Category Archives: SEX & LIFE

Preparing For A Post-Covid Life

Preparing For A Post-Covid Life

We are still very much in the midst of the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t start preparing for life after the pandemic is over. After all, no pandemic lasts forever, and at some point or another things are going to return to some semblance of normal, even if that takes longer than we might hope and is harder than we might like to admit. If you are starting to think about life after covid, there are a few areas in particular that you might want to focus on when you start to prepare for that. Let’s take a look at each of them in turn.

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Physical Health

One of the things this pandemic has done is to highlight the importance of physical health and keeping healthy. The better your physical health is, the more that you will be able to fight off any infections or viruses which might come your way, so this is something that is always worth looking into as best as you can. Simple things like exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and so on are all hugely important here. Make sure that you are doing all you can to keep on top of these things and you should find that you are able to ward off diseases a lot more easily and fully after the pandemic is over.

Mental Wellbeing

Your mind is just as important as your body, and you need to make sure that you are looking into keeping this as healthy as you can as well. Good mental wellbeing ensures that you are able to deal with everything that comes your way much more easily, so it’s a very useful skill to develop – and it is really best thought of as a skill. After the pandemic, life is going to continue but probably not in quite the same way, which might cause a good deal of stress and turmoil, so it’s something that you need to get ready for in some way or another. The better you do that, the better you will cope with life after covid.

Personal Relationships

Something else that is likely to continue to change after covid-19 is your personal relationships. Everything from seeing family to dating is going to change after covid, so you need to make sure that you are preparing for those changes as best as you can. The better you do that, the better you will be able to enjoy your post-covid life. You’ll find that adopting new behaviors and strategies will help you to make a huge difference to how you approach your relationships, so that is something that is very much worth being aware of in general.

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Work

Your career, too, will likely go through some alterations after the pandemic is over, so you should aim to do whatever you can to try and keep on with it as wisely as you can. Work can be something that people stress over a lot, but by engaging with it in the right way you’ll find that you are much more likely to enjoy it and even make the most of it. Good work is likely to be even easier to get hold of after the pandemic, so that is something to look forward to. On the other hand, if you have become accustomed to working from home, that might be something that falls by the wayside – or not. It really isn’t possible to tell right now.

Travel

One thing that is likely to improve massively after the pandemic is over is travel. If you are someone who generally loves to travel, then you might be wondering when you are going to be able to move around at will again. Travel is a great way to improve yourself and broaden your horizons, so it’s worth getting back into as soon as you possibly can. Good travel experiences make life a lot more worthwhile in general, so this is something that you should definitely focus on if you are keen to make that happen. If nothing else, it’s a good way to celebrate the end of covid when it comes – whenever that might turn out to be.

Taking It Slow

In all of these areas, it will be important to make sure that you are taking it as slowly as you can. If you rush it too much, you are only going to struggle more, whereas if you are taking it slowly and carefully you’ll find that you are going to have a much better time getting back into things.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

3 Tips for Nurturing a Growth Mindset in Your Life

3 Tips for Nurturing a Growth Mindset in Your Life

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Have you ever noticed how, over the course of day-to-day life, some people seem to maintain a general overall orientation that allows them to consistently grow, whereas others appear “stuck” in place for one reason or another?

Among psychologists, the terms “growth mindset,” and “fixed mindset” have been used to refer to individuals who – on the one hand – are optimistic about their ability to influence their circumstances, learn new skills, and explore possibilities, and individuals who – on the other hand – essentially believe that “you have it or you don’t,” and who are not very proactive as a result.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, people with a growth mindset turn out to be a lot happier and more successful, as a rule, than people with a fixed mindset.

Here are a few tips for nurturing a growth mindset in your life.

Do things to try and proactively improve situations you aren’t happy with – even if it feels pointless

There are many different stressful things that might happen over the course of your life, including such things as medical malpractice incidents that are beyond your control. But because something happens that’s beyond your control, does that mean you shouldn’t try to make the best of the situation, and to improve it somehow?

A growth mindset is largely defined by continually and proactively striving to improve situations that you aren’t happy with in life. In the malpractice example, that may begin with something like seeking out medical malpractice attorneys.

Fixed mindsets tend to go hand-in-hand with feelings of futility and the belief that it’s pointless to make an effort.

The more you can consistently take steps to improve situations you aren’t happy with and that may even feel pointless – the more you will move into a growth mindset.

Always look for opportunities to try new things, and put yourself in unfamiliar situations

Growth requires you to consistently be on the lookout for new opportunities, and to routinely expand your horizons by trying new things, and putting yourself in unfamiliar situations.

By contrast, a fixed mindset tends to involve a lot of remaining in your comfort zone, and engaging with the same routines, day in and day out.

By always looking for opportunities to try new things and put yourself in unfamiliar situations you can consistently shift your mindset into one that promotes and encourages growth while at the same time accumulating more fascinating life experiences.

Don’t be too caught up in your ego, to the extent that it puts you in a state of inertia

Sometimes, a big part of what keeps people stuck in a fixed mindset is their own egos – in the sense of not wanting to compromise their sense of who they think they are at the moment.

In many cases, what stops people from trying new things and growing ends up being a feeling of insecurity that they will fail, or will look stupid.

Ultimately, though, this kind of ego-focused concern, and these sorts of hang-ups, can prevent us from experiencing a lot of the magic to be found in life.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow-on Twitter or Instagram.

Supporting A Friend With Mental Health Issues

Supporting A Friend With Mental Health Issues

Despite a reduction in the stigma around it, there is still no shortage of mental health struggles and mental health conditions.

Worldwide, depression is the leading cause of disability. In the US, nearly 1 in 5 adults struggles with a mental illness.

How can I support a loved one who is struggling with their mental health? is a question often asked. With multiple crises we are currently living through, it is feeling like a lot more people are in pain.

Perhaps your friend or family member has been struggling with anxiety lately, and you might be noticing some changes in their behavior and demeanor. If this is the case, it is a sign that they might really need some support.

Here, we look at what you can do to support a friend with mental health struggles.

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Listen to and acknowledge their issues

If someone close to you is experiencing a difficult time, it can be hard not to jump in and help. Let them take their time and gauge how they would like for you to offer support.

Open-ended questions work well when talking to someone, especially when you are asking about their life situation. These types of questions are helpful in getting a better understanding of what they are going through.

Whenever you get a response, say supportive or affirming things that can help them feel heard.

Many people who struggle with their mental health may often blame or judge themselves about what they are going through. Some may feel that their struggles are not valid because they are mental rather than physical.

It can be hard to understand or relate to someone else’s feelings. However, it may be important to let your loved one know that they are doing a good job and you are proud of them.

Ask them what they want you to do

Rather than assuming what would be beneficial to your loved one, ask them directly: “How can I support you?” or “What would be beneficial to you right now?” Remember that everyone’s definition of support is different, and what you need when you are struggling may not be the same as what someone else requires when they are going through a difficult period. For some people, it might just be continuing to be a shoulder to cry on. For others, it may entail you arranging support from Sunshine Behavioral Health.

Offer support with everyday tasks

Many people who are dealing with mental health issues may find it extremely difficult to make fundamental decisions or complete even seemingly little tasks. Other than saying, “I am here if you need me,” be precise about what you are offering so your friend does not have to worry about reaching out or figuring out what they need in the first place.

If you pay them a visit, have a look around and see what they need help with, such as dishwashing, weeding, vacuuming, or folding laundry. If you speak with them, offer to drive them to a doctor’s appointment or to run them to the shop or make them some meals. 

Celebrate the small achievements

Every day might be difficult for someone who is battling with their mental health. So congratulate them on their achievements and successes. This can help them feel more empowered and capable. Thanking them for being so open and vulnerable with you, or complimenting them on going to work or walking their dog on a daily basis, are examples of this.

Do explore what they are struggling with

You can also relieve them of another significant burden: having to educate you about mental illness. Instead, study more about what they are going through — for example, read more about depression, panic attacks, or anxiety — so you can comprehend their lived experience and be aware of any extreme or risky behaviors or symptoms to watch for.

There are a plethora of resources available online nowadays, ranging from peer-reviewed journals and papers by mental health specialists to blog posts and personal writings by people who understand your loved one’s mental health struggles.

Check in with them regularly

Many people who are struggling with their mental health are already guilty of wasting other people’s time, energy, and mental space. Check in with them on a regular basis – even if it is just a quick message or call, keep them company when you can, and tell them that you love them and are on their team.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow-on Twitter or Instagram.

Workplace Confidence Zappers (And How To Beat Them)

Workplace Confidence Zappers (And How To Beat Them)

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Some people seem to blossom and shine when in the workplace. They show no fear when raising their ideas and they succeed in everything they do. These are the people who are often considered for promotion and who get glowing references when they move on with their careers elsewhere.

Then there are those people who don’t have that level of confidence. They don’t raise their voice, take risks, or put themselves forward for career enhancement. This is often a shame as they are often very competent, despite the way they view themselves in the workplace.

If you are relating to the latter group of people, there may be very good reasons why. Consider the following and take action, as by doing so, you might finally gain confidence and experience more success at work. 

#1: Fear of speaking

Are you that person who fails to raise their voice at workplace meetings? Do you back down whenever you are asked to lead training for other employees? Do you clam up every time your boss or work colleagues ask you a question? If so, you may have a fear of speaking. 

People fear speaking, for all kinds of reasons. Some are afraid of embarrassment by saying the wrong thing. Others avoid speaking because of speech impediments, such as stammering. And there are those who hate the thought of speaking to groups of people, which is why public speaking can be such a problem for them. 

To overcome this fear, there are solutions, depending on your particular situation. You could take courses in public speaking if this applies to you, or you could search for the best speech therapy if talking proves difficult. You could also take time out to consider how valuable you are to your company, as you may need to overcome that voice in your head that says you have nothing to offer. 

These are just some of the things you can do but as with most fears, you could push yourself forwards, despite the risks. By raising your voice, you may start to become more confident as you become more comfortable with speaking. 

#2: Workplace colleagues

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Some of us would rather work alone than with others, and this is partly because our colleagues can cause us to experience low self-confidence. We are thinking about the people who put us down, for little or no reason. And then there are those people we mentioned at the beginning, the work colleagues who seem to be full of confidence and inadvertently make us feel inferior when we’re in their company. 

If your colleagues affect your confidence, you should do what you can to manage them. If they are rude, critical, or judgemental, it might be that you need to tell them what you think. By standing up to them, they may have cause to think about their actions. 

You could also speak to a manager or to somebody else at work in a leadership position. Workplace bullying is common, and you might be the victim of this. There should be policies in place to counter bullying so if people are being unfairly mean to you, it might be that somebody higher up can intervene on your behalf. If they don’t, you are in your right to speak to a union rep.

But if your low confidence is related to feelings of inferiority, simply because you compare yourself to others, then once again, reflect on your place in your company. What do you do well? What have you achieved? It doesn’t matter if you other people are better than you in some regards as there are bound to be things that you excel at. Keep these in mind whenever you are feeling down about yourself. 

#3: Fear of failure 

If you fear failure, you will be less likely to take on new job roles. You will probably avoid the speaking situations we mentioned earlier. And you will be less inclined to push yourself forwards in other ways, in fear of making a mistake or looking foolish in front of others. 

The first thing we have to say is this. Don’t worry about making mistakes! You’re only human so don’t sweat it if you screw up in any way. 

However, you can overcome this fear by learning new skills, so commit to any training that is offered to you. You will then be better equipped to do new things. If training isn’t offered to you, do what you can in your own time. And as we suggested earlier, push yourself forwards. If you hold yourself back all the time, you might only regret it and start to feel as if you are a failure. By putting yourself out there and trying something new, you should naturally start to feel more confident, as you will have shown courage by moving out of your comfort zone. 

Do these confidence zappers relate to you? If so, do what you can to overcome them. By doing so, you will start to feel better about yourself, improve your chances at work, and have the opportunity to impress the people that are around you. We wish you every success!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow-on Twitter or Instagram.

Here’s The Best Ways To Get Your Kids To Engage With Sports

Here’s The Best Ways To Get Your Kids To Engage With Sports

It’s not hard to understand the benefits of sports for children. Sports will help keep kids active which means that their general levels of health and wellbeing will greatly improve. Another key benefit of sports and specifically team sports is that it teaches children vital skills that they will need in various different aspects of their life including working with other people or even leading a group, depending on their position. Completing a sport will also help your child develop positive social groups. This is all fantastic news, but it’s true to say that not all children are naturally interested in sports. So, how can you encourage levels of engagement here? Well, there are a few possibilities that could be worth considering. 

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Get Them The Right Kit

First, you do need to make sure that regardless of what sport you are encouraging that your child has the right kit. Giving them the right kit will make them feel as though they belong and they won’t think that they are the odd one out. You can also personalise the kit so that it matches their personality and who they are. This will make it more likely that they are going to want to wear it. 


For instance, you might want to consider exploring custom football cleats. These will look fantastic and can be custom designed in a variety of different ways. Remember, you should only buy a kit like this once your child has shown that they are interested in a particular sport or activity. 

Make It Fun

Next, you should ensure that the sport that they’re going to be playing is fun. Again, how you do this will depend on your individual child. Some children are naturally competitive. You can use a sport to engage their competitive nature and ensure that they feel excited to participate. Alternatively, your child might be more gentle. If so, then you should show them that playing sports isn’t about winning every game. It’s just about having a great time with others. You need to make sure that you find a group that does share this idea and doesn’t sweat over trying to win every game that they play. 

Find The Right Sport For Them


Finally, you need to make sure that you are finding the sport that is going to be perfect for them. When you think of sports, you can probably name about ten or so and these will likely be the main options. But it’s important to understand that there are actually hundreds of different sports and sporting activities. So, if you haven’t found the right one that appeals to your child then it might be worth thinking about widening your search. For instance, you can think about horseback riding or perhaps even water polo. Once you find the right sport, they’re sure to have a great time and will be begging to go each weekend or after school. 


We hope this helps you understand some of the steps that you should take to get your child to engage more with sports and perhaps find one that they are going to love. 

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow-on Twitter or Instagram.