HVTC Wellness

We all have those days when merely getting out of bed is a challenge. It normally happens on occasion. However, make sure to observe such instances. Once these occasional slumps stretch to days, weeks, and even months, there must be something serious going on. 

For one, serious mental health conditions can cause this feeling. If it’s the case, it can take a negative toll on our lives and how we connect with people around us.

Many types of therapy are available that can properly address different mental health disorders. Behaviors and habits can change with the right help. One of the most effective treatments is motivational enhancement therapy. 

Motivational enhancement therapy aims to change and refocus your motivations in life. Usually recommended to people facing substance abuse problems, this method is backed by numerous studies. 

Like most types of therapy, it begins with asking yourself questions that can address negative behaviors. Because it involves making conscious adjustments, it is a difficult process for most. Some even end up rejecting it. 

But then,  things can get better over time. The therapist is available to assist through the process. They can help assess and provide feedback on your actions while also preventing relapse. 

The best way to gain the desired results is to be open to the process. Although it may take hard work, it is essential to trust the therapists and the process. Gradually, as the therapy moves forward, it will help bring a new perspective. 

Want to know more about motivational enhancement therapy? Read on to learn if this type of treatment is suited for you. 

How does motivational enhancement therapy work?

Motivational enhancement therapy, also known as MET, is a treatment with a primary goal to change or motivate an individual from the name itself. It is primarily used in people with substance abuse disorders or behavioral problems. These people usually resist changes in their habits, lifestyles, and other things. MET is an approach used to overcome those disrupting their well-being.

Is motivational enhancement therapy the same as motivational interviewing?

One can say that motivational enhancement therapy and motivational interviewing are the same. Their main goal is to help addicts overcome and become motivated in behavioral changes.

However, the difference between the two relies on specificities. MI is often used in a general setting with general goals and is usually the first step taken when a patient wants to start motivational therapy. In contrast, MET is tailored to a more specific purpose.

Is motivational enhancement therapy evidence-based?

Yes, motivational enhancement therapy is evidence-based. This particular type of treatment is already backed up by numerous findings and researches, all of which are credible.

How do therapists motivate clients?

Therapists motivate clients through MET’s five principles: communicating with understanding, preventing arguments, neutralizing opposition, elaborating on contradiction, and encouraging ability. These five principles will bring out an individual’s strength to overcome difficulties in changes.

What type of therapy is motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is classified as psychotherapy. Specifically, an adjunct is usually used with cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is a client-centered approach, giving more importance to the individual and helping him/her resolve any change-driven problems he/she has.

What are the five stages of motivational interviewing?

The pre-contemplation stage, the first stage, is similar to a denial stage wherein patients are not ready to change yet. The second stage, the contemplation stage, serves as an assessment stage for patients to consider which behaviors or habits need changing. The third stage, called the preparation stage, allows the individuals to determine how they will change.

Next is the action stage, from the name itself, when they already work themselves out to change. Lastly, during the maintenance and relapse prevention stage, the therapist oversees the client’s progress.

What should you not do in motivational interviewing?

Whether you are undergoing motivational interviewing or you are the one doing the MI, remember not to use scare tactics, not to pressure yourself, and refrain from being biased or giving out your judgment, among many other things. It is vital that both the client and the therapist are comfortable and at ease with each other.

What is the rule in motivational interviewing?

RULE is an acronym for the four core principles of motivational interviewing. It stands for Resist the righting reflex, Understanding the patient’s motivation, Listening with empathy, and Empowering the patient. If you follow these RULE or core principles, instead, a successful MI is guaranteed.

What are the six stages of change?

The six stages of change follow the five motivational interviewing steps: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse prevention. The difference is that maintenance and relapse prevention are separated, making each one a different stage. So, therefore, change has six stages.

 How do you motivate physicians to improve compliance?

Improving compliance means improving patient care. To motivate physicians to improve compliance, one can start by removing any other administrative responsibilities or work so physicians can focus on working on their clients.

Other factors to consider are having them work with better technology and possibly more clinical staff. It is also essential to address any mood disorders if it starts affecting physicians due to various reasons.

 Why is behavior change so difficult?

Changing one’s behavior is difficult but not entirely impossible. One of the main reasons why many people tend to resist change is because they have been accustomed to one habit or lifestyle for so long that they see change as a potential threat or harm to what they are used to. The unfamiliarity change brings scares them.

 How do you influence and motivate others?

Using your voice to influence and motivate others should be put into fair use. To control and inspire other people, you should be able to empower them. Empowering others starts by empowering yourself first. Just like how loving others begin when you love yourself first.

It would be best if you also remembered to remain true to yourself. This way, your authenticity, and honesty will inspire others to follow you.

How do you motivate people in a team?

Motivating a team is more than just being their leader. As an efficient and effective leader, you must set a comfortable and safe space for every single one of your team members. It is crucial to building trust, loyalty, and understanding within the team. This way, you will be able to motivate and influence them better.

Do not forget to allow your teammates to have opportunities to grow and learn outside of the team.

What causes a lack of motivation?

Lack of motivation is almost always associated with psychological disorders, especially depression. However, there are other causes for it, such as lack of clarity, lack of goals, feeling overwhelmed, physical conditions, and disruptive habits such as alcohol drinking, to name a few.

 How do you improve morality?

Developing a strong morality is crucial as it guides us to give and have better judgments. Improving one’s character should always start from knowing what is right from wrong and what is good for you from what is not. It also involves having high self-awareness and self-management.

Changing your habits is always difficult but not entirely impossible. Since you have had these behaviors for a long time, you may tend to resist at first. You may also doubt and worry about your capacity to change. 

But have patience in yourself and recognize this discomfort. It may initially be a painful process, but it will get better. Rest assured that you will eventually enjoy the fruits of your hard work. 

Motivational enhancement therapy is for those dealing with substance abuse issues, lack of goals, and destructive behaviors. By working with a therapist, you can take action to commit to change. Eventually, you will feel more empowered and excited about the future.

The process will begin by being aware of the present problem and how it affects you. After which, it will be necessary to adjust your thoughts to facilitate change. Then, the therapist will constantly evaluate the progress as the treatment continues. 

It will be a long journey of ups and downs. Expect to encounter bumps along the way. But through therapy and the therapist’s help, you will be able to overcome these hard times. 

Right now, you may be feeling uninspired and demotivated. But with the right help and guidance, this too will pass. Have confidence in yourself that you can change for the better. 

Having issues in the family is a common thing; everyone goes through, but some families may need a little more help than others. The help we may need can differ from one family to the other, and sometimes it may be hard for us to admit that we need help, but accepting the fact that we need help is the first step to fully healing. I have here a few of the reasons why you should consider Family Counseling and I hope you find the answers you are looking for right here.

Continue reading “Family Needs Help”

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Over the years, biggest loser type competitions in the workplace have become increasingly popular. This is especially rampant during the holidays when people are immensely determined to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions.

If you are an employee thinking of joining a wellness challenge in your workplace, your short term goal would be to lose weight, while the long term goal would be to improve your overall health. However, in spite of its best intentions, these weight loss contests most likely don’t accomplish these important goals.

Once you’ve experienced participating challenges like this one, you will need to make a reflection of how it progressed and what you have to consider. Start with these questions:

• Were you and the other participants determined and unforced the whole time?
• Were there different types of employees who participated?
• How much did you participate?
• Did the participants become closer and was there less conflict of ideas at the end of the competition?

 

If you are the employer, on the other hand, and you are the one running the competition in the workplace to improve employee health, you might assume that those with smaller frames are healthier than those with larger frames.

But according to evidence-based research, anyone can be healthy regardless of how big or small they are. Additionally, intentional weight loss is frequently short-lived and can even lead to weight gain eventually. Finally, studies confirmed that weight loss contests typically focused on weight loss instead of health.

If you are planning to start a health and wellness drive through friendly competition, it is vital to first think about these before making a decision.

 

Will This Competition Foster Overall Health?

Rapid and intense dieting is not healthy at all. It is not an effective method and, not to mention the fact that it can increase one’s risk of developing physical and mental health conditions. Only healthy and positive behaviors contribute to permanent good health.

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Is It Rigid Or Flexible?

Achieving good health is a journey that is different from one individual to another. A specific method may work for a large-framed and active female but it may not work for a large-framed but slow-moving female. Create a drive or campaign that is not centered on only one set of individuals one that considers all types of employees.

 

Will The Competition Create A Positive Environment For Everyone?

If you are hell-bent on improving your company through employee engagement, it is crucial that your campaign is geared towards creating a friendly competitive environment where employees are happily fighting to win but at the same time working together to achieve the same goal of improving their health.

 

Ways To Integrate Health And Wellness Inclusively Among Employees

Consider these simple strategies to help you create a wellness challenge that is both workable and comprehensive.

• Offer Opportunities To Learn. Engage your employees in webinars or short courses that might help them learn more about health and wellness. Find speakers and coaches that align with your kind of business.

• Provide Appropriate Incentive. Providing incentives is a wise and generous move, but sometimes it can backfire if not done appropriately. If you want to give cash rewards or other incentives based on outcomes, you must remember to keep the playing field fair for everyone who would put in the effort to join the competition. It would be better to provide incentives based on outcomes versus engagement, with the goal to make the challenge inclusive.

• Seek Their Opinion. If you’re having trouble finalizing the competition or knowing what kind of challenge you want to start, why not ask the employees themselves? Form a health and wellness committee that is tasked to gather opinions and ideas. This allows for a more diverse competition that can improve participation.

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Conclusion

Keep in mind that health and wellness are not synonymous with weight loss. The focus must be placed on healthy behavioral patterns, commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and most of all, and inclusive environment. If you need help or if you do have fresh ideas, send us a comment or share your story here.

 

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Whether you’re a novice exerciser or a seasoned workout buff, it is almost always difficult to stick to one workout program. Just as the well-prepared plans are disrupted by life – family, work, illness, grief, bad moods – we don’t have control over everything, although we can sometimes increase the intensity of our exercises through more difficult challenges or obstacles.

If you’re one of the several people who have trouble following their workout schedules and programs, perhaps there is something you can do about it. Read on and find out the major reasons why you can’t stick to your workout program and how you can change it.

If someone or something interferes with your workout schedule, you complain bitterly until you’re able to find a way to sneak out for a quick fix on the treadmill. — Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D.

Your Schedule Does Not Fit Your Way Of Life.

One of the standard guidelines in regular exercise is that we have to do exercise four to five times a week for an hour or so. The problem is that a lot of us don’t have the time or energy to exercise one hour daily. So we tend to skip our programs rather than try to do what we can with the time that’s left because we think that we can’t catch up anymore and it would be a waste of time.

Before you get used to this thought pattern, change it. Make a more doable workout that you are sure you can do. You don’t have to follow the complicated routines if they’re only adding to your daily stresses. Do simple exercises that are equally strenuous but don’t require too much thinking.

Pushups, crunches, weight lifts, and lunges are some simple routines that you can perform first slowly and with shorter frequencies and then progressed eventually. And you don’t have to force yourself to do an hour. Start with 30 minutes. You’ll see. You can do this!

All you have to do is spend at least 5 minutes looking at snapshots of nature and greenery to potentially see a change in your stress levels. — Michelle Kukla, PsyD

You Don’t Like Your Program.

It’s easy to hate some of the exercises that are part of your program, but part of the solution to this is not changing the routines but adjusting your attitude towards them. Most people exercise to lose weight, but they find it hard to stick to the boring methods that are incorporated into the program. If you start with modifying your personality and the way you think, you’ll understand why these exercises were meant for you.

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However, after stretching your patience and trying your best to like your program but to no avail, you can ask for a new set of workout program, one that you are probably involved in creating because you know which routines will bore you to death and which ones will lead you to better progress. After a few months and you feel like you’ve gotten used to it, you can do more enjoyable activities in the middle, like badminton, running, or dancing.

 

Your Body Is In Pain.

When you’re in pain, and you’re getting through your daily chores and activities, it will be even harder to add exercise to the mix. If you’re experiencing pain from a headache, lower back injury, or sore muscles, you may be hesitant and scared to move or push yourself to exercise.

It is common to experience some muscle soreness after working out. Such pain, however, can be a sign of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). — Pirkko Markula Ph.D.

However, you must know that moving despite some conditions can help alleviate the pain. If formal exercise routines are still difficult to do, you can try to be creative as long as you keep moving.

This is not to say, though, that you will continue with the whole week doing nothing with the pain. You have to see your doctor and see if he has a concrete diagnosis for your problem. Sometimes, he does, and sometimes he doesn’t, but it’s always safe to have him check you up.

If the doctor tells you that it’s nothing more than a strain from your program, then you don’t have anything to worry about. Go ahead and continue with your workout but just go around with it and find ways to improvise.

Conclusion

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The key to health and wellness is consistency and commitment. Always try to incorporate any type of activity into your daily life no matter what it involves. If you’ve been exercising for quite some time and you abruptly stop, you’ll lose what you’ve gained in no time.

Remember to choose a workout program that fits your way of life so you won’t think of quitting something as crucial as taking care of your family – because being healthy is your gift of a happy life.

 

 

 

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You might think it’s easy for home-based moms to squeeze in exercise in their everyday routines. Well, think again.

In the middle of organizing and cleaning up the mess in the house, raising children, playing wife to their spouse, and working to earn online, you’d be surprised to realize that their plans of finally getting some cardio or any kind of exercise can be thrown away just like that.

If you’re feeling down and discouraged in your role as a stay-at-home mom (SAHM,) you’re not alone. For many women, these feelings can develop into full-blown clinical depression, with recent studies finding that SAHMs are more likely to be depressed than are mothers who work outside the home. — SETH J. GILLIHAN, PHD

As a fitness coach and a mom myself, I’ve worked with a lot of busy moms who were frustrated about how hectic their schedules can be and how much they want to sweat it out to release the stress and everything else with it.

So here’s a list of some of the tips I gave them. I’m giving them out to you so you’ll find the time and the tactics to spend a few minutes of your day to exercise and be healthy and happy.

Exercise And Taking Care Of The Kids Go Together

This may be difficult to do initially, but practicing your kids to be active and healthy is an important part of their growing up, so you’re hitting two birds here. Don’t pressure them, though. Let them think of exercise as an active play that’s equally fun and exciting. For example, you can start with lifting weights.

If you’re holding a 5-lb dumbbell, let your kids roll their socks and then copy your moves – up and down and sideways. You can also go biking with them in the neighborhood. This can be a form of physical as well as a social enhancement for them. Additionally, if you want them to learn some chores, you can teach them how to water the plants or weed the garden with you.

Have a list of “feel-good songs” you can play when low on energy or feeling stressed. Rock it out for a couple of minutes when you need to. — Michelle Kukla, PsyD

Make Your Activities Count

If you have been trying to fit exercise into your schedule today but wasn’t able to, don’t worry. Perhaps you need to go to the grocery store to shop; you can walk to the store so you’ll burn calories. In the evening, when you’re cooking for the family, you can do some squats while you’re waiting for the pasta sauce to boil or do burpees while the stew is simmering.

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Find the time to squeeze some quality exercises while you still can. Or after dinner, after washing the dishes, do some light pushups before finally heading to the shower. There’s always an opportunity when the day hasn’t ended yet.

Hire A Personal Coach If You Can Afford One

This is a smart move, especially if you can afford it. Hire a personal coach who can teach you and formulate a legit and formal workout program that you can work with him twice or thrice a week. Your coach can adjust to your schedule, and you wouldn’t have to go to him and leave your chores at home.

The exercises are those that are customized to fit your needs, your available equipment, and your goals. If you think it’s too heavy on the budget, perhaps you can invite a friend to work out with you so you can share the trainer’s fee.

If you’ve always had greater fat deposition in your thighs and legs, your goal is to optimize your nutrition and physical activity to keep them as toned and fit as possible. — PAMELA PEEKE, MD, FACP, MPH

Let Your Family Support You

Don’t forget about your family who loves you and wants what’s best for you. Take advantage of their presence to enjoy the perks of being physically active. You can ask your husband to watch the kids twice a week so you can do some serious cardio session.

If you want to go with your friends for a yoga or dance session, try asking grandma to cover for you. I’m sure she would love watching over her grandkids. Feel the perks of having family around!

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Final Thoughts

These are only a few of the many strategies you can do to incorporate health into your life as a home-based mom. Don’t be hindered by your chores as a mother and wife. Be active, happy, and healthy so you can live a good life with your family.

 

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Today, exercise is not just a luxury but also a necessity – even at the workplace. Engaging employees in a health and wellness program can be a great business strategy to get ahead of the competition on different levels. As an employee, I can attest to the many benefits of a wellness program, some of which are the following:

• Job satisfaction
• Enhanced employee performance
• Reduced costs
• Healthy living

A highly thriving company starts with the health and wellness of the employees within the organization. It is their enthusiasm, motivation, energy, and vigor that determine its success or failure.

Managers work longer hours than most other occupations, with around 45% of all managers working at least 45 hours a week. The average manager starts each Monday morning with a to-do list containing around 200 items. — Carl Beuke Ph.D.

Corporate well-being has transformed over the years. Business executives and supervisors now believe that starting wellness programs in the workplace is no longer a perk but must be considered an important aspect of an employee’s daily work schedule. Here’s a list of evidence-based trends that companies are now implementing for their employees.

Wellness As A Holistic Approach

Businesses who are committed to improving and making a difference in their employees’ health and overall wellness will want to embrace a more thorough approach. They would not only center the program on physical activity for weight loss or maintenance but also ensure that all areas of health and wellness are incorporated. To achieve this utmost level of well-being, research reveals eight equally codependent aspects of wellness, which are:

• Physical
• Mental
• Emotional
• Social
• Environmental
• Occupational
• Purposeful
• Financial

Revolutionary companies move past the narrow method and address the complete needs of the employee through a holistic program. This is because intelligent leaders know that employees with a healthy body and mind will also mean better business outcomes for them.

Addressing Stress Through Workshops

Working in finance, insurance, technology, stock exchange, or other similar businesses can be pretty stressful with limited resources for wellness. Workplace stress is a very common occurrence in employees who are especially determined to yield the best results for their companies and for themselves.

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If they don’t achieve this, they become unhappy, depressed, and unengaged. When the leaders in business companies realized this, they realized the importance of investing a holistic wellness approach for their employees, which was actually one of the best decisions they’ve ever made for their business.

It’s well established that both acute (short-duration) and chronic stress impacts the body. This can be observed in the release of stress hormones, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, increased muscle tension, and perspiration, among other effects. — Traci Stein, PhD, MPH

Occupational stress has reportedly cost over $300 billion yearly in turnover, medical costs, reduced productivity, and absenteeism, among others. Similarly, when an employee is present but underperforms, it can cost companies twice as much. Stress sucks the life of energy out of us. Through stress and resilience workshops can help deal with these negativities effectively.

To beat occupational stress, try out BetterHelp. This website handles all your problems with mental health such as stress and more.

Wellness Customized For Each Employee

What’s good for one employee may not do well for another employee, as there is no one-size-fits-all method in wellness. When you visit a doctor and given a diagnosis, the doctor doesn’t just give you the same medications as his last patient even if you may have the same condition. Why? You have different medical histories.

Wellness varies from employee to employee and each company’s vision, goals and culture are different. The organization needs to establish what wellness means before formulating a customized program that can best support and improve its employees. You may want to hire a wellness coach for this task.

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence

Business leaders are rapidly acknowledging EI or EQ as an important element in the success of their company. EQ training involves helping employees recognize and handle their emotions as well as others’ emotions with the goal of self-awareness and awareness of others’ feelings. It will also help them become better leaders and decision-makers.

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Intense emotions can be distressing and may interfere with our ability to carry out day-to-day activities and the way we interact with others. Therefore, it is important to know how to manage intense emotions. — Monica Lake, PsyD

Though on the outset, you won’t see why this has something to do with corporate wellness, internally you will soon discover as a leader that improving your employee’s EQ encourages them to come to work prepared and ready to hit their goal every day.

In the end, the presence or lack of a health and wellness program in the workplace will, in a major way, determine the performance of the employees. Advanced companies understand that corporate health and wellness and productivity are intricately linked and should be incorporated in any kind of business.