Cost of Clutter on Your Well-Being: 5 Ways to Simplify Your Life

a post by Emily Waters for the World of Psychology blog



Not all clutter is visible. Today, most of us are constantly thinking about others, and taking care of others, while sadly neglecting ourselves. To help others and to have others rely on you is a dignifying and enriching experience, but it can also lead to feelings of constant stress, frustration and chaos.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to simplify life, you’re not alone. Here are some of the main ways you can reduce stress this August while still engaging in your favorite activities, and not missing a thing.

1. Clear clutter
2. Cut out negative relationships
3. Automate what you can
4. Learn to say no
5. Live within your means

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The explanations for all of the above are common sense and have been said many times before!
Hurrah for knowing what needs to done.
Will somebody please provide the motivation.

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Are You Ready to 'Adult'?

a post by Edie Weinstein for the World of Psychology blog



The commonly used word, ‘adult’, has had a makeover in recent years. A person is considered a chronological adult at the age of 18 or 21, depending on when they could vote, drink legally or be drafted. The concept of ‘adulting’ spills over into the realm of behavior. It could take the form of holding down a job, keeping appointments, being in integrity with one’s word, and paying the bills on time. There are moments when even the most responsible among us desire someone else who is ‘adultier’ to take charge. This 59-year-old recovering Type A, overachiever with a solid work ethic would love nothing better some days than to hang out in a blanket fort, wearing footie pajamas, and indulging in mint chocolate chip ice cream.

I was taught responsibility at an early age. Somewhere around four or five, I helped do laundry, by sorting and folding socks that my mother would dump onto the dining room table. Toasty and warm, fresh from the dryer. To this day, I enjoy doing laundry, in part because it is a Zen activity, and because it reminds me of my mom. In addition, over the years, I was asked to set and clear the table, clean my room, make my bed (I still do it each morning, since it is my first accomplishment of the day), dust, vacuum, cook, mow the lawn, and clean the bathroom. I would help my dad clean the garage, which generally meant moving the junk from one side to the other. Gardening gave me the opportunity to plant, weed and harvest whatever veggies and flowers we grew in the yard.

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Unions, learning, migrant workers and union revitalization in Britain

an article by Stephen Mustchin (University of Manchester, UK) published in Work Employment & Society Volume 26 Number 6 (December 2012)

Abstract

This article focuses on strategies adopted by British trade unions to promote education to their members and their impact on attempts to organise among migrant workers.

The relationship between this activity and broader debates around union revitalisation is analysed, particularly in terms of how union involvement in learning intersects with broader organising and community focused union activity. A diverse range of approaches to education provision for migrant workers can be identified from this research.

The influence of internal union politics on attempts to organize migrant workers, work in conjunction with state policy and improve access to education among their members is also analysed.

The study highlights a diverse range of outcomes, raising important issues regarding union organising strategies and their relationship to union provision of education for their memberships.

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Youth representatives’ opinions on recruiting and representing young workers: A twofold unsatisfied demand?

an article by Kurt Vandaele (European Trade Union Institute, Brussels) published in European Journal of Industrial Relations Volume 18 Number 3 (September 2012)

Abstract

Unionisation levels are far lower among young workers than for the workforce in general. How can trade unions become more responsive to their particular interests and needs?

Union confederations, even in countries with decentralised union structures, have the potential to take effective initiatives to facilitate and support new organising strategies targeted at young workers, for example by spreading knowledge, practical skills and vision of relevance for improving the representation and recruitment of young workers.

Yet the survey findings reported here show that youth representatives across Europe find their confederations’ responsiveness and commitment to organising to be inadequate. Their dissatisfaction confirms previous research findings concerning young workers and their unfulfilled desire for unionisation.

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