Mental Health & Well-being Weekly
Welcome to this week’s Mental Health & Well-being segment.
Taking steps towards self-help is a powerful way to foster personal growth and well-being.
By empowering yourself with the right tools and strategies, you can nurture resilience, improve emotional health, and create positive changes in your life.
Whether you’re seeking ways to reduce stress, build healthier habits, or simply find more balance, we’re here to guide and support you on your journey.
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The Art Of Listening
Real listening is one of the most underused skills we possess, so many times I have been sharing and you can tell the person opposite is waiting for a gap to give their thoughts, or not even waiting for that gap sometimes.
I remember at my Grandads funeral when I was 17 years young, someone saying to me, “Bill was a good listener” and I thought to my highly opinionated youthful self, I would like people to say that about me at my funeral.
Listening to others goes beyond simply hearing words; it’s about truly understanding and engaging with the person speaking.
When we actively listen, we show respect, empathy, and appreciation for others’ thoughts and feelings, which helps build trust and strengthens our relationships. Unlike hearing, which is passive, listening requires us to be fully present, attentive, and open.
To truly listen, we should focus on the speaker without distractions, ask thoughtful questions, and acknowledge their emotions. By giving our full attention, we make others feel valued and understood, which fosters a more supportive and connected environment.
Here’s an excellent and very short video from the equally excellent Simon Sinek about the Art of Listening:
https://youtu.be/qpnNsSyDw-g?si=3hvZ7-PO8sxRnXVB
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Affirmation of the week
Give yourself permission to slow down
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