₦airaland Forum

Sound mental health is about recognizing the self is composed of many different parts. We are not our jobs, our friends, our relationships, or our spirituality — we are the sum of all these parts. Happiness is all about nourishing the varied, equally important aspects of ourselves. Want to learn more? Keep on reading!
Understanding Sound Mental Health & Ways To Achieve It

In this article you’ll find:
1. Defining Sound Mental Health
2. Achieving Sound Mental Health Through Inner Peace
1. Rediscovering Silence
2. Listening to Your Inner Voice
3. Practicing Meditation
4. Finding Fulfillment, Restoring Peace
5. Handling Stress and Suffering
6. Finding Balance
7. Cultivating Healthier Routines
8. Being a Positive Force in the World

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/top-tips-for-sound-mental-health/

By E. Wayne Hart

The benefits of mentoring are well known: It gives less experienced employees valuable feedback, insight and support, while passing down wisdom and institutional knowledge. But who can develop effective mentoring relationships with today’s time pressures and revolving doors of employees?

In organizations flattened by design or by downsizing, employees often take on larger or more challenging roles with very little preparation or support. High-potential managers move around the organization, gathering experience but often missing out on time to reflect on what they are learning. Such situations can be both exciting and overwhelming–and when they arise, mentoring relationships can help employees both adapt and learn.

Of course, as an experienced manager, you run major initiatives, take on complex jobs and have zero time to spare. Helping………….

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/seven-ways-to-be-an-effective-mentor/

Welcome to Nigeria. Sometimes we do not have the luxury of choices when it comes to getting a job. Whenever we think we are tired, we think back at those years we spent job hunting and conclude that staying unhappy in a job is better than staying unhappy doing nothing. So what do we do when we hate our job but knowing that leaving means starvation? Well, here are some tips for you:

1. Never take your dream job off head: We all have that thing we would enjoy doing while making money off it. But at the moment, you are probably doing something far from it and you hate it. Well, always ensure you have your dream job in your head and never stop believing you will get it. The worst thing you can do is give up on that as well and settle for the current job. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Work hard and keep trying.

2. Never take your salary off your mind: Some people are lucky enough to get paid very well in a job they despise. If you are in this category, keep in mind that there are those who are not even paid enough for a job they absolutely despise. But even if you are in the latter group, always keep your salary in mind. No matter how small it is, there is this joy we get when we receive a credit alert for all the effort put in during the month.


3. Never take the Smile off your face: Smiling reduces stress and makes you a lot happier. Always smile at your colleagues. Whenever you can, have a little chat and joke around with them to improve your mood. If you are lucky, you might have………………….

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/how-to-stay-happy-in-a-terrible-job/

While pregnancy and giving birth is Mom’s job, there are a number of ways that you, as her partner, can share the load, too. And guess what? It’s a lot more fun that way. After all, it took two to start this journey!

Research shows new moms have a better overall pregnancy experience when dads are actively involved. In your role as your partner’s number one pregnancy partner, you’ll enjoy the experience more and give her some much-appreciated relief by sending the message that you’ll be a reliable partner in childcare as well — not just a partner-in-reproduction. Here are five ways you can make a difference that she’ll really notice and appreciate.

Listen…and talk. Pregnancy and childbirth can be a lot to handle — especially for first-timers. So make sure your partner knows she can vent to you about all those little (and big!) changes going on now: nerves about an upcoming procedure, anxiety about what kind of mom she’ll be, annoyance at her puffy feet. Even if………

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/5-things-every-partner-should-do-for-a-mom-to-be/

For believers it is easy to think of ourselves as God’s servants or his children. However, is that ALL He wants? Can we be a friend, a very close friend, with our Father in heaven?

This article will show that God wants far more from us than most people think. The book of Revelation is almost always studied from a prophetic point of view. There are, however, statements within it that reveal God’s character and his purpose for creating man. One such statement, spoken by Jesus, is in Revelation 3.

. . . if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me (Revelation 3:20)

Jesus is giving us a hint at the kind of special relationship he ultimately wants with each of us. He wants us to to recognize his voice, open the door and invite him in. Once inside he is more than willing to sit down, enjoy a meal, and fellowship with us ONE TO ONE. How fantastic!

Notice it does not…………….

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/what-special-relationship-does-god-want/

I often wonder what the secret to success is. Especially when it comes to business. Because, at the end of the day, we’re all in this struggle. A rat race, if you will. Constantly fighting an uphill battle. Often, we feel frustrated. Sometimes, defeated. But, what if I told you that the secrets to success in business aren’t as complicated as many make them out to be?

Okay, coming from me, those words might not have the same impact. But, what if I told you that this information comes directly from two of the best salespeople on the planet? As a student of self-improvement, I’ve followed many of the world’s most sought-after purveyors of success. Anthony Robbins, for one. He’s definitely my hero. But, so is Zig Ziglar.

If the name Zig Ziglar doesn’t ring a bell, then you might have been hiding under……

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/5-secrets-to-success-in-business/

It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to raise children. This is true of both believers in Christ and people that do not have a relationship with God. But if you are a person of faith, it is so important to pass on a spiritual heritage that your kids can pass on to their kids. The 10 tips that I picked for this article are certainly not a complete list but were things that I believe are essential to raising your kids in a Christian way. They are not necessarily in order of importance but consider the following.

1. Put Christ first in your life

This is, of course, easier said than done. However, we always have to be aware that we are teaching kids all of the time. What I mean is that even when we are sitting in front of the TV, we are...........

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/how-to-raise-a-child-in-a-christian-home/

Spending time together is one of the greatest gifts families can give to one another. Not only does quality time strengthen and build family bonds, but it also provides a sense of belonging and security for everyone in the family. In fact, research has shown that when families enjoy activities together, children not only learn important social skills, but also have higher self-esteem. Strong family bonds also encourage better behavior in children, improve academic performance, strengthen parent-child communication, and teach your child how to be a good friend.

As a parent, you play a key role in cultivating and protecting these family bonds. But, building strong family connections doesn’t always happen naturally. In our hectic….

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/how-to-strengthen-family-bonds/

Many people realize that excessive alcohol consumption is a health hazard, but what are the positive effects that can result from ceasing alcohol use?

Some of these effects are immediate and others are long-term benefits to overall health. If someone is considering lowering their alcohol intake or quitting a drinking habit, there are seven overall health benefits that they can expect to see.

1. A Healthier Brain
Alcohol slows communication between neurons and neurotransmitters in the brain, which are the command pathways for all major functions of the body such as breathing, thinking, speaking and moving. The cerebellum, cerebral cortex, brain tissue, and……

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/7-benefits-when-you-stop-drinking-alcohol/

You’ve just arrived home from a conference in Las Vegas, and your partner is waiting on the couch, fuming: “Why didn’t you return my calls? Why didn’t you reply to my text messages?”

You check your cell phone and find six missed calls and eight text messages from your partner since your flight took off. You’re about to apologize for not calling when you landed, but your significant other has already started a tirade about your presumed debauchery in Sin City. But assuming there was actually nothing untoward about your behavior during your trip, how do you respond to his or her unfounded accusations? Here are………….

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/how-to-deal-with-your-partners-jealousy/

Here’s how the modern dad can find work-life balance.

Many of us grew up watching television shows where the dad went off to work each morning while the mom prepared the kids for school and took care of the house. Some of us even grew up in similar households. However, the number of women entering the workforce climbed from 50 percent in 1970 to well over 70 percent, according to a study conducted by the United States government, and it has become evident that finding a proper work-life balance is essential for these working mothers.

Now it’s Dad’s turn. Fathers now report more work-life balance conflicts than mothers in dual-earner couples; they want to do more than simply “bring home the bacon.”

As we approach Father’s Day and think of all the sacrifices our dads have made for us, let’s take a look at what an ideal work-life balance for men looks like. Here’s how to balance work and home for today’s working father in order to have an exceptional career and………

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/the-modern-father-establishing-work-life-balance-for-men/

Disappointment comes in all shapes and sizes. From losing the support of loved one to not receiving a job offer to being dropped from the team to coming in second place. Let’s face it, sometime in your life someone or something has let you down. You felt defeated and how you recover is just at significant as the setback itself. Here are six steps to overcoming disappointment:

1. Acknowledge the disappointment — This may seem completely obvious, but too often people will put on a brave face with others and minimize what occurred. This is not the time to rationalize or blame yourself. Simply state on paper or to yourself exactly what happened. Go ahead and be direct.

2. Give yourself permission to vent — While this won’t change the event, getting support from others can provide comfort. You’re feeling isolated and sharing can help. Gaining a sympathetic ear can provide relief and break up the tension.

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/6-ways-to-overcome-disappointment/

By Blaine Loomer

The unemployment rate is higher than in the past and for many companies, business isn’t exactly booming. The best way to keep your job is to show your employer that you are so valuable that they simply can’t live without you.

Here are 15 sure-fire ways to increase your value to the organization:

1. Be part of the bottom line. If you want to be valuable to your company, then you need to help it make money. The company measures its ROI on you, so you should measure the ROI on yourself as well. Focus on the activities that use your time, skills, and resources most effectively to connect back to the bottom line.

2. Remember that time is money. Your most valuable commodity is your time; spend it wisely. Don’t invest eight hours in putting together a presentation when you can deliver the same results with less prep time. Management will value the content of your message, not a bunch of fluff and pretty artwork.

3. Sing your own praises (but not too loudly). Your work generally won’t speak for itself. You must speak for yourself. Make sure that managers understand the effort you put into your job and the results you produce. A bit of modest bragging will not only help you come promotion time, but it will also help discredit any attacks levied against you. Provide the right amount of information about yourself, but don’t beat your accomplishments to death. Too many trips to the boss’s office may work against you.

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/fifteen-ways-to-show-your-value-at-work/

Many people are devoted to exercise to bulk up their bodies, but the phrase “use it or lose it” applies to more than just the muscles in our bodies — it also applies to the neural pathways and connections in our brains. There are a variety of brain exercises and activities that can successfully work each of the brain’s five major cognitive functions on a daily basis. In addition to the tasks you can perform daily, you can also train your brain with HAPPY neuron online brain exercises and a personalized brain fitness program.
Our minds consist of five main cognitive functions:

• memory
• attention
• language
• visual-spatial skills
• executive function

It’s important to challenge, stimulate and effectively exercise all five areas to stay mentally sharp as our brains age. Here are 5 daily brain exercises that can help you do this.

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/5-daily-brain-exercises/

When a woman has stopped loving you, it could feel like the world is coming to an end. There are certain signs she lets out when she has lost interest in you and having a relationship with you.

When a woman no longer loves you, the signs she shows doesn’t go beyond these:

1. SHE DOESN’T BOTHER ANYMORE

When a woman stops loving a man, her caring and inquisitive nature dies off; she no longer bothers about what goes on in her man’s life, she doesn’t bother and she hardly cares.

2. SHE NO LONGER FINDS HIM ATTRACTIVE

When a woman is in love, she finds her man super attractive and charming. However, the same cannot be said when she stops loving him; no matter how good-looking he is, she wouldn’t find him attractive once she has lost that desire for him.

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/10-ways-a-woman-acts-when-she-does-not-love-you-anymore/

A small business and a startup can be adept at using limited resources to handle a variety of tasks. Or, they may hire inexperienced HR people to manage projects that may be better led by more experienced employees. Ultimately, they do what’s needed to stay on budget and get the job done.

In the area of human resources, these practices are not unusual, but at what cost? Here are some common HR mistakes we see with small and new businesses, and ways to avoid them.
1. Not managing resume flow.

When companies are hiring, the influx of resumes can be daunting. Without properly managing the flow of resumes, it can result in an organization paying more than one source – like an agency or employee referral – for the candidate. It can also make it difficult to track where an applicant is in the interview process, and a variety of other problems can arise.

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/8-hr-traps-your-small-business-or-startup-should-avoid/

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind.
—Buddha

You may have tried to control your thoughts at one time or another. With the aid of self-help books, perhaps you really tried to “Be Positive” and “Show Negativity the Door.” And this may have even worked for a while. But sooner or later, you probably found yourself back at the starting point.

There is another way: to become the CEO of your own brain—skillfully directing it to live in harmony with the other players of self, body, and spirit. If you follow the six steps below, you will be the master of YOU in no time.

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/become-the-ceo-of-your-own-brain-in-six-easy-steps/

Whether you’re a new professional or an experienced businessperson, working in a job you don’t love can take a toll mentally. Your Sunday nights become filled with dread as you anticipate another day of watching the clock.

On the flip side, working in a profession you love can fill your life with joy and result in a willingness to work long weeks. Your dream job doesn’t have to remain a fantasy. Follow these 13 tips to do what you love for a living.

Read More: https://valourdigest.com/13-ways-to-do-what-you-love-for-a-living/

4 Gifts You Need to Give Your Son Before He Becomes a Man

My wife Kristen and I have the great privilege and responsibility of raising four boys (ages 8-12). All four will live under our roof for at least five more years. Some days those five years will feel like an eternity, but I know, in the end, it will seem like they flew by in the blink of an eye.

When I think about the fact that I have less than six years with our twins, I want to make the most of the time we have together. I want to be intentional in how we spend that time and as a loving dad, I want to use that time to strengthen our father-son relationship. Here are 4 specific gifts from their dad I will give them.
1. A written record of how much I love them.

I often tell them that they’re loved by their mom and dad. I hope I show I love them by my actions. But there are many different options you can choose on how to give your kids a written reminder of your love. [Tweet This] Maybe you can record some thoughts in a journal or on the inside cover of some books you’ve read together. The form you choose doesn’t matter. The function does.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/4-gifts-you-need-to-give-your-son-before-he-becomes-a-man/

5 Ways to Create a Workplace Environment That Employees Love

It’s no secret that the most productive and efficient employees are the ones who truly love their jobs. The simple reason for this is such employees don’t consider their jobs as some sort of burden. They get beautifully tuned to their work.

Creating and managing a workplace culture and keeping employees happy is not an easy task.

Small businesses, in particular, struggle to build an environment that their employees love to work in.

Workplace environment is important because it impacts morale, motivation, hiring, and productivity. Workplace culture also becomes a crucial factor for employee retention, which helps in recruiting and maintaining the best employees.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/5-ways-to-create-a-workplace-environment-that-employees-love/

How to Get Rid of a Pot Belly

As we get older, our body fat tends to increase, and usuallythe increase is around your midsection. A growing pot belly not only makes it difficult to zip a pair of jeans, but it’s also not good for your health. Tummy fat may contribute to health problems, but you can lose the belly and improve your overall health by following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
What is Belly Fat?

The two types of fat in your body are subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the fat you can pinch. And, in addition to contributing to your pot belly, this type of fat is also the fat on your hips and butt.

However, visceral fat is the primary contributor to your growing mid-section. This type of fat is found deep in your abdominal area, surrounding your vital organs. Visceral fat is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer in women and gallbladder problems. While extra fat anywhere on your body is no good for your health, visceral fat is especially concerning.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-pot-belly/

How to Get Rid of a Pot Belly

As we get older, our body fat tends to increase, and usuallythe increase is around your midsection. A growing pot belly not only makes it difficult to zip a pair of jeans, but it’s also not good for your health. Tummy fat may contribute to health problems, but you can lose the belly and improve your overall health by following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
What is Belly Fat?

The two types of fat in your body are subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the fat you can pinch. And, in addition to contributing to your pot belly, this type of fat is also the fat on your hips and butt.

However, visceral fat is the primary contributor to your growing mid-section. This type of fat is found deep in your abdominal area, surrounding your vital organs. Visceral fat is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer in women and gallbladder problems. While extra fat anywhere on your body is no good for your health, visceral fat is especially concerning.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-pot-belly/

9 Tips For Supporting Your Wife During Pregnancy

Is your other half pregnant? It can take a while to work out exactly what your role is while she does the hard work of growing a human, so James Doherty has some top tips for how to support your partner during pregnancy.

A pregnant woman is the most beautiful thing in the world. Her skin glows and her bump shines like a beacon that makes her the centrepiece of every room. Despite pregnant women feeling bloated and unattractive, their husbands see them as even prettier than before.

It is a man’s job to put his wife on an even higher pedestal when she is pregnant. She needs to feel more loved, secure and beautiful than ever, and it’s your job to ensure she knows just how gorgeous she really is.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/9-tips-for-supporting-your-wife-during-pregnancy/

18 First Date Questions From The Experts

After dedicating your time searching and fielding through profiles, you finally had an online witty conversation with a possible-match and you’re ready to take your could-be relationship offline. It’s true that first dates can be one of the most nerve-wracking, anxiety-producing situations in our society. Sometimes they lead to burning love sometimes they go down in flames.

Even so, there’s nothing quite like the anticipation for the initial meet-and-greet. And while you shouldn’t prescribe too many expectations before happy hour, a bit of prep work is recommended. As dating experts agree, having a slew of good first date questions can be an easy way to maintain your banter and continue a conversation. While, sure, you know the ole’ trusty basics, what about the captivating and interesting queries that really get to the heart of your date? The key to having a positive experience is relaxed conversation, and that can be helped along with some well-chosen first-date questions.

Here, we take a look at the best first date questions you should definitely test out the next time you’re eyeing love across the table:
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/18-first-date-questions-from-the-experts/

How to Deal With the Resignation of a Coworker

A recent Bayt.com poll about good working conditions in the Middle East cited that positive relationships with colleagues is one of the main constituents of good work settings. And while your morale might slip briefly, bear in mind your performance and productivity must remain intact!! In fact, there is no room for drama in the entire scenario and as one colleague departs, bear in mind that another one will make an entrance, new working relationships will be born and nurtured and your life at the office will soon again retain its equilibrium. The career experts at Bayt.com offer you a few tips to better handle the inevitable occasional resignation of a coworker:

– Stay objective: Come to terms with the fact that your colleague no longer finds themselves in the right place and that their priorities have changed, hopefully for the better. Do not allow for any feelings of hostility or negativity to settle in; instead focus on the positive. You’ve had a fruitful professional relationship and now is the time for both of you to find a new equilibrium.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-deal-with-the-resignation-of-a-coworker/

How to: Get through your probationary period

So you’ve finally started your dream job. But there’s still one final stage to complete…

A probationary (or, ‘trial’) period is often the initial stage of employment, referring to the amount of time an employer uses to see whether a new employee is the right fit for a role.

The length of the probationary period varies from job to job, but will be somewhere between three and six months, making first impressions absolutely vital in securing the role on a permanent basis.

To help you pass your first few months with flying colours, here are some of our top tips on how to get through your probation:
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-get-through-your-probationary-period/

7 Tips to Help Beat Your Aging Parent’s Loneliness

Is your aging parent lonely?

Isolation and loneliness are widespread among our elders. It may begin with the the loss of a spouse. It may be compounded by physical decline such as loss of driving ability, decreased hearing or vision. Friends pass away. There are fewer opportunities for social engagement than in a younger day.

Most elders prefer to remain in their own homes as they age, but one of the risks is lack of social contacts. Even with a caregiver coming in to assist, there is still a lack of fun, excitement and connection to peers. Family members living at a distance may feel at a loss as to how to help.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/7-tips-to-help-beat-your-aging-parents-loneliness/

7 Easy Steps to Making All Your Co-workers Fall in Love With You (in a Professional Way)

If you’re looking for advice on how to deal with a terrible co-worker—one who’s arrogant, nosy, rude, or otherwise awful to work with—there’s plenty of advice out there for you (just look here, here, and here).

But how do you make sure that annoying co-worker isn’t you? That you’re not the one making your teammates’ work harder, butting into everyone’s business, and, in general, annoying your team in every way possible?

It’s easy: Simply become everyone’s favorite co-worker instead.

If you can follow these basic tips, you’ll won’t only keep your name off the “worst co-worker ever” list—you’ll earn yourself a spot among the absolute favorites.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/7-easy-steps-to-making-all-your-co-workers-fall-in-love-with-you-in-a-professional-way/

6 Career Lessons from Game of Thrones

The seventh season of Game of Thrones kicked off last night, and as always, the stakes (and the amount of causalities) are high. As Cersei Lannister once said, when you play the game of thrones you either win, or you die…

While the job hunt is not quite as do or die, when you’re stuck in a job you hate, it can definitely feel as if “winter has come” (and you’re running from the White Walkers).

Here are six career lessons from Game of Thrones.
1. Know your strengths and play to them

Tyrion Lannister is many things, but a warrior is not one of them. He likes a good drink (or two), and spending his time in brothel (or two). He’s also a wanted man for allegedly poisoning his nephew Joffrey (and shooting his father in the chest with a crossbow). If he has survived this long, it’s down to the fact he knows exactly what his limitations are. In fact, he’s turned those same limitations into strengths.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/6-career-lessons-from-game-of-thrones/

5 Businesses you can Start with Little or no Cash

Don’t let money discourage you to start something, check out the businesses you can start without capital.

One of the most common financial advice you have repeatedly heard is to start your own business. So many people have given you reasons to become an entrepreneur but for some reasons, you’ve never considered it.

The common excuse people usually give is lack of capital. But, you really don’t have to have a huge sum of money to become your own boss.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/5-businesses-you-can-start-with-little-or-no-cash/

Men’s Health Checklist

Men typically visit the doctor less than women do. Whether that’s because men are afraid of what they might be told at an annual check-up, they dread the probes that can be part of an exam, they’re locked into a mindset of toughing it out, or another excuse, there’s really no good reason NOT to see a healthcare provider regularly. Just like women, men may also be affected by common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression. They may also have conditions that are specific only to men. What’s more, keeping up with preventative medical visits is not something you should do just for yourself. It’s also something that your family and loved ones can benefit from.

Check out the Men’s Health Checklist below to see what screenings or examinations you might need as a healthy adult. It can serve as a starting point to understanding your general health-related needs

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/mens-health-checklist/

10 Ways to Survive (and Thrive) in a Difficult Marriage

It’s important that we understand that the concepts of “difficult marriage” and “good marriage” can be compatible. The truth is the best relationships involve challenge because challenge is typically a prerequisite for experiencing the best. If your marriage does not involve challenge (and even conflict) then you are, in all likelihood, barely scraping the surface of what is possible in terms of a life-charged relationship. So if you are experiencing a difficult marriage hang in there.

Life is always a work in progress and so are the best marriages. As you work out your commitment to create a better marriage, here are 10 ways to survive and thrive in a difficult marriage.
1. Remember the most important element in the meaning of love is commitment.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/10-ways-to-survive-and-thrive-in-a-difficult-marriage/