Importance of Communication Skills in a Relationship

A relationship is a connection and exchange between people. Communication plays a large role in the exchange between people. It exchanges information in the form of ideas, wants, desires, feelings, and much more. Incomplete or stopped communication can create a block in the relationship.

Sometimes we take the most important things in life for granted and do not realize its importance until it is too late. Many of us take our relationships for granted and move on until one fine day we wake up to realize, we don't have the connection any more.

Sometimes, this can lead to breakups or divorce, or simply just a uncomfortable relationships. Suddenly we realize something is wrong in the way things are going. A person who just went through a very sad breakup and has not been the same man/woman any more. This sad experience lead me to realize the most important thing in life is your relationships.

The importance of communication skills in relationships may save your relationship simply because, at the end of day, if you have no one to share your happiness with, all the money in the world is worthless.

Are You Experiencing Burnout?

Burnout is a very real threat to people in challenging and stressful jobs. The feelings of intense tiredness and disillusionment that come with it bring intense unhappiness, and can spell the end of otherwise promising and emotionally rewarding careers.

Symptoms include: Physical exhaustion/fatigue, Rigidity to change/loss of flexibility, Low job performance, Depression, Loss of concern and feelings/apathy, Insomnia or sleeping more than usual, Cynicism/negativism, Decreased communication/withdrawal , Headaches, Emotional exhaustion/loss of emotional control, High job turnover/leave position, Increased absenteeism Lingering colds/frequent colds/flu, Low morale/sense of futility, Loss of enthusiasm for job, Loss of patience/irritable, Increased drug use, Shortness of breath, Inability to cope with unwanted, Increased marital and family conflict, Hypertension, Feelings of anger/bitterness/resentment disgust, Lack of focus on job/lack of purpose and priorities, Boredom.

Coping successfully with stress is the key to avoiding burnout. An extensive review of the literature by Nusbaum8 indicated the following individual/social strategies as the most common functional methods:

1. Develop a realistic picture of yourself - know what you're feeling and why.
2. Set realistic goals for yourself.
3. Recognize the symptoms of stress and burnout.
4. Ask for help when it's needed.
5. Develop a structural and personal support system.
6. Retain hope.
7. Develop a detached concern for recipients of your efforts.
8. Maintain an active personal social life outside of work.
9. Take time-outs when you need them.
10. Maintain a regimen of proper nutrition and physical exercise.
11. Develop a sense of organizational involvement.
12. Be willing to accept counseling when needed.
13. Develop self-therapies such as meditation, biofeedback, or relaxation response.
14. Accentuate the positive.

Of these, the most important is the first. Individuals must be aware of their own feelings and physical condition to realize problems that exist and thus seek the proper coping strategy.

NHS (National Health Service) Targets Putting Patients at Utmost Risk

Have you been hospitalised before? How did you experience the care you receive at NHS Hospital- Accident and emergency (or ER in the US)? How long did you wait to be attended? Based on survey, Accident and emergency patients are frequently sent to the wrong wards to meet waiting-time targets. As a result some needing specialist attention are not seen by the right healthcare personnel. Good examples include patients needing cardiac monitoring being sent to rehabilitation or surgical wards. What treatment will you expect to be received? Others are at times "shifted from ward to ward". A survey of 500 A&E nurses by the Royal College of Nursing also found nine out of ten felt unduly pressured to see patients within the four hours demanded. Targets should not be allowed to put patients at risk.

On the other hand, as a nurse working in NHS there are factors that may cause the long wait or delay in treatment at Accident and emergency (A&E). Firstly, I feel that a lot of people don't understand what the A&E is for! There are doctors clinics for the less urgent cases. If you only have cough or colds don't expect to be seen immediately at Accident and emergency. Spare it to the patients who genuinely need help. Secondly, the staffing level of the hospital. The extent of the NHS nursing shortage is getting worse. The government may not admit but it is happening now big time. Nurses are becoming more dissatisfied with their work environment. The nurse-to-patient ratio is scandalous! How can you give proper treatment immediately if there are 20 patients waiting for a single nurse (or one doctor for that matter)? After few days of hardwork, there will come a time that this poor nurse will soon be sick too because of over fatigue. The more patients are at risks. It's just a cycle. Now NHS, wise up!

Gracias!

Your thoughtful gestures are very much appreciated especially these holidays! Thank you for the cards, ecards, photo cards, text messages and personal greetings. A very happy return to all!

..Salamat Robbie(California), Ruby and family(California), Ja and family(Belgium), Fuji and family(Connecticut), Gracee and family(California), Melissa Mendes and family(Manila), Ga(Manila), Dora(Malaysia), Rayner(New Jersey), Rajan (Manila), Choter(Poland), Angel(Florida), Gen and family(Texas), Ate Maan and family(Newtownabbey), Jevi and family(Portadown), Dianne, Bincy, Angela(colleauges) and to my cousins and family. You know who you are!;)

How Was Your 2008? The year ender...

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

When I look back, 2008 was a very colourful year for me. I was emotionally drained this year. I felt that everything was falling into pieces. The most humbling experience was when I engaged in series of soul searching. One particular instance was my trip to New York. I have known to love myself again and chilled out. I rediscovered my true self again. The experience makes me mature spiritually and emotionally. I am not a very religious person but I do believe that God is always there for me. I thank HIM for everything.

Healthwise, it wasn't a good year. I have injuries on both of my shoulders. I slow down and I have reduced my working hours to limit my physical activity on my shoulders. It seems better these past few months.

Careerwise, I've never even noticed it! I have just finished my 3-month study related to "Infection control", plus work. Indeed it was a busy year for me. Look how times flies! At present, understaffing still is a problem so you should know what is it like working in a chaotic hospital ward. One third of the staff went off sick and they're not being replaced. It is happening to any hospital these days. I am seriously considering a career change. I applied and granted an Australian Nurse Registration this year. I would hope to work in Brisbane next year (in God's will). New career... new life... and a fresh start with my son Arjo.

Big thanks to my family, relatives and friends who have supported me throughout the year. They are far from me but their emails and messages uplifted me so much. And special thanks to my baby who's been here for me no matter what. Thanks for the laugh. You are my strength and my inspiration!

I know 2009 is a better year for me and Arjo. I have more energy and endurance and even feel emotionally stronger. All I want now is to enjoy life more. Wishing all a COLOURFUL, PEACEFUL AND COMFORTABLE New Year 2009!

The Importance of Family

(From L to R: Mom, Ate Brenda, Trisha, Kuya and me-taken in the Phil 2007)

At times it is quite hard to celebrate and realise the meaning and importance of holidays and special occasions when you are not surrounded by family and love ones. That's exactly how I felt this Christmas. My Mom is in Davao City. My "kuya"(brother) is in Dubai. My twin sister (Malou) is in Manila. My cousins are in the Philippines. We are all far from each other. I vividly remember before special days and occasions were always fun and family-filled. Mom was busy preparing foods at the kitchen. Dad was still there and everybody was really having fun. It was priceless! We were still living in the same roof then. However, time changes. I am here working in the UK for over five years now. I have missed my family every single day. On the other hand, I got my strength now mostly from my son Arjo who is here with me. He's the only one I have. I love him to bits.

I am working hard to keep up the close bonds and relationships that I have with my family and love ones. Without them I feel alone and pretty much useless. They help me see where I stand in life and help me strive to reach my full potential in whatever I choose to do. Family is the most important thing for me. My own marriage has failed because his priorities were overturned by something else, more than my son and me. However, I have moved on. Life is too short to be wasted. Nevertheless, to my future partner, rest assured my love I could offer would last a lifetime. I will see to it that we both have the same priority... which is our life being together as family.

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"In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities. "

(Trisha and Malou)

(with relatives)
(my son, Arjo)
(me with my niece Trisha)

Happy Holidays

An Act of Kindness

Christmas indeed is around the corner! Some Londoners have had their Christmas a little early, as they were handed free presents from a group of volunteers. Well done, guys! Happy Christmas to all....



video credit: itnnews