SUPPORTIVENESS
"Do not be ashamed of help" Marcus Aurelius
Supportiveness is the skill of demonstrating availability, presence and appreciation for the work and needs of others in order to build better working relationships with colleagues and clients.
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Human beings do not thrive alone. We need our family and friends as pillars of support, especially in difficult times. Having a strong network of supportive family and friends helps enhance our mental well-being. Learn more about the importance of having this supportive network and how you can maintain and build one.
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As the saying goes, 'No man is an island' - everyone needs companionship and a shoulder to lean on. It is important to surround ourselves with family and friends for support and comfort in both times of joy and distress. Studies have shown that having supportive relationships is a strong protective factor against mental illnesses and helps to increase our mental well-being.
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Ways to Be More Supportive: -
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Be available to listen. It doesn’t mean that you provide help regardless of whether you’re being asked for it. Let the person you care about know that you’re willing to listen, uncritically, when the situation demands it.
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Available with advice. When you are approached for help, providing advice can prove to be very supportive. Again, providing unsolicited advice isn’t perceived as particularly supportive, but being ready for it when asked will help ensure that your advice hits a receptive audience.
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Show love and affection. Without providing anything in the way of objective support, it’s often enough just to know that someone cares to help get the stressed individual through tough times. The love and affection could be of the face-to-face form, and it's probably best when it is, but it can also come in the form of virtual cheers.
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Support the individual during the decision-making process. The person you care about may have to come up with plans that require more than just a sounding board or advice. Being patiently willing to go through the steps required to solve the problem can give the person you care about a more balanced perspective than would be possible if he or she were making this decision alone.
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Be a person who the person you care about can trust and confide in. You might think it’s enough for the person you care about to sign up for an established support network or to be able to receive financial or emergency assistance.
Yoga for Supportiveness: -
Downward-Facing Dog Pose
Cat and Cow Stretch
Locust Pose
Sphinx Pose
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Meditation
Breathing, body scan, empowerment and deep meditation