2022 March Articles Archives

The benefits of drinking water on our bodies

Why is water essential for our health?

Our bodies are made up of about 60% water which keeps every system in the body functioning properly by:

flushing waste from the body
keeping body temperature steady
helping brain function
Aiding digestion
Preventing constipation
Carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
Maintaining electrolyte balance
Normalising blood pressure
Stabilising the heartbeat
Cushioning joints
Protecting organs and tissues

We get most of our water from drinking beverages, but water-rich food such as salads and fruit, also contribute a small amount to our daily water intake.

How much water?

For many years the “accepted” wisdom is that we should drink between 6 – 8 glasses a day. However, recent research from the Harvard Medical School suggests “four to six cups” a day for healthy adults, and all beverages count, even coffee, cordial mixers, and tea. Of course, pure water is always the better choice. Sugary and alcoholic drinks can lead to weight gain and inflammation, increasing your risk for developing diseases such as diabetes, while caffeine can cause anxiety or sleeplessness.

The reality is that water intake should be individualized, and how much you need to drink depends on how active you are, the weather, and your physiology. On very hot days, or if you exercise and perspire heavily, you will obviously need to drink more, say 2 – 3 cups every hour or more. Check your thirst levels; feeling thirsty is a sign that you need to hydrate. Pale or non-coloured urine typically indicates proper hydration, while dark-coloured indicates dehydration. Other warning signs of dehydration include weakness, headaches, low blood pressure, dizziness, and confusion.

Too much?

Drinking too much water can also be dangerous, causing imbalanced electrolytes in the body which disrupts brain function. If you have health problems such as thyroid, liver, kidney, or heart disease; or if you’re taking medications that cause water retention such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opiate pain medications, and some antidepressants, check with your doctor if you are not sure how much liquid is safe or contact LifeAssist.

zara2022-02-25T09:48:46+00:00

Signs and symptoms of toxic people

Do you have a sneaky suspicion that you may be in a toxic relationship with someone who is not good for you? This could be a close friend, colleague, sibling, parent, or even a partner. Here are some red flags that may indicate that your relationship is not healthy for either of you:

“If you love me, you’ll do this for me. You’re my best friend so please help me.” Does this sound familiar? Do any of your friends manipulate, bully, or ‘guilt you’ into doing things you may not want to do, but that benefit them?
Your self-confidence and self-esteem takes a huge knock after being with them. They know how to make you feel less competent, or insecure.
You don’t really want to be in their company because they leave you feeling emotionally exhausted, isolated, and unconfident. You don’t always look forward to seeing them.
They want all your attention on-demand and disrespect your boundaries. They appear jealous of your other relationships, wanting you to themselves. They may even criticize your friends or relatives as part of their desire to control you.
They don’t celebrate your successes, and seem to actually prefer it when you are going through a tough time or struggling. Although they expect your support on call, they are often not available when you need help.
They tend to put you and other people down or cause humiliation through unsavoury or inappropriate jokes. This is done to make themselves feel better.
They often behave like a victim and blame others/you for negative events. They regularly show hurt and become defensive, which can make them hard work to be around. You may even feel that you are walking on eggshells around them.
You have a sinking feeling that they don’t have your best interests at heart and that you cannot trust them.

The most important thing is to decide whether this relationship is enriching your life or impacting negatively on your wellbeing.

You have the right to choose the people that impact your life. If you have concerns, and need guidance to understand yourself and the relationship, and how to navigate healthy boundaries, please contact LifeAssist and let one of our professional counsellors support you.

zara2022-02-25T08:52:30+00:00

How to stop the credit card debt spiral

Is your credit card debt spiralling? High-interest rates and minimum payments can keep you in an endless spiral of debt. Tips to break the cycle:

Pay more and save
Don’t think that just paying the minimum required amount monthly will reduce your credit card debt. Banks only charge interest if you don’t pay off your credit cards in full each month. If you pay the minimum amount only, you’ll be charged interest and this grows or compounds the longer you remain in debt. Paying more than the minimum will save you hugely on interest charges. It’s even worth sacrificing holidays or thinking twice about buying “unnecessary luxuries” to do so.

Pay highest interest first
List all your credit card debts from the largest interest rate to the smallest. Pay as much as you can toward the card with the highest interest rate and pay the minimum required payments on the rest. When you’ve paid off the highest-interest card, go to the second-highest, and so on. This can prevent you from racking up interest charges as you’re trying to dig your way out of debt.

Stop spending on credit
The biggest mistake that most of us make when paying off credit card debt is that we keeping using our cards. A credit card is costly plastic money that you don’t have, and you’ll never get anywhere if you keep spending.

Debt consolidation
Struggling to make even the minimum payment requirements on your credit cards? Ask your bank if you qualify for a debt consolidation loan that combines all your debt into a single monthly payment at the lowest interest rate possible. This allows you to get out of debt faster. If you don’t qualify for a debt consolidation loan, ask for a debt management programme. A credit counsellor will help you negotiate with creditors and consolidate your monthly payments into one payment that is paid to the credit counselling agency. Each month, they distribute the payment to your creditors on your behalf until you’re debt-free.

To understand the options available to you, please contact LifeAssist. We are here to help you navigate your path to financial freedom.

zara2022-02-25T08:41:33+00:00

Take pride in yourself and in your work

No matter your role in your company, taking pride in your work means that you feel good about your contributions to your job. People who take pride are more successful and happier, than those who don’t.

You matter
Regardless of your position or years of experience, you’re an important part of the business and what you do at work matters. Think about how your role helps your colleagues, clients, and even your family by contributing financially. Look at the bigger picture. For example, if you are responsible for cleaning the shop floor, be proud that you are helping to create a positive brand image for the company by ensuring a pleasant environment for shopping, creating repeat customers, and thus ensuring the company’s success. If you’re not sure how important your role is, just ask someone.

Daily improvements
You’ll ultimately be recognised if you become the person who adds value to everything that you do. Be hungry to learn: read, explore, self-learn, do more, do better. Offer suggestions or solutions to problems. Building a good reputation also helps you feel good about yourself.

Team player
You’re also more likely to feel pride in your work when you help fellow employees and treat everyone you encounter with respect and kindness, including your boss. Look for opportunities to praise your fellow employees and to be a helpful, and supportive team member.

Attitude and presentation matters
Your environment is what you make it; take pride in being a positive force at work. After all, you’re at work most of the day, so you might as well make it pleasant. Avoid negative thinking and negative people, complaining, and sub-standard work. Show up a few minutes early to prepare for the day and dress for success. As the old adage goes, your attitude determines your altitude (how high you go in your career). Looking good is part of feeling good and pride in your appearance helps to motivate you.

zara2022-02-25T08:26:23+00:00