Ten Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress and Depression
By Kris Powers | December 16th 2014
What with the fast pace of the holiday season (entertaining, shopping, parties, baking, etc.) it’s no wonder that stress and depression can invite themselves into your holiday festivities. With a little planning you can minimize the stress and anxiety that often accompany the holiday season.
1. Plan ahead. Make a calendar and schedule days for shopping, baking, and activities you enjoy (including taking care of yourself!). Think about what energizes you; is it a walk, a nap, curling up by the fire reading a good book? Schedule these on your calendar as you would any other appointment. Mealtimes get you stressed? Plan your menus and create your shopping list ahead of time. You’ll have all of the ingredients you need on hand to prepare your meals.
In Demand IT Certifications
By Kris Powers | December 2nd 2014
Obtaining certification in the IT field can increase your earning potential as well as show both current and future employers dedication to your field.
Giving Thanks
By Kris Powers | November 25th 2014
Did you know that expressing gratitude can improve the quality of your health and even add years to your life expectancy? Robert Emmons a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis is a leading researcher in the field of “positive psychology”. His research supports the theory that those who develop an “attitude of gratitude” can experience a wide variety of health benefits.
Emmons’ findings, along with those from other researchers such as Lisa Aspinwall, a professor at the University of Utah, and Dr. Lyubomirsky, from the University of California at Riverside, suggest that grateful people may be more likely to:
The Value of Certifications
By Kris Powers | November 18th 2014
As careers become more specialized and the business world grows more complex, the demand for individuals with industry approved credentials will continue to grow. Obtaining industry recognized certifications is one of the best ways for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to professional and personal growth. Companies value professionals who proactively seek opportunities to develop their skills and expertise. Earning certification not only positions you as a leader in your industry - it’s an investment in yourself and your long-term career.
Certification can help by:
Veterans and PTSD: Social Media Cues (Part 2) By Noah Perkins
By Guest Blogger | November 11th 2014
Last week, we shared a blog on the correlation between social consumption and elevated rates of anxiety and depression. A silver lining does exist in terms of social media over-usage for a specific segment of the population however; military veterans.
As reported by IAVA, 22 veterans commit suicide daily on average. Veteran suicides are exceeding 8,000 a year. Called an "epidemic" for post-9/11 service-members, a correlation seems to exist between these figures and the rate of veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Per the Department of Veterans Affairs, 30 percent of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed by the VA as suffering from PTSD. Surveys carried out by The Washington Post as well as by the Walter Reed Army Institute put the number at closer to 60 percent.
Veterans and PTSD: Social Media Cues (Part 1) By Noah Perkins
By Guest Blogger | November 4th 2014
Over the past 10 years, since the inception of Facebook, the standard measure of time has not changed. A day still encompasses 24 hours, 1,440 minutes and 86,400 seconds. What has changed, at least for the 58 million Americans who self-identify as having the "social habit," a phenomenon categorized by social media usage five or more times a day, is individual interaction with time. Because of our internet driven lives, our society is inundated with information. Social sharing has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives; news that would have previously taken days to access is available in seconds. Countrywide uprisings have sprung because of this; numerous benefits accompany social sharing, in many different facets of our lives, but, like anything, moderation is key.
Online Education Fills a Need for Special Education Students
By Kris Powers | October 28th 2014
Every student has unique abilities and a distinct learning style. We’ve talked in past blogs about why online education is such a good fit for busy adults, who may be trying to fit their learning in around family and work commitments. Special needs children can also benefit greatly from online education. According to the website, Learning Lift Off, “Special needs children often struggle in traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Whether they have autism, dyslexia, or ADHD, children with learning disabilities often need an education that suits their unique needs.”
What is Web 3.0 and How Might it Affect Education?
By Kris Powers | October 22nd 2014
What is Web 3.0?
Web 3.0 is the next step in the evolution of the Internet and Web applications. Technology entrepreneur, Nova Spivack defines Web 3.0 as “connective intelligence; connecting data, concepts, applications and ultimately people”.
The website, HowStuffWorks.com offers the following suggestion: “Think of Web 1.0 as a library. You can use it as a source of information, but you can't contribute to or change the information in any way. Web 2.0 is more like a big group of friends and acquaintances. You can still use it to receive information, but you also contribute to the conversation and make it a richer experience.”
National Depression Awareness and National Domestic Violence Prevention Month
By Kris Powers | October 14th 2014
October is National Depression Awareness and National Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month. Organizations and communities across the United States will use this time to educate the public about the various signs and symptoms of depression and domestic violence. For those who suffer, there is help.
Depression Awareness
According to the National Institute of Mental Health website at www.nimh.nih.gov, depression can strike anyone at any time and has no single cause. “Depression can be the result of a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors”. [1]
The National Institute of Mental Health lists the following as common signs of depression:
Ten Steps Closer to a Career Change
By Kris Powers | October 7th 2014
Monster.com states “The right career is a positive, productive and natural extension of you, your value system and your natural talents.”
People who work in careers that are well suited to them and their values are happier and healthier! If you’ve been experiencing discontent in your current position or feel like maybe it’s time for a change; take these steps to help discover if a career change is right for you.
1. Take a career assessment quiz – there are many free options online. Consider your strengths, talents, and skills that perhaps aren’t being utilized to their fullest extent in your current position.