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Truly, there are ways a woman can use to seduce or attract a man but some women go about it wrongly or make certain mistakes that push men away or make them unwilling to commit. Here are mistakes women make when trying to get a guy’s attention.

1. Changing your tone of voice: “There are many women that when they try to flirt with a man, unconsciously change their voice, ladies, that can be done when talking lovingly to a baby or your pet, but men hate that and also, if he comes to like it, will you keep talking like this the rest of your life?”

2. Exaggerated makeup: “When you stay with your guy, you do not need to paint yourself like a door, do not waste your time as with a little moisturizer or a natural base surely he will like you the same way”.

3. Fake hair: “One of the things that men can least notice is hair extensions, maybe occasionally or for a special event you decide to get some, but if he accidentally touches it and discovers that is not what it seems, probably will run”.

4. Pretending to be something you’re not: “Some women spend their money on a dress or a bag just to meet the guy they like, or go for dinner at the fanciest restaurant in town, boasting of being habitual, and when they arrive there do not even know where the bathroom is located; don’t pretend to be something you’re not, because sooner or later he will end up realizing it and you will end up terrible”.

5. Dressing provocatively: “Sensuality and good taste lie in the clothes that insinuate without showing too much, do not try to look like a bombshell girl in front of him, first, because the other men will look at you too often, and second because you will not leave anything to the imagination”.

6. Pretending to be silly: “It is not yet known why, but many girls take the role of silly in front of a guy they like, of course, often girls get a little nervous and sometimes mess up, but those brainless girls men just want them for other things than having a relationship”.

7. Being late: “Some women think that they might give a touch of suspense if they make a guy wait for a while when they have a date but that is a mistake, the only thing you will get is that he gets tired of waiting and leaves without saying goodbye”.

By Williams Anuku Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, appraised his anti corruption policy and said he has been able to tame the menace to a manageable level.

He said one of those strategy he employs is that once the court strips any person of assets illegally acquired, he orders the sale of such assets to prevent a situation where they later repossess them.

The President while hosting members of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) at State House, Abuja, explained that the proceeds from the sales are then remitted into the Treasury Single Account, where it will be practically impossible to reclaim.

Buhari gave this account, while recalling his experience in the past, in which assets seized from officials who couldn’t explain how they got them, “only for those assets to be returned to them when government changes hand”.

“Such things would hardly recur now because I gave instructions that all forfeited assets be sold, “and the money put in the Treasury Single Account.”

“Let’s see who will now take back the money from the treasury, and give back to those people, as was done in the past,” the President stressed.

The President equally said he would beam the searchlight on cost of governance, and weed out possible areas of corruption that exists anywhere.

He lauded members of the committee for the “major sacrifice “they’ve made in accepting the assignment to serve the country,” noting, “Some of the elite won’t trust you, and you will be alienated, no matter how close you are to them.”

Chairman of PACAC, Professor Itse Sagay, who led the delegation to the Villa, made some recommendations which he advised the presidency to look into.

He described Nigeria as being fortunate to have a person of President Buhari’s credentials as leader of government.

“We congratulate you for being a star of the anti-corruption struggle in Africa. You attach a lot of importance to the fight against corruption, and we have tried to achieve the aims you had in mind when you established PACAC,” Prof Sagay added.

He listed the achievements of the committee to include training, building capacity of anti-corruption agencies, as well as helping to develop a programme of non-conviction assets recovery, which is recording great successes.

Among recommendations PACAC made to the President, in order to move the anti-corruption war many steps forward, includes, reestablishment of the jury system for criminal cases in the country; setting up of a judicial commission on corruption in the judiciary, to be headed by retired judges under the auspices of National Judicial Council (NJC); passage of Proceeds of Crime Act by the National Assembly; the setting up of a Presidential Truth and Restitution Task Force; and a closer look at the cost of governance to weed out all vestiges of corruption.

President Buhari pledged that government would take a dispassionate look into all the requests.

Yellow fruits, as the name broadly implies, are fruits that are yellow in colour, actually colour of yellow fruits ranges from the bright, true yellow of a lemon to the soft orange of a cantaloupe. These fruits have a wide range of health benefits.

Yellow fruits include:

The list of best yellow fruits includes:
Lemon
Yellow apple
Yellow figs
Yellow watermelon
Mango
Pineapples
Yellow pears
Nectarines
Persimmon
Cape gooseberries,
Golden kiwi fruit
Cantaloupe
Ha’ogen melon
Bananas
Grapefruit
Apricot
Nectarines
Peach
Papaya
Starfruit

Yellow fruits are a rich source of various nutrients that provide many health benefits. Here are the benefits:

1.These brightly colored fruits contain large amounts of vitamin C, which is not only good for your immune system but also helps your skin build collagen. This keeps your skin elastic and youthful-looking.

2. Those high concentrations of vitamin C help your body form healthier bones and keep your joints healthy.

3. The vitamin A in fruits with a yellow tinge, which is derived from the beta-carotene once consumed, is important for eye health and reduces the risk of macular degeneration.

4. The antioxidants in yellow-colored fruits also help to fight off free radicals.

5. These fruits are heart healthy, as they can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, in addition to maintaining your body’s healthy pH.

6. All these nutrients are excellent for helping your body through recovery from any illness or bone fractures.

7. Yellow fruits also contain a significant level of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system running clean and can further aid in the reduction of cholesterol build-up in your cardiovascular system.

Curry leaves are not just to add flavour to your meals, they have vital benefits for health. Below are the health benefits of curry leaves:

1. Weight Loss

Curry leaves may help with weight loss, thanks to the presence of the carbazole alkaloids mentioned above, which may prevent weight gain and lower LDL cholesterol. You can add dried or fresh curry leaves to your food or you can directly munch on the dried curry leaves.

2. Alleviate Diarrhea

Research shows that the carbazole alkaloids present in curry leaves have antidiarrheal properties. Experiments on lab rats showed that carbazole extracts from curry leaves significantly controlled castor oil-induced diarrhea. Consume them by grinding up one bunch of curry leaves, and eat the paste or the juice of the leaves.

3. Treat Indigestion

In Ayurveda, it is thought that the use of curry leaves can be used as a cure for gastrointestinal issues as they are considered to possess mild laxative properties. You can make juice out of a bunch of curry leaves, add lime juice, and consume the mixture to alleviate indigestion. A paste made from the leaves can also be added to buttermilk and taken every morning on an empty stomach to serve the same function.

4. Prevent Nausea & Morning Sickness

It is thought in many cultures that curry leaves help in preventing nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness. They also help provide relief from morning sickness and nausea to women in their first trimester of pregnancy.

5. Fight Infection

Research on curry leaves has revealed that they are effective in fighting bacterial and fungal infections due to the presence of carbazole alkaloids. This compound is known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. The leaf extracts from the plant have been comparable to popular mainstream antibiotic drugs.

6. Anti-diabetic Properties

Perhaps one of the biggest health benefits of curry leaves is their use in diabetes control.

Research cited in an International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that the anti-hyperglycemic properties of the leaves were beneficial in controlling blood glucose level in diabetic rats.

7. Good for Eyesight

Curry leaves contain high amounts of vitamin A, which is beneficial for eyesight, according to experts. Vitamin A contains carotenoids which protect the cornea and the eye surface. Deficiency of vitamin A may cause night blindness, cloud formations in front of the eye, and even loss of vision in some cases.

8. Fight Oxidative Stress

A research study published in the journal Food Chemistry has indicated that curry leaves are a good source of antioxidants. The presence of various vitamins like vitamin A, B, C, and E help in reducing oxidative stress and free radical scavenging activity.

9. Heal Wounds

Curry leaves are also helpful in skin care. The juice or paste of the leaves can be applied to burns, cuts, bruises, skin irritations, and insect bites for an expedient recovery and clean healing.

10. Fight Cancer

The chemical constituents found in curry leaves such as phenols are helpful in fighting cancers such as leukemia, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancers. One research study showed evidence of colon cancer-fighting properties in the carbazole alkaloids extracts from curry leaves.

11. Lower Cholesterol Levels

These leaves have been shown to have positive effects on reducing LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that they have the potential to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, but further research is needed to confirm the results.

12. Hair Care

Curry leaves are believed to help in strengthening hair roots. Dry curry leaf powder mixed with oil can be applied to your hair. The paste from curry leaves can also be applied in cases of gray hair to slow the graying process. Doing these on a regular basis can improve hair growth as well.

13. Protect the Liver

Your liver plays a major role in the digestive process. Curry leaves can help offer a boost of protection from any attack by free radicals, as well as from viral and bacterial attacks that can result in infection. Research on curry leaves has indicated that the tannins and carbazole alkaloids present in the leaves exhibited good hepatoprotective properties.

1. Face
Many cleansers on the market today are made with harsh chemicals that strip the skin of its natural oils, which often leads to skin issues such as acne and clogged pores. Coconut oil is used in many natural face products and for good reason: it’s naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and moisturizing. Coconut oil is composed primarily of nourishing fatty acids and is especially high in lauric acid. It also contains vitamin E and healthy fats, which help to make skin smooth. The benefits of coconut oil for your face can be found in a variety of products, on its own or as part of a nourishing blend. Pure Fiji is a line of natural skincare products that use hand pressed virgin coconut oil from fresh coconuts. Their hydrating multi-active day cream is just one of the many products that you can use to reap the benefits of coconut oil for your face. It hydrates skin for 24 hours and helps to improve skin elasticity and collagen production. Coconut oil is also known for its anti-aging properties. Coconut oil has anti-oxidants such as Vitamin E and Vitamin A, which help to slow down the aging process and may help to reduce the damage from free radicals and the sun.

2. Body
Not only is coconut oil used as a moisturizer for your face, it is also an amazing moisturizer for your body. Coconut oil is known for its anti-oxidant properties and as such it has been used to treat various skin ailments such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Coconut oil can help to restore the skin’s natural PH levels thus leaving it silky and smooth. Coconut oil is often used as a base oil in body care products such as lotions, creams and body butters. Pure Fiji’s hydrating body lotion contains a blend of cold pressed coconut oil and coconut milk that hydrates, nourishes and protects your skin on contact. It is a great natural skincare product that will help to soften and soothe your skin.

3. Hair
The benefits of coconut oil aren’t just for the skin. Your hair can also benefit from this amazing natural oil. It has been known as a savior for dry, parched hair for years. Coconut oil can penetrate inside the hair shaft better than other oils because of its fatty acid structure and low molecular weight. Regular use of coconut oil on the hair not only nourishes your dry strands but also strengthens and protects, thus reducing protein loss and damage due to styling and coloring. Pure Fiji’s coconut milk shampoo and coconut creme conditioner help to repair damage and improve resilience in the hair, thus leaving you with restored bounce, shine and healthy looking hair.

4· Bath
Coconut oil doesn’t have to be applied directly to the skin in order to fully reap its benefits. It can also be used as part of your regular bath time routine. Adding coconut oil to your bath water will help to moisturize your skin from head to toe. Pure Fiji’s coconut milk bath soak is a blend of fresh coconut milk with coconut, dilo and macadamia nut oils that rejuvenate, nourish and re-hydrate dry skin. The result after your bath is skin that is soft, supple and revitalized.

5. Relaxation
Coconut oil is also known for its relaxation benefits, especially in the form of massage. It acts as an effective moisturizer while the exotic coconut scent relaxes your senses. Because the skin easily absorbs coconut oil, it is a great choice as massage oil. A massage with coconut oil can also help to soothe and relax tight muscles in the body. A great choice for massage oil is Pure Fiji’s exotic bath and body oil. A massage with this oil helps to promote healing, hydration and rejuvenation of the skin.
The recent rise in popularity of coconut oil is mainly due to the fact that it is a natural beauty product. Many women are moving away from chemical laden products and turning to natural ingredients for a more natural skincare routine. With so many amazing products available on the market that contain this amazing oil, why not try it for yourself?

Optimistic people are positive minded people, the always see the glass cup as half full and not half empty. Wanna see the world from a more positive perspective? Here are habits you should adopt:

1. They Go to a Job They’re Passionate About

If you wake up dreading the day and have to drag yourself out of bed to get to work, “it might be time to start looking for greener pastures,” says Ilya Pozin, Pluto TV’s chief growth officer and co-founder, in a LinkedIn blog post. He notes that optimistic people choose jobs or careers for which they have a genuine passion. “For optimists, work is more than just an opportunity for a paycheck. It’s also an opportunity to learn, grow, and do what you love.” Eventually, your happiness and satisfaction at work will seep into every other aspect of your life, too.

2. They Try, and Try Again

Optimists constantly search for new solutions to old problems, thanks to their glass-half-full mentality. In one study, participants were given anagrams that were nearly impossible to solve; the most optimistic subjects tinkered for 50 to 100 percent longer than the pessimists. And since optimists tend to stick around to solve problems long after pessimists have thrown in the towel, in the long run they tend to be more successful: at work, in relationships, you name it.

3. They Spend Time with Other Optimists

Finding a cheery partner is the best way to become one, according to Prevention. In a yearlong study of more than 100 college-age couples at the University of Oregon, positive thinkers and their partners reported greater satisfaction in their relationships than optimist-free pairs did. And the benefits apply to any kind of relationship: marriages, friendships, or even co-workers. Odds are, the more positive your environment is, the more positive you will feel, too.

4. They Pay a “Gratitude Visit”

Taking the time to thank somebody can go a long way. When people were told to write and then personally deliver a letter of gratitude to someone who had been especially kind to them, but whom they had never thanked properly, they experienced a huge increase in happiness, according to a study at the University of Pennsylvania. Even more, that happiness boost lasted an entire month.

5. They Find New Ways to Use Their Strengths

Many optimists are creative and find ways to share their creativity with others, like volunteering at a local children’s art camp or cooking up a new dish for their coworkers to try. If creativity doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t despair; you can actually train your brain to start thinking in the right way. Try this: write down your top five strengths, and then use one of these strengths in a new and different way every day for one week. Those who did so reported increased happiness for a full six months afterward, according to a study published in Psychologists’ Desk Reference.

6. They Smile More

As it turns out, smiling does more than make us look happy—it could also make us feel happy, too. Studies have found that smiling (one of optimists’ favourite activities) has loads of psychological and physical benefits, including lowering stress levels, improving your mood, and helping you make more friends. Researchers believe that this is because smiling reduces stress hormones and makes you appear more approachable. So the next time you’re feeling crabby, crack a grin.

7. They Don’t Hold Grudges

Although it may be easier said than done, learning to forgive instead of passing the blame can be the fastest track to living a more positive lifestyle, according to David Mezzapelle, author of Contagious Optimism. “Make peace with your past so that it won’t spoil the present. Once you accomplish this, you will close those chapters and live a more positive and happy life,” he tells huffingtonpost.com.

8. They Write Down the Good Things That Happen to Them

If you take a few minutes each day to journal about the good things in your life, you may be well on your way to a sunnier disposition, according to Amy Przeworski, PhD, in Psychology Today. Even if it wasn’t a particularly great day, try to find something positive to say about it. “Most situations can be seen in both a positive and negative light. You just have to find the positive one and keep reminding yourself of it in order to eventually believe it,” says Przeworski. The more time you take to notice your negativity and redirect it toward positive thinking, the more optimistic you’ll train your mind to be. Plus, the benefits of positive thinking go beyond the page; a study of journaling Catholic nuns found that those who focused on more uplifting content ended up living longer.

9. They Live Healthy Lifestyles

It’s common knowledge that exercise can boost levels of serotonin, the happiness hormone, in your brain, making you feel more positive and satisfied. But optimists take care of their bodies in other ways, too, like through a healthy diet or spending time outdoors soaking up some good old vitamin D. Mezzapelle suggests getting some form of exercise and sunlight every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes. It’s sure to improve your mood and your productivity.

10. They Focus on Relationships

Optimists are often good listeners, according to Mezzapelle, which allows them to build stronger relationships. “When you listen, you open up your ability to take in more knowledge versus blocking the world with your words or your distracting thoughts. You are also demonstrating confidence and respect for others.” In the morning or after work, take the time to sit down and have a meaningful conversation with friends and family.

Bad communication skills can hinder your relationships in every sphere of your life which is why it is very important to have good communication skills because it comes with benefits. Here are tips on improving your communication skills.

1. Account for your emotions

Before a single word is spoken, your emotional state can influence the quality of a discussion. For instance, if you’re stressed, your higher brain functions temporarily weaken, your perspective narrows and you are literally less able to hear what’s being said.

When you need to address something upsetting, it’s best to wait until you feel calm. And if an exchange becomes heated, remember that time outs aren’t just for kids. “You can say that you need to take a break,” says Jacqueline Peters, a relationship and executive coach who teaches communication skills at InnerActive Leadership Associates in Calgary. “But reassure the other person that you’re going to revisit the issue later at a set time so that this strategy doesn’t become a form of conflict avoidance.”

2. Think like a negotiator

People often enter into high-stakes conversations having rehearsed their own position ad nauseam, which may be counter-productive. “Don’t go in thinking that there’s only one solution and that you already know what it is,” says Misha Glouberman, a Toronto-based communication skills trainer. Instead, he suggests sparking a joint problem-solving effort by thinking about what outcomes really matter to you, and then keeping an open mind.

For example, if your neighbour’s tree is shedding leaves on your lawn and your arthritis makes it hard to hold a rake, you could demand that she just cut the tree down. That’s one possible solution, but what really matters to you is facing less yardwork. Maybe a higher fence could help. Or if you talk to your neighbour about your needs, perhaps she’ll suggest that her kids come over to play in the leaves, clean them up and enjoy some hot chocolate afterwards.

3. Ask questions before speaking

Trying to communicate without knowing where the other person stands is like attempting to thread a needle in the dark. “People get really intent on telling their side of a story first,” says Peters. “But I’m a big fan of starting by asking questions.” This, she says, will help you avoid assumptions: you might think you know what you and the other person agree and disagree on, but you could be wrong.

If you’re giving someone feedback, for example, first ask them if they have their own ideas about where problems lie. “This is especially pertinent if you have power over the person, such as in a parent-child or boss-employee relationship,” says Ric Phillips, President of 3V Communications, a coaching and training firm in Toronto. “If you just unilaterally tell them your own assessment, they could feel like they have to pretend to agree with you.”

4. Pay close attention to non-verbal cues

Reading body language isn’t an exact science, so a particular gesture doesn’t always have the same meaning. That said, we can make educated guesses, and we’ve been hardwired by evolution to pick up on someone’s discomfort. “It could be in the body, the face or the voice,” says Phillips, an expert in communication skills. “Your natural instinct is a pretty good warning system.”

If something seems off, ask about it, suggests Peters. “You could say, ‘Hey, I noticed a little shift in the atmosphere of our conversation. What do you think about what I’ve been saying? Is something not landing right with you?’” This way you’ll see if you’ve been misunderstood, if the other person has an opinion they’re hesitant to share or if you’ve accidentally hurt their feelings. Noticing unhappiness in real time lets you address issues right away, before they fester.

5. Take turns

Sometimes it’s perfectly fine for one person to do most of the talking—in a lecture, interview or counseling session, for instance. But in a conversation, the ratio should be more or less even. Brain imaging shows that talking about yourself tends to activate the dopamine-reward system. So that everyone gets that same pleasure, fight the urge to indulge in conversational narcissism, and give some attention back. Responses that shift the topic to yourself (for example, “I just bought a house, too! I plan to spend the next year renovating it.”) should be balanced by replies that show interest in others (such as, “Congratulations; what neighbourhood is your new house in?”)

6. Avoid making judgments

A common reaction to criticism is to stop listening, so it can be hard to get your point across if you put someone on the defensive. One of the most valuable communication skills is to address a situation by stating how it makes you feel instead of describing the other person negatively. You could say, “I’m stressed out by my workload,” rather than “You’ve created a miserable work environment,” or “I feel ignored when I ask a question and you don’t answer,” rather than “You’re a bad listener.” Whether a situation is acceptable or not or whose fault it is may be up for debate. But your own feelings are indisputable facts, so they’re a good place to start.

Make sure, however, not to simply lean on the “I” statement. “What 
matters is the underlying attitude, not the exact words,” says Glouberman, warning that you will sound phony if your non-judgmental language isn’t matched with an empathetic state 
of mind.

7. Express appreciation

Communicating gratefulness is relationship gold. “It may seem a bit kumbaya, especially in the workplace, but it can be done without sounding contrived,” says Peters. “The trick is to wait for the moment when you feel authentically appreciative of something.” It needn’t be anything revolutionary: even if someone has merely performed a task that is part of their job description, you might still feel glad that they did it well. Tell them so.

We all want to end up at the top of the ladder of our individual careers, well, becoming successful has to do with cultivating certain habits which would help launch you to the top. So, here are career improving habits you should cultivate.

1. Read Up
I’m not telling you to sink yourself in a new book every day. Reading can mean a lot of different things. For some, it might mean reading an article like you are doing right now, for others, it means reading five pages of a book before bed. Wise people know that by engaging themselves with industry news or downloading the latest professional development book, you’re always one step ahead of the game. They’re constantly acquiring knowledge, and constantly engaging with new ideas, new views, and new perspectives — all these will help you take the right decisions when you need to.

2. Keep Your Connect Close
We all access social media daily, if not every 2 hours. Using it the right way is the best means of getting the best out of it. There’s something called keeping your networking close, and it’s just the little—things like dropping a comment when someone changes their job status on LinkedIn, sending a private Facebook message to a colleague who just got engaged, or texting an old friend to catch up. While they may not directly have any impact your job now, they keep the door open for when you may need something later on.

3 Keep Writing
Just like reading, it is so important to practice this regularly. Having a journal might not help you advance in your career but I can tell you that it can help you process your feelings and clear your head better than any form of therapy you can think of. It also helps you keep track of what you accomplish. Keeping every notebook you’ve filled since you first started writing can help you look back on the past week, month, or year and see how far you’ve come.

4. Do Not Stop Asking Questions
This is the coolest advice you’ll get all day. Talk to your bosses and ask how they reached where they are today. Ask your co—worker what they’re working on. Ask a friend to explain a concept you do not understand. Ask for help when you need it. Be extra curious—in meetings. Always ensure you are ready to learn more and understand what you don’t know. A dumb question does not exist, if you don’t ask now you’ll only look back later and wish you did.

Conclusion
Seems too straightforward right? Maybe. But if you’re someone who tends to get joke with your career, these are good points to start with. Have an amazing career everyone.

Your health should be your number one priority especially in respect to where you work. It is important that your place of work makes you happy and comfortable, anything short of these will only take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Here are signs your are workplace is toxic and tips on how to deal with the situation:

1. Your workload is unrealistic

If you have trouble completing your work within the daily and weekly time frame, despite your best efforts, you’re dealing with an unrealistic workload. This can lead to high levels of anxiety and depressive feelings, explains Mayra Mendez, PhD, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist and program coordinator for intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health services at Providence Saint John’s Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica, California. “The long-term effects include low morale, high level of turnover, and employees experiencing burnout,” she says. She recommends prioritizing your workload for a day or week, scheduling time off, and taking allotted vacation time rather than losing it due to lack of use. Also try taking breaks and engaging in calming practices.

2. You’re expected to work beyond eight-hour days

Unless working more than eight hours a day is in your job requirements or essential for your profession, you shouldn’t be expected to stay late or come in early, according to experts. “Studies have shown that people who typically work long hours over an extended period have a higher risk of experiencing depression,” says Dr. Mendez. “Ways to manage the toxic 24/7 work expectations include self-care by taking a rest from work. [This] opens opportunities for fresh thinking, creating, and effective problem-solving.” She recommends giving yourself the permission you crave to take a break, turn off your phone, and get home at a healthy hour in the evening.

3. You feel incredibly anxious throughout the workday

Anxiety can stem from numerous things outside of work, but a toxic work environment can definitely trigger unhealthy levels of stress and worry. “Do you get stomachaches or feel yourself tense up as you approach each workday? How is your appetite? Do you notice aches and pains that have worsened?” asks Lindsay A. Henderson, PsyD, a psychologist who treats patients via the telehealth app LiveHealth Online. “Our body gives us signs all the time that our minds might be struggling—pay attention and counter these effects with healthy habits, like a routine that encourages sleep, hygiene, a healthy lunch break every single day, and regular exercise.”

4. There’s bullying, harassment, and/or name calling

It’s not just a concern for kids on the playground: Bullying and harassment can happen at work, too. This includes name calling, angry outbursts, cultural insensitivity, and oppressive behavioural standards, explains Dr. Mendez. “Promoting a system of ‘us versus them,’ and berating someone because of their individual differences or preferences, are abusive and demoralizing behaviours,” she says. If you are in a situation such as this, she recommends addressing the issue head-on and seeking help from human resources. “If it is possible and desirable, request to transfer away from the person or situation,” she adds. “If, for some reason, the counselor is unresponsive, seek legal support or appropriate avenues of discussion to raise awareness and gain a sense of empowerment.”

5. Co-workers gossip behind each other’s backs

Gossip is toxic anywhere, but there should be absolutely no tolerance for it in the workplace. Tanya Otterstein-Liehs, a movement and mindfulness coach, explains that listening in and contributing to workplace gossip can potentially leave an individual feeling manipulated and possibly pressured into saying things they may not agree with. “Walk away from workplace gossip, hold back from adding negative comments, and maintain a positive mindset,” she says. “Better yet, take it a step further and begin complimenting your co-workers on their work ethics, their kind gestures, and the skills they bring to the workplace.”

6. You’re pressured to lunch with the crew

Being invited to eat with the rest of your co-workers is a nice thing—unless their invitation comes with badgering and insults if you have other plans. Additionally, points out Otterstein-Liehs, constantly eating out and ordering takeout lunches creates unhealthy eating habits and the consumption of toxic ingredients. “Ever wonder why you feel bloated and tired after consuming a lunch you purchased? For starters, you probably ate your lunch too fast, not to mention what you ate is probably full of unhealthy ingredients, like high sodium levels,” she says. Instead, she recommends packing a homemade lunch and bringing it with you to work to eat in the lunchroom, not at your desk.

7. Your boss or co-workers have poor morale

Complaining and grumbling over to-dos isn’t uncommon in the workplace—it can even serve as a way for co-workers to connect—but when the negative interactions are more common than the positive ones, it starts to become detrimental very quickly. “Making excuses, blaming others, and having a distrust in leadership can create a very toxic environment,” says Dr. Henderson. “Try to stay above the fray, not engage in the complaints or gossip, and even make your intentions known to others.”

8. You’re constantly subjected to criticism

If you feel like you can’t be yourself and are nervous to participate in normal conversations, especially during meetings, your workplace is likely toxic. Dr. Henderson explains that this fear is a result of previous instances of criticism. If you know someone is going to shut down your every statement and idea, why would you even put yourself in that situation again? “When making a suggestion or mistake leads to punishment or criticism, it can stifle creativity, innovation, and motivation,” she says. “Having a direct conversation with a supervisor about how to communicate your thoughts would be a good way to gain clarity, if possible.”

9. Your family or friends notice a difference

If your friends and family have made comments in regards to your mood or demeanour since you’ve taken on a job, or since this job has become toxic, listen to them. The fact that they’re noticing a negative change in your mood or behaviour says something. “Sometimes the effects of a toxic workplace can be more apparent to others than they are to you,” says Dr. Henderson. “It can be easy to get defensive, but try to listen to what they have observed, ask for ongoing feedback, and use their support to manage the workplace stress.”

10. You feel like you could get fired at any minute

Some workplaces are characterized by high levels of uncertainty, high turnover, and constant change, which often make employees feel fearful and anxious, explains Jerry O’Keefe, national director for Employee Assistance Programs at Kaiser Permanente. However, this is not necessarily normal—or healthy. “Persistent worrying about situations that are out of your control can cause long-term physical and emotional distress,” he says. “Staying or becoming resilient is the best way to weather challenging times in our lives, as doing so focuses your energy on the things you can control and that keep you healthy, like eating right, exercising, sleeping well, and taking care of your emotional health and well-being.”

11. You’re never truly out of office

“Between the laptops that go home with us each night and the smartphones we carry in our pockets seven days a week, it’s rare that employees are ever truly ‘off the clock,’” says O’Keefe. “But being poised to react or respond at all times has been shown to take a toll on overall mood and energy levels, causing unhealthy spikes in stress hormones.” He recommends working with your manager to set boundaries when it comes to your workload so that you’re not taking it home at night on a regular basis or working while on vacation or over the weekend. “Setting limits will allow you the leisure ‘down’ time needed to recharge, and it will make you a more productive employee—a win-win for everyone.” It’s one of the reasons why people in Sweden work just six hours a day.