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Mamma Fairy

Features

Activities to Strengthen your Child’s Fine Motor Skills

Almost all of our interactions in life require use of our hands. There are many ways we’re taught as a child to make sure that we develop what we call fine motor skills – continued practice of our small hand and arm muscles. It also requires the use of our brains to know how to hold certain items and to use them.

From this girls private school in Surrey, here are some great ways you can train your child into using their motor skills that are fun and educational.

Water play

Water play can be done in multiple ways. You can blow up a paddling pool in your back garden and let your child play with toys in the water – key ways that you child will be able to practice holding toys and using their fingers. Simple ways of letting children play with water include letting them use cups to fill up with water, pouring water and splashing water around.

Water play improves the child’s senses by understanding texture, sounds and smells as well as their fine motor skills.

Puzzles and board games

Picking up small pieces to make a puzzle or to move points on a board improves your child’s grip and handling. Puzzles should be done together to allow your child to learn how to put the pieces together with supervision, as there’s a tendency for kids to put pieces in their mouth, but it all pays off in the end. Persevere with your child when they’re playing games like these, as it all aids towards fine tuned motor skills.

Painting, colouring and drawing

All of these are great ways for your child to get involved in making art. Holding paint brushes, colouring pencils, pens and sketching pencils will give your child the chance to practice how to keep a grip. These activities are also key for helping your child to develop their hand-eye coordination.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post

Mamma Musings

Working Moms: Do We Ever Get a Break?

If you are a working mom, you are probably dealing with some challenges. The main one may be balancing work and motherhood. How do you create time for your children, your work and still have time for self-care?

Pic Credit: Pixabay

In Ireland, the Workplace Relations Commission enforces the various laws that promote gender equality and prohibit any form of discrimination against women in the workplace.

Yet, in spite of such bodies and the various employment laws protecting working women, mothers are still facing bias in the workplace. In fact, legal aid is sometimes required when dealing with bias in professional settings, as mothers can miss out on promotions, are paid less, or are often denied requests for a flexible work schedule when pregnant or require time to recover after having a baby.

This discrimination faced by working mothers is often referred to as a ‘maternal wall.’

Some of the reasons employers use to discriminate against working moms include; they are more likely to miss work or are unlikely (due to their family commitments) to work as required at the office.

The situation has forced many moms to quit working to raise their children. Mothers who remain at work despite discrimination, have to deal with the daily difficulties. This is highly unfair. Moms need to achieve their career goals too.

Employee rights for working moms

We need to answer the question, ” How can we as mothers avoid discrimination at work and achieve our career goals without neglecting our families?” The answer is by using our employee rights.

Employee rights are regulations that protect you against unfair treatment from your employer. Ireland is especially fair to expectant and working mothers.

Maternal rights for working moms

In Ireland, your maternal employee rights as a working mom start before delivery. You are entitled to reasonable time off for medical checkups and to attend antenatal classes.

You should also get maternity leave to recover from childbirth and bond with your baby. Working moms are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave to deliver their babies. Two of those weeks can be taken before the child’s birth. 

Mothers who choose to adopt a child are allowed 24 weeks leave from the date the child comes home. 

Of course, benefits are essential when you have a new baby to cater to and medical bills to pay. You can guarantee yourself some maternal or adoptive benefits by contributing sufficiently to your social insurance. 

Your rights after maternity leave

Pic Credit: Unsplash

There have been cases of women getting back to work after the birth of their child only to find their job status has changed. They are either downgraded in terms of their position or pay.

No employer should downgrade your job status or pay because you had a baby. 

The Maternity Protection Acts 1994  protects a mother’s right to be treated as she was before delivery. 

Therefore, after your maternity leave, you have a right to get back to your former employment position. In case your post is filled for any reason, your employer should offer you suitable alternative employment.

The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 also forbids any bias based on, among other things, family status such as pregnancy. It promotes equal opportunities at work and advocates for family-friendly work practices. 

Therefore, taking time off work to deliver your child does not give your employer the right to mistreat you once you report back.

If you need time away from work to breastfeed your child, you can rely on Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment )Act, 2004,  to fight for your breastfeeding rights. 

It allows women who’ve delivered within the last six months time away from work to breastfeed, thereby helping them transition back to work without worrying about their babies.

Balancing work and family

Apart from laws that support moms, more companies in Ireland are adopting fair employment policies for working mothers. 

Some offer in-home child care benefits or on-site daycare facilities at work. Others allow moms to work with flexible schedules or remotely from home. 

Pic Credit: Unsplash

This is a most welcome trend that is providing a more inclusive environment in the workplace for mothers.

If you work for a company that doesn’t provide support to mothers, your employer may be ready to make your schedule flexible or give you a chance to work from home if you negotiate. Try it!

Are you facing discrimination at the workplace?

If asking or negotiating for your rights doesn’t work, fighting for them may be your only remaining option.

Although women are known to avoid actions that make waves in the workplace, many are now coming forward to sue unfair employers.

As a working mom, you deserve to work and raise a family without feeling like you need to let go of one to accommodate the other. As you have seen, several laws in Ireland protect you from bias at the workplace.

Therefore, if you face any workplace discrimination and asking for your rights does not lead to any changes, pursuing legal action is an option you should consider.

Author: Kelly Pence

Features

Wrinkles and the Benefit of Astaxanthin

In the natural world, astaxanthin is found in algae, fish, krill oil, lobsters, crab, crawfish and salmon but if you are not a great seafood eater from sustainable and safe sources, you might be deficient in this nutrient. Fortunately, it is possible to include it in your diet in the form of a supplement. In case you are wondering, astaxanthin is pronounced “asta-ZAN-thin”.

Why Astaxanthin is an Important Anti-aging Tool

long hair

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Astaxanthin is especially important for both males and females to use as they grow older and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, while we have written many posts on the necessity for maintaining high vitamin D levels (including as part of an anti-aging strategy), astaxanthin is an excellent adjunct to vitamin D, acting as an internal sunscreen when it helps to protect the skin from all types of radiation. Secondly, studies have also shown that astaxanthin works to rejuvenate the skin. Two such studies worked with females first and then males where they were given a daily dose of 6mg astaxanthin for several weeks. They all showed improvement in the different areas of skin health including:

  • Crow’s feet wrinkle size and elasticity
  • Age spot size
  • Moisture content and loss
  • Skin texture and
  • Sebum oil level

The researchers concluded that astaxanthin could well improve the skin condition in men as well as women. Thirdly, a further anti-aging tool is for improved eye health. Astaxanthin crosses the blood-eye barrier, supporting vascular health within the eye while protecting the eyes’ sensitive cells.

The Importance of a Fit and Healthy Lifestyle

Of course taking a supplement and thinking that this will solve any aging,or other problem, is not the way to go. It has to be part of the bigger picture of a fit and healthy lifestyle in terms of regular exercise, what we eat and the chemicals and toxins we avoid. Building a strong immune system is paramount in helping our bodies to fight disease. Nevertheless, combined with such a fit and healthy lifestyle, astaxanthin has powerful abilities to protect our skin (as it ages) from wrinkles and age spots, improve our eye health and even reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and other conditions such as gout. No supplement or ingredient is ever a magic and isolated aging preventative. It has to be in tandem with living an all-around-healthy and active lifestyle – one that we frequently share with you on our health blog!

Considering Natural vs. Synthetic Forms of Astaxanthin

The studies mentioned above were conducted using the non-synthetic form of astaxanthin. When choosing your own astaxanthin supplement, look for a natural version.

How to Take Astaxanthin

Although there is not a standard recommended dose, the amount used in various studies (and to ensure you receive all the benefits) is a daily dose of 4 to 6 mg. As with vitamin D3 and some other supplements, astaxanthin is fat-soluble meaning that taking it along with a spoonful of organic coconut oil, butter from a grass fed source or extra virgin olive oil will ensure it is best absorbed into your system for optimum benefits and results. In the meantime, if you are concerned about wrinkles or age spots, help is at hand.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Mamma Musings

Expand Your Business Using These Essential Strategies

In a Global Banking and Finance Review, it was discovered that 42% of  companies are more inclined towards expansion. Better yet, this group of businesses prefer to extend their services overseas. For entrepreneurs, business growth and expansion leading to maximised profits is the ultimate goal for operations. However growing a business can come at a cost. Using a basic metric – do you know how much a new customer acquisition costs? If not I suggest investing some time in familiarising yourself with customer acquisition cost ecommerce, as you expand it is possible that customers start to become more expensive to reach therefore it is an important metric to consider when planning to expand your business.

While some failed at it, others have succeeded. So, what advantage did the latter have over the former? Here are tips to guide you as you consider expanding your business.

  • Introduce innovative products and services to an existing mix

factory floor meeting

Pic Credit: Pexels

Even in a lacklustre economy, you can still be innovative enough to grow your business and end up beating competition while at it. Nobody wants to struggle to grow a business; introducing new products and services to your existing mix can be a daring business move, especially when you have no idea how the market will receive it.

As a precaution, you must first conduct market research to determine what your customers want. It’d be best to also research into how much your existing market is willing to pay for a new product or service, as it’ll be ineffective to decide by yourself to introduce a new product without the assurance that it’ll be accepted.

Some notable corporate giants failed terribly with new products they assumed would beat the existing competition. For example, in 2006, Microsoft hoped to beat Apple’s iPod with the introduction of the Zune. They however failed to research the iPod’s weaknesses instead of just outdooring a product to compete. The result? Zune wasn’t a bad product per se, but it failed abysmally. Other notable examples are:

  • The HP Touchpad – hoping to rival the iPad.
  • Amazon Fire phone – ventured into becoming a smartphone powerhouse.
  • Cosmopolitan Yogurt – The Cosmopolitan Magazine hoped to veer into edible products.

  • Franchising

The main idea behind franchising is to expand into new territories. Admittedly, it’s a pretty expensive and quite complex procedure, but the benefits are immeasurable when done right. Franchising is only an excellent option when you have a recognised brand. More so, you must be convinced about your business systems and how effective they can be if legally replicated by other people in different places.

Usually, under a franchising model, you permit others to adapt your business models as they sell your branded products. Franchise Direct offers you a consolidated platform through which you can find a plethora of franchise opportunities. Another thing worth mentioning is that franchising adds more credibility to the brand, and benefits from royalties and fees.

  • Networking

networking

Pic Credit: Pexels

Consider networking as the intricate weaving of different threads that make up a fabric. In business, networking cannot be overstated; the business relationships you keep with clients (existing and potential), colleagues, other professionals, etc., will inadvertently become the support your work needs. The purpose of networking is to gain significant insight into what makes a business successful.

Furthermore, by your association with others who succeeded in growth and expansion, you stand a better chance of learning valuable lessons first-hand. Did you know that regular business networking elevates professional and personal profiles? Ultimately, that contributes effectively to your business growth.

In due time, your diligence will pay off as your business reaps fruits. While expanding your company, avoid losing sight of current operations. Additionally, be mindful of internal and external influences that could hinder your business expansion plans.

Note: This is a collaborative post
Home & Interiors

How COVID Gave Me Time To Update My House

Covid has forced most of us to stay indoors within the confines of our homes. While the situation may be troubling, it is also a great time to start focusing on self-development or learn a new skill.

On a personal level, COVID has given me the perfect opportunity to upgrade my home. Growing up, I always bought stuff, filled my house with clothes and accessories, and loved to flaunt them. Having kids has greatly added to the clutter too. Today the family is embracing minimalism.

We decided to utilize our free time to do a complete home makeover. As a first step, we started by changing the walls using peel & stick removable wallpaper.

From there, there was no looking back. I am proud to say that I have an incredibly cozy home where we can work, rest, play, and relax. My children enjoyed picking and installing their kids’ peel and stick wallpapers too. This was a great learning experience for them.

How I used the COVID isolation period to upgrade my house:

My work never allowed me to do a major overhaul. With isolation, I got an opportunity to spend more time at home with my family. Since weekends meant more free time, we started planning the upgrade process.

This is how we approached the whole process of updating my home during these COVID times.

I started by decluttering.

Any cleaning expert will tell you that the first step towards upgrading your home is to declutter and downsize. Many of us tend to accumulate a lot of junk over the years and simply can’t let go. Upgrades are an excellent time to work on letting go of things we no longer use.

If you feel overwhelmed with this process, start with one room at a time. Have three boxes or garbage bags- one to keep, one to donate, and one for garbage. Make sure that all the items go into one of these categories. This process will help you declutter a lot of stuff and give a direction to go ahead with the update.

My kids followed the same process, and we could clear out tons of stuff from our home.

I gave my walls a fresh look with peel and stick removable wallpapers.

I was working under a tight budget and was looking for different ways to give a fresh new look to my walls. The paint was peeling off in many places, and the walls were screaming for a much-needed makeover. I realized peel and stick removable wallpapers are inexpensive and easy to install.

This also meant I needn’t call contractors or professional decorators to do the job in these Covid times. The process was so easy; my kids were able to finish installing their kids peel and stick wallpaper with a bit of help from my spouse and me.

We rearranged and repurposed all the furniture and accessories to suit the changing needs.

We also left out furniture we no longer use on the curbside so the needy can pick them up. This was a satisfying experience.

My Takeaways from the Covid Upgrade Process:

Peel and stick removable wallpaper are an excellent inexpensive way to give every room a complete upgrade. They are available in a wide range of patterns, colors, and designs.

If you have kids at home who want to change the look of their rooms, you can easily pick kids’ peel and stick wallpapers.

It is a beautiful experience that will bring the whole family together for great bonding. 

Note: This is a collaborative post 

Features

Daily Rituals To Boost Intimacy For Couples Over 40

Intimacy is seldom a relationship priority for couples over forty. Family demands, grown-up children, and tight working schedules can push your romantic dates, vacations, and intimacy to the last place on your list. But you can make things happen at this phase of life with your love, support, and dedication. Embracing a few rituals can make your love life bloom regardless of your age and responsibilities. Here is a list of a few daily rituals to renew your physical intimacy as a couple.

Have meals as a family

Having meals as a family can give you a lot of time to spend with each other. Mealtime tasks like cleaning up, food preparation, and setting the table can be beneficial to bring couples together. Also, the purpose of eating together with the family fosters effective communication. You will feel more connected and have fewer fights and arguments about petty things. Physical intimacy follows organically!

Plan your exercise schedule together

holding hands

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Another creative daily ritual you can follow is to plan your exercise routine together. Actively maintaining your health as a couple can also help you to spend quality time. You can join a gym, walk around the neighborhood, and enroll in a yoga or aerobics class. You can be a workout buddy for your partner and keep them motivated. Be there for each other to make your bond strong and long-lasting.

Make your bedroom an exciting place

A bedroom is a place where you can connect freely without disturbance and interruption. You must invest efforts to make your intimate moments special after forty. Refresh your space with aromatic candles and play light music to rekindle the romance. Furthermore, you can try a real whizzinator XXX to spice up your bedroom passion. It can hit the right pleasure points and reduce all the hard work involved.

Finding new ways to connect often requires a bit of research and an open mind. Many couples find that looking for expert tips helps them feel more comfortable with physical changes. Resources like those found on Sensual Advisors provide guidance on how to keep the spark alive through different life stages. This type of support makes it easier to talk about what you both need. It is a simple way to bring back the excitement you had in your younger years.

Indulge in meaningful conversations

When you are forty, you need to go the extra mile with meaningful conversations. Talking even for 15 minutes can be good enough during your busy schedules. Try and focus on yourself and your relationship rather than the mundane things like finances and housework. Ensure to keep such conversations outside the bedroom, and reserve the time together for romance and passion.

Share household chores

During your forties, your partner needs your support in every sphere of life. You must come forward and help your partner every day to make multiple chores manageable. Help each other in cooking, helping kids with their homework, cleaning, and buying groceries. Take turns dropping the kids to school and cleaning the table. These little acts of kindness can bring a big change in your love life. 

Relationships are successful when you realize that life is all about love and supporting each other at every step. Also, make sure you are there for your partner even during the darkest times. When you make unending efforts, your love for each other will grow dramatically. Moreover, try and transform the same dull moments into a source of connection, love, and fun to keep the passion growing over the years.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Mamma Musings

6 Ideas for the Best Gifts Your Kids Will Love

We all know kids can be picky. But, it’s the worst when you have no idea what to get them for a gift! So we’re here to help you out with some ideas that are sure to please any kid in your life.

#1 A new set of Legos

For kids who love Legos, there is the Lego Creator 3in1 Pirate Boat set which includes a pirate ship, boat, and treasure chest all in one kit. The kit comes with over 800 pieces, so it will keep their attention for hours as they build it themselves.

#2 A Smartwatch

kid reading

Pic Credit: Pixabay

We recommend getting them a smart watch for kids. These watches come equipped with GPS tracking for those of us who don’t want our kids glued to screens all day. That way, you can know where your kids are at all times. They also come with various customizable apps and features that will keep them entertained for hours on end!

#3 A board game can play together as a family or with friends

If your kids like board games, a good option is the Monopoly Junior game for ages six and up. This game offers two difficulty levels, so it’s perfect for families with different playing abilities or parents who want to help their kids learn how to play while they’re still young.

#4 New books for their favorite series

Nothing says “I love you” like a book. It’s a simple gift that can be shared and enjoyed by kids of all ages. It’s always exciting when new books are in a series, so you know your little one will be excited if they’re given something from their most loved book!

#5 An art kit

Paint, brushes, and canvas so they can create their paintings or drawings- If your kids have been begging for an easel for the longest time, we recommend getting them one that will keep them busy with this craft while still being easy to clean up afterward such as the Art Easel by Melissa & Doug. Art set for children contains projects like drawing on rocks, painting on paper bags, or making mosaics out of recycled materials which helps foster creative thinking skills while instilling an appreciation for nature’s beauty at the same time!

#6 A Puzzle to put together on rainy days

Kids love puzzles! They can spend hours trying to figure out the perfect way to put them together. Puzzles are also great for teaching kids patience. A puzzle kit with many pieces they have never seen before, so they get curious about how each piece goes together.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect gift for your kids can be hard. So what is the best gift you can give your kids? Is it a new toy, game, or book for them to enjoy and learn from this holiday season? We think that all of those ideas are great choices. But we also want to offer some other suggestions that will help keep their creativity flowing and stimulate their brain in different ways. We hope these ideas have helped!

 

Note: This is a collaborative post

Home & Interiors

Money Saving Home Improvements

solar panels

Pic Credit: Unsplash

No matter who you are, you will want to make savings on your energy bills if you can, it also makes sense to reduce your energy consumption in general. In this article, you will find some ways to change the infrastructure of your home to save money and power as well as some cheaper alternatives to your home lifestyle choices.

Solar roof technology 

The sun is one of the most powerful natural resources the planet has to harness, so it makes sense to use it as much as possible to power your home and reduce your energy costs. This can happen in two ways: solar panels and cool roof technology. 

Solar panels need no introduction. They are more efficient than ever before and can be easily installed by a solar panel engineer. Cool roof technology uses angled panels to reflect the heat and keep your home cool. 

Energy-efficient windows 

Most of the heat lost from the home disappears through the windows, that’s not surprising since glass will easily transmit heat out of the home to bring it in if you have a south-facing window. Energy-efficient windows can save you money and make your home more efficient. 

Energy-efficient windows will trap the heat in your home when it’s cold and prevent it from leaving when it’s warm. You can choose between double or triple glazed windows for your home depending on your budget and energy needs. 

Boiler servicing 

If your boiler is extremely old and keeps needing the help of an engineer, it may be time for a replacement. If you are wondering how much that may cost, check out this boiler cost guide.

Spray Foam Insulation  

One of the most important aspects of reducing the energy you use and saving money is choosing the right insulation for your home. Heat energy is often lost through the roof and walls so you need to trap it using spray foam insulation. 

The great thing about spray foam insulation uk is that it can be used in your wall regardless of how old your home is or what insulation has been there before. Contact a spray foam insulation company for a quote that will save you money long term. 

Energy saving light bulbs 

Are you still using filament light bulbs or halogen light bulbs in your home? If you are, you are using inefficient lighting that not only costs you the most but uses energy needlessly. It’s much better to replace your light bulbs with LED ones. 

LED light bulbs use a far smaller amount of electricity and save you around £35 per year of your energy bill. That’s the same as one free month of the Internet or a dinner for two at a restaurant. As well as EE lightbulbs remember to turn off light when not in use. 

Eco appliances 

As well as installing the right infrastructure in your homes such as insulation, light bulbs and solar panels, you also have to use energy-efficient appliances and use them economically. Eco appliances are things like kettles, washing machines, and boilers. 

If you want to optimize your home for energy efficiency and make significant savings every year then choose the latest eco-friendly appliances and install a smart meter so you can efficiently track your energy usage. 

Note: This is a collaborative post

Features

How to destress playing games online

When it comes to finding ways to distress, playing games online can be a huge help. It’s amazing that the world of technology that we live in offers us so many ways to unwind, this means that we have the ability to slow down and relax a bit when those stressful times arise.

What is stress?

Pic Credit: Pixabay

In the current environment we find ourselves in with the ongoing covid situation, for many of us it has been a very stressful time either missing family or loosing income, stress unfortunately has become a feature of our daily lives.  The word stress tends to be bandied about a lot but what does it actually mean, according to Mental Health.org stress is “Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure“, it is in essence our body’s response to pressure.

Online gaming

One of the biggest bonuses of using  technology to distress is that it’s an immediate action to do. This means that you have the ability to recognize those feelings of stress and anxiety and then very quickly use your PC or laptop to find a balance and calmness.  Online gaming can conjure up negative connotations however it is anything but like that. Take plays.org for example, which is a fantastic site offering free and fun games you can play online via your browser. The selection is really huge, currently over 100, with new games are being added all the time, a number of games a day I believe.  What I love about this site is that it is almost the opposite of today’s ultra competitive gaming industry – no downloading of apps, no paid upgrades, games you can dip in and out of, pure old school fun and exactly the kind of games which can help destress and take your mind off things. Plus, did you know that there are also games that pay real money out there? Surely there can’t be many better ways to destress than to be chilling and earning money at the same time – it sounds like a win win situation to me anyway

 

There are so many games that can be great for getting rid of the stress as well. Myself and my husband put this theory to the test of the last couple of weeks and we have been trying out some of the plays.org games. What I really loved was the Pac Man inspired game PacRat closely followed by Super Tetris and an online chess game.

Pic Credit: Plays.org

My husband totally loved Metal Pinball and the Danger Mouse game -some serious nostalgia there!!! You can always start by clicking into a few and then seeing if they’re what you need. They are super simple to click into and give a go.  And if you don’t feel as though one game is working for you, simply try another! With so many great online games and options, you don’t have to settle for anything that isn’t instantly providing your relief.

Using simple online gaming  to distress is the perfect way to slow down and get your mind thinking about something else.

Features

How To Assist A Friend Going Through Difficulty

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Pic Credit: Unsplash

Life changes occur in many forms; from the end of a relationship, to the start of a new career, perhaps a baby on the way. It may be a form of loss, a step in the direction to end their addiction, and along this path, it is important to have like minded people to help you. If your friend is starting their own business venture, then encourage them instead of putting their dreams down. Try and offer advice. Try and educate them gently, if you think they are making a poor decision. If they are heading through a period of financial difficulty, point them in the direction of help. Here are firstly some tips to assist someone during this time: 

See the bright side

The situation cannot be 100% bad, despite what your friend is going through. Ask them what the positive aspects of what you are discussing, you may help them change their perspectives on things. In addition to this, you may want to look at ways to cheer them up with positive stories – telling them to focus on their business or other good things in their lives. 

Help others

Suggest that your friend accompany you to help another person, whether it is visiting an elderly person, helping out a loved one or volunteering. By helping others, everyone automatically feels better. Therefore offer your wisdom and assistance. Buy them something they may need personally or professionally – you may want to look here for inspiration. 

If for example its finances that are causing the difficulties it can be very difficult to think straight so one useful way you could help is to talk through the issue utilising calculator.me. This is a really useful online free calculator site where you can run the calculations in terms of repayments or costs on a whole host of types of loans.  This can be a really useful starting point if recalibrating finances is a key concern.  There is also a very useful financial planning section where you can view retirement and financial planning calculators. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way to alleviate concerns and assist.

Be present

It doesn’t matter what you say or what you do. The main thing is that you are there. Turn off your cell phone, don’t look at your watch, and listen to your friend without expressing judgment or even advice unless they ask you to. Grab a coffee, go for a walk, order pizza. These small things can help calm people down and make them realize that they are not alone. 

Do good together!

A balanced meal based on fruits and vegetables, a half-hour walk in the middle of nature, a yoga class or a meditation session… these small gestures increase the feeling of well-being, it is scientifically proven! And when your body and mind get better, you may be able to consider solutions that you hadn’t thought of. Try doing this with your friend, because this could help them see the bigger picture. A healthier lifestyle will most definitely assist them.

To use compliments

Your friend is probably prone to harsh self-criticism at this difficult time, which increases their anxiety and the risk of depression. Remind them of their qualities, strength, and talents. A sincere compliment can do wonders as it would do for you, undoubtedly. 

Let them know they have options, such as therapy and counselling

It might be that you have tried absolutely everything and yet your friend is still clearly struggling. This can be heartbreaking and hard to watch, but you can’t take it personally. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, they fall flat. What’s important is that your friend knows you care and knows you are there for them when they need you. In the meantime, there are qualified professionals or even a comprehensive addiction treatment program that can help, and  make all the difference. Sometimes talking to an objective, unbiased professional can turn a life around.
The problem is, not all of us ask for help until we’re really struggling. Encourage your friend to reach out – bring the conversation out in the option. All too often, mental health issues are unjustly stigmatised, but having a friend lead the way might help. Let them know that there are options such as online counselling available, for when they can’t face leaving the home. Every small step counts. 

Offer them the help they need

To help a friend or loved one through a difficult spell, you must first learn some key points. These will assist you in helping their recovery and leading them to a happier path. Here are some points to consider: 

  • Listen and take an interest in what the person is going through: The greatest quality of a caregiver for a depressed person is their ability to listen. To encourage your loved one to speak up, you need to have an attitude of openness, gentleness, and patience. Encourage the person to talk about their pain. Expressing your feelings is sometimes difficult. Depressed people don’t want to be rushed. Listen carefully, speak little, and maintain constant eye contact. If they do need outside assistance such as a Residential Treatment Program take interest and encourage them all the way.  There should never be any shame in seeking help.
  • Take their suffering seriously: Don’t trivialize anything. And above all, avoid uttering phrases such as:

    friends

    Pic Credit: Unsplash

      • Many people go through more tragic things than you do and are not depressed.
      • Everyone has their own problems.
      • Your problem is not that serious. I have been through much worse things and I have survived.
  • Show them affection: One of the best things you can do to help your loved one is to show them that you care. If you feel that the person in question is in need of physical comfort, and if your relationship allows it, don’t hesitate to give them a hug. It can do so much good. It is also very helpful to state your unconditional support, for example by saying:
      • I love you no matter what you say or do.
      • To me, you are so important.
      • I’ll never abandon you.
  • The support of someone you trust is essential, especially during deep anxieties. Even if your loved one seems indifferent, know that they appreciate your efforts to help them.
  • Understand as much as possible: This is vital because when you make an effort to understand the situation, it will make them also see things in a different light. Here are the typical symptoms of depressed people:
      • Sadness
      • Insomnia and fatigue upon waking up
      • Intolerance of minor annoyances
      • Loss of general interest
      • Self-isolation
      • Affective indifference
      • Sometimes aggressive behavior
  • To help you better understand your loved one, think back to your own dark times. Remember how difficult, if not painful, everything got in this state of desperation. Imagine how difficult it would be for you to live this way for a long time.
  • Be tolerant: Avoid responding to aggression with aggression. Because of their pain, people with depression sometimes say hurtful words for no apparent reason. Don’t take these offenses too seriously. Recognize that the person doesn’t mean harm to you. Their mood swings are not personal towards you. 
  • Promote closeness: Regularly spend quality time with your loved one, including one-on-one. Suggest outings or find activities you can do together. It gives your loved one the opportunity to open up about what is wrong. The important thing is to create a warm atmosphere in which your loved one wants to share their feelings.
  • Perhaps your main concern is wondering if your assistance has actually contributed. There are two ways to answer this question. First, carefully observe the behavior of your loved one in various situations. Ask them how they are feeling, gently and carefully and see if they open up to you about the ways in which you advised them have helped, or if they are seeing things in a different way also.