Year: 2018

Welcome to an automated future. Just this year, Amazon opened a totally cashier-less grocery store, the first of its kind. While Amazon certainly has no lack for employee talent with over 500,000 employees on the payroll, Amazon Go is a working experiment on the impact of automation on employment.

Automation Is The Future

Amazon’s grocery store gives us a glimpse into the future in which we see unmatched productivity and profit. Generally speaking, the more routine or predictable a job is, the higher the likelihood it has for robotic replacement. Nearly 50% of employers think that automation in their respective industries could cause a huge reduction of the human workforce by just 2020.

By 2030, the following industries and positions could see total automation:

• 4.6 million retail workers
• 4.3 million servers and cooks
• 3.8 million housekeepers and janitorial workers
• 2.4 million warehouse workers, laborers, and movers

Are Employees At Risk From Automation?

Thriving under conditions of predictable behaviors and physical movement, it’s the commonplace jobs that are most at risk. Workers whose jobs could be completely replaced within just a decade or two include positions from retail to housekeeping and even office jobs.

Nearly 20% of what we do during our day could become obsolete, thanks to automation. So, how do we make sure our responsibilities are robot-proof?

While 37% of people are worried about automation putting their jobs at risk, 73% also say that technology can never replace the human mind. What makes automation truly powerful is when it gives us humans the chance to free up our creative energies from predictable yet time-consuming tasks.

What results is disagreeing experts on the true impact of automation on employment. One study has shown that less than 5% of occupations can become fully automated. It is instead the restructuring of jobs, responsibilities, and tasks that’s the likely outcome of automation, rather than full submission to robot workers.

Work with the lowest potential for automation include:

• In-person customer service positions
• Planning and creative work
• Management positions and development roles

How Can You Prevent Automation From Taking Over Your Career?

Today, robots are unable to replicate human emotions, creativity, and experiences, which is a good thing. When we can rely on automation to manage mundane work, we can focus our energies away from time-consuming tasks. We can do the work that really influences growth and change.

In business, soft skills show up in:

• Emotional intelligence – empathy, curiosity, nurturing
• Creativity – unique problem solving skills, attention to detail, artistic thought
• Leadership – motivating others, guidance, and emotional understanding

Going forward, honing these soft skills will be more important than ever as they make us an asset. This competitive edge in the face of automation can not only help save our jobs, but help us move on up to more meaningful and impactful work. Thanks to a reliance on skills like these, the prospect of automation in select industries remains low and with very little prospect of growth.

• Medical field work – physicians and surgeons show .4% potential for automation and dentists and occupational therapists at .3%
• Education – special-ed teachers and middle school teacher show 1.6% potential for automation, preschool teachers show .7%, and elementary school teachers just .4%.
• Technology field work – software developers have 4.2% potential of automation, mechanical engineers at 1.1%
• Computer systems analysts .6%.

Though not all of us work in the medical or technology fields, we can learn lessons from then on what makes them so irreplaceable. Technical know-how aside, it’s the human touch that makes these human positions indispensable. We can apply that very same principle to our own work, whatever that may be.

Consider bolstering your own position at work now to prepare for the future

35% of Americans have changed jobs in the last three years and 14% of workers worldwide need to be retrained. Don’t be afraid to pivot careers if necessary. Many employers offer educational tools and courses from Microsoft Word primers all the way to blockchain crash courses. No matter where you are in your career, it never hurts to work on your knowledge.

The future may be robotic, but human skills will become a powerful asset. Ready to robot-proof your career? Start from within by developing your soft skills detailed in this infographic below.

Source: Online Bachelor Degrees

The post Can You Robot-Proof Your Career? appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

The holidays are such a joyful time. People are more giving, family and friends are throwing parties, and everyone is merry. But it’s also a time when people are more distracted — and criminals are ready to take advantage.

Here are 10 ways you can detect and avoid holiday scams.

Holiday Phishing

Pay attention to the emails you receive from major businesses like FedEx, Apple or Amazon. Avoid clicking on any links or attachments in the email until you confirm they are not sent from a malicious source. Scammers send these emails hoping you’ll click automatically, unaware that the contents are designed to steal important personal information.

Avoid It: You can sniff out scam emails by watching for things like typos, grammatical errors or addresses that don’t match the reputable site. Always have updated antivirus software running on your computer to avoid this scam.

Fake Charities

People are in the spirit of helping others in this season. With that, beware of false charities asking for donations. People can easily make up fliers with phony websites for donations or ask you to donate on the street.

Avoid It: Always review the details of the charity and how the funds will be used. If you’re concerned about donating online, verify the charity at Give.org.

Travel Scams

It’s tempting to grab an online discount for travel to an exotic location this time of year, but don’t purchase before doing some investigation first. Online scammers will promise you a bargain, but your dream vacation could end up being an expensive mistake if you’re not careful.

Avoid It: Ask for references from companies promising you the deal and never wire money to someone you don’t know. Also, research the company online and look for reviews from multiple reviewers over the past several months.

Taxi Tricks

There are many travelers during this season and taxi drivers know that sometimes, people are desperate to get to their destination. Some taxi drivers will put fees on your fare before you leave the airport or they’ll take you on a longer route home to incur higher pay.

Avoid It: If you’re traveling over the holidays and will be taking a taxi, review your routes to your hotel before you leave. That way you can identify if you’re being scammed.

Loan Frauds

During the Christmas season, people want to have a good time. And those who can’t afford a Christmas vacation or expensive gifts may consider taking loans.

While there are legitimate sites that help people find loans, there are also scam lenders that take advantage of unsuspecting people. Scammers go so far as to pose as brokers offering credit help to people by taking their money or bank details to set up the loan.

Avoid It: If you’re worried about getting ripped off, go to a brick-and-mortar loan center in your city to avoid the risk.

Package Poaching

Online shopping offers a convenient and fast way to shop for the holidays. You can buy for all of your friends and family from the convenience of your own home and the packages will arrive at your doorstep.

Unfortunately, you aren’t the only one waiting for your package to arrive. Criminals eagerly wait so they can steal your packages.

Avoid It: If you can, arrange for someone to be home on the delivery date to pick up your package quickly. You can also install a doorbell camera to detect or identify people stealing from your porch.

Holiday E-cards

We’ve all received cute e-greeting cards in our inbox from friends or co-workers, but not all e-cards are the same. Fake e-cards sent to your email could contain triggered viruses or malware, infecting your system and stealing your personal information.

Avoid It: Some e-cards can be easily identified by antivirus software, but not all. So, avoid clicking on any e-cards as a precaution. You can also call the sender to verify whether they actually sent the card.

Free Gift Cards

A common scam around the holiday season involves large discounts on gift cards or vouchers. These deals may appear on social media or via spam phone calls. You engage with the offer to get a $100 gift card for half the price, and hackers gain enough access to your personal information to raid your bank account.

Avoid It: Check the offer before clicking on the purchase option. Email addresses may look legit, but there is often an extra letter in the site address, indicating it’s a fraudulent site. Running a quick Google search on the deal can also help you detect potential hoaxes.

Counterfeit Goods

We’ve all seen fake goods for sale before- name-brand watches, handbags, and electronics appear during the holidays at great prices. When you see prices that are too good to be true, trust your gut. Second-hand sites, such as eBay, have lots of cheap products listed this time of year and many are scams.

Avoid It: When you see a name brand item listed at an absurdly low price, it’s best to skip the deal.

Santa Letters

Scammers deliver fake offers in many different ways during the holidays. If you receive an email that’s advertising letters from Santa, be sure you review the email closely. These emails promise you a customized letter to your child from Santa that never arrives. These sites steal your information, your $20 payment or both.

Avoid It: Write these letters yourself and avoid this scam, or ask a friend to help with the print so your kids can’t tell it was written by you.

Conclusion

By being aware and by following these tips, you can lower the risk of falling prey to holiday scams. If you encounter any of them, review your financial statements, dispute any unrecognized charges, and report any identity theft you find ASAP.

The post 10 Holiday Scams and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

After sending out inspiring Christmas quotes, follow up with our new collection of motivational Happy New Year quotes. Post them on your social media and inspire all your friends and followers too!

And if one quote or saying resonates with you, own it! Start the year with the right mindset. Print out your favorite saying of the bunch or make it into your wallpaper. Put it up where you’re guaranteed to always be looking at it so you’ll never forget.

It’s a new year, friends! It’s another 364 days of exciting opportunities and chances! Happy New Year!

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals. – Melody Beattie

And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. – Rainer Maria Rilke

There are greater things to be achieved in every New Year, and each and everyone must prepare themselves to be great, not by words of the mouth, but by a lot of sacrifices. – Michael Bassey Johnson

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – C.S. Lewis

Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. – Michael Josephson

This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change. – Taylor Swift

Like what you see? See more New Year Quotes.

New is the year, new are the hopes, new is the resolution, new are the spirits, and new are my warm wishes just for you. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. – Edith Lovejoy Pierce

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. – Bill Vaughan

Happy New Year to you! Wish this year brings to the warmth of love and illuminates your path of life towards a positive direction.

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. – Chinese Proverb

A new year brings not only happiness, it makes us happy with a hope to fulfill our dreamz or a new beginning of our life. So, a new year is very special to everyone. – Santonu Kumar Dhar

Visit SayingImages.com for more Inspiring New Year greetings, messages and images.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

The post Most Powerful New Year Quotes to Motivate Anyone for a Fresh New Beginning in 2019 appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

Honestly, do you still remember the new year’s resolutions you set at the beginning of this year? How are you faring in them right now?

If you’re like most people, chances are you’ve long abandoned those goals. Some of you may not even recall the goals you have set and that’s really unfortunate.

Goal setting works and it has never failed anyone. The only reason why goals would stop working is because the person who has set them chose to give up on them mid-way.

The post 9 Immediate Tips To Stay Focused on Your Goals appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

Hi, my name is Lou and I want to talk to you about something that is really important to me and hopefully, to you as well.

What is up with men’s health? Why is it that in a country with the best health care in the world, we have so many unhealthy men? And the problem gets worse as we age.

Men who are 50+ are the worst offenders. Just when they have the time to enjoy their lives, travel with their spouses or partners, enjoy their grandkids, and take time for hobbies, everything goes down the drain. They become sedentary and they start neglecting their health. As a result, men die younger than women and experience more chronic diseases.

I work in the health care field and with so many men out of shape and in poor health, especially after 50, I wanted to know what made the healthy ones tick.

How did they stay focused with all of the complexities of their lives and still find time to take care of themselves?

Well, that was the question I really wanted to have an answer to. So, I designed a survey asking 1000 healthy living men across the nation about what motivated them to carry on.

The answers across the board were the very same things that we all find important — their wives, partners, spouses, kids, grandkids, friends, hobbies, and careers. As it turns out, our social connections are what motivate us to care about our health and take the necessary steps to get and stay healthy.

This discovery inspired me to write a book about men’s health and social motivation. In my book, Crack the Code, I give you 10 strategies to help you both understand and use your own social connections to achieve your goals, both in health and in life.

Create Your Vision

Once you acknowledge your current state, you can consider where you want to be. Goal setting is the first step in translating your social vision into concrete, measurable actions that will form sustainable inspiration.

Build Your Strategy

Your implementation strategy, what I characterize in the question: “How are you going to get there?” is where the rubber meets the road. It’s your daily, weekly, monthly, and annual action plan which fuels your inspiration and implements your plan.

Create Your Personal Lifestyle Network

Partnerships and social engagement are a common theme among men who live healthily. This strategy guides you in the development of your own social network.

Design A Sustainability Plan

Contingency planning is common in business and life. It should also be part of your personal health behavior. Consider this for your lifestyle design.

Leverage Micro Motivators

While your lifestyle design appropriately starts with the consideration of your biggest, or macro, values, and priorities, your micro motivators are what serve as the support structure in the practical details of your daily routines. I’ll offer several perspectives on identifying micro-sources of inspiration.

Diversify

Just like your financial portfolio, a diversity of social and behavioral tactics adds strength and security to your lifestyle architecture.

Be Optimistic

There is a link between optimism and good health. I’ll explain the value of optimism and show you how you can learn to be optimistic.

Adjust

Life is not a stagnant proposition. Circumstances, values, and behaviors can and sometimes need to change, particularly as you age. Adjusting to new ideas and circumstances is a key factor in your design.

Be A Hero

Knowing that we can influence the behavior of others through our actions, whether they are our 50+ brothers or the next generation of men, can be a powerful motivator. So, get out there, make your plan, and live your healthy life!

The post 9 Proven Secrets and Health Tips for Men Over 50 appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you feel like your life has become stagnant and nothing seems to be working out? You are not able to create anything you’d like to accomplish and just feel absolutely useless?

Yes! I am talking about that self-appreciation phase where you love the concept of self-doubt and self-loathing. Well, one thing is for sure, you are not alone.

Around two years back, I met these super talented bunch of musicians when I joined my new school who I now refer to as my friends. Initially, I was absolutely in awe of each one of them. The fact that I am a self-entitled car singer might have had a small role to play. Well, just a tiny one.

We used to sit in a group and have our own little concert. And it was so much fun until… it wasn’t!

On one hand, I was having a Gala time and on the flip side, I was questioning myself. And believe me, these weren’t the questions that would’ve brought me any awareness. They were full of self-doubt, judgment, and conclusion — and not a very good one at that.

I was doing the job of being a teenager very well.

I used to ask myself one question:

What is my talent?

It seemed like a question, but it wasn’t. It was a judgmental statement about myself with a question mark at the end to help myself feel better about introspecting rather than concluding. Since that wasn’t enough to satisfy the quota of self-deprecation, I added a more fixed point of views to it.

I concluded that particular talent is only a talent when it can be shown to other people.

After a couple of days, I decided that I’ve had enough of this crappy feeling and I wasn’t going to choose it anymore! So, I looked for the answers from people who knew me. Obviously, people knew me better than I knew myself.

After getting answers like you’re good at art, speaking, giving advice, I finally did what I should’ve done since the beginning. I asked myself what talents I have that I have not acknowledged yet. I wondered what secret hidden talents I have that I’m not even aware of.

We often come across self-reflection questions like “What is the purpose of our life?”, “What am I good at?” or “What is my worth?”

When that happens to you, consider the following tips:

1) Ask And Introspect

Instead of going through all the process that I went through, please choose to ask yourself questions because no one knows you better than you. Just asking a simple question can give you an awareness or an insight. Personally, what I used to do was ask a question with an expected outcome or conclusion.

Moreover, it does not always show up the way you expect it to. Don’t run away when it doesn’t look like the way you imagined it to be.

2) Acknowledge And Be Grateful

Most of the time, we don’t acknowledge the changes that we’ve created in our lives. Why?

You would know if this applies to you. However, let me tell you how one of my favorite people in the world taught me what acknowledgment does.

It truly opens the space of gratefulness for our capacities and eliminates the space of judgment for ourselves. The fun fact is that we don’t always choose gratefulness.

Is now the time for you to acknowledge and be grateful for yourself?

If yes, please take out a few minutes of your day to acknowledge the things in your life. One of the most recommended ways to practice this is to maintain a gratitude journal. If keeping one seems like a pain in the neck, write your thoughts anywhere. If you don’t have the time to note them down, just tell yourself mentally.

3) Have Fun

Last but not the least, don’t expect too much out of yourself. Try out new things and enjoy them. I know that sounds tough but it isn’t!

How much fun can you have?

The post Self Reflection Questions for When You Need A Moment of Clarity appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

Lack of sleep is hazardous to your physical and mental health. It’s connected to a variety of health-related risks, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and car accidents.

Even though adults generally need at least seven hours of sleep each night, many Americans sleep for a shorter amount of time. The reasons are varied and include certain medical conditions, a high workload, elevated levels of stress, and a lack of effective sleep habits or strategies.

In many cases, using effective sleep strategies can improve the chances of falling asleep on time and enjoying a full night of rest. What are some of the hacks for better sleep you can try?

Follow a Bedtime Routine

Bedtime routines aren’t just for kids. Adults benefit from sticking to a set of habits that will help ease them from wakefulness to sleep. Over time, these habits become a signal to the brain and body that you’re ready to turn in.

What might your bedtime routine look like?

• Try to prepare for sleep at roughly the same time each day
• Switch from alert mode to bedtime mode by turning off lights or relying on gentle lighting, such as a bedside lamp.
• Enjoy a relaxing activity. Some examples are taking a warm shower, listening to calm music, and reading in bed, assuming that what you’re reading isn’t disturbing, horrifying, or highly suspenseful.
• From about an hour before your bedtime, try to stay away from screens, particularly your smartphone or computer. If you absolutely need to check your phone, make an effort to avoid social media platforms or other sites that can suck you in and possibly make you angry or stressed out.

Watch What You Eat or Drink

Try not to drink anything caffeinated for about four to six hours before you plan on going to sleep. Food or drinks that are high in sugar can also keep you up and perhaps trigger cravings in the middle of the night.

If you think that hunger will disrupt your sleep, you can enjoy a snack before bedtime. It can be a piece of fruit or a slice of bread with some peanut butter. A heavy meal, however, may lead to acid reflux.

Regulate the Lighting in Your Home

Even in the middle of the night, light may be streaming through your windows from streetlights, passing cars, and nearby houses or commercial buildings. Wearing a comfortable eye mask and hanging up blackout curtains are two strategies for keeping your sleep environment darker.

The type of light you’re exposed to can also affect the quality of your sleep. Light that’s rich in shorter wavelengths is thought to be especially disruptive before your bedtime. This blue light may lead to lower melatonin levels. It can come from your tablet devices, smartphones, TVs, and LED lights.

Along with avoiding heavy screen use before bed, one solution is to install tunable LED lighting. It’ll allow you to change the color composition of the light whenever you want.

Regulate Your Bedroom Temperature

If your room is too cold or too hot and stuffy, you’ll probably struggle to sleep well. Air conditioning, fans, or leaving the window open a crack can help.

Check that you aren’t burying yourself under unnecessarily thick blankets or too many layers. Another solution is to use thermal curtains, which can help you save on energy costs while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.

Engage in Meditation

Calming your mind is one of the best ways to fall asleep. If you want to try meditation, there are a variety of techniques or practices that may prove useful to you.

Yoga Nidra, which you can perform while lying on your back, can bring deep relaxation to your body and possibly offer other health benefits. Basic breathing exercises also help with stress relief and sleep.

Another solution is to focus on calming visual imagery. For example, you can picture yourself on a quiet beach or on a bench in a peaceful garden.

Pick a Good Mattress

A mattress suited to your individual needs can prevent recurrent pain, discomfort, and interrupted sleep. Rely on reputable buying guides to help you with your selection.

See Also: 10 Easy Steps To Buying A New Mattress

Cut Down on Noise

Car alarms and loud neighbors are among the noise sources that can wreck your attempts at sleep. Some people find earplugs helpful or they use noise-canceling earbuds, headphones or headbands.

Machines that generate white noise may also be helpful. Another strategy is to hang an acoustic blanket over a window or shared wall to serve as a noise absorber.

Try Sleep Supplements

Before taking any supplements, it’s important to talk to your doctor. You need to check that the dose is healthy and that the supplement isn’t likely to interfere with any medications you’re taking. Two examples of sleep supplements that may be effective are melatonin and valerian.

Monitor Your Sleep With an App

Some people find apps useful in assessing the quality of their sleep. For example, Sleep Cycle will track the phases of your sleep and reportedly wake you up in the morning in a way that makes it easier for you to get out of bed.

Before using a sleep app, make sure you understand the limits of what it can do. The claims that an app company makes may not be backed by substantive scientific research, and apps don’t always collect accurate data.

What Works for You?

If none of the strategies here are working for you or if you have reason to suspect that a medical problem is disrupting your sleep, you should turn to a doctor for additional advice.

In general, you’ll find that building healthy habits in other areas of your life can improve the quality of your sleep. If you’re enjoying a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and finding beneficial ways to relieve stress, you’ll likely have an easier time sleeping.

That said, are there any strategies you’re using for a more restful night and an easier time falling asleep? Feel free to share your tips.

The post 9 Sleep Hacks to Elevate Your Mood and Improve Your Health appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

Back in 2012, positive drug test rates among American employees were just under 5%, hitting a 30-year low. Today, 88% of employers conduct drug testing at any point in the tenure of their employees. And as marijuana legalization continues to move forward, more employers are considering it critical for their business and employees. However, there are few business owners who are considering in eliminating it.

The Upside To Drug Testing

Workplaces that practice regular drug testing enjoy improved morale, communication, and safety. There’s also reduced employee turnover and lowered insurance costs. Employees have minimal chances of getting injured because of a mistake from an impaired co-worker. That eliminates insurance claims that could skyrocket all of their premiums as a result.

• 83% of employers consider marijuana use as a cause for poor-quality new hires and job candidates
• 86% are concerned about marijuana making its way into the workplace
• 86% worry that further legalization can boost office operating costs from workers comp claims and higher health insurance costs, even potential litigation issues from legal uncertainty

Limits To Workplace Drug Testing

Workplace drug testing isn’t here to fight the war on drugs. Instead, it works only to cultivate and maintain a healthy and safe work environment. Unfortunately, drug testing alone still doesn’t guarantee this.

As of 2004, one in six companies has actually admitted to the use of samples to assess new hires for genetic factors without the candidates knowing it. Today, employees are protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and in most states, it is illegal for employers to run genetic testing on employees.

Legally, all drug test results are protected health information and must be kept confidential. With that, employers may not share this information or any other medical information this test may reveal. However, employers do reserve the right to perform a drug test under certain conditions and it’s very likely that your own company operates under one of the following policies:

• Upon hiring, employers may do a drug test before taking on a new employee, but must also test every incoming employee
• Under reasonable suspicion that is based on facts, not speculation
• After an accident but policies cannot discourage reporting
• Randomly, but accompanied with a prior notice

Many workers are unfortunately reluctant to participate in drug testing. Taking it as a hint their employer don’t have trust in them, they consider it an invasion of privacy or out of concerns for misuse of a test material. Even workers who know they will pass still may feel uneasy.

Drug Testing Isn’t Foolproof

From an employee’s perspective, it is well within their rights to refuse a drug test, though this is unlikely to be in their best interest. Refusing a drug test leads to the risk of an employee being terminated and losing any claim for unemployment benefits.

The key is to not refuse a drug test and instead, understand the rights associated with such tests. In fact, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects employees who request leave time in order to enter rehab before submitting to and failing a drug test.

To get through a drug test as painlessly as possible, be sure to disclose any medications you’re taking before submitting to a drug test. Be aware that certain foods and supplements may trigger a false positive:

• CBD oil does not contain enough THC to get you high, but it could show up on a drug test
• Skip the poppy seed muffins on test day; though they may trigger a false positive, the effects of this only last less than a day
• Certain antihistamines, pain relievers, and decongestants may lead to a false positive as well

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) steps in when it comes to prescriptions showing up on drug tests, protecting the confidentiality and health of employees. Prescriptions like anti-depressants and stimulants may show up on a drug test and even possibly trigger a false positive. Prior disclosure of these medication can avoid this.

After verifying your legitimate prescription, these medications will neither trigger a positive result or even show up on the screening, protecting your rights and privacy.

Changing Marijuana Laws Muddle The Issue

In 2017, a Massachusetts court ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals using medical marijuana from termination if that termination was solely based on marijuana usage. Limitations of ADA protection exists, however, only in areas of work performance and safety.

• Employees must be a able to perform tasks, responsibilities, and essential job functions with reasonable accommodations
• The side effects of medications or conditions must not pose a safety risk to oneself or others in the workplace

Drug testing is only as effective as the policies behind it. Understanding your rights as an employee and an employer ensure that due diligence is done to maintain legality, privacy, and safety of all parties involved.

Infographic by US Drug Test Centers

The post Is Workplace Drug Testing Changing? appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

The most critical and challenging period of addiction recovery, according to the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, is the first 90 days.

It is during this period that a newly recovering addict is overwhelmed with rebuilding his life from the ground up. This includes facing disregarded responsibilities, fears, and emotions from the past. The pressure and the anxiety from these overwhelming tasks often make the recovering patient susceptible to relapse, thus requires the most help.

The first few days of addiction recovery are also quite challenging because the individual is now far from the sympathetic and familiar environment of his alcohol rehab facility. This kind of situation breeds a misconception that by simply taking away drugs and alcohol from the recovering addict, sobriety can be maintained for a long time.

Though it is important to create a temptation-free environment, it is just one of the many steps toward sobriety. Substance abuse is actually one of the symptoms of a more complicated problem. Without treatment and support to resolve the root causes of the abuse, all efforts towards recovery will be in vain.

To ensure proper coping and remain 90 days sober, these proven and tested tips can be used as a guide.

Draft a schedule for yourself

In a drug or alcohol rehab facility, everything is scheduled and structured. From meal times, leisure activities to counseling sessions, everything is based on a specific schedule. It will be very easy to fall into your old patterns and routines if your day is not planned.

To stay sober, it is best to create a structure in your day. This task may be daunting at first but will prove very beneficial later on.

Keep your schedule simple. Never take the word “structured” to also mean “busy.” It simply means your day is planned. Also, in writing your to-do lists, make sure to set realistic ones. Unrealistic to-do lists only lead to stress, negative thoughts, and failure.

Never set yourself up for failure. Instead, prioritize by choosing the 3 most important tasks per day. By choosing a small number of daily tasks, you can focus your effort in accomplishing them.

Make sure to attend recovery meetings and to surround yourself with supportive people

According to Dr. Rudolf H. Moos, Ph.D. and Dr. Christine Timko, Ph. D., authors of the book Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment, it is through attending recovery meetings that you get to build yourself a supportive network. So, make sure to never miss one.

Take note of that unwritten rule “90 in 90,” which means to attend 90 meetings in 90 days at the start of the recovery. The ratio behind this unwritten rule is that the first 90 days is the most challenging for every recovering addict. This is the time that he needs support to maintain his recovery.

If you can’t complete these 90 meetings in 90 days, don’t worry. The goal here is to attend as many meetings as you can. Also, remember that it will take some time before you can emotionally connect with others in the meeting. Take your time to feel comfortable with the group.

Apart from that, you can talk to family and friends who are supportive of your sobriety goal. The support that they can give you will greatly help you bear the burden of recovery.

Take care of yourself

According to a study conducted by the National Offender Management Service in 2011, self-care is the number one priority on your path toward recovery.

Start a healthy eating habit and also encourage yourself to sleep 8 to 9 hours a night. Remember that relapse is triggered by hunger and tiredness, so keep yourself nourished and well-rested.

A very good practice is to make a meal plan and prepare it ahead of time. Store healthy snacks and meals in your refrigerator so that you can just grab a bite when you’re famished.

Also, make sure to take care of your hygiene while making sure you are spiritually and emotionally well and away from abusive substances.

Set short-term and long-term goals

Though it is good to take one day at a time, it is also beneficial to set realistic short-term and long-term goals for yourself. These goals help create hope and also build excitement as to what good will happen next if you commit yourself to them.

You can start with a goal like staying sober for 30 days. Then, make it 60 days, and so on. These are simple yet worthwhile goals that will give you a sense of satisfaction every time you achieve it.

On the other hand, it is also good if you can set a goal for something that you have long been wanting to do but cannot because you were addicted. Save money for that holiday trip you have longed dreamed of. Save up for a dream vacation as a gift for yourself on your 1st sobriety anniversary.

Develop an attitude of gratitude

In all these, always count your blessings than your miseries. Each moment in the addiction recovery is something that you should be grateful for. It is helpful to keep a “Gratitude Journal” where you write all the things that you are thankful for every day.

See Also: Why You Should Keep Your Journal Positive

Keeping in mind and practicing these strategies will help you manage your recovery journey well. If you’re suffering from relapse or if you need help in searching for a drug or alcohol rehab facility, seek help from an addiction specialist immediately. Reclaim your life today!

The post How to Cope with The First 90 Days of Addiction Recovery appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

Have you ever heard that you need to exercise your mind as well as your body?

Play is an important part of human development, but adults are notoriously bad at making time for it. Finding time to relax is important to our health and even our sanity.

Lucky for us, board games have been shown to reduce stress and have a myriad of unexpected benefits.

Some board games, like Nine Men’s Morris, are so old that experts aren’t even sure where or when people started playing them. From peasants to pharaohs, people have been playing board games for nearly 5,000 years.

Here’s why you should carry on the tradition:

Deepen relationships with family and friends

You might have some difficulty convincing your in-laws to play Rock Band with you, but what about a game of Smess?

Board games are a method of play that spans generations. In an age when face-to-face communication is increasingly rare, board games demand engagement and attentiveness.

People crave connection. There’s a reason that board game cafes are growing in popularity. Cooperation and competition, sometimes at the same time, are vital to forming relationships.

Coincidentally, cooperation and competition are also the founding principles of board games around the world.

Improve logic, memory, and creativity

The very best board games combine luck and skill in a way that demands creativity, logic, and attention to detail.

As Einstein once said, “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.”

And playing better than anyone else takes constant planning.

When should you cooperate with your opponents? Should you move 11 spaces or twelve? Should you give up one piece to gain two back later?

Your brain is just another part of your body. When you exercise it, it gets stronger.

Reduce the risk of cognitive decline

A mentally active lifestyle has been shown to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Stephen Hawking once went as far as attributing his survival to keeping an active mind.

Crosswords or Sudoku are mental exercises, but board games have the added benefit of being social. Loneliness is common among seniors and social isolation has been linked to cognitive decline and the development of long-term illnesses.

A game that blends fun and strategy, like Yahtzee or Catan, is a great way to keep your mind (and hands) nimble.

Learn to win—and lose—with grace

Board games allow us to deal with conflict in a controlled environment. They’re basically harmless, miniature power struggles. This is especially helpful for children (or the uber-competitive), as they often need to be taught that losing isn’t the end of the world.

Failure is unavoidable, so don’t just let your kids win. Incorporating games with a component of luck levels the playing field between players of different ages. Playing a completely luck-based game like Chutes and Ladders might even give parents the opportunity to demonstrate how to lose gracefully.

Another option is to play a cooperative game like 5 Minute Dungeon. In a cooperative game, everyone works together, so everyone can share in the high of victory.

Conclusion

Board games are a perfect way to show adults and children alike that failure is inevitable but also temporary. If you lose, there’s always another round to be played.

To some, idle play might seem like a waste of time, but board games are anything but that. They have many benefits, from reducing stress to teaching vital negotiation skills and much more. So, when you’re trying to convince your friends to come over for a wild night of board games, just tell them it’s for their own good.

See Also: 10 Tips to Develop Both Sides of Your Brain

The post 4 Unexpected Ways Playing Board Games Can Improve Your Well-Being appeared first on Dumb Little Man.