together. Strength is about how you show up. It requires you to choose what energy and action you want to bring to a given situation. At its heart, Strength is about self-management. It’s not about controlling your emotions—it’s about honoring them and choosing what you do next. — Darcy Luoma Summary Negative emotions at work can sometimes be so intense that they take away your ability to think clearly. Emotional fog can make you lose your calm and respond to others in unproductive ways. Hiding away or trying to avoid facing the reality of what happened will not fix the problem; it will only make it worse. Instead of avoiding the emotions after an emotional outburst, come in touch with your real feelings. Acknowledge them without judging them or trying to change them. Next, describe exactly how you’re feeling by naming the emotion. This practice will calm you down and give you an opportunity to take a step back and think clearly. With a clear head, you’ll be better positioned to reflect on your behavior and identify the root cause of your emotional outburst and what really triggered it. Criticizing yourself for your overreaction is a bad strategy. Instead of fixing the situation, it will keep you locked in a cycle of negative thinking. Practice self-compassion in such moments by giving yourself warmth, kindness, and empathy. Finally, own your mistake. Showing you aren’t perfect and vulnerable much like other human beings will bring you closer to others and strengthen your relationships at work. This story was previously published . Follow me on or here for more stories. here LinkedIn

How to Recover From an Emotional Outburst At Work

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