t’s no secret that we’re facing a youth mental health crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in teenagers have skyrocketed over the past decade. Recent surveys found a staggering 60% of high schoolers reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. 

With numbers like this, why isn’t there a bigger focus on mental health education in schools? And when we talk about mental health education, we’re not just talking about teaching students the signs and symptoms of depression. We’re talking about providing young people with the knowledge and resources to recognize their own emotions, cope with stress in healthy ways, foster meaningful relationships, and develop self-advocacy skills.

Mandatory classes addressing physical health have long been the norm. Students must take courses in biology, sex education, and physical fitness graduation requirements. 

Yet the mind is left behind. If schools integrated mental health education into required coursework, they could transform the trajectory of our youth mental health pandemic. Subjects like emotional intelligence, anxiety management tools, recognizing disorders, and substance abuse risks should be prioritized as much as trigonometry or literature analysis.

And what better spot to begin the conversation than in education? Schools are an ideal social impact platform for normalizing conversations about mental health. They can provide teens with life-long skills to understand and care for their minds. 

The time has come for policymakers to mandate comprehensive mental health education in schools at every grade level. Aligned with physical health counterparts, these classes offer tremendous promise for supporting our students before they reach the crisis point.

 

The Shocking State of Youth Mental Health

It’s easy to imagine mental health issues being an adult-only problem, but unfortunately, the statistics tell a different story.

Substance Use Disorder: Approximately 6.34% of youth in the U.S. reported a substance use disorder in the past year. This includes 2.85% with an alcohol use disorder and 4.85% with an illicit drug use disorder.

Increase in Sadness and Hopelessness: In the decade leading up to the pandemic, there was a 40% increase in feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness among young people. This also includes an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Suicide Rates: The rate of death by suicide among 10-24-year-olds increased by 2.8% from 2018-2021.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: More than a third (37%) of high school students reported poor mental health during the pandemic, and 44% reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year.

The situation has intensified so severely in recent years that Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy deemed the youth mental health crisis an official national emergency in 2021.

These alarming statistics indicate just how desperately today’s students need mental health support. By integrating topics like emotional skills, self-care, inclusivity, and distress tolerance into mandatory curriculum, schools can help students when they need it most. 

Young minds depend on policymakers to act on reforms aimed at mental health education in schools – and we need to listen.

The Benefits of Mental Health Education in Schools

So why should schools invest more time and resources into mental health education?

Mental health education in schools can have many positive benefits, many extending far beyond the classroom. Beyond helping students cope with their feelings and find balance in their lives, mental health education can also help create a supportive atmosphere where everyone can thrive and feel safe.

Promoting Awareness and Reducing Stigma

The single most impactful benefit of mental health education in schools is undoubtedly stigma reduction. Currently, the widespread stigma surrounding mental illness presents the greatest barrier deterring students from seeking help.

This stigma stems from misconceptions framing mental illnesses as personal flaws or defects in character. Students struggling with anxiety or depression often feel deep shame. They buy into the idea that their distress reflects some sort of inadequacy or weakness. Due to this stigma, students hesitate to talk openly or pursue treatment for fear others will judge them.

Integrating mental health topics into mandatory curriculum provides knowledge combating damaging stereotypes. With education, students can better recognize conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder as legitimate medical issues – just as worthy of compassionate care and concern as physical injuries or diseases.

Stigma thrives on misinformation and lack of awareness. Providing students with age-appropriate education grounded in compassion replaces ignorance with understanding. It helps foster an open, shame-free culture where students feel safe seeking treatment.

Equipping Youth with Essential Life Skills

Beyond academic knowledge, a mental health curriculum equips students with practical life skills that serve them indefinitely. Subjects like emotional intelligence, distress tolerance, help-seeking strategies, and media literacy empower youth to proactively manage their mental health.

With coping mechanisms like mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and progressive muscle relaxation in their toolkit, students can better endure life’s universal challenges. Learning healthy outlets for stress makes them less likely to turn to damaging escape routes like substance abuse. Equipped with psychological first aid tactics, teens can also support struggling friends while getting help.

Mastering emotional intelligence, healthy boundaries, good communication, and self-advocacy abilities further prepares students to handle interpersonal issues. These competencies make managing relationships, peer pressure, and conflict much easier. They are also extremely useful life skills that translate to workplaces and adult relationships.

Enabling Early Identification and Intervention

Through mental health education in schools, students can identify emerging issues rapidly in peers and themselves. Getting struggling students support services early is crucial, as quick intervention can radically improve outcomes.

Many mental illnesses like anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD conditions intensify over time without treatment. However, when identified early, intensive therapies can help stabilize or resolve symptoms before they progress. Early intervention also minimizes the likelihood of comorbid conditions emerging concurrently.

Getting teens help quickly additionally reduces suicidal ideation risks prevalent in untreated mental illness. Warning signs like intense, prolonged sadness or social withdrawal are clearer to educated students better positioned to direct friends to treatment. Seeking help promptly also prevents mental health crises necessitating hospitalization or crisis services down the road.

Curriculum Development and Implementation

Successfully integrating mental health education into schools requires thoughtful curriculum design and staged implementation. While there are countless ways that schools can integrate mental health education, a holistic approach is recommended. 

The first step should be to develop a comprehensive mental health curriculum built via a Personal Growth Platform emphasizing prevention, intervention, and promotion of positive mental health. And while every school should tailor its curriculum to fit the needs of its particular student population, some basic components are essential in any comprehensive program.

Key Topics to Cover

Understanding Mental Health and Wellbeing

• What is mental health?
• Destigmatization and compassion
• Healthy social-emotional development
• Self-care fundamentals

Recognizing Signs of Distress

• Common mental health issues and their symptoms
• Warning signs of crises in yourself and others
• Risk factors for self-harm and suicidal ideation

Healthy Coping Strategies

• Stress management skills
• Emotional regulation tactics
• Building support systems

Accessing Treatment and Support

• School and community resources
• Professional mental health services
• Care navigation and advocacy

Staged Implementation Across Grade Levels

Age-appropriate mental health education should begin in late elementary school with foundational topics like emotions, self-care, growth mindset, and getting help.

As students mature, the curriculum should cover more complex issues like clinical diagnoses, dual disorders, and suicide prevention. However, core concepts like destigmatization, compassion, and help-seeking behaviors should remain consistent across all grade levels.

Curriculum development must ensure instructional materials and content are both age-appropriate and culturally sensitive. All students should see themselves reflected in lessons framed with compassion. Resources should come from reputable sources and diverse perspectives, and technology, such as Positive Social Media Platforms, should be utilized to connect and engage students.

Addressing Challenges and Demonstrating Positive Outcomes

While the benefits of youth mental health education in schools are clear, a look at the current educational system shows just how challenging it can be to make such a massive shift. Without proper support and materials, educators can feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped to effectively address mental health in their classrooms.

Curriculum Overload Concerns

With schools already stretched thin meeting academic goals, some worry that added mental health coursework may overload teachers and students. 

However, physical health classes are already mandatory without overburdening staff. Mental health lessons framed as equally essential reinforce student wellness priorities – and with proper implementation, they can be integrated into existing materials without starting from scratch.

The Risk of Biased Materials

As with any subject, mental health curriculum risks introducing biased, non-inclusive worldviews. Materials and instruction must come from reputable sources using trauma-informed language. 

Resources should reflect diverse peoples, experiences, and cultural perspectives. Only when materials meet these standards can they be considered useful and appropriate.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, teachers and administrators can create an effective mental health curriculum that positively impacts the whole school community.

Potential Stakeholder Resistance

While public support for youth mental health intervention is high, some parents, boards and legislators resist schools addressing sensitive health topics. 

However, data shows even controversial subjects like suicide awareness and sexuality education garner over 90% parent approval when properly implemented. With collaborative development and communication, most concerns about mental health topics can be addressed and stakeholders can become more supportive of interventions.

Demonstrating Positive Outcomes

Ultimately the immense mental health benefits empirically justify mandating this curriculum, despite challenges. By collecting data, tracking outcomes and presenting results, schools can prove the positive impact of mental health interventions.

Engaging Students and Families

For greater success, it’s important to engage families and empower students. Schools should consider promoting dialogue between faculty, parents, and students. Additionally, encouraging student input in curriculum development can create greater buy-in for implementation while increasing understanding among students.

Vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ and minority students, see risk reductions over twice as high from interventions. Mental health curriculum shows immense promise to radically improve youth well-being and life outcomes when applied compassionately. When added to a platform for social impact, these interventions can make a significant difference in the lives of students and families.

Let’s Make a Case for Mandated Mental Health Education

Given the severity of the youth mental health crisis, schools have an urgent duty to prioritize mental health education in schools. Integrating a mental health curriculum represents a monumental opportunity to equip teens with lifelong healthy coping skills.

Compassionate education grounded in facts and inclusive perspectives provides benefits no traditional academic subject can match. Beyond core skills like emotional intelligence and resilience, this knowledge has the power to drastically reduce stigma barriers. It also enables vulnerable students to access essential support services early when intervention matters most.

Simply put, prioritizing student mental health equals saving young lives. Our teens are begging for access to compassion and life-saving knowledge as they struggle with anguish. We owe it to students and families to make mental health literacy as fundamental as any academic lesson. The first step is mandating this urgently needed curriculum in every single school.

We invite you to join us at AlignUs to help push for this essential change. Together, we can go beyond the borders of traditional education and empower a generation of learners with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe and thrive. Our social impact platform allows you to easily implement mental health education through comprehensive resources and access to an ever-growing community of educators, experts, and advocates.

At AlignUs, we believe that every student deserves to have their emotional well-being prioritized just as much as their academic success. Our mission is to break the stigma surrounding mental health and provide students with the tools they need to live healthy and happy lives.

Let’s make mental health literacy part of every student’s journey. Show your support for change today!

Social media has become deeply ingrained in teenage life. Over 95% of teens aged 13 to 17 have access to a smartphone and use online platforms to constantly connect with friends, share updates, and showcase carefully curated versions of their lives. 

While social media offers many benefits, its ubiquitous presence also shines a harsh light on issues simmering under the surface of many high schools. If anything, it’s a less-than-ideal positive social media platform.

Beyond the flattering filters and smiling selfies lies a complex array of challenges – from cyberbullying and social isolation to loss of privacy and mental health struggles. The need for likes and followers fuels anxiety and erodes self-esteem. Meanwhile, screen addiction competes with sleep, exercise, and real-world relationships.

In our hyperconnected world, the influence of social media cannot be underestimated or ignored. We all have a shared responsibility to cultivate positive online spaces and help the next generation navigate this technology in a balanced, informed way. 

Only through open communication, guidance, and collective vigilance can we truly empower teens and others to use the remarkable tools of the digital age rather than be ruled by them. 

The time for action is now – let the conversation begin about how we can take steps toward creating a positive social platform that empowers and uplifts its users.

The Dark Corner of High School Social Media

To not be connected on social media is to almost live as an outcast in high school. With smartphones in pockets and classes using tablets instead of textbooks, it’s virtually impossible to escape the digital realm. 

And sure, social media has played a critical role in helping advance communication and access to information. But there is a dark corner, a side of social media that can be harmful and destructive, especially for young minds still developing. When we allow this less than positive social media platform to lead our interactions, it creates an environment that is not conducive to growth and empowerment.

Comparison – The Thief of Joy

Perhaps the most significant issue from social media use in high school is the constant comparison. Teens are bombarded with carefully curated posts and images of their peers’ seemingly perfect lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy and even depression.

It’s easy to forget that what we see on social media is often a highlight reel, not an accurate representation of someone’s life. But for teenagers still trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in, it can be challenging to separate reality from the filtered online versions.

Rates of depression and suicide due to social media have recently prompted the US Surgeon General to issue a public health advisory on the matter. The pressure to fit in and constantly present a perfect image can take a serious toll on mental health, especially for young individuals who are still developing their sense of self and identity. What’s needed is a positive social media platform that can help turn back the tide and promote self-love and acceptance.

Cyberbullying – When the Screen Becomes a Weapon

Another alarming aspect of social media use in high school is cyberbullying. With the ability to hide behind screens, bullies can easily target their victims without facing any consequences or repercussions. 

Cyberbullying includes sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors and gossip, or posting embarrassing photos or videos without permission. It has become a significant issue in recent years, with devastating consequences for those who are targeted.

Not only can cyberbullying lead to emotional distress and self-esteem issues, but it can also have severe psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. And unfortunately, it’s not just strangers online who engage in this behavior – often, it’s peers from within the same school or community.

“Doing It For The ‘Gram” – Risks, Pranks, and Stunts

In addition to cyberbullying, the rise of social media has also led to a dangerous trend of risky behavior for the sake of getting attention or likes. While children may feel that they are building community on a positive social media platform, putting themselves in danger is far more common.

This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “doing it for the ‘gram” – where individuals will engage in extreme stunts, pranks, or challenges just to gain popularity on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitch, and more.

While this may seem harmless at first glance, these actions can have serious consequences. In some cases, individuals have been seriously injured or even killed while attempting dangerous stunts for social media fame. And what’s worse, these trends often encourage others to follow suit and put themselves at risk as well.

For instance, 21-year-old YouTube prankster Tanner Cook was recently shot by one of his prank targets at a Virginia shopping mall food court. Cook runs a channel called “Classified Goon,” he accosts strangers with pranks to for his online followers. The ensuing trial found Cook confused as to why the stranger reacted so violently to his pranks.

Data Privacy & Online Abuse

Rising rates of individuals reporting their personal information being stolen – including images and videos of themselves – highlight the potential dangers of sharing too much online. With social media platforms often changing their privacy policies, it’s important for individuals to be vigilant about what information they share and who can access it.

Even with the best intentions, misunderstandings can lead students to reveal personal information they may not realize is sensitive. 

For example, posting a photo of your driver’s license or credit card on social media could unknowingly expose critical personal details to potential hackers who wish to steal your identity or financial information.

In addition to privacy concerns, there is also the issue of online abuse. “Revenge porn” – where an ex-partner shares intimate photos or videos without consent – has become a major issue in the digital age. This not only violates a person’s privacy but can also have severe consequences on their mental health and well-being. As you can see, our current reality paints a bleak picture when it comes to these so-called “positive social media platform” spaces.

Shining A Light In Dark Corners

Reading these stats and stories is enough to make any parent or guardian want to lock up their child’s phone and throw away the key. Yet, our world is ever-advancing in technology, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid the digital world.

So what can we do? How can we help shine a light in the dark corners of our online world? The answer starts with each of us doing our part to promote a better, more positive social media platform.

It All Begins With Knowledge

One of the first steps is education – for both students and adults. Schools should integrate digital literacy and online safety skills into their curriculum to equip students with the awareness and critical thinking needed to navigate social media responsibly. 

Lessons on media manipulation, evaluating online sources, protecting personal information, and reporting harmful content should become as essential as math or science in equipping youth for life in the digital age.

Similarly, parents and teachers need to educate themselves on the latest platforms and trends to better monitor and mentor kids. While avoidance was once an option, opting out is no longer realistic or helpful. We must meet teens where they are, online, with guidance and support.

Authentic Communications Matters

Perhaps the reason that many students find themselves addicted to their social media feeds is the lack of authenticity in their interactions. Often, teens feel pressure to present a curated version of themselves online, leading to feelings of inadequacy and comparison.

But what if we taught students the value of genuine communication? Encouraging them to be their true selves and have authentic conversations could lead to more meaningful connections and reduce the negative effects of social media.

By teaching young people how to communicate effectively and authentically online, we can help them build strong relationships and create a positive digital footprint for themselves. And that growth reciprocates in their offline lives as well. That’s where a positive social media platform can help to rewire how teens perceive and use social media.

Empowerment Through Positive Content

Social media is often criticized for its negative effects on mental health due to cyberbullying and unrealistic standards set by influencers. However, it’s important to remember that social media also has the power to spread positivity and empower individuals.

For instance, what would a conversation look like if we focused on sharing uplifting and inspiring content instead of comparing our lives to others? We can create a more supportive and encouraging online community by consciously engaging with positive and meaningful posts.

Let’s not forget that social media also has incredible reach and can be used to promote important causes and raise awareness about various issues. When students feel they have a place to speak up and be heard, it can help break down barriers and promote a sense of belonging.

Cultivating Connection and Community

Schools and communities can also foster positive usage by creating opportunities for meaningful offline connections between students and across generations.

Service projects, mentorships, recreational sports, and creative hobbies can counterbalance social media’s dominance and remind teens that richer relationships and experiences await beyond the screen.

Platforms themselves also have a duty to connect users with mental health resources and tools to encourage healthy usage habits. Functions like screen time trackers, focused feeds that limit unhealthy comparisons, and messaging with counselors could provide guardrails without limiting access.

Most importantly, an open and non-judgmental dialogue must happen across all levels. Teens need safe spaces to voice insecurities and get help without shame or punishment. We can only bring these crucial issues out of the darkness through honesty, vulnerability, and working together.

While social media’s pitfalls are real and dangerous, so too is its potential for community, empowerment, and good. We can mitigate the risks with compassion and collective responsibility and guide our youth to harness technology for creativity, connection, and positive change rather than clout.

Join AlignUs in Shining A Light

We can build a stronger, more inclusive community when we work together to create opportunities for open communication and understanding. 

This is especially important for our youth, who are still developing their sense of self and navigating the complexities of relationships. By creating safe spaces online where they can freely express themselves without fear of judgment or repercussions, we can help foster a culture of empathy and support.

At AlignUs, we believe in empowering all individuals to become leaders in their digital communities. That’s why we’ve created one of the first positive social media platform options that bring together resources, like-minded individuals, and opportunities for growth. 

Through our user-friendly interface, you can easily connect with others who share your interests, passions, and values. Our goal is to provide a platform where users can create meaningful connections that go beyond just scrolling through feeds or liking posts.

The AlignUs mobile application is growing into a space for online positivity – allowing each of us to bring our voice to the digital table and influence others in a positive way. Our positive social media platform is about sharing content and creating a community where we lift each other up and encourage personal growth.

We believe that empathy and support are key components of building a strong and healthy digital community. By fostering these values within our platform, we hope to create a safe space for individuals to express themselves, connect with others, and make a positive impact online.

Join Us For A Healthier Online Experience 

With AlignUs, you have the power to shape your digital experience and be part of a larger movement towards creating an inclusive and compassionate online world. Join us today, and let’s work together to spread kindness, understanding, and support in a positive social media platform.

Learn More About The AlignUs Mobile Application and Positive Social Media Platform

Perfectionism is rampant among students. You may even be one who feels the need to excel in every aspect of your academic life – facing the relentless pressure to get straight A’s being involved in countless extracurricular activities, and maintaining a picture-perfect image on social media. 

You may believe that perfectionism is the key to success and acceptance, but in reality, it can hold you back from reaching your full potential and hinder personal growth.

The intense pressure to earn flawless grades, submit polished assignments, and meet impossibly high standards often comes from internal fears of failure rather than external expectations alone. Psychologists have highlighted that this constant drive for perfection jeopardizes students’ mental health and impedes learning itself.

The rising epidemic of perfectionism sinking its teeth into academic contexts. A growing number of students report being perfectionists to some degree. And among gifted children, rates skyrocket higher. The harm caused by this tendency demands urgent attention, practical solutions, and cultural shifts. 

By comprehending the psychological origins, effects, and remedies of perfectionism, students, parents, and educators can foster environments that nurture personal growth and self-acceptance.

At AlignUs, we are on a mission to promote a healthy approach to learning and personal growth. We understand the pressure and expectations placed on students in academic settings and want to help break down the barriers that perfectionism creates. 

That’s why we created the first personal growth platform where resources, support, and community come together to empower students to embrace their imperfections and strive for progress, not perfection.

Why We Seek Perfectionism

Before exploring solutions, we must clearly define perfectionism and differentiate it from “healthy” drives. 

Perfectionism entails striving for flawlessness, setting excessively high standards, overfocusing on precision, perceiving failure as catastrophic, and basing self-worth heavily on achieving desired outcomes. 

It’s easy to observe these tendencies in academic contexts – aiming for 100% exam scores, rewriting entire essays due to minute errors, or agonizing over a B+ grade, for example.

Psychologically, perfectionism commonly arises from underlying issues with self-worth or intense aversion to criticism rooted in childhood experiences. It becomes an irrational coping mechanism to shield one’s sense of self. 

Perfectionists subconsciously believe that ultra-high achievement and surface-level flawlessness will earn external validation and protection from painful judgments – even as the opposite often occurs. This persistent seeking of safety, esteem, and control drives the push toward unrealistic standards ill-matched to a complex world. Even when faced with a personal growth platform, they may feel phobic about taking risks and exposing flaws.

Several key attributes characterize the neurotic strain of perfectionism:

• Harsh self-criticism over imperfection
• Basing self-worth on the achievement of unrealistic standards
• Overfocus on precision in execution of even daily tasks
• Black-and-white thinking and fear of failure
• Compulsive need for organization and order

We must differentiate this from healthy ambition and striving for excellence – a distinction often lost in competitive academic settings. It’s about learning to self-reflect, gain perspective, and define personal success in your own inner terms, which leads to sustainable drive. 

However, the external achievement-obsessed pressures causing emotional turmoil signal misaligned perfectionism, requiring attention to unlock potential, peace, and meaning. At AlignUs, we’ve built a personal growth platform that allows you to balance your inner drive for success with self-care and mindfulness practices. We believe that true fulfillment and happiness come from finding a sense of purpose and contentment within ourselves rather than constantly chasing external validation.

The Impact of Perfectionism on Students

Perfectionism hits all of us, but students are especially vulnerable. They’re navigating intense academic and social pressures in a period of life where self-discovery and identity formation are critical tasks. As these young adults strive for independence and success, they often encounter high expectations from parents, teachers, peers, and themselves.

Perfectionism holds devastating consequences across mental health, academic performance, and social dimensions – significantly undermining wellbeing.

Perfectionism and Student Mental Health

On the mental health front, perfectionist students report heightened anxiety and stress levels even with high grades, chronic procrastination due to a paralyzing fear of mistakes, and intense shame or self-loathing when their sky-high standards aren’t met. 

Perfectionism also directly stifles learning itself, holding students back from academic excellence. Those focused on performance outcomes over personal growth demonstrate less intrinsic motivation, surface-level vs deep study strategies, and poorest knowledge integration across disciplines. 

Researchers also found they avoid bigger challenges that may reveal “weaknesses.” This deprives students of opportunities for meaningful learning over image protection – leading to stagnation.

Socially, perfectionists often withdraw and isolate themselves, report feeling lonely or misunderstood, and relationships may revolve around achievement rather than authentic bonding and joy. All this corrodes crucial support systems protecting mental health while also reducing campus engagement – a keystone for professional development.

As evidenced, unrestrained perfectionism triggers suffering along multiple life dimensions for students. Catching and addressing it early is critical for both reversing harm and nurturing personal thriving.

Personal Narratives of Student Struggles

The cold research statistics covered so far capture only a surface glimpse of how paralyzing perfectionism can become in students’ lives. Seeing how it manifests in the words of students themselves, however, gives a more personal and poignant understanding of its impact.

Michael, a sophomore-year undergraduate, always held himself to ultra-high academic standards to compensate for athletic shortcomings and earn his demanding parents’ approval. Yet even as he pulled multiple all-nighters weekly and earned 99% in all science courses, it was never enough. “That 1% haunted me,” he admits. “I completely broke down after the only B+ on my record, believing I failed everyone and didn’t deserve to be at university.”

The exception had become his identity. Secretly, Michael begged his counselor to help him rewrite reality. It took two years to rebuild self-worth not predicated on external achievement for recovery.

Similarly, Reshma found her weekend extracurriculars and art projects – once fulfilling passions – hijacked by perfectionism after entering her high-achieving prep school. Each intricate piece had to perfectly showcase her talent for her artistic identity. Rather than creating for herself, she began making art for the approval of others.

These stories are not uncommon. In a society that values achievement and success above all else, it’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism. We are bombarded with messages that tell us we must constantly strive for perfection in every aspect of our lives – from academics and careers to appearance and relationships. What’s needed is a revolution in how we approach these issues – where a personal growth platform can be established rather than a never-ending pursuit of perfection.

Practical Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism

Now that we’ve explored the painful costs of unaddressed perfectionism from diverse angles, it’s empowering to shift our gaze to practical methods for reversing course to reclaim freedom and fulfillment. Research and clinical treatment highlight several effective strategies:

Reframe Self-Worth Beyond Achievement

Core to most solutions is decoupling self-image from achievement metrics external validators set. 

Like a lighthouse, society and people in our lives send messages of how we measure up: grades, salary, and approval from others. This creates a fear-based drive towards perfectionism. Our self-worth gets inextricably linked to those standards, and we feel like failures when our achievements don’t meet them. 

To break free, reframe success to mean satisfying progress and effort, not perfect outcomes. Remind yourself that self-worth should come from within – your values, morals, character – rather than external achievements. This shift in mindset can help relieve the pressure of constantly striving for perfection and allow for more self-compassion and acceptance.

Gain Meta-Awareness of Psychological Patterns

Developing higher meta-cognitive awareness of rigid automatic thought patterns via journaling or discussions helps weaken their control. Many perfectionists lack self-insight on irrational beliefs or past emotional triggers, misshaping behaviors. This, in turn, can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and burnout.

By cultivating meta-awareness, we can begin to recognize when these patterns arise and consciously choose to challenge them. This process allows for more flexibility in thinking and behavior, leading to healthier coping strategies and a more balanced perspective on success. It’s here that a personal growth platform can help guide us toward this self-discovery and understanding.

For example, a perfectionist might have the automatic thought, “I have to do everything perfectly, or else I am a failure.” By acknowledging this thought pattern and challenging it with evidence of times when they were successful despite not being perfect, they can begin to shift their perspective and let go of the need for perfection.

Adopt a Growth Mindset Philosophy

Seeing talent/intelligence as fluid qualities that grow through practice and risk-taking (rather than fixed traits proven through flawless performances) is central for switching focus to learning over image protection. This frees students to make mistakes in tackling harder problems, driving genuine improvement.

Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, encourage students to value the process of learning and improvement. This can be done by providing specific feedback that praises effort and growth rather than just results. 

For example, instead of saying, “Great job! You got an A!” say, “I am so impressed with how much effort you put into studying for this test. Your hard work paid off with an A!” By praising the effort, not just the outcome, students will learn to value their own efforts and progress rather than simply seeking external validation.

Structure Goals as Self-Referenced

Base achievement and progress monitoring on one’s own growth trajectory rather than against peers. Whether reaching for a book chapter each evening or adding two extracurriculars monthly, self-set incremental challenges feel empowering. 

Removing harmful social comparisons can turn even the most well-meaning praise into pressure. As a brand, we want to encourage students to focus on their own personal growth and development rather than constantly comparing themselves to others.

The path to overcoming perfectionism centers on self-understanding, reclaiming personal agency in setting standards not dictated externally, and cultivating compassion for the learning journey with all its richness. The task calls for patience and self-nurturing support systems. But freedom awaits those taking the first steps – and the AlignUs personal growth platform is here to help.

The Role of Educators and Parents in Reducing Stress

While much solution-seeking falls on students themselves, the role of schools, parents, mentors – and entire surrounding ecosystems – proves crucial for addressing the unhealthy perfectionism epidemic stealing potential and peace from our youth’s wings. 

Collective cultural shifts build on individual breakthroughs for lasting change. What actionable steps can caring institutional and personal influencers take today?

Research points first to revising achievement-obsessed school cultures, glorifying spotless academic performance records over broader learning. Expanding project-based assessments, balancing quantitative and creative pursuits, banning class rankings, and offering failure-positive zones encourage big-picture thriving. 

Similarly, parents modeling openness in discussing personal setbacks over solely touting external personas provides permission for authentic self-expression, balancing ultra-responsibility themes.

However, nurturing environments founded first on unconditional appreciation of students’ innate human worth prove foundational. Separating achievement from belonging breaks toxicity cycles. Educators conveying deep care through personalized check-ins and grounded emotional wisdom help perfectionists trust adult reliability over inner pressures. 

With secure foundations fostering self-acceptance reinforced community-wide, motivation organically shifts from image maintenance to creativity expression in tackling richer challenges. Healthy striving follows.

Collectively modeling slower, balanced living plus reframing ‘failure’ as feedback accelerates progress also helps temper perfectionism’s harshness. This then frees up bandwidth to foster emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning, which both increase resilience and reinforce wellness. 

In a positive feedback loop, daily social-emotional skill practice encourages student self-reflection, enhancing caring for others while supporting personal growth.

As educators, we have the power to shape our students’ academic success and overall well-being. By creating environments that prioritize unconditional appreciation of our students’ innate human worth, we lay the foundation for healthy achievement and belonging. This means separating achievement from one’s sense of belonging – breaking toxic cycles of perfectionism.

The Goal Of Empowering Students Beyond Perfectionism

Simply flipping the script on academic perfectionism is not enough. Creating a classroom culture and personal growth platform that values growth, learning from mistakes, and prioritizes overall wellness takes time and consistent effort. 

The goal is to empower students beyond perfectionism – to help them see that their worth as individuals is not tied to their grades or achievements.

Rather than constantly striving for the unattainable and damaging standard of perfection, students should be encouraged to strive for personal growth and progress. This mindset shift allows for a healthier approach to academic success and well-being. 

And when students feel empowered and valued for their individual efforts, they are more likely to take risks, be creative, and think critically.

Make The Positive Change with AlignUs

The journey of overcoming perfectionism’s constraints to step into greater self-acceptance, personal growth, and fulfillment explored throughout this blog requires commitment, compassionate community, and continual learning. 

We cannot transform entrenched thought patterns in isolation. This is why a personal growth platform like AlignUs is so valuable – bridging evidence-based wellness insights with social empowerment tailored to your needs. 

Through AlignUs’ podcasts, blogs, charity partnerships, and mobile app features fostering lifestyle goal-setting and mindful progress tracking, you gain an interactive ecosystem supporting sustainable change. Break free from wearing perfectionism’s straightjacket by aligning with a compassionate, health-focused community. 

Let AlignUs help equip you and others to cultivate resilience through a collaborative personal growth platform while empowering you to break free of perfectionism and other self-limiting beliefs. With a growing community of like-minded individuals, you will feel supported and motivated on your wellness journey.

Join us today and start aligning with your true potential for health and happiness. Together, we can create positive change through a truly positive, freeing personal growth platform.

Stress, anxiety, depression – the mental health crisis only seems to grow every year. According to the CDC, over 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives. 

And that was before the pandemic. The impacts of COVID-19 has accelerated issues like loneliness, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation across age groups. And who doesn’t know what it feels like to wake up and just feel… off? It’s a growing struggle that affects us all.

But the conversation around mental health is changing. Clearly, traditional approaches focused narrowly on momentary stress relief are not moving the needle. What’s needed is a more holistic, community-based effort to nurture long-term mental wellness.

That’s where AlignUs comes in. This innovative platform, founded to honor one doctor’s parents and their legacy of supporting vulnerable communities, goes beyond fleeting fixes. AlignUs integrates science-backed solutions for complete mind-body health with interactive tools for experiential learning. 

When it comes to stress, it’s not about simply relieving it but understanding its root causes and developing healthy coping mechanisms. AlignUs offers personalized assessments to identify these root issues and tailor a plan that will work for you.

So how is AlignUs different – and why should you consider getting involved in this growing community? Let’s explore the AlignUs mental health platform’s potential to look beyond stress to tackle the root causes of issues and create lasting change.

We Are Facing A Dire Mental Health Landscape

It’s no secret that mental health issues are on the rise across the globe. You likely know someone who has been affected, or perhaps you have experienced it yourself. Feelings ranging from stress and anxiety to depression and burnout have become commonplace in today’s fast-paced, constantly connected world. In response to this growing challenge, the need for a reliable mental health platform has become increasingly apparent.

But just how severe is the current mental health crisis? Let’s examine some key statistics:

According to the World Health Organization, over 280 million individuals suffer from depression worldwide. Depression now stands as the leading cause of disability globally. Additionally, around 264 million people have what are termed “anxiety disorders” – which can range from generalized anxiety to panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Substance abuse disorders impact approximately 35.6 million globally as well. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly exacerbated mental health struggles, with studies indicating a 25% spike in anxiety and depression. Throw in social isolation, financial stress, and the trauma of losing loved ones, and you have a deadly cocktail of mental health challenges.

Troubling disparities continue to affect mental health outcomes too. Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequality contributes to higher rates of issues and barriers to essential services among marginalized groups.

Perhaps most concerning, suicide represents the fourth highest cause of death for 15-19 year olds worldwide. Since 2000, the global suicide rate has climbed by over 30%, demonstrating gaps in crisis prevention.

The World Health Organization calculates a $1 trillion global investment shortfall to properly tackle this worsening mental health crisis. Comprehensive solutions to address stigma and make care more accessible remain pressing needs.

The role of AlignUs? To step in the gap and offer the blend of evidence-based strategies, personalized support, and community empowerment required to nurture complete mental health during this pivotal moment. 

The Limits of Quick-Fix Stress Relief

When you feel stressed out, what do you do? Do you hop online and scroll through social media? Or maybe you pour yourself a glass of wine or indulge in your favorite comfort food? While these activities may provide temporary relief, they are not sustainable solutions for managing stress. In fact, relying on quick fixes can actually worsen the effects of chronic stress on your mental health.

Without a doubt, quick stress relief practices such as meditation and exercise have their benefits. They can help lower cortisol levels, reduce tension in the body, and increase feelings of relaxation. Used judiciously, they help us press pause, regain equilibrium, and continue forward. 

However, grieving mother Susan wasn’t just having a fleeting “bad day” when she felt like she was drowning in her despair over losing her son. Marco doesn’t simply need an “hour without worrying” about unpaid bills to feel financially secure. Sarah’s confidence issues originate from much more than momentary social discomfort. In recognizing the complexity of these struggles, the importance of a supportive mental health platform becomes evident.

The Sources of Stress

The truth? Stress is an inevitable part of life. After all – how can we know true happiness without experiencing some level of pain and struggle? It’s what makes us human. But when stress becomes chronic, it can harm our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

And stressors come in all shapes and sizes, from daily pressures to profoundly painful life events. Here are just a few common sources of stress:

1. Work: Deadlines, long hours, demanding bosses – need we say more?
2. Finances: Struggling to make ends meet, dealing with debt, and worrying about the future can all cause significant stress.
3. Relationships: Whether it’s a romantic partner or family member, relationships can be a major source of stress when communication and conflict resolution skills are lacking.
4. Health issues: Chronic illnesses or sudden health crises can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being.
5. Loss and grief: Losing someone we love or experiencing other forms of loss (job loss, home loss) can be one of the most challenging life events to navigate.
6. Trauma: Past trauma, whether from childhood or recent events, can manifest as stress and affect our daily lives.
7. Major life changes: Moving, starting a new job, getting married – all of these big life changes can be exciting but also overwhelming and stressful.
8. Social media: Constantly comparing ourselves to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress.
9. Personal expectations: Putting too much pressure on ourselves to meet certain expectations or goals can cause significant stress.
10. Uncertainty: Not knowing what the future holds or feeling out of control in certain situations can trigger stress and anxiety.

Each stressor has its own set of biological, psychological, interpersonal, and environmental risk factors determining its severity and duration. Successfully coping requires insight into root causes and patterns – self-knowledge. In navigating this intricate web of challenges, the role of a comprehensive mental health platform becomes crucial, providing the necessary tools and support for individuals to enhance their self-awareness and address the diverse aspects of their well-being.

This is why holistic, ongoing stress prevention through emotional intelligence, healthy thinking habits, strong connections, and meaning gives us true resilience, not quick fixes.

The AlignUs Mental Health Platform: Holistic Wellbeing Through Connection & Competition

AlignUs was born from one doctor’s personal loss and the inspiration behind his parent’s profound legacy of supporting vulnerable communities. Dr. Nikhil Sharma founded AlignUs as a tribute to driving broader change beyond his individual capacity.

AlignUs’ mission statement encapsulates this founding vision: “To inspire a world of wellness and philanthropy through connection, compassion, and competition.” 

That means connecting individuals to their own self-knowledge and to each other through compassion and healthy competition. As a dedicated mental health platform, AlignUs strives to foster meaningful connections and promote mental well-being, echoing its commitment to a world where wellness and philanthropy intersect through the transformative power of technology.

Wellness In All Parts Of Life

AlignUs takes a multifaceted, evidence-based approach to cultivating complete well-being – not just the absence of illness. 

But what does this mean practically?  Carefully curating strategies from positive psychology, neuroscience, integrative medicine, nutrition, fitness, and more to nourish the physical, mental/emotional, social, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual realms. 

The end goal? To help people thrive at their highest potential through building self-awareness, healthy coping skills, nurturing relationships, and purpose. 

Features like in-depth assessments, personalized growth pathways, and blogs from experts provide you with the tools for sustainable self-improvement. It’s like your own personal coach for achieving balance, happiness, and overall wellness!

Philanthropy At The Heart Of Each Feature

There’s something to be said about the connection between giving back and personal fulfillment.

AlignUs interweaves personal advancement with collective uplift – linking inner fulfillment to outward contribution to systemic change. The platform makes donating effortless, meaningful, and even fun via monthly subscriptions and creative charity fitness challenges. 

By letting users choose issues close to their hearts from AlignUS’ global cause partners, every workout directly impacts those in need. With tangible metrics through leaderboards and impact reports, we can see the tangible difference our community is making in the world.

Making The Crucial Connections 

Humans thrive through genuine connection, especially when facing adversity alone. AlignUs cultivates authentic social bonding by promoting vulnerability, compassion, and co-learning within our members. 

Users share their experiences coping with stresses big and small in blogs, groups, and podcasts, building solidarity. AlignUs understands that wellness journeys aren’t linear and connections shouldn’t break during periods of struggle but support through them. 

Features like mentoring circles, check-in rituals, and skill-sharing then organically foster empathy, encouragement, and accountability vital for progress. It’s more than just a virtual mental health platform; it’s a safe haven where our community can be their authentic selves and grow together.

Compassion Drives Our Mission

Without judgment, there is space for understanding. AlignUs consistently creates that non-critical atmosphere across all touchpoints, from the tone used in assessments to moderation policies for online groups. 

By illuminating diverse human experiences with life’s inevitable ups and downs, the platform nurtures self-acceptance and grace for others’ imperfections. Furthermore, AlignUs partners with marginalized communities to spotlight wellness access and outcomes inequities. This perspective-taking breeds compassion is essential for intimacy with self and society.

Competition Breeds Fun 

Have you ever noticed that when you have a workout buddy or participate in a group fitness class, it’s easier to push yourself and have fun while doing it? That’s because competition can be a powerful motivator. At AlignUs, we embrace healthy competition as a way to keep our users engaged and excited about their personal growth journey.

Within the AlignUs platform, members choose collective campaigns based on resonating social causes to fundraise towards through virtual races, yoga sessions, etc. We then use tangible metrics to quantify individual and team progress in real-time, incentivizing going the extra mile. It’s like having a supportive community and personal trainer all in one!

But why stop at just competing with others? We also believe that self-competition is an important aspect of personal growth. That’s why we offer challenges and goals for our users to strive towards, allowing them to track their own progress and celebrate their achievements.

We aim to help individuals reach their personal milestones and create a sense of community and connection through healthy competition. By joining AlignUs, you improve yourself, contribute to a greater cause, and become part of a like-minded community.

Can A Mental Health Platform Really Help With Stress?

In an increasingly chaotic and demanding world, stress feels inevitable no matter your circumstances. You may wonder if any app could truly help dismantle the enormous pressure you face professionally, financially, socially, or in other facets of life.

The truth? AlignUs cannot eliminate every life stressor. However, it can equip you to fundamentally transform how you relate to and manage stress – preventing overwhelming anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Through personalized plans targeting root causes of stress, science-backed resilience-building tactics, and an uplifting member community, AlignUs helps you rewrite old coping patterns. Stress shifts from an ominous force knocking you off balance to a cue for accessing your new emotional regulation skills. 

You have the power to reframe stress as a catalyst for growth and fulfillment. Together, we can cultivate resilience, embrace vulnerability, and thrive despite life’s inevitable challenges. Join the AlignUs community to unlock your potential and live a more empowered, resilient life.

Join AlignUs In Our Mission To Go Beyond Stress

So can a mental health platform like AlignUs genuinely move the needle on stress? Unequivocally, yes. AlignUs equips you to master stress once and for all instead of just coping when you hit rock bottom. Stress becomes your secret weapon for continuous growth rather than a debilitating burden.

Ready to transform your relationship with stress starting today? Join AlignUs and gain access to a wealth of resources, including evidence-based techniques and tools, expert guidance, and a supportive community. Together, we can break the cycle of stress and elevate our lives to new heights.

The Enneagram – an ancient yet timeless tool – is a powerful system that helps us understand our personality type and identity. Nine types of body types exist in the Enneagram, each one with its own unique characteristics.

The Enneagram system offers a deeper look at how we interact with ourselves and the world around us. It showcases how our internal motivations, needs, and thought processes affect our behavior. And as a self-assessment tool, it can bring about a better understanding of our strengths and weaknesses.

The nine Enneagram body types are organized into three distinct categories: the Heart, Head, and Body centers. Each of these centers represents a distinct way of relating to the world and processing experiences. 

The Body Center, which includes Types 8, 9, and 1, are types that are focused on taking action in the world and standing up for themselves. They tend to be strong-willed, determined, and independent. However, this does not mean they aren’t unable to be vulnerable and intimate.

To help you get a better understanding of what each of these Enneagram body types might look like in practice, here is a brief overview of each type – and how they might manifest within an individual.

What Is A “Body” Type?

The body types of the Enneagram – often referred to as “gut” types – are represented by Types 8, 9, and 1. While each is unique, they do have similar characteristics that align with their focus on seeking order out of disorder and balance out of imbalance. 

Rather than being introspective, these types tend to focus outwardly and take action. They want to see a world that is fair and just, and they are driven to make sure it happens. This often leaves them feeling a deep sense of responsibility, which can sometimes be overwhelming to themselves and others. However, when acting in health, they can be very effective in achieving their goals and helping others seek solutions for their own issues.

These types of individuals are often more direct and less emotionally driven, making them come across as strong and authoritative. They have the capacity to be powerful leaders who can manage difficult situations with grace and provide stability in times of chaos. But they also need time to relax and find balance in order to stay aligned with their values.

Discovering the Enneagram Body Types

Type 8 – The Challenger:

Do you ever find yourself driven by a sense of justice and the need to protect yourself and others who may be vulnerable? If so, you may be an Enneagram Type 8. Those with this body-based type are known as ‘The Challenger’ and often show confidence, ambition, assertiveness, and courage.

Type 8s often take on the role of a leader – whether that be in their work, personal relationships, or even within the wider community. They are often seen as powerful and determined individuals who are creative problem-solvers and thrive when they have control over situations.

However, within their ambition and determination to succeed, Type 8s can find themselves engaging in power struggles with others which may lead to them feeling misunderstood or disrespected. They may feel isolated or even angry when they feel that others aren’t taking action toward justice or fairness.

Type 8s can benefit from learning to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as being mindful of the emotions of those around them. It’s important for Type 8s to take time to process their emotions and find ways to express themselves in healthy ways – such as through journaling, talking with friends, or engaging in activities that bring them joy. 

When harnessed correctly, Type 8s’ ambition and drive can enable them to achieve great things. With a greater understanding of their own needs and the needs of others, they will be better equipped to create positive relationships with those around them.

Type 8 Wings:

• Type 8w7: These individuals are assertive, outgoing, and social. They’re driven to create positive change in their environment and can often be found leading others toward progress.
• Type 8w6: These individuals are more introspective and analytical than their 8w7 counterparts. They channel their ambition into long-term projects with the goal of creating stability and security. They’re often more aware of the needs of others and strive to maintain harmony in their environment.

Type 9 – The Peacemaker:

The Enneagram Type 9 is also known as ‘The Peacekeeper’. These individuals prioritize comfort, peace, and stability above all else. They are understanding and don’t like conflict, often sacrificing their own needs to keep the peace. 

That said, they can become stubborn when they feel that their values or beliefs are being challenged. When they feel emotionally overwhelmed, Type 9s can become withdrawn and apathetic to cope. This isn’t due to a lack of interest or motivation but rather a way of self-soothing and avoiding conflict.

Type 9s are patient and compassionate, often turning to establish order in their lives by dedicating themselves to long-term projects that create stability for themselves and others. 

They strive to maintain harmony in their environment while also being aware of the needs of those around them. This can lead to them becoming passive and avoiding confrontation, as they tend to withdraw from conflict. They strive for balance in their lives, often considering the opinion of others even when it conflicts with their own. 

By understanding and being aware of the needs of those around them, Type 9s become highly attuned to their environment. They are natural problem-solvers who have an innate ability to look at situations from different perspectives and find the best possible solution. However, they may struggle to put this skill into practice due to their tendency towards apathy.

Type 9 Wings:

• Type 9w8 (The Peacemaker): This type is often drawn to strong external forces, such as authority figures or powerful people. They may seek out these power structures in order to maintain harmony and stability in their lives.
• Type 9w1 (The Reformer): This type tends to be idealistic and seeks to make the world a better place. They may be drawn to activism and social justice causes, as well as mentors who can help them live up to their high standards.

Type 1: The Reformer

Enneagram Type 1 is driven by a strong sense of justice and a need to do what’s right. They are sometimes referred to as the “perfectionist” – but this doesn’t quite capture the full scope of their need for internal order. 

1’s strive to live and act from a place of integrity, and they can be extremely hard on themselves if they feel that they have strayed from the path of true justice and morality. Type 1’s often have a lot to offer others in terms of guidance, wisdom, and good counsel – but can struggle with knowing when to take a step back and let others make their own decisions. 

They often have big-picture goals they are working towards, which can sometimes be more important than the day-to-day details. Ultimately, Type 1’s want to make a difference in the world – whether personally or professionally – and strive for excellence in everything they do. 

For 1s, a common struggle is feeling that others don’t value the rules or order they live by. They can feel discouraged when those around them don’t understand the importance of staying true to one’s values and beliefs. Type 1’s need others to recognize their commitment and respect it to feel validated in their pursuit of excellence.

Type 1’s should remember to be gentle with themselves – it is not easy to live a life held to higher standards than those around them. They should remind themselves that their focus on quality and precision can be seen as admirable, not unreasonable or overbearing. Recognizing their accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem, can help 1s stay motivated to continue striving for excellence.

Type 1 Wings:

• 1w2 – The Reformer: Combining their natural focus on personal growth and high standards with an ability to reach out to others, 1w2s can be a powerful force for positive change.
• 1w9 – The Perfectionist: By tempering their drive for perfection with greater awareness of the external factors that affect them, 1w9s can take comfort in the knowledge that even if things don’t always turn out exactly as planned, their efforts can still yield worthwhile results.             

Path to Growth for Body Types

The path to personal growth for Body Types involves recognizing their emotional habits and working towards balance. They often need to learn how to channel their energy into productive avenues and take steps toward self-improvement. Here are some nuanced steps and considerations that Body (Gut) types can follow to foster growth and self-improvement:

Self-Reflection:

• Identify Triggers: Recognize the situations or interactions that trigger automatic reactions or emotional responses.
• Explore Underlying Beliefs: Delve into the underlying beliefs or fears driving these triggers and responses.
• Reflect on Past Experiences: Understand how past experiences might be influencing current behavior and emotional habits.

Mindfulness and Presence:

• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation and mindful breathing to stay present.
• Non-judgmental Observation: Learn to observe reactions and emotions non-judgmentally as they arise.

Self-Regulation and Emotional Intelligence:

• Develop Emotional Intelligence: Cultivate the ability to constructively identify, understand, and manage emotions.
• Practice Self-Regulation: Learn to pause before reacting, allowing space for a more balanced response.

Communication and Relationship Building:

• Assertive Communication: Practice expressing needs, boundaries, and feelings assertively yet respectfully.
• Build Empathy: Foster empathy by striving to understand the perspectives and feelings of others.

Constructive Channeling of Energy:

• Positive Outlet: Find positive outlets for energy, such as engaging in creative projects, physical exercise, or community service.
• Productive Focus: Channel the natural assertiveness and drive towards productive and meaningful pursuits.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

• Seek Feedback: Be open to feedback from trusted individuals to gain different perspectives and insights for improvement.
• Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace a continuous learning, adaptation, and growth mindset.

Engagement with Resources:

• Explore Enneagram Resources: Delve deeper into the Enneagram resources like the Growth Guide for Every Enneagram Type from Invitera Counseling to understand growth pathways better.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consider engaging with an Enneagram coach or joining an Enneagram group for guided exploration and support.

Practice Patience and Compassion:

• Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion during the growth journey, acknowledging that personal development is a lifelong process.
• Patience: Be patient with oneself and others, recognizing that change and growth are incremental and take time.

Seek Growth As a Body Type with AlignUs

The Enneagram Body types bring powerful skills, insights, and gifts to the world. Yet it is only when we appropriately harness our unique type for growth in collaboration with others that we can truly make a difference. With AlignUs, you can connect with a worldwide community of those looking to grow as a Body Type. 

Learn more about the Enneagram, the other types, and how to take the next step in your journey of self-development. Join the AlignUs community and be part of the shift toward a better tomorrow! You deserve to learn more about how your type can best serve you and those around you. Together, we have the potential to make a real impact in the world!

Don’t know your Enneagram Type yet?  Click here to take the test. (place the enneagram test link on the click here)

For more resources on the Enneagram Body Types, click here

 

When you think of the various ways that you could meet an untimely demise, loneliness isn’t usually at the top of the list. In fact, many people don’t think of it as a threat at all.

But here’s the shocking reality: Loneliness and isolation have surpassed obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking to become the number one public health issue threatening health and longevity in the United States. 

In a groundbreaking new report, the U.S. Surgeon General calls the crisis of loneliness and disconnection “an epidemic,” one that poses a dire risk to both our physical and mental wellbeing.

The statistics underlying this alert from the nation’s top doctor on public health issues are sobering. Nearly half of American adults report feeling lonely, with levels highest among young adults. Think about that – it’s likely that at least one in four people you know is struggling with loneliness.

Yet, less than 1 in 5 Americans recognize loneliness and isolation as significant problems in their own lives. This obliviousness to the issue persists despite mounting evidence over decades demonstrating a heightened risk for premature death, heart disease, dementia, depression, and suicide among those lacking sufficient social connection.

In calling attention to this overlooked public health crisis, the Surgeon General’s report compels us to confront the life-threatening reality of loneliness and isolation in America. We can begin crafting an urgently needed response by acknowledging the severe costs of losing human connection at both individual and societal levels. 

At AlignUs, we are committed to bringing people together to create meaningful and sustainable connections. With loneliness leading to such a broad range of physical, mental, and emotional health concerns, we believe it is essential to prioritize meaningful interaction with others. 

Before we look at some potential solutions to the loneliness epidemic, let’s dig into the report – and what it means for our collective future.

Key Findings from The US Surgeon General’s Report

The report – which you can find online here – showcases just how little we truly know about the nature of human connection. From data collected in focus groups, surveys, and literature reviews, it became clear that loneliness has wide-reaching consequences – ranging from cognitive decline to an increased risk of mortality.

The Shocking Prevalence of Loneliness and Isolation

The prevalence of loneliness and isolation in America has reached crisis levels. 

Think about this from the report: Nearly 50% of American adults—equivalent to over 160 million people—reported feeling lonely in recent national surveys. 

Rates are highest among young adults, with this group nearly twice as likely to report loneliness as adults over 65. Over the past few decades, loneliness among young adults has increased year-over-year. 

Those facing financial hardship also shoulder a disproportionate burden, with lower-income adults 10% more likely to experience loneliness than higher earners. This means that millions of people are going through life without feeling close to another person.

The Health Impacts and Mortality Risks of Loneliness

The health consequences stemming from loneliness and isolation are severe. Lacking social connection carries a mortality risk comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day. Imagine – you could be living a highly health-focused yet still be at a greater risk for early death than someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes per day.

Loneliness also heightens the odds of developing numerous diseases, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke, and nearly 50% increased risk of dementia. The health impacts of loneliness and isolation help explain their ranking as the number one public health issue today.

The Economic and Societal Costs

Beyond devastating effects on longevity and disease burden, loneliness and isolation also inflict substantial economic and societal costs. 

Social isolation among older adults alone accounts for an estimated $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending annually. When you look at the broader economic impact, loneliness, and social isolation cost the global economy trillions of dollars each year.

These costs are likely to escalate further as our population ages and more people experience increased isolation levels. This is why actively creating a sense of community—both on an individual level with older adults and also in terms of larger-scale initiatives like fostering greater workplace connection—is so crucial to our collective well-being. Why Connection Matters

Connection as a Fundamental Human Need

Our need for connection with others lies at the very core of our health and well-being. Think of the moments that bring you the most joy—with family, friends, and colleagues. It’s these moments of connection that we live for and work hard to create more of in our lives.

Social connection serves as a fundamental human need on par with food, water, and shelter. Our brains have literally evolved to expect and depend upon proximity with others. 

Lacking connections taxes us greatly by forcing us to meet life’s demands largely alone. And that context isn’t just limited to physical proximity; it also applies to our emotional and mental states.

Biological Reasons

The presence or absence of social bonds profoundly impacts bodily systems tied to disease risk. The realities might surprise you!

Connection helps regulate inflammation, immune response, hormone levels, gene expression, and other biological processes that influence susceptibility to illness when dysfunctional. Isolation and loneliness can be as detrimental to these regulatory mechanisms as smoking and obesity. Conversely, connection enhances their healthy calibration – literally turning down the volume of inflammation and other triggers.

Social Effects

Connection is also essential for our emotional well-being, reducing stress, contributing to happiness, and giving us a sense of purpose in life. It’s been found to be an even stronger predictor than exercise or diet in promoting longevity and recovery from major health events. 

Connection gives us something that no amount of money can buy: relational support when we need it most.

At its core, connection is about feeling like we belong – something that every human needs in order to thrive. It’s an innate drive engrained in each of us that should not be taken lightly, so let’s commit to strengthening these bonds for ourselves as well as those around us.

It’s About More Than Just Us

The state of connection within communities also determines their functioning. More socially connected communities exhibit better population health, economic prosperity, preparation for and recovery from natural disasters, safety, and civic participation. 

Eroded social capital and trust in a community hampers its ability to advance shared objectives and withstand hardship. Our connections constitute the basic infrastructure enabling communities to thrive – that’s why we’re committed to helping build strong and connected communities.

Loneliness Is A Public Health Issue – So What Can We Do?

The scientific evidence leaves little doubt that social connection belongs among our most pressing public health priorities. As Surgeon General Vivek Murthy concluded, “If we fail to invest in social connection, we will continue to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community or a country.” 

Heeding this advice, we have to take steps to begin to bridge divides, rebuild trust and make the world a better place for everyone. Here are just a few practical approaches we can take to create more connected communities:

Find Ways to Build Connectedness Among Your Community

Do you live in a close-knit neighborhood? Can you cook meals for others or lend a helping hand to those in need? Are there events, such as film screenings or book clubs, that could bring people together and encourage meaningful conversations? Discover ways to build connectedness among your community and create an atmosphere of belonging.

Promote Inclusion & Diversity

Seek out individuals with different backgrounds, interests, and perspectives. Aim to include them in decision-making processes and inspire their participation in activities that benefit the wider community. Show respect for all identities, speak up when necessary, be open-minded, and stand against discrimination.

Support Mental Health Services

Provide resources for mental health services — both online and offline — so everyone has access to the help they may need. Create an environment where individuals feel comfortable to talk about their mental health and find support from peers. There are more and more resources available now, so use your platform to spread awareness and advocate for better mental health services.

Encourage Collaboration & Cooperation

Promote collaboration and cooperation among your community members by hosting events, workshops, or online discussions. These activities can foster collective learning, encourage problem-solving, and drive positive change. 

Investing in meaningful relationships between community members, you are helping to create a more dynamic, resilient network of people working together towards common goals. And when you can create a sense of belonging and trust in the group, individuals will feel empowered to seek help and receive the support they need.

Let’s Grow Closer – Together

Loneliness and isolation now rank as the number one threat to health and longevity in America. Yet, for too long, the public and policymakers alike have underestimated the severity of this crisis and overlooked our human need for connection. 

As a result, over 160 million Americans across all ages now report feeling lonely, while rates of premature death, disease, health care costs, and lost workplace productivity continue to climb.

We can no longer afford inaction regarding this overlooked public health emergency. Only by recognizing social connection as an urgent priority—backed by resource investments on par with other major health issues—can we spark the comprehensive, collaborative action needed across all levels of society. We must continue educating the public, reforming policies and environments hampering connection, and facilitating meaningful bonds in our everyday lives.

Strengthening our individual relationships represents the critical first step toward restoring communal ties. Our connections constitute so much more than feel-good friendships. They serve as indispensable infrastructure enabling our health, productivity, and shared progress through hardship. 

At AlignUs, we are on a mission to bring people closer together. We strive to cultivate meaningful connections within families, workplaces, and communities through a suite of online resources and community-focused initiatives. Our vision is to empower connection in a way that ultimately uplifts us all. 

We believe that when we come together, we can build a better world. Let’s put an end to the loneliness epidemic and create a future filled with meaningful, lasting relationships!

Within the nine types of the ancient Enneagram system, there are three types that make up the “Heart Center” group. These types – often known for their emotional and empathetic nature – are the 2, 3, and 4. 

People belonging to this group typically strive for positive relationships with others, seeking out connection and understanding through meaningful connections with family, friends, colleagues, or other important individuals in their lives. They are driven by a desire to be accepted and valued while also wanting to be seen as strong and capable individuals who can bring value to the table.

While very different in many ways, the Heart Center types all share a common basis: a desire to nourish and care for those around them. However, while a 2 may find a way to express their care through acts of service, 3s may prefer to show their affection through material gifts or heartfelt performative actions, and 4s may explore their emotions through creative endeavors such as music or art.

Regardless of how they choose to express themselves and interact with others, Heart Center types are often warm, compassionate individuals who look for ways to make those

Yet, for all their differences, they often find a deep appreciation and understanding of each other’s perspectives. This is because, despite their differing outlooks, everyone in this group is driven by the same core need – to be accepted and loved for who they are, flaws and all.

Understanding the Heart Types – as well as the motivations behind the decisions they make – can help us to better understand each other and build more meaningful relationships, both professionally and personally.

What Is a Heart Type?

The Enneagram’s nine types can be broken down into three centers: the Head Center, Heart Center, and Body (Gut) Center. The Heart Center consists of three distinct types – 2 (The Helper), 3 (The Achiever), and 4 (The Individualist) – that are united by their focus on feelings and emotions.

While Body types are often spurred into action by perceived needs or fears, Heart Types look toward the future and are driven by feelings of love and connection. They are often seen as the most emotionally balanced types – not too emotional nor too cold-hearted.

Each Heart Type has different motivations that inform their decision-making process. The Helper seeks to nurture, support, and care for others; the Achiever looks for ways to add value by striving toward excellence; and the Individualist seeks to explore their own unique identity. 

Understanding these differences can help us understand how Heart Types interact with each other and how they perceive the world around them. And when other types begin to see what drives their interactions, they can better appreciate and understand each other.

This knowledge can be used to create an atmosphere of respect and understanding, leading to healthier and more meaningful relationships. In the end, that is what it’s all about – creating positive connections with those around us so we can build a better world together.

Understanding the Enneagram Heart Types

Type 2 – The Helper

Everyone has a desire to be loved and to love others in deep, unconditional ways. However, the Helper type takes these feelings to new heights, using their unique skill set to be of service to those around them.

For instance, a 2 may demonstrate their love for someone through acts of service, such as making meals or running errands. This type loves to be needed by those around them and will often go out of their way to put others first.

However, their service is not out of simply selflessness or a desire to be liked – it also comes from a deep need for approval and recognition. This helps 2s feel secure in their relationships as they gain affirmation for the things that make them special.

The Helper type is known for being warm, generous, supportive, and reassuring. They often have a good sense of humor and use it to lighten the mood. Though they may appear to be unassuming, 2s can pick up on social cues quickly and are incredibly perceptive, often understanding the needs of others before they even voice them.

However, their desire to be needed can lead to codependency or over-involvement, which can be burdensome for those around them. 2s also may struggle with saying no and taking care of their own needs, leading to feelings of resentment if they’re taken advantage of.

It’s important that the Helper type pays attention to how often they’re giving versus receiving in relationships – if they’re not getting their own needs met, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate. 2s should focus on setting boundaries and being honest with both themselves and those around them about their feelings. With the right balance of support and self-love, Helpers can be an invaluable part of any group or community!

Type 2 Wings:

• 2w1: “The Giver” – The 2w1 is a natural nurturer and teacher, often taking pleasure in guiding and helping others. Kindhearted and generous, they strive to give their time and energy to those in need. If unbalanced, the tendency to be overly helpful can lead them away from their own needs.
• 2w3: “The Go-Getter” – 2w3s are the dynamic, ambitious type that loves a challenge. They can be incredibly driven and focused when pursuing their goals and will often do whatever it takes to get what they want. When unbalanced, they may become overly absorbed in tasks at the expense of other aspects of life.

Type 3: The Achiever

There are some individuals who just seem to feel at home in the driver’s seat, looking for ways to achieve even greater levels of success. Type 3s are the masters of personal growth and goal setting, quickly modifying their approach when something isn’t working for them.

Gifted with skills to see how the pieces fit together, they can be promoters, entrepreneurs, and inventors. But their tendency to focus on external results often leads them away from their needs and feelings. Balance is key for Type 3s—they need to learn to tap into a sense of inner fulfillment and outer success to lead meaningful lives.

For instance, a 3 may find satisfaction in taking on a challenging project, but take the time to appreciate what they have already accomplished. Or focus on doing activities that bring joy and not just productivity. This often includes spending time in nature and with loved ones, learning to engage with the present moment without worrying about what’s next.

Overall, Type 3s have a great capacity for change, growth and goal setting. As they learn to pay attention to their inner promptings, these high-achieving individuals will find themselves capable of creating even more meaningful outcomes—ones that come from a place of joy and fulfillment.

Type 3 Wings:

• 3w2: “The Diplomat” – The 3w2 is a type of Type 3 that is driven by the desire for acceptance and admiration from others. They tend to be more people-focused, expressive and emotionally open than other Types. They may have a strong need to appear charming, likable or valuable in the eyes of others. As such, they can easily become preoccupied with the opinions of those around them and may struggle to stay connected with their own inner truth.
• 3w4: “The Performer” – The 3w4 is a type of Type 3 that gains a unique sense of identity and validation from producing tangible results. Their individualist streak means they often take pride in their own accomplishments and strive to be seen as successful and competent. They may struggle with feelings of guilt or inadequacy when they feel like they are not living up to that self-imposed standard of achievement.

Type 4: The Individualist

Do you often find yourself feeling misunderstood or different from others? That your point of view seem to be just a bit more nuanced or thoughtful than anyone else? A sense that others just don’t quite get you? Type 4s – the Individualists – tend to be creative and highly empathetic. 

With a preference for the abstract, they may feel alienated when trying to connect with others on a surface level or exchanging small talk. They can take comfort in expressing their feelings authentically without worrying about how it will look to other people, but it can also lead them to feel isolated from those not as attuned to the complexities of emotion. 

They bring significant gifts to any group – from inspiring others to think outside the box, to drawing out the complexity of a situation and finding solutions that may have been overlooked.

While they value their inner lives and don’t feel the need to conform, Type 4s can become overwhelmed when under pressure to make decisions or live up to expectations imposed by others (or even themselves). 

It is important for them to take time for self-reflection and find a balance between their own needs and expectations from outside sources. Ultimately, the goal is to come away from this process feeling confident in their own decisions and secure in their understanding of themselves.

Above all, Type 4s should take time to appreciate who they are and find peace with the abstract nature of their personality. By allowing themselves to explore these unique emotions, others can benefit as well from increased insight into their perspectives and motivations. Embracing this type of expression can help Type 4s grow both personally and professionally.

Type 4 Wings:

• 4w3: “The Enthusiast” – Taking a cue from their 3 wing, 4w3s have an increased sense of optimism and enthusiasm in their approach to life. Although they may appear outgoing at first glance, they can sometimes be overwhelmed by their own intensity and need plenty of alone time to get away from it all.
• 4w5: “The Individualist” – A strong sense of autonomy defines the 4w5. Although they may appear independent and self-reliant, they are also capable of forming meaningful relationships with those who understand them. They often prefer to maintain a sense of mystery in order to protect their vulnerable inner core.

Path to Growth for Heart Types

The journey towards self-improvement and personal growth is a hallmark of the Enneagram’s Heart Types. This journey often involves a deep exploration of emotional habits, self-awareness, and the cultivation of empathy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fostering growth as a Heart Type:

1. Know That You Are Not Alone: Recognize the presence of others who understand and relate to your journey. As a Heart Type, you have the unique ability to connect with others in meaningful ways. However, you may find that it’s difficult to trust others or even yourself. Remind yourself that you are not alone and there is a strong community of support available to you.
2. Cultivate Compassion: Spend time cultivating compassion for yourself as well as those around you. Self-compassion can be challenging, but understanding your emotions and taking ownership of them is essential to growing as a Heart Type. This includes accepting your mistakes and allowing yourself the freedom to make them without judgment. 
3. Practice Self-Care: Heart types often seek other’s approval and can get stuck in self-defeating cycles. Investing in yourself is key; when you take care of your needs, it’s easier to stay balanced and make decisions that are best for you. Make sure to practice good self-care habits such as relaxation techniques or mindfulness meditation.
4. Show Gratitude: Express gratitude for both the big and small moments in your life. This can include anything from a kind gesture from someone you love to simply being grateful for waking up in the morning. Even when times are difficult, find something that you are thankful for and focus on that.
5. Connect with Others: While 2s thrive from connection, 4s may find this difficult. Seek out activities that allow for meaningful connection, such as taking walks with a friend or engaging in stimulating conversations. Cultivate relationships that are meaningful and supportive, and make time to spend with loved ones.
6. Seek Other Types To Make Balance: Try to intentionally seek out relationships with other personality types such as 1s and 3s, whose more extroverted natures can counterbalance your own. Learning from others helps provide a new perspective on life that can help you grow. You can also help others learn and grow by sharing your unique gifts.
7. Continue Learning: The Heart Types often have a never-ending desire to learn and grow. Continue to seek out new experiences, knowledge, and skills that can help you reach your goals. Invest in yourself with books, courses, or other forms of education. Staying curious and open-minded will keep you energized and motivated.

Grow Into Your Type with AlignUs

The Enneagram Heart Types offer a ton of unique gifts. With the help of AlignUs, you can learn how to unlock your true potential and leverage your type’s strengths for personal growth. And when you know yourself better, it’s easier to understand and work with others. Together, we can create a kinder and more compassionate world that honors our differences while celebrating our similarities.

Learn more about the Enneagram, the other types, and how to take the next step in your journey of self-development. Join the AlignUs community and be part of the shift toward a better tomorrow! You deserve to learn more about how your type can best serve you and those around you. Together, we have the potential to make a real impact in the world!

Don’t know your Enneagram Type yet?  Click here to take the test.

For more resources on the Enneagram Heart Types, click here

It’s that time of year again – the clocks have fallen back, darkness descends by 5 pm, and many of us are left feeling moody, unmotivated, and just a little bit glum. 

You’re not alone! The return of Standard Time can deliver an emotional wallop, even for those not prone to seasonal sadness. It upends circadian rhythms we’ve established over months of later dusks and disrupts the critical body chemicals that maintain our mood and energy. 

Though it might seem like an arbitrary change of 60 minutes, studies show turning back the clocks in winter is linked to actual decreases in happiness and well-being.

So, how did we end up with this seasonal assault on mental health and pep? The idea of daylight saving time (DST) arose over a century ago when an entomologist wanted more afternoon daylight for collecting bugs. In some form or another, most American states persevered with clock shifting to extend sunny evenings deeper into spring and summer. 

But the psychological toll of darker winter mornings continues, even as the energy-saving arguments for switching time zones have fallen away. Emerging research confirms this public health burden – and suggests it’s time to ditch the bi-annual change.

Let’s explore the surprising mental health impacts of daylight saving time in winter and why reform is overdue. We also provide pro tips and lifestyle tweaks to help safeguard your state of mind. Stick with us to learn how to keep your glow through the gloom!

When Losing An Hour Feels Like Losing Your Mind

Shifting the clocks back an hour in November delivers a special kind of one-two punch when it comes to mental health. Not only do we lose one precious hour of evening daylight, but disrupting our natural circadian rhythms can also hamper mood and cognitive function. 

When these body clock disruptions occur regularly, as they do twice per year with daylight saving time, effects may linger longer than the few groggy days adjusting to the initial time change.

Specifically, the move to standard time each winter causes most people’s biological wake times to shift one hour later, out of sync with fixed school/work schedules. 

Experts say this one-hour misalignment between what our bodies expect and what our morning alarms demand leads to disrupted sleep-wake cycles through late fall and winter. Lost sleep and fighting against your natural circadian clock leave you more vulnerable to feeling disoriented, sluggish, and moody.

Studies also link the November time change to decreased life satisfaction and poorer concentration. For those prone to seasonal depression or winter blues, dubbed seasonal affective disorder (SAD), darker mornings can further diminish mood and motivation. 

The plunge in natural sunlight exposure plus the metabolic effects of circadian cycle shifts appear to worsen low mood, fatigue, cravings, and low motivation for those with SAD.

Daylight Saving’s Dubious Origins and Purpose

So, what led to this seemingly antiquated practice, and why do we still fall back?

Modern daylight saving time traces its origins to prominent entomologist George Hudson who 1895, proposed changing the clocks to have more after-dinner sunshine for his insect collecting hobby. The idea of aligning clock time to maximize useful daylight caught on over the next few decades, often linked to energy conservation goals and wartime policies.

Germany and Austria were the first to officially adopt daylight saving time in 1916 to conserve coal during World War I by reducing evening lighting demands. 

The United States followed soon after, enacting daylight saving as a wartime fuel policy from 1918-1919 and again during World War II. Year-round daylight saving time was instituted again from 1974 to 1975 when the oil embargo triggered energy worries.

Though first intended to pare evening electricity usage, researchers have since debunked theories that daylight saving actually decreases energy demands. One meta-analysis covering decades of DST shifts found no statistically significant drop in overall electricity use resulting from the bi-annual change. Our internal circadian cycles still drive similar waking/sleeping times regardless of clock time.

Yet tradition continues to trump science, it seems. Today, approximately 70 countries utilize some version of daylight saving time, setting clocks forward in spring and rolling them back in fall to take advantage of longer summer daylight. 

Despite questionable energy-saving outcomes, sticking to daylight saving time remains the default for most governments worldwide.

Time for Change? Rethinking Daylight Saving in the Modern Era

While the original intentions behind daylight saving time may have been reasonable for the early 20th century, evidence builds that this antiquated practice now causes more harm than good in modern societies. 

Beyond questionable energy-saving outcomes, public health arguments reveal shifting the clocks two times per year serves to disrupt circadian rhythms and enable mood disorders for millions vulnerable to seasonal depression.

In recent years, objections have mounted from sleep scientists and mental health experts who argue the bi-annual time changes are an “unnecessary, health-damaging anachronism.” Lawmakers now face growing calls to review the practice through a modern lens. Initiatives gaining traction include:

Permanent Standard Time: Removing time shifts altogether by sticking to permanent standard time would allow better alignment of clock time with most people’s innate circadian cycles without fall/spring disruptions.

Delaying School Times: An alternative solution is keeping daylight saving or summer hours but adjusting school and work start times later to match time changes. Several states are now considering bills to institute later school times to benefit adolescent health.

More Research: Governments continue funding research studies on the health, safety, and economic impacts of switching between standard and daylight saving time. Findings inform modern debate on DST’s merits.

Coping with the “Time Change Blues”

As momentum gathers to eliminate bi-annual time changes, you may still need to cope with disrupted mood, energy, and sleep cycles over this darker fall and winter. When standard time starts wreaking havoc, proactively safeguard both physical and mental health using research-backed strategies:

Prioritize Sleep: Ensure sufficient sleep opportunity by adding extra cushion to bedtimes. Protect sleep quality by maximizing a dark/cool/quiet bedroom environment – so important for a good night’s rest!

Get That Needed Light Exposure: Spend more time outdoors during daylight to help reset circadian rhythms, especially in the mornings. Indoor light therapy lamps can also offset seasonal sunlight dips, helping to reduce fatigue and improve mood.

Stay Active: Move the body to lift mood and energy; regular exercise can help re-regulate sleep patterns throughout these longer days/shorter nights.

Nourish with Healthy Eating Habits: Consume nutrient dense meals to promote mental clarity – think salmon, leafy greens, avocado! Also, resist cravings for sugary/processed comfort foods that only provide a short-lived sugar rush.

Monitor Screen Time: As evening approaches earlier each night, be mindful of overusing screens, as this can disrupt the natural melatonin production needed for restorative sleep.

Preempt the Winter Blues: Boost mood-friendly lifestyle habits before seasonal sadness strikes by building physical activity, social connections, nutritious eating and stress resilience practices into fall and winter routines.

Know When to Seek Help: Consult your doctor or mental health professional if low mood, low energy, and sleep disruptions persist despite self-care efforts. Winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may require specific treatment.

Though challenging, reminding yourself the dark mornings and earlier sunsets are temporary can help fortify mental resilience. Within several winter weeks, most people adapt their circadian rhythms to align with standard time again. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits also assists the body in adjusting and upholding mental equilibrium until longer spring days return.

Is It Time to Move On from Daylight Saving?

As we’ve explored, daylight saving time remains a common practice worldwide despite questionable energy-saving outcomes today and growing recognition of its detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing. 

The bi-annual one-hour time shifts disrupt circadian rhythms for millions, enabling mood disorders in at-risk groups. Yet addressing what’s become a public health issue garners surprising controversy.

It’s time to consider how to improve our collective quality of life by rescinding the outdated practice. With alternative energy conservation methods, we can safely transition to a unified system for all time zones and leave behind the troubles from daylight saving. 

But in the meantime, you can still make sure you’re taking steps to care for yourself and your mental health. From increasing natural sunlight exposure to setting a regular sleep routine, these simple measures can go a long way toward countering the associated adverse effects of daylight saving time.

Find Help With AlignUs

At AlignUs, we are passionate about helping you find the resources and help you need to live a happier and healthier life. 

That’s why we are committed to staying on top of current trends and research that help inform our approach, such as the impacts of daylight saving time. We understand how important it is to stay up-to-date and act purposefully to ensure everyone is living their best life — no matter what time it is!

Together, let us continue to strive for a world where people live in harmony with themselves and their environment. We can move forward together toward a brighter future by equipping ourselves with knowledge. Let’s take this small but essential step towards making daylight saving time obsolete. It starts today!

My name is Kevin Drummond and I will be your guide on your continuous journey of alignment with AlignUS. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences, knowledge, and energy with all of you that are reading this blog. As you continue your wellness journey with AlignUs, you will begin learning more about the many aspects of health, wellness, fitness, mindfulness, spirituality, and how they all intersect to create the greatest version of you! I hope this article finds you in good health and you find immense value in everything you are about to read. 

AlignUs is designed to be a positive social media platform that promotes healing, transformation, and connection. We are revolutionizing philanthropy in the digital age, creating sustained personal and mental well-being and most importantly, giving back to those who need it the most.

“Soulful Strides: The Aligning Journey of Fitness and Spirituality in Your Life”

Fitness is an incredible catalyst for profound change in one’s life. At some point in our lives, we realize we are not living to our full potential. We realize that we’ve only met the minimum requirements that we need to survive. When you decide to begin your fitness journey, you decide to become someone greater than you are in that moment. 

Regardless of when you start your fitness journey, the desire is the same. You decide to become better. You decide to become greater. You decide to acquire a different identity.

By creating a new identity, you are able to create new habits. You are able to create new routines. You are able to create new goals. You are able to create a different persona for yourself overall and a new definition of peace. As you acquire this new identity, you begin to elevate in other areas of your life as well. 

You begin to take soulful strides in spirituality. You begin to take soulful strides in self-love. You begin to take soulful strides in improving the relationships in your life. You begin taking strides in every area of your life! This is the power of fitness!

By no means will it be easy. However, there is no way that you can stay the same if you decide to make a commitment to yourself and a commitment to including fitness in your daily routine. We get in life what we tolerate. Choose to no longer tolerate a lack of fitness in your life. Choose to increase your minimum standards. 

How do you ask? Decide to incorporate fitness into your life today! Choose to go on a walk. Choose to go for a run. Choose to meet a step goal each day. Choose to ask a friend to be your gym partner. Choose YOU! Choose to increase your minimum standard. Choose to take a stride in the direction of your highest self.

At AlignUs, we are focused on creating a community of like-minded individuals that are committed to growth and development. We believe that by building a collective of individuals who operate with mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion, we can help create a connected and harmonious world.

So, how will you align today? What will you commit to in order to grow? That choice is up to you. 

Have an amazing day of fulfillment.
Your Guide in Gratitude,
Kevin Drummond