Written by: ublossom.weblossom When feelings of overwhelm take over and you begin to feel in a low mood, you will know from past experiences it’s time to act. The solution for bouncing back can be different depending on the situation. ublossom.weblossom would like to share the following Top Tips below in helping you remain calm and optimistic when you are in a time of uncertainty, confusion and overwhelm. 1. Speak to someone you trust or someone neutral, who is removed from the situation Expressing your feelings of overwhelm and low mood are so often underestimated when it comes to the power of talking. In essence, you are letting go of those feeling that are temporarily overpowering. It can be great to get someone else’s opinion if that’s what you wish or alternatively it’s great to speak out aloud what is bothering you or not quite making sense at that point in time. You will feel an instant sense of relief and sometimes calmer that things may not actually be as bad as you initially thought. Speaking to someone you trust can be comforting as well as speaking to someone neutral where you will be given that non-judgemental space to express. A gentle reminder that it’s ok to feel low or overwhelmed, we are humans and situations arise where sometimes it’s normal to sit in various emotions for a while and that in turn gives you the drive to improve or change it. We shouldn’t make ourselves feel guilty for feeling hurt, sad or any other emotion. 2. Be aware of what your internal self-talk is like? How are you speaking to yourself? Recognising that internal voice and your mannerism with yourself is all so important when you aren’t feeling your best. Are you being unkind or too hard on yourself? If so, the first step is always self-awareness. If you have recognised that you are speaking to yourself in this way, then you should recognise this and congratulate yourself, because now you have the power to improve the situation. In addition, if you hear your friend speaking about themselves like this to you, how would you guide them? A reminder that we are often much harder on ourselves and that it’s important to show self-compassion to oneself. 3. Take an intentional break guilt-free Taking some time out works very well in creating some space to reflect and gather your thoughts. Remaining in the situation or environment just adds more stress on top of what you are already experiencing. By blocking time out of your day to have time in nature, meet a friend, visit a museum as some examples is a wonderful way of resetting and returning feeling fresh. When you give yourself permission in your day to do this for yourself, it’s more powerful, enjoyable and you will feel more present. This is because you have intentionally made time for this. 4. Mediate even if for 5 minutes a day or when feeling overwhelmed Many of you may already practice meditation and this is an incredible daily practice to follow. There are some great apps, courses and videos available. However, you can even do this completely by yourself, closing your eyes and really focusing on your breath as you inhale and exhale, counting as you do it. Meditation does not only consist of closing your eyes and breathing, but you can also feel at one with yourself and life by being in nature, watching the birds, getting lost in a book, really listening to a loved one. Have a go and see what works for you. 5. Scribing your feelings in a journal or notepad We all have different ways of learning and expressing ourselves. Another valuable way when feeling overwhelmed is to write your emotions and feelings down in a book. By writing freely, honestly and in flow by being true yourself with your emotions is liberating. This is a private space for yourself and your thoughts and will immediately make you feel lighter. You may wish to read this when feeling stronger or appreciate it was an outlet to support you in collating your thoughts in an effective way. Your wellbeing should always be the number one priority in your day. Taking care of yourself in a holistic way can give you that consistent drive to deliver so much more in all areas of your life with more focus and clarity. The tips highlighted above are intentionally simple in supporting you to access ideas easily and to make them part of your daily routine. For more information please visit: www.ublossomweblossom.com Follow: @amritdhanoa_coaching @gidhanoa

Written by: Amy Lynn Durham, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Job satisfaction is 35% higher under wise leaders, 34% higher under compassionate leaders and 85% higher under leaders who are BOTH wise and compassionate. Burnout is 25% lower under wise leaders, 22% lower under compassionate leaders, and 64% lower under leaders who are BOTH wise and compassionate. (From the Association for Talent Development and Harvard Business Review). This is great news! Now, more than ever, clients and organizations are stepping up and asking for actionable ways to ensure that they are wise and compassionate leaders. Can you become a leader who leads with wisdom and compassion? A wise leader is self-aware, empowers others, and makes decisions for the good of all. A compassionate leader is sensitive to the emotional aspects and possible suffering of others. This is what is going to differentiate you and your organization as leaders. You get to have both! You get to have humanity, and you get to have those feel-good feelings within yourself and within your teams, while being even more profitable and productive. Here are some suggestions to practice being a wise and compassionate leader. 1. Release Control Start by recognizing that others may take a different journey to get to the same result(s). More and more leaders are placing higher levels of trust in their teams than they have in the past. Leaders are required to relinquish control a great deal more because the pace of business and technology moves so fast. Often, we have to trust the people on our team to make the right decisions without us. There isn’t time to micromanage every step a team member takes or control all of the decisions. Take a moment to reflect on how you operate at work. Are there one or two things that you might be overly controlling? For example, are you stepping in to do someone else's work because you think that you can just get it done faster? Or, are you empowering your team to find their own way which opens up space for innovation and creativity? 2. Set Proper Boundaries The ability to set proper boundaries is a capstone skill when it comes to being a wise and compassionate leader. Boundaries are setting limits in order to teach others how to treat us. Can you set boundaries and limits for yourself and be an example for others in doing so? For example, you're a leader of a team, and you're stepping in and trying to control exactly how everyone does something (See Tip 1). Maybe you're taking on work that others should be doing because you're afraid it's not going to get done correctly. Perhaps you are that empathetic ear in the workplace, and you find yourself feeling depleted and exhausted by listening to everyone vent to you. It's time to place some limits and boundaries into your leadership. Take a moment to reflect on what you actually need to complete your work. Make a list of at least three things that you need in order to do your job well. For example, a private client was working on an extremely important project. Senior leadership had entrusted her with completing this project and completing it well. In a coaching session, she expressed she was feeling overwhelmed, and she felt anxious that she may not succeed in the task that was assigned. She said, “You know, I have so many meetings about this project that I can't get the project done.” At that point, we really dove into what she truly needed to succeed. With some clarity and coaching, she discovered her needs and the boundaries she needed to set. She needed 1) fewer meetings, 2) time on the treadmill every night for her creativity to flow, and 3) space in her schedule to get the work done. During the next meeting with senior leadership she expressed these needs, and it opened up space and a path to get this project done successfully. This is a great example of obtaining clarity on what is required in order to be an amazing leader with high productivity and low burnout by setting up some boundaries for yourself. 3. Elevate Your Decision Making Consider the feelings of everyone affected by a decision. As you're making the decision, make a conscious effort to put your Ego aside ‒ that place that comes from fear, judgment, scarcity, and protection. Try to access your Higher Self or your inner sage ‒ the place within you that comes from wisdom, compassion, and love. Consider and visualize the impact on everyone affected by your decision. Try this practice every day, even with what may seem the smallest decision, and watch as your teams and your business transforms for the better. Bonus Approach: Get Support If you are already a successful leader who wants to elevate your skills in being wise and compassionate, reach out to me. Create Magic At Work® offers group workshops, 1:1 private coaching programs and leadership products to help you and your teams explore these integral leadership skills. You CAN become a leader who is truly wise and compassionate and help decrease burnout. Schedule a coffee chat with me here. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit the website for more ways to Create Magic At Work®. Read more from Amy! Amy Lynn Durham, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Amy Lynn Durham is the Founder of Create Magic At Work, where she uses her knowledge as an Executive Coach and a certified Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) Coach to uniquely blend spirituality & business to help leaders, increase courage, confidence, and productivity, & decrease stress.

Written by: Emi Olausson Fourounjieva, Senior Level Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Many of us are dreaming about the next success story, the well deserved growth and new achievements. Ah, that beautiful mesmerizing vision ‒ it is pulling us toward our North Star, waking us up at night, pushing us forward through challenges and obstacles! Sometimes it is like a spellbound ‒ the world is transforming, we are changing along the way, but that vision just devores us, turning into an idée fixe ‒ teasing our fantasy and requiring more and more of sacrifice along the way. Today I had a conversation with a brilliant high-achiever, an Alpha fighter, who is always on the way to the next success. Sad story, the pressure of an unexpected outcome became too hard and caused some heavy negative impact, requiring a time out. Rare case? Not at all, far from being so… This is not a unique case, it’s a potential danger for us, perfectionists, high-achievers, humans with high responsibility levels, high requirements, ambitions and expectations of certain outcomes and results. Hitting the unexpected can challenge and disrupt us, while we are moving forward through the times of lack of clarity, declining economy, shifting behaviors, tremendous challenges on the job market and so on. It is often the result of that “I have to, I need to, I must” ‒ while instead, it is crucial to refocus and succeed balancing on the edge without falling, embracing the failure as a valuable lesson and a fantastic chance to proceed in the right direction in a more powerful way, without overload. Taking one step at a time ‒ getting a broader perspective, reevaluating, calling in as much support as possible, rerouting, replanning, regathering the forces. Brace for impact. Unexpected events can crash our world, but what about the role of failure in these stories? A failure can happen in different areas of our life and be private or business related, it can be closely tied to who we are as individuals or remain less personal. Sometimes it impacts us at the root, through all the protection layers, stopping us from moving forward in the way we were planning and expecting to, if not addressed correctly. It might take some time, to slow down, to step aside for a while, to get some clarity and strength and be back on track to continue the journey in the chosen direction. Can a failure actually be a powerful enabler of personal and business growth and successful transformation? My answer is YES, absolutely! Failure is often viewed as a negative experience, but in my opinion it is an enabler. Here are a few reasons why: Failure teaches valuable lessons. When something fails, it's an opportunity to learn from mistakes and make changes for the better. Entrepreneurs and business Leaders who are able to learn from failure are more likely to succeed in the long run. Failure allows for experimentation. If on, is always afraid of failure, it may be less likely to take risks and try new things. However, experimentation and the opportunity to try out new ideas and strategies are crucial for success. Failure can lead to innovation. When something fails, it often leads to a revision of the original concept and development of new ideas and approaches. This can lead to breakthroughs and innovative solutions that would not have been discovered otherwise. Failure builds resilience. Experiencing failure and bouncing back from it can build resilience and determination. This can be especially valuable for entrepreneurs and business leaders who face many challenges and obstacles in their careers. Failure is a natural part of the growth process. Personal and business growth and transformation often involve taking risks and experimenting with new ideas, which can lead to failure. Failure should not be viewed as a setback, but rather as a natural part of the growth and development process. Failure is not the end, it is just the beginning, a part of a learning curve. Embracing failure, learning from it and moving forward help us grow and transform in ways that would not have been possible without it. It is very important to stay in control, so that one failure doesn’t lead to the next one, building up a chain of negative outcomes. Analyzing and optimizing the process, adjusting it along the way and reacting to the events accordingly can help turn failure to your advantage, fueling your future success. Be brave, have courage and resilience to move forward in a strong and powerful way ‒ there is no expansion without deep understanding and tolerance for failure. Would you like to get my help to turn your Challenges into Opportunities ‒ my robust personalized support with a high Return on Time Invested? Book a free discovery call with me ‒ let’s have a conversation! Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn and visit my website for more info! Read more from Emi! Emi Olausson Fourounjieva, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Emi Olausson Fourounjieva is a Transformational Coach, Digital Transformation Leader with extensive experience in Digital Analytics and Marketing, Visionaire, Educator and Global Speaker, Advisor on the Advisory Board of two global professional networks. Her strength is to create synergy effects using resources and technologies to get optimal business results in a data-driven, customer-centric way. Emi's initiative "Digital Transformation for Humans" reflects her passion for the intersection of Technology, Business and Human Factors. Her professional experience has led her to the conclusion that Digital Transformation must be boosted not only by the power of data, research, algorithms and technologies but also by human intuition, creativity and adaptability, in order to obtain harmonious and sustainable development. Through her coaching, Emi empowers Leaders to combine their Intelligence and Competence with Soft Skills, helping them become more confident and self-aware, feel positive, have more impact, and achieve goals with ease and joy. Emi sees Mindset as a critical part of any successful Leader's toolbox, which is why she has developed her signature coaching program, "The Winning Mindset for Leaders in Digital".

In today’s era of digital marketing, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. And one of the key elements of a strong online presence is building quality backlinks. When it comes to B2B businesses, it gets even more important to create a solid online presence so that people can trust your services. However, link building is one of the most crucial aspects of search engine optimization (SEO). It is a process of acquiring links from external websites that direct to your own website. As a B2B business, you want to make sure that your website is ranking high on search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords. A study found that the number of domains linking to a page is one of the most important ranking factors for search engines. Here in this post, we will provide you with some of the best link building strategies that you can use to improve your B2B site’s ranking and drive more traffic to your website. Let’s get started! Outsource Link Building Services Outsourcing link building for B2B businesses can provide numerous benefits. One of the major benefits is access to specialized expertise. Link building requires a specific skill set, and outsourcing to a professional agency like Outreach Monks can provide access to a team of experts who have experience in building high-quality backlinks. These agencies use best practices and employ effective strategies to ensure that your website gets the best possible results. It is to note that outsourcing link building for B2B businesses can be a strategic investment that yields significant advantages, including access to specialized expertise, increased efficiency, improved quality, and scalability. On the other hand, if you are trying to do it yourself, make sure you know how to avoid making link-building mistakes and save your time and effort. Even one mistake can lead to awful results. Create High-Quality Content The content you create should be informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience. By doing so, other websites in your industry are more likely to link back to your content as a valuable resource. Creating high-quality content should be a priority for any B2B business looking to build quality backlinks. By doing so, you will not only increase your website’s authority, but also establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry. For B2B businesses, it is important to focus on content that provides valuable insights, data, and information that can help your target audience make informed decisions. This can be achieved through a variety of content types, such as blog posts, white papers, case studies, and more. Participate In Industry Forums and Communities For any B2B business engaging in discussions, answering questions, and sharing your expertise, you can establish yourself and your business as a thought leader in your industry. However, this can lead to attracting links from other websites and individuals who reference your contributions. It is crucial to note that the main factor to success in forum and community participation is to provide value without being overly promotional. Your aim should be to build relationships and establish yourself as an authority in your field rather than to promote your products or services simply. Happy Backlinking! Final Words B2B businesses face tough competition online, and establishing a strong online presence is essential to stand out. B2B businesses need to identify link building opportunities to create valuable content that attracts links. So, whether you are a startup or an established B2B company, you need to focus on boosting your online presence with quality backlinks.

Written by: Dianne McKim , Senior Level Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Our days are so busy, and they just seem to get busier. No time for reflection or self-care, and sadly no time to take care of our health. When we prioritize everything else over our health, there are natural consequences. Poor physical health can lead to poor mental health which can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression and so on. Poor physical health can lead to so many issues like heart disease, digestion issues, achy joints, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and so on, as noted in Medline’s article “ Health Risks of an Inactive Lifestyle ”. Too often we keep going and going until something in us “breaks” and then we are forced to address it. There is a better way. Try implementing these 10 tips for better management of your health at work (or even at home). Take regular breaks throughout the day to get up, stretch and move around. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Eat nutritious meals and snacks to keep your energy levels up. Get enough sleep each night so you're well-rested for the next day. Establish a comfortable workspace with ergonomic furniture and equipment. Practice mindful meditation to help reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise regularly, such as walking or jogging, to stay in shape. Even the CDC indicates that 50% of adults (and it could be even more) don’t get enough aerobic physical activity. Make sure to take your lunch break away from your desk. Connect with colleagues or friends regularly to stay socially engaged. Limit distractions, such as social media and non-work related activities, during work hours. Protect your eye health while you work, don't miss regular eye exams, and select proper prescription eyeglasses if needed. So, first notice how you are feeling… overwhelmed, exhausted, worn out, burned out, stressed, etc. Then spend a few weeks tracking how you feel after implementing some of the tips above. You should notice a distinct difference which keep you excited and incentivized to include even more of the tips in your day. I’d love to hear about your successes or your challenges. Reach out to me at dianne@PreciousStonesCoaching.com and let’s chat. Want to learn more from Dianne? Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin , and visit her website. Read more from Dianne! Dianne McKim, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine A Certified Career, Leadership, and Life Coach, Workshop Facilitator, Author, Speaker, and Guest Interviewee, Dianne McKim has the professional training, personal experiences, and knowledge to help clients successfully grow and thrive. Dianne enjoyed a long and impactful career in Corporate America, successfully leading teams, influencing peers, mentoring team members, and interacting at all corporate levels (including C Levels). During that time, she developed strong relationships with executives, management, peers, and team members, allowing her to successfully spearhead major projects while negotiating, and navigating bureaucracy. ​ This wasn't always the way, however. Dianne is an abusive relationship survivor, who navigated through a long and difficult divorce, which resulted in her running a household, working full time the whole time, and raising children as a single mom for 14 years. She dealt with family issues, job losses and job searches, loss of relationships, a lack of confidence, and very low self-esteem. Over time, Dianne rebuilt her life, rediscovering herself and strengthening her confidence. As she did, she learned how to stand strong in her abilities, understand her value and embrace her identity. As her confidence grew, she discovered how to have professional success, personal contentment, and spiritual fulfillment. Dianne has taken all that she learned, along with her unparalleled ability and deep care and compassion for others and began Precious Stones Coaching. Her coaching style is inviting, understanding, and encouraging with just the right amount of leadership, guidance, and accountability to help her clients focus on their priorities and accomplish their goals. Dianne wholeheartedly commits to helping her clients achieve and fulfill their calling, purpose, and destiny.

Written by: Cassidy Rose Green, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Surprisingly hypnosis is an ancient practice that is still significant today: Hypnosis actually has a long and fascinating history, that dates back thousands of years to ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In today’s modern world, hypnosis has gained popularity for its contribution to relieving anxiety, stress, chronic pain, as well as, enhancing performance and overcoming fears and phobias. In this article, I will introduce you to some of the most surprising benefits of hypnosis, and why this ancient practice is still significant today. Stress and Anxiety ‒ The Appeal of Hypnosis Stress and anxiety are a widespread issue in our fast-paced world, where many people turn to medication and traditional therapies to find relief. However, hypnosis offers a valuable alternative that can be both effective and empowering for the individual. By being guided into a deep natural state of relaxation, hypnosis can help to reduce the patterns of stress and anxiety, allowing you to feel more centered and in control. In fact, studies have shown that hypnosis can be effective in lowering blood pressure, reducing heart rate, and decreasing feelings of anxiety. Chronic Pain Management ‒ How Hypnosis Helps Chronic pain is another common issue affecting millions of people around the world with: arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraine headaches. While traditional pain management strategies such as medication and physical therapy are helpful, they may not always provide sufficient relief. Hypnosis, on the other hand, can be a powerful tool for managing chronic pain. It helps individuals manage chronic pain. Managing chronic pain, accessing a natural deep state of relaxation and understanding at the subconscious level how the mind and body work together. Hypnosis can help to reduce the sensation of pain and increase a person’s pain tolerance. According to research studies, hypnosis can be significantly beneficial for managing pain-related issues for arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraine headaches. Sleep Improvement ‒ Get a Restful Night With Hypnosis Many people struggle with getting a quality night of sleep, ranging from the difficulty of falling asleep to frequently waking during the night. Hypnosis can be a wonderful tool for improving your quality of sleep, by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Being guided into a natural, deep, relaxed state of hypnosis, you can fall asleep easier and achieve a more sound sleep. Performance Enhancement ‒ Reaching Your Full Potential With Hypnosis Performance, whether you are an athlete, student, or a public speaker, can come with its share of anxieties. Hypnosis can help you reach your full potential while performing. By increasing your focus and reducing your anxiety, hypnosis helps individuals perform at their very best. Either by achieving your best in a sports competition or delivering your most confident and compelling presentation. Are you aware that a lot of successful professional and Olympic teams use hypnosis to help their athletes win? By accessing your subconscious mind, hypnosis can help overcome those limiting beliefs and self-doubt, allowing you to unlock your full potential. Overcoming Fear and Phobias ‒ Freedom With Hypnosis Fears and phobias can be debilitating, preventing an individual from living their best life. Hypnosis is a powerful game changing tool for overcoming these fears, by tapping into the subconscious mind and reprogramming the negative thoughts, beliefs and patterns. Whether it is a fear of public speaking, flying, fear of heights, or any other phobias you may experience. Hypnosis can help you feel more confident and in control, allowing you to live a more fulfilled and empowering life. In conclusion, hypnosis is an ancient practice that is still significant today, offering a unique and empowering alternative to traditional therapies. By guiding you into a natural deep state of relaxation and accessing the power of your subconscious mind, hypnosis can help to reduce stress and anxiety, manage chronic pain, improve sleep quality, enhance performance, and overcome fears and phobias. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Cassidy Rose! Cassidy Rose Green, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Cassidy Green holds the distinction of being a Certified Master Hypnotist and Mindfulness Practitioner. Her personal experiences with trauma in childhood and adulthood have driven her commitment to assisting individuals in overcoming limiting beliefs and instilling empowering ones within the unconscious mind. She is passionately dedicated to empowering others to embrace their inherent beauty and worth, regardless of their circumstances. With a passion for continued learning and a steadfast determination to make a positive impact, Cassidy infuses this purpose into all aspects of her work.

Written by: Ana-Maria Ciubota, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Emotional intelligence is described as the capacity to comprehend and regulate your own emotions, as well as perceive and impact the emotions of people around you. As you comprehend, control, and express your own feelings, you are also able to engage in the feelings of others. It requires empathy, or the ability to feel the same thing someone else is feeling. It goes further than that, requiring other abilities like rapport-building and dispute resolution as well as the capacity to control your own emotions. Unlike intellectual intelligence (IQ), which focuses on cognitive skilfulness, growing emotional intelligence (EQ) centres on relationship skilfulness. People with emotional intelligence can digest information and respond to it with empathy and understanding. They are outstanding listeners, proactive rather than reactive, and typically good in a crisis—all attributes that help them move ahead. Components Of Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence is typically broken down into four core competencies: 1. Self-awareness Self-awareness entails understanding yourself and your behaviour on three levels: what you are doing, how you feel about it, and why you are doing it. 2. Self-management It is the capacity to regulate your emotions, particularly in difficult times, and have an optimistic view despite failures. Reactions frequently occur automatically. However, the more in tune you are with your emotional intelligence, the easier it is to shift from reaction to response. 3. Social Awareness While it’s crucial to understand and regulate your own emotions, you also need to know how to read a room. Social awareness highlights your capacity to perceive others’ emotions and the dynamics at play. 4. Relationship Management Relationship management relates to your capacity to influence, coach, and mentor people and handle disagreements efficiently. While some people want to avoid confrontation, it's crucial to effectively handle problems when they come up. How to Improve Emotional Intelligence Is there a secret to increasing emotional intelligence? Learning how to improve emotional intelligence is a question of mindset. You must modify your viewpoint so you’re in charge of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Below are some ways you can improve your emotional intelligence: Identify What You're Really Feeling The first step in learning how to be emotionally intelligent is to understand your own feelings. Dig deep and ask yourself what you’re experiencing. You may pay more attention to how you're communicating with yourself and other people as you become more conscious of your feelings. Acknowledge and Appreciate Your Emotions Improving emotional intelligence doesn’t mean rejecting your feelings. Your feelings are always correct. They are there to support you, so be honest about how you feel. Approaching your feelings with an attitude of interest enables you to pause your present emotional trajectory to solve whatever is upsetting you. When you’re open to your feelings, you’re better equipped to grasp your own (and other people’s) thoughts and reasoning. Develop a Deep Belief in Yourself When you sincerely believe that no matter what occurs, you can conquer it, you’ll discover invincible confidence, which is crucial to understanding how to enhance emotional intelligence. Consider a previous occasion when you successfully handled a similar sensation to help you gain confidence in any situation. By thinking about earlier accomplishments, you’re able to negotiate difficult terrain with certainty. Make use of your prior victories to raise your emotional intelligence. Embrace Self-Awareness Learning how to enhance emotional intelligence is about getting to know yourself. Accepting your feelings is the first step on a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Being self-aware and understanding how your emotions affect your behaviour is necessary for emotional mastery. Be open-minded Emotionally intelligent people are frequently easy to approach since they're good listeners and able to examine and grasp various viewpoints. They're also open to learning new things and adopting new ideas. Even if you're dubious about a new idea or concept, attempt to explore what it may look like to adopt it into your daily work. Listen to feedback It's crucial to possess the ability to hear criticism, whether it's praise for a recent presentation or harsher suggestions for how to assign duties more effectively. Being receptive to feedback shows you can accept responsibility for your actions and are eager to change how you interact with people. Learn Emotional Management Techniques To properly grasp how to enhance emotional intelligence, experts propose putting the reins on your own feelings. Improving emotional intelligence means keeping your cool under stress instead of becoming reactive. Maintaining awareness of your body in the current moment can help you maintain your composure. Being mindful of your mind-body connection also enables you to manage stress and maintain relationships with others. Attune to Others’ Feelings Your ability to form healthy connections is improved when you are aware of your own feelings and the emotions of others. You’re able to grasp others’ problems, pick up on emotional clues, and converse comfortably with people. When you can take care of your own emotional needs, you are more emotionally available as a spouse, friend, co-worker, and family member. Assert Yourself Being assertive does not imply being aggressive or overbearing. Assertive communication is the healthiest and most productive communication style. It doesn’t imply getting in people’s faces; that’s an aggressive communication style. Assertive communication is conveying your views or emotions in a forceful, confident style while also respecting the ideas of others. Get Excited and Act To fully grasp how to enhance emotional intelligence, you need to get out there and practice. Set a new objective or benchmark and monitor your development. Step away from your comfort zone. Have more meaningful discussions with individuals in your life. Be more present. Conclusion One of the most important traits of personal development is solid emotional intelligence. The ability to control what you feel is essential in every aspect of your life. However, far from just controlling your emotions, the relationship you build with others is another important aspect of emotional intelligence. The ability to listen to people actively, read situations, understand their opinions, mitigate crises, and respond with empathy without sacrificing your happiness in the process is what makes you emotionally intelligent, and that’s a mark of an improved personal life. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Ana-Maria! Ana-Maria Ciubota, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Ana-Maria Ciubota, is an entrepreneur, author, beauty and life coach. She is the author of the Skincare Biology Guide ‒ How to Look & Feel Your Best, dedicated to all women around the world. Her unique approach to skincare biology has helped women of all ages achieve healthy, radiant skin, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. With a passion for helping others and a commitment to lifelong learning, Ana is a true inspiration to women everywhere. Whether she's coaching a client, writing a book, or pursuing her personal goals, Ana brings dedication, positivity, and a unique perspective to everything she does.

Written by: Carolina Gonzalez, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. A law from manifestation work that I think is often overlooked, and that when used correctly can have miraculous results, is that when it comes to your timeline, manifestation works simultaneously in all directions, because the perceived direction of time is nothing but an illusion. When understood and harnessed, this law can be used as a limitless tool to heal the past, empower the present, and change the future – and I have to say this again, with results beyond what I can describe in this article, especially when it comes to patients with an extremely negative self-narrative, patients who have suffered from extremely critical and cynical parents, or patients who have recently finished a relationship with a narcissistic or destructive partner. This healing process is tied to another essential law of manifestation: that a great amount (if not all) of our experience of the world is created by our own mind. We tend to use manifestation work only as a tool for the future, but if this future is the result of the thoughts we have now, and therefore the present is the result of thoughts we had in the past, shouldn't working on healing the past result in a better present, and that process would naturally cause a better future? How does this work? While there are many ways to approach this kind of work, the easiest one, which is available to absolutely anyone, is using the power of both affirmation and imagination. Set a time and a frequency for this exercise; while this is up to you and your schedule, I would definitely recommend doing it twice a week, and preferably after waking up, so you can also enjoy the benefits of starting your day with the great energy that this practise will bring. After taking a moment to ground and focus, start by visualizing Past You, standing in front of you. What Past You needs, most of all, is encouragement and inconditional love, so begin by feeling this love intensely. Once you have reached this feeling, repeat these affirmations: I am so proud of you. You keep growing every day, stronger, more loving, more powerful. Your path opens before you, free of obstacles, and you make the best choices you can make, every single time. You walk towards your destiny with an open heart, giving and receiving love. You are whole. You are loved. You are one with your Divine purpose. Then, move on softly to Present You, focusing on your heart chakra. What Present You needs, most of all, is acceptance; radical, unapologetical acceptance, so begin by releasing all judgement about yourself. Once you have reached this feeling, repeat these affirmations: I accept myself completely, exactly as I am right now. All the different aspects of my being are accepted and loved, without judgement. I enjoy being myself. I am exactly where I need to be. I am grateful for every lesson in my life, because it is there to teach me something of great value. I am one with my Divine Purpose. Finally, move on to Future You. What Future You needs, most of all, is your imagination, free from all limiting beliefs, ready and open to receive the Universe's blessings. Begin by focusing on the joy of receiving limitless blessings from the future, and when you have reached this feeling, visualize Future You telling you this: I am so proud of you. You keep growing every day, stronger, more loving, more powerful. Your path opens before you, free of obstacles, and you make the best choices you can make, every single time. You walk towards your destiny with an open heart, giving and receiving love. You are whole. You are loved. You are one with your Divine purpose. Before comments come in – yes, I am aware that these are the same affirmations that you said to Past You. And that is exactly the secret; that the true magic of this process lies in being in an endless cycle of Love, constantly empowering yourself; that Past, Present, and Future You are one and the same, and that all of them affect all of them. Think about the power such truth can have on your happiness, on your success, on your choices! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Carolina! Carolina Gonzalez, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Carolina Gonzalez is a Spiritual Counsellor, Spiritual Worker, Master Herbalist, and Holistic Health Counsellor, with over three decades of experience. For the past fifteen, she has offered her services online, mostly doing custom spiritual work, and guiding people to a deeper and more authentic relationship with their spiritual heritage and personal power. Through her social media and blogs, Carolina actively educates on all these topics, to a loyal and self-aware worldwide community of customers.

Written by: Renate Prandl, Senior Level Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. For busy entrepreneurs, having ample energy is essential for managing the demands of a fast-paced, high-pressure lifestyle. Energy allows entrepreneurs to stay focused, make effective decisions, and take action on their goals. Here are 5 specific reasons why energy is important for busy entrepreneurs: 1. Productivity With more energy, entrepreneurs can work more efficiently and get more done in less time. This allows them to take on more projects and achieve greater success. How exactly can you increase your productivity? This is an area many of my high-performance coaching clients work on. Start with setting goals and prioritizing tasks: Identify your most important tasks and make a plan to accomplish them. Focus on completing your highest-priority tasks first (success secret!!). Manage your time: Use time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking for specific tasks. Minimize distractions: Eliminate or reduce distractions such as notifications, emails, and social media during focused work sessions. Your phone can be your friend or your foe. Switch it off to get more things done in less time. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks can help refresh your mind and improve focus. Consider taking a short walk or doing some stretching to recharge during breaks. I always recommend getting out of the office, getting outdoors to recharge batteries faster. You may add a short meditation if you choose to. Get organized: Organize your workspace and files to minimize clutter and increase efficiency. This is so often overlooked, yet such a powerful piece of the puzzle. Check your desk right now- is it cluttered or clean? Notice first… take action immediately. You can thank me later. Use productivity tools: Consider using productivity tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to help you stay organized and on track. I personally like to keep things simple - so do most of my clients - put the important things in your calendar. You may have heard me say “If it’s not in your calendar, it may most likely not happen”. Improve your habits: Develop healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly to improve your overall energy levels and productivity. This is definitely one of my FAVORITE topics in my coaching program. 2. Creativity Energy is also essential for promoting creativity and innovation. When entrepreneurs are well-rested and energized, they are better able to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas. 3. Resilience Running a business can be stressful, and having ample energy is essential for building resilience and managing stress. With more energy, entrepreneurs are better equipped to handle setbacks and bounce back from adversity. You may know exactly what I am talking about. If you are stressed and exhausted you are not standing your ground as you would be with more energy and clear thinking. More often than not you may give up and you just “want to get it over with”. Can be very costly in business, can’t it? 4. Leadership As leaders, entrepreneurs need to be able to inspire and motivate their teams. Having high levels of energy and enthusiasm can help entrepreneurs lead by example and create a positive work culture. In high performance, we ask ourselves whether we show up with enthusiasm OR whether we go through the motions. We also dive deeper to find energy and enthusiasm to ignite the fire in our teams. It’s important to do that to lift them up and have them committed. 5. Overall well-being Finally, having ample energy is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. Entrepreneurs who prioritize self-care and energy management are more likely to enjoy greater longevity and success in both their personal and professional lives. If you don’t generate sufficient energy, you will potentially run out of gas at the end of the day. What about your family? Don't they deserve you as someone who is engaged and curious, and fun, instead of someone who has no more energy left and cannot play with the kids? So how can you generate energy in a sustainable way, without any side effects? How do you do it? What are your options? Glad you asked. Let me share some suggestions from my latest book, 1 International bestseller FROM PAIN TO POWER NOW: YOUR GUIDE TO MORE VITALITY, PROSPERITY, AND FREEDOM. Excerpt No.1 from “From Pain To Power Now”, p.73f. Money Money is energy. Have you ever heard of people who “smell money”? Maybe you are one of them and understand where I am coming from. People smell money, more business, big deals, and that gets them excited and energized. Is this kind of energy sustainable, especially in a healthy way? You answer the question yourself. Isn't it true more often than not that once people get hooked, they become addicted to money, to constant money flow, and to the energy, excitement, the “high” coming with it. They need more like any addict. They cannot stop it seems and money takes over their life. They need this adrenalin rush to feel “alive”. Do you know people like the ones I described? They are so needy for more, for more of this kick, this rush that they sacrifice everything. Their relationships, their marriages fall apart. They compromise their health with lack of sleep, lots of stress, and often these highly energized high-flyers suffer from “surprise” heart attacks. Any form of addiction is NOT the way you want to generate energy. I am not here to judge, I am here to open your eyes to look at the bigger picture. I am here to help you find simple and effective solutions. Money is energy. It is great to have it, but it doesn't buy you happiness. “Happiness is not a mere possession of money. It lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” ‒ President Franklin Delano Roosevelt “ And here is another option which is simple, holistic, and doesn't cost anything: Excerpt No.2 from “From Pain To Power Now”, p.74ff. “So Renate, how can I turn on my own energy generator? Tell me,” you may ask. You know that “inner energy” comes from being balanced (body ‒ mind ‒ spirit), from being congruent in your thinking and actions, your organs work properly, everything is in alignment. How can you access and amplify the energy in your body, the kidneys? Did you know that the kidneys ARE the batteries of your body? Make sure your kidneys are in good shape, that they are healthy and function well. Staying hydrated is an easy way to support them. TAPPING on them is another easy way. I learnt this technique from TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and simplified it. So what do you do? Gently tap on your back in the area of your kidneys. Tapping with the back of your hands or the inside of your hands (depending on your range of motion in your shoulders) is another very simple and powerful tool you have at your disposal. It doesn't cost anything. You can do it anywhere whether you are in a business suit, a ball gown, on the ski slopes. I want you to be functional at the highest level. Stepping into your Power means having resources and skills so that you can be more independent. These techniques work. I promised you that I would only share with you what’s easy and what actually works. I trust you appreciate this. ..” If you like to take your life to a whole new level and optimize your human potential to live life on your own terms, a life by design where you have energy, courage, power and freedom, reach out to Renate and grab a copy of her book to get started. For more info, follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit my website. Read more from Renate! Renate Prandl, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Renate Prandl is Asia's Premier Sustainable Life Mastery Strategist, Certified Feldenkrais® Expert, sports coach, mentor, and Certified High Performance(™) coach. With over 40 years of combined experience as a Professor in a business school and entrepreneur, Renate uses a variety of proven techniques and applications to help you reach your highest potential, get to the Next Level, and potentially live your Life by Design in a holistic, doable and sustainable way. Her "Power of 3" systems help you turn obstacles into stepping stones and build Physical, Emotional, Financial Resilience. Renate is the CEO of Body & Brain, Founder of Body And Brain Mastery, International Bestselling Author of 3 books, and has lived on 3 continents. Her mission: Anything is possible.

Written by: Lisa Tahir, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Lisa Tahir, LCSW, personally and professionally became frustrated with lengthy assessment and treatment processes in therapy that involved years of rehashing troubling and traumatic memories. Rehashing the past only produced gnawing feelings of disempowerment. With a desire to address her own core wounding, she sought alternative healing methods and turned to meditation. During meditation she received a message: research Chiron and expand upon the “wounded healer” mythology. Tahir was invited to familiarize herself with all aspects related to this archetype, especially the notion of individual core wounding and, finally, to add to the narrative of healing by sharing her journey with Chiron. In writing The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness, Tahir’s work plays an important role in expanding prevailing methodologies known to date, and advancing individuals into the future of healing. Personal Responsibility for Our Happiness Endorsed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, The Chiron Effect is the first book written by a therapist to empower both individuals and practitioners to identify 12 main areas of core wounding, which are directly related to the placement of Chiron in their birth chart. It is this placement of Chiron in the birth chart that causes people to repeat painful unconscious patterns. It is by taking personal responsibility for our own happiness and starting to tell a new story of the life we intend to live that we begin to heal and feel confident. Shifting Our Thought Patterns In early psychoanalytic literature, Freud was the first to name cyclical patterns in people’s lives that were recurring and painful. The “Repetition Compulsion” has been written about in various ways since it was coined by Freud in 1914. Erik Erikson who fathered the stages of Psychosocial Development, wrote that, “some people make the same mistakes over and over.” Object Relations Theory teaches that object relations early in life may be unconsciously repeated. And Attachment Theorists believe that early development patterns form schemas of relationships that are repeated. None of them has ever made the astrological connection to repetitive patterns. The mythological story of Chiron represents an invitation to journey inward to bring greater understanding, healing, and power into one’s life. Most everyone has an aspect of life in which they seem to repeat the same frustrating patterns and then wonder how to change. When one is wounded, innate animalistic instincts for self-protection kick in as a means for survival. This is a natural and necessary coping strategy, at first. But many dwell far too long in that space, therefore, separating themselves from their source of inner wisdom and intuition. We are a mini Solar System The Chiron Effect is a term Tahir developed to describe the magnetic pull, or orbit, that individuals have around specific areas of wounding and vulnerability. The problems that readers experience typically cluster around particular core issues and themes. An orbit is a pattern that one has grown accustomed to living within, thus becoming a set frequency. Effect is defined as a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause. Therefore, when an individual changes their orbit, they change their frequency. Humans are beings of habituation – orbit surrounding, as well as being orbit-surrounded by like people, places, and things. The Chiron Effect first offers readers a way of decoding the underlying factors influencing the magnetic pull (orbit) that keeps the reader in the same pattern and frequency of their identified problems. Secondly, through a process of empathy and self-forgiveness, the reader is invited into a “depth-process” of healing to shift their current frequency. Tahir encourages readers to take a look at themselves through the perspective of Chiron: everyone has wounds. Everyone has experienced loss, disappointment, sadness, depression, or a taking away of, or a letting go of what was meaningful. Everyone has felt pain – whether it is physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or any combination thereof. It is the reader’s human condition to experience wounding during their earthly plane of existence. It is the reader’s celestial condition to embody healing during their earthly plane of existence. As spiritual beings having a human experience, the dissemination of healing is administered in each of three dimensions comprising the “self” – the body, soul, and spirit. Empathy and Self-Forgiveness By identifying the placement of Chiron in one’s natal chart, readers can hone in on the specific areas of vulnerability that they are susceptible to, thus revealing the specific recurring issues, themes, and problems that result in persistent painful challenges. Tahir offers practical “take away” steps and affirmations at the end of each chapter that have been meditated over and infused with Reiki Healing Energy for the reader’s benefit. Tahir states, “I use astrology as the diagnostic tool to identify core wounding, but the prescription and remediation involves a combination of psychology, spirituality, and personal responsibility.” The reader can use this information for themselves, for their loved ones, or in their professional practice. The purpose of The Chiron Effect is twofold: The first purpose is to reveal the unconscious patterns sourced in the reader’s core wounding. The second purpose is to learn how to heal those places through empathy and self-forgiveness. In this process, there is the intention that the reader will resolve much of their own suffering, end self-sabotage and, finally, be free to create and allow their lives to unfold in a new way. To learn more about accessing your Chiron placement and order Tahir's book, go here. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lisa! Lisa Tahir, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lisa Tahir, is an inspirational podcast host of All Things Therapy, where she seeks to "Change Consciousness One Conversation at a Time.' Her book, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness," has been acclaimed and endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tahir draws her strength through combining the psychological with the spiritual, and as a licensed therapist seeks to help others in visualizing and creating their very best lives no matter what has been true in the past.

Written by: Tracey Sofra, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. We all know the importance of self-care. But did you know that there are barriers to self-care that affect your well-being and finances as well as your mental and physical health too? Being aware of the common barriers to self-care that impact your finances can help you live a better and more financially stable life. I’m going to reveal the simple ways that you can build financial self-care into your well-being routine! But first, let's go over what the barriers are! 4 barriers to self-care that can affect your money Before you can start taking better care of your financial health, it’s important to figure out which barriers to self-care affect you the most. Some people may experience all of the barriers that we discuss in this article whilst some may only relate to one or two, and that’s ok. Let’s dive in and start exploring the barriers to self-care that may be preventing you from managing your money effectively. 1. Emotional Spending We’ve all done it, right? A bad mood or stressful day at work can lead to bad financial decisions that are made to try and cheer you up. You may think that retail therapy is harmless, but that rush of satisfaction you feel after buying something on an impulse will soon wear off and leave you feeling pretty bad. Add to it the stresses and worries of debt if you’re overspending and you’re in a worse financial place than before. Spending money that you don’t have is typically caused by impulse buying. It’s a common barrier to self-care that might make you feel better in the short term but damage your financial health in the long term. Instead, look for alternative ways to spend your time as part of your financial self-care habit. This could be things like going for a walk, reading a book, listening to music, or doing something else that you enjoy. Avoiding spending temptation is the best way to overcome overspending habits. There are plenty of ways that you can avoid shopping that does not involve overspending your hard-earned money. Aussies typically make 12 impulse purchases each year, which costs an average of $276 per month. If overspending is an area of your finances that you want to focus on, here are some great ways to help you stop spending money. Plan your purchases with a shopping list Use cash instead of cards Open a savings account that doesn’t allow you to make early withdrawals Wait 24 hours before deciding on big purchases 2. Failing to understand your needs Knowing and responding to our needs is the key to leading a fulfilling life. Our basic needs are directly linked to our finances. For example, we need a house for shelter, right? So, how do we identify our needs? Try writing a list of activities that fulfill your physical and personal needs, such as exercising and spending time with friends and family. If there are any expenses associated with your needs, make a note of this for budgeting purposes (we'll talk about this later!). 3. Putting other people first As a caregiver or parent, it’s natural to put everyone else’s needs before your own. But it can take its toll on your well-being and your finances. Whilst putting a dependent’s needs first is non-negotiable, it’s still important to take time for yourself so you can meet your own financial goals. This could be as simple as treating yourself to those shoes you’ve wanted for ages or saving hard for that well-earned holiday. The essential thing is that you take the time to meet your own financial needs. 4. Too many commitments Inspect your schedule and identify barriers to self-care and finances that are costing you more than you can afford. There's only so much you can do, time-wise and financially, so don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to do everything. It could be regular dinners with your friends or family or a long-forgotten monthly subscription that keeps coming through your mailbox. Remember that it’s all right to say no to things. How to practice good financial self-care So now you know what barriers to self-care you could be facing, let’s look at how to take care of yourself financially. You’re probably well aware of how to take care of your physical and mental self-care – we’re talking about the good stuff like a hot bath, candle, and chocolates. But financial self-care practices can leave you feeling empowered and in control of your future. Here are some easy ways to practice financial self-care today! Set meaningful, achievable goals Setting financial goals will give you something to aim for, which is a proven self-care technique that allows you to effectively direct and plan your life. Having a goal will also motivate you to save more or stop overspending in other areas. Ask yourself the following questions when setting your goals; What are your short-term goals? Do you need a new car or want to go on holiday? What are your intermediate-term goals? For example, buying a house. What are your long-term goals? Think of funding your children’s education or a retirement account. Regularly check your bank balance You may think that keeping a close eye on your bank balance is stressful. But is it more stressful than not checking your balance? Definitely not. The benefit of regularly checking is that you can spot any unusual activity or charges that you weren’t expecting. It may also help you feel more in control of your finances. Factor in some time to look through your outgoings as part of your Sunday night self-care routine. You may be shocked at how effective and satisfying it is! Budget smartly to avoid barriers to self-care We're all aware that budgeting is the key to financial success. But what is the best way to plan your spending? Essentially, you need to know all of your income and expenses. You can either use a simple pen and paper, a spreadsheet, or a budgeting app, depending on your preferences. If you find that you have more money going out than coming in, try not to panic. WOW, Women Money can show you plenty of money-saving tips to get your spending back under control. Talk about your finances and barriers to self-care By talking through your finances, you can break down one of the most common barriers to self-care and make wiser decisions that will improve your financial health. You can talk to anyone that you have a good relationship with and trust. This might be a spouse, close friend, or family member. They will love to hear all about your barriers to self-care and how they can help. The key here is to speak about money worries out loud so you can start to plan how to take back control. Celebrate your progress Goals of all sizes should be acknowledged. Even if you’re trying to save money, the odd treat won’t blow your budget and your self-care routine will thank you for it. So, buy that fancy coffee from your favourite coffee shop or new shoes. You deserve it. Conclusion Barriers to self-care and finances can be overcome using these ideas! Financial self-care leads to long-lasting wellness, regardless of how much money you earn. Use the tips in this article to create a sustainable financial self-care plan to help you reach your self-care and financial goals. Just like any other form of self-care – you’ll feel so much better once you do it. Now, run a bath, light some candles, and start taking care of yourself and your finances. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. And there are many great ways to begin practicing self-care, like positive affirmations or starting a journaling habit. I'm Tracey Sofra and I believe women should take control of their money and create the financial independence they deserve to live a life of choice. If you are ready to take the next step in your journey to living a life of choice take the Financial Confidence Quiz and find out how you score to move forward in your financial life. GET YOUR SCORE NOW! Tracey Sofra is Australia’s leading Financial Advisor specialising in Women’s Financial Confidence. As a Business Leader, Mentor, Financial Advisor, Author, Speaker, and Mum, for over three decades Tracey has shared her proven method for shifting mindsets and the limits to financial success for thousands of women. Her passion around financial freedom is infectious leaving you inspired to challenge the status quo, build confidence and create change. To enquire about her working with you or your organisation please contact us here. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Tracey! Tracey Sofra, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Tracey Sofra, is Australia’s leading Financial Advisor specialising in Women’s Financial Confidence. As a Business Leader, Mentor, Financial Advisor, Author, Speaker and Mum, for over three decades Tracey has shared her proven method for shifting mindsets and the limits to financial success for thousands of women. Her passion around financial freedom is infectious leaving you inspired to challenge the status quo, build confidence and create change. Tracey is dedicated to Investing in Women's Empowerment across the globe as part of a greater social impact across the UN Sustainability Goals.

Written by: Angela Lee, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Intrusive thoughts come to us all, it's listening to the right voices that matter. Considering the current cost of living crisis, many of us are relentlessly overwhelmed with intrusive thoughts, whether it’s, ‘should we sell our homes?’, (in light with yet another raise in interest rates), buy (can we afford it?) or should we downsize. Similarly, with inflation falling globally, many businesses are also contemplating whether they should scale up or scaled down. Undoubtedly, many of us are feeling the pinch, in terms of the soaring food and energy cost. And many of us are not particularly concerned on whether it's primarily caused by the post corona virus pandemic, the war in Ukraine, Brexit (particularly in the UK). We simply want to start living again! A recent BACP survey suggests that 61% of therapists mentioned that their clients are anxious about whether they can afford to pay their household bills. Compulsive intrusive thoughts are normal and affect over 60% of the public, according to Dr. A. Clarke (Science Direct Journal). However, it’s what we do with these ‘voices in our head’, that is the determining factor on whether we win or lose! Mindset is everything, it’s often when we ‘give in’ to these ‘negative voices’ and begin to hallucinate, then it becomes a real problem, particularly as hallucinations often accompanies paranoia. We can perhaps become paranoid that we are going to potentially lose our jobs, our homes, our businesses, or even the will to live. As a mindfulness practitioner, we need to get into practise of ‘rethinking what we are thinking about’, establish a morning routine and make time for meditation; that incorporates some breathing exercises. This will enable us to find ‘balance’ in this chaotic ever-changing world. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Angela! Angela Lee, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Angela Lee, is a leader in mindset shift coaching, CBT, mental health and personal development. A brain tumour developed after a series of traumatic events led Angela to develop strategies to manage mental health and wellness. She is in her final year of her MSc Psychology in Mental Health where she has dedicated her life to helping others overcome their mental health challenge. She is a professional certified life coach (ALTEC), public speaker and author . Angela also has a podcast on Spotify where she continues to support her clients, she is also an English Teacher and a Trainer.