2024 July Articles Archives

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is an intense wave of fear that can strike without warning, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and frightened. It’s a sudden rush of physical symptoms and emotional distress, often with no obvious cause. You might feel a sense of impending doom, a fear of losing control, or even a fear of dying.

Sensations During a Panic Attack

During a panic attack, your body might react with a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills, or hot flashes. You may also experience numbness or a tingling sensation, a sense of unreality, or a feeling of being detached from yourself. These symptoms can be incredibly distressing, but it’s important to remember that they are temporary.

Recognising a Panic Attack

Understanding the signs can help you or someone else recognise a panic attack when it happens. If you notice a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath, it may be a panic attack.

Self-Soothing and Emotional Regulation Techniques

Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing can help calm your body. Try inhaling slowly through your nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Focusing on your breath can help slow down the rapid heartbeat and reduce the sense of panic.

Grounding Techniques

Using your senses can help bring you back to the present moment and disrupt the overwhelming sensations of a panic attack. Look around and find five things you can see. Touch four different objects and notice their texture. Listen for three distinct sounds. Identify two smells in your environment. Focus on one thing you can taste.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Try tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body, starting from your toes and working up to your head. This can help release physical tension and calm your mind.

Visualisation

Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful place where you feel safe and relaxed. Picture it in detail, including the sights, sounds, and smells. This mental escape can help reduce your anxiety.

Assisting Someone in Distress

If you see someone having a panic attack, your calm presence can make a big difference. Acknowledge what they are experiencing and let them know you are there to help. Encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply, and guide them through grounding techniques to bring their focus back to the present moment. Be supportive and avoid minimising their feelings.

If these exercises don’t help, or if the person continues to feel overwhelmed, seek professional help. Call LifeAssist for further support options. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and there are people ready to support you at no cost to you or your family.

zara2024-06-30T13:49:56+00:00

Corporate Wellness Week

The first week of July is Corporate Wellness Week – an opportunity to raise awareness of creating a healthy work environment. We know that your health matters and have invested in an employee assistance programme to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities you have earned as valuable employees. Here are some tips to consider building into your daily office life:

Stay Physically Active. Take regular breaks—stand up, stretch, and move around every hour. Use stairs instead of the lift, walk during lunch breaks, or deskercising (see video below) Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.

LifeAssist has a team of biokineticists who can personalise an exercise routine for you or suggest injury exercises for recovery or pain management.

Create an Ergonomic Workspace. Checkout the video (above) to help you set up your workstation for maximum comfort and to prevent strain and injury. Keep your space neat and tidy to help you focus and stay organised.

Eat a Balanced Diet. Pre-Pack your lunch and Healthy Snacks” to maintain high energy levels during the day. Don’t forget, the dieticians are available to customise an eating plan for you at no cost.

Stay Hydrated. Limit intake of sugary drinks and caffeine. Keep your water bottle on hand to ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Manage Stress. If you are feeling under pressure, stressed by a situation, or triggered – take a moment to take a break, take a break and grab a cup of tea/coffee/water, go for a walk outside to balance overwhelming emotions. The team at Health 24/7 is ready to work through these coping techniques with you.

Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Make sure you are using positive self-talk with yourself. You CAN do this!

Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and set achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. If you are looking for ideas on goal setting or setting boundaries, connect with a health coach.

Stay Connected. Build and maintain strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Engage in social activities and seek support when needed. Check out any social or run/walk clubs you can join. If you are feeling lonely or depressed, reach out to a counsellor—you can chat with them online or in person.

Manage Money Matters. Stay on top of your finances, including budgeting, investments, savings, and retirement goals. If you are struggling, contact a financial coach to discuss ways to achieve financial freedom.

These are just some things to consider this Wellness Week. Have a look at other sections of this website with so many resources to support you and your family and to connect with your wellbeing. We look forward to supporting you in whatever way possible.

Your wellbeing matters!

zara2024-06-30T16:26:27+00:00

The Truth about Alcohol Abuse

Whilst the clinking of glasses often signifies celebration, there is a darker side of alcohol that often goes unnoticed until significant damage is done. Use of alcohol is often tied to social acceptance and cultural norms – prohibited in some cultures and promoted in others.

Many people feel that they can drink responsibly without placing themselves or others at risk, but there is a fine line between use and abuse of alcohol – when crossed it can be a slippery slide into dependency and addiction. It’s time for us to take a good look at this sensitive topic and consider how it impacts our lives directly and indirectly.

The hidden price

Alcohol abuse doesn’t just wreak havoc on physical health – think liver damage, heart disease, and a weakened immune system – but also takes a toll on mental wellbeing. Anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments are often exacerbated by excessive drinking. Relationships crumble, careers falter, and personal dreams fade into the background as alcohol takes centre stage.

The deceptive escape

Many turn to alcohol as an escape from life’s pressures, but this relief is fleeting. The temporary numbness is a deceptive mask, hiding deeper issues that only worsen over time. What begins as a coping mechanism can quickly spiral into dependence, trapping individuals in a vicious cycle of abuse.

The path to recovery

Breaking free from alcohol abuse requires courage and support. Recognising the problem is the first step. From there, seeking help—whether through friends, family, or professional services—can start the process to recovery. There’s no shame in asking for help; in fact, it’s a testament to one’s strength and determination to reclaim their life.

A brighter tomorrow

Imagine a life where your health thrives, relationships flourish, and your mind is clear. This isn’t a distant dream but a reachable reality. By addressing alcohol abuse head-on, you can unlock a future filled with genuine joy, unclouded by the haze of alcohol.

The journey may be challenging, but the destination—a life of true wellbeing—is undeniably worth it. Reach out to a LifeAssist Counsellor today.

Cheers to a healthier, happier you!

zara2024-06-30T13:54:25+00:00

Legal Advice for Tenants and Landlords

Renting in South Africa can be a stressful time for both tenants and landlords. To mitigate some of the risk, here is some advice on your rights and obligations.

ADVICE FOR TENANTS

Understand Your Lease Agreement:
- Carefully Read Before Signing: Ensure you understand all terms and conditions, including rent, maintenance responsibilities, and notice periods.
- Seek Clarification: If any terms are unclear, seek clarification from your landlord or legal counsel before signing.
Document Everything:
- Keep Records: Maintain records of all communications with your landlord, especially regarding maintenance requests and rent payments.
- Photographic Evidence: Take photos of the property’s condition when you move in and when you move out to avoid disputes over damages.
Know Your Rights:
- Right to Privacy: Familiarise yourself with your right to privacy and the required notice your landlord must provide before entering the property.
- Right to a Habitable Home: Ensure the property is safe and meets health standards. Report any issues promptly.
Pay Rent on Time:
- Timely Payments: Always pay your rent on time to avoid late fees and breaching the terms of the agreement and or potential eviction proceedings.
- Proof of Payment: Keep receipts or proof of payment for all rent transactions.
Report Maintenance Issues Promptly:
- Immediate Reporting: Notify your landlord immediately of any maintenance issues to prevent further damage and ensure timely repairs.
Legal Recourse:
- Seek Legal Help: If your landlord fails to meet their obligations or violates your rights, seek legal advice on the appropriate steps to take, which may include mediation or filing a complaint with the Rental Housing Tribunal.

Advice for Landlords

Draft a Comprehensive Lease Agreement:
- Clear Terms: Ensure your lease agreement clearly outlines all terms, including rental and deposit amount, payment due dates, maintenance responsibilities, and notice periods.
- Legal Compliance: Make sure the lease complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Consulting a legal professional for drafting or reviewing the lease is advisable.
Conduct Thorough Tenant Screening:
- Background Checks: Perform background and credit checks to ensure potential tenants are reliable and financially stable.
- References: Request references from previous landlords to gauge the tenant’s rental history.
Maintain the Property:
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to ensure the property remains in good condition and address any maintenance issues promptly.
- Upkeep and Repairs: Keep up with necessary repairs and maintenance to provide a habitable living environment for tenants.
Respect Tenant Privacy:
- Provide Notice: Always provide adequate notice before entering the property for inspections or repairs, typically 24 hours unless it’s an emergency.
Handle Rent Increases Properly:
- Adequate Notice: When increasing rent, provide the required notice period as specified in the lease.
- Justifiable Increases: Ensure that rent increases are reasonable and justifiable based on market conditions and property improvements.
Address Tenant Concerns Promptly:
- Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your tenants and address their concerns and complaints promptly.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications and actions taken regarding tenant issues and property maintenance.
Know the Legal Eviction Process:
- Proper Procedures: procedures Familiarise yourself with the legal for evicting a tenant. Follow all required steps to avoid legal complications.
- Grounds for Eviction: Ensure you have valid grounds for eviction, such as non-payment of rent or breach of lease terms.

By following this advice, tenants and landlords can protect their rights, fulfil their obligations, and maintain a positive and lawful rental relationship. For any disputes or complex issues, consult a legal professional who can provide further guidance and resolution. LifeAssist is available to anser your questions and give you legal opinion.

zara2024-06-28T09:45:48+00:00