Support in special life situations

Everything for a life in balance

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With each other instead of against each other – How appreciative communication enables better collaboration

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Serendipity - When luck comes knocking by chance   

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World Cancer Day on February 4, 2025 - Understanding and preventing cancer

Cancer is one of the most serious diseases of our time, affecting millions of people worldwide. But what exactly happens in the body when cancer develops and how can we effectively prevent it? This article sheds light on the causes of cancer and provides valuable insights into preventive measures that everyone can take to reduce their personal risk.

The development of cancer and the risks we can influence

Cancer starts at the cellular level: our cells divide regularly, renew themselves and repair damage. The body's own repair mechanisms play a decisive role in this process. However, these mechanisms can fail to work or be overloaded - for example due to the natural ageing process, genetic mutations or long-term stress such as smoking, alcohol, UV radiation or pollutants. If damaged cells are not repaired in time, they can multiply uncontrollably and cause cancer.

The perception of cancer is also interesting: we often associate it with dark colors or spots. This is because tumor cells often contain pigmented substances or cause color changes due to inflammation in surrounding tissue. This is particularly evident in skin cancer, as melanocytes - the pigment cells of the skin - divide uncontrollably.

Another decisive factor for the risk of cancer is smoking and alcohol. Tobacco consumption damages the cells directly through carcinogenic substances such as tar and benzene. These substances attack the DNA and trigger mutations. Alcohol also has a toxic effect: in the body, alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde, a substance that damages cells and can inhibit DNA repair. The combination of smoking and alcohol further increases the risk, as the harmful substances potentiate each other.

Sun protection also plays a central role in cancer prevention. UV radiation penetrates the skin and causes DNA damage that can no longer be repaired with frequent and intensive exposure. This leads to mutations that can trigger skin cancer. Childhood sunburns in particular increase the risk. A conscious approach to sun exposure and the use of protective measures such as sun cream and suitable clothing are therefore essential.


How you can actively prevent

A healthy lifestyle is the basis of all cancer prevention. A balanced diet provides the body with important nutrients, strengthens the immune system and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Fruit, vegetables, wholegrain products and healthy fats help to prevent harmful processes. At the same time, processed foods, red meat and sugar should be consumed in moderation, as they promote inflammation and can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Exercise is another important factor: regular physical activity helps to prevent obesity and regulate metabolic processes that influence the risk of cancer.

Screening examinations are also an essential part of prevention. For women, this includes regular gynecological checks, mammograms and HPV vaccinations. Men should have prostate and bowel examinations. Many of these measures are covered by health insurance and often only a small co-payment is required. Prevention means detecting diseases early and significantly increasing the chances of recovery.

A lifelong process of mindfulness

Cancer prevention is not a one-off decision, but an ongoing task. Our lives are precious and how we deal with them is in our own hands. Those who engage in prevention early on and adapt their lifestyle have the opportunity to benefit from a healthy life in the long term.

"Health is not everything, but without health everything is nothing." - Arthur Schopenhauer

This thought reminds us that our health is the basis for a fulfilled life. Start being mindful of your body today - for yourself and for the people who are important to you.

Do you have any questions or need individual support?

Our life counseling service is available at any time for further information or individual support needs. You are welcome to arrange a non-binding, personal consultation at:

E-mail lebensberatung@benefitatwork.de | 24/7 Life Counseling 0331 231 879 33 | Telephone Counseling 0331 231 879 40

On March 20, we celebrate World Happiness Day - an occasion to reflect on what happiness actually means. But not all luck is pure coincidence. Serendipity, an English term, describes the lucky discovery of something valuable that you weren't even looking for. The origin of the word goes back to an old Persian tale about the "Three Princes of Serendip", who made valuable discoveries by chance and clever observations.

But how can we consciously promote serendipity? And what makes this kind of happiness so special? Let yourself be inspired by how small, unexpected discoveries can enrich your everyday life.

Serendipity vs. happiness - what's the difference?

Happiness is often described as something that happens to us - winning the lottery, a pay rise or perfect weather on our wedding day. But there is a special form of luck that differs from pure chance: serendipity.

The term describes the phenomenon of discovering something valuable or useful without having specifically looked for it. It can be an unexpected encounter with an old friend in a foreign city, finding a book that fits your current life situation perfectly or a spontaneous idea that solves a problem you've been stuck on for a long time.

How does serendipity arise?

Serendipity often happens when you are curious and open to new experiences. While happiness usually appears passive, serendipity requires a certain attitude:

  • Openness to new things - Those who go through the world with open eyes often discover the unexpected.
  • Courage to be spontaneous - Sometimes the best experiences come from unplanned decisions.
  • Make connections - Chance encounters can lead to valuable opportunities.
  • Appreciate unexpected discoveries - The Velcro fastener was inspired when an engineer realized after a walk in the woods that burrs were stubbornly clinging to his clothes. Sometimes the best ideas come from close observation in everyday life.
  • Say "yes" more often - Whether it's an invitation or a new task, unexpected opportunities arise when you keep an open mind.
  • Get out of your comfort zone - A different hobby, a new travel destination or a conversation with strangers can open surprising doors.

Everyday situations in which serendipity works

Perhaps you have already experienced how an unplanned detour has led you to a charming café that you would otherwise never have discovered. Or that a conversation with a stranger turned into a valuable insight. Such moments happen more often if you are prepared to embrace the unexpected.

Conclusion: Allow the unexpected to happen!

Serendipity is the art of recognizing and taking advantage of happy coincidences. While luck usually just happens, you can actively allow serendipity into your life. Luck Day is a wonderful opportunity to go through life with an open mind - because who knows what serendipitous surprises await you. Perhaps reading this article is your first serendipity today ... or your next inspiring experience is waiting for you in our guided meditation.

Do you have any questions or need individual support?

Our life counseling service is always available to provide you with further information or individual support needs. You are welcome to arrange a non-binding, personal consultation at:

E-mail lebensberatung@benefitatwork.de | 24/7 Life Counseling 0331 231 879 33 | Telephone Counseling 0331 231 879 40

Appreciative communication in everyday working life is much more than a polite tone. It forms the basis for successful collaboration, growing trust and making people feel truly included. In many teams, we see time and again that problems rarely arise from a lack of specialist knowledge, but from misunderstandings, underlying conflicts or the feeling of not really being seen and heard. This is exactly where appreciative communication comes in – it creates clarity, connection and a climate in which each person can confidently fulfill their role.

This article shows how appreciative communication can succeed in everyday working life – for example through sincere listening, clear and respectful expression, visible recognition of contributions and constructive handling of feedback and tensions. This helps to make collaboration easier, clearer and more sustainable.
 

Understanding instead of just listening

A central building block is sincere listening. In everyday working life, we are often so busy completing our own tasks or preparing answers that we are only half aware of our counterpart's actual concerns. This is exactly where the concept of active listening comes in: consciously taking a step back, listening carefully to what is being said, asking questions and checking for understanding before responding. This communication tool also has a strong psychological component: People feel taken seriously when their words are understood and their emotions are noticed. This avoids many misunderstandings that later cost valuable time and energy.
 

First-person formulations: small differences, big impact

Clear, respectful language is just as important. Appreciative communication does not mean glossing over problems or always being nice. Rather, it is about speaking honestly and in a solution-oriented way without offending. I-messages, i.e. formulations that focus on your own perceptions and needs, play a major role here. Psychologically, they make a clear difference: they reduce defensive reactions because they do not judge, but explain how something works. Sentences such as "I noticed that..." or "I need..." open up areas for discussion, whereas "You always do..." or "You should..." quickly create pressure and block. Clarity remains important, but with a tone that creates connection instead of resistance.
 

Appreciation as a driving force

Another aspect is recognizing achievements. Many people hear something in everyday working life, especially when something is not working. However, appreciation has the strongest effect when it is expressed regularly and authentically: a brief thank you, praise for a successful task, an indication that someone is keeping the team stable with their calm manner. Such feedback not only boosts motivation, but also serves extrinsic motivation: when I am praised, I feel seen and get the feedback that my work is noticed and appreciated. This feeling boosts self-confidence and creates a working environment in which good performance is easier to achieve.
 

Respect for other perspectives

At the same time, respectful communication also involves treating other perspectives with respect. Different perspectives are not an obstacle, but a great potential if they are taken seriously. A team that openly says: "I see it differently, let's look at it together" enables creative solutions and prevents conflicts from growing in silence. It takes courage to clearly express your own point of view, but also the openness to accept the position of others.

Last but not least, dealing with emotions also plays a role. In stressful phases, the likelihood of someone reacting irritably or withdrawing increases. At the same time, this is where resilience comes into play: the ability to not only regulate one's own emotions, but also to deal with the emotions of colleagues in a stable and attentive manner. Those who do not react impulsively in tense moments, but instead consciously lead the conversation, make a decisive contribution to constructive cooperation. Appreciative communication here means realizing that there is a need behind every reaction – be it for calm, support or clarity.
 

Know more, communicate better - further impulses in our presentation

Appreciative communication in everyday working life creates an environment that is characterized by trust, openness and mutual support. When people experience that they are heard and respected, not only does satisfaction increase, but collaboration, productivity and team culture also benefit in the long term.

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Why do we always stress ourselves out so much at the end of the year? How a change of perspective helps us to stay calm and focused

December has a special dynamic. Work deadlines, personal commitments, family expectations and preparations for Christmas all come together in just a few weeks. Many people feel rushed or tense during this time, even though they are actually longing for peace and quiet. And this impression is not misleading. Several studies show that stress increases measurably towards the end of the year. Why does this happen again and again, even though we know better? And how can we change our perspective and regain calm and clarity?
 

Year-end pressure: why December is so mentally challenging for us

Many people experience more stress in December than in any other month. According to a nationwide survey, around 40 percent of people feel significantly more stressed than usual in the run-up to Christmas. Women and parents are particularly affected, as their mental load is higher at the end of the year.

This increase can also be measured physiologically. A large data evaluation by stress analysis provider Firstbeat shows that stress levels rise continuously from July onwards and peak in December. At the same time, physical recovery decreases noticeably.

This means that we don't start off exhausted just before Christmas, but work ourselves into a state of stress over months that peaks in December.
 

Self-made expectations: Why we demand more from ourselves than is necessary

A major stress factor arises within ourselves. Many people assume that everything has to be finished by the end of the year. Projects should be finished. The household should be tidy. Presents should be perfectly chosen. The holidays should be harmonious. And all at the same time, if possible.

A diary study by the University of Rostock showed that people who were carrying a lot of unfinished tasks around with them shortly before Christmas experienced a significantly lower sense of well-being than those with fewer open to-dos. It is not the amount of tasks that causes stress, but the feeling of not having completed something yet.

The change in perspective starts right here. It's perfectly fine to leave things unfinished. It is not necessary to end the year perfectly. And traditions don't have to look the same every year either. If you consciously reduce your own expectations, you immediately gain more inner peace.
 

The psychological December effect: why everything suddenly seems more urgent

The turn of the year feels like a natural boundary for our inner experience. Psychologically speaking, many people use this moment to take stock and make a fresh start. This so-called fresh start effect means that tasks seem more important and urgent in the last few weeks of the year, even though they often aren't objectively.

At the same time, our brain reacts more sensitively when many demands arise at the same time. The fuller our mental calendar becomes, the harder our stress system tries to maintain an overview. As a result, we become more restless, want to get things done at all costs or have the feeling that we are not getting enough done. Unfinished tasks are also more stressful because they continue to draw attention in the background. This is completely normal and not a question of discipline or organization, but a completely natural reaction to being overwhelmed.

The crucial question is therefore:
What really needs to happen this year and what can deliberately be left until January?

If you answer this question honestly, you will quickly notice how many supposedly urgent matters dissolve.
 

Emotional amplifiers: why the holidays not only trigger stress, but intensify it

In addition to inner expectations, emotions play a major role. Christmas is a sensitive topic for many people. It's about family, memories and rituals. And sometimes also about unresolved issues that become more present during this time.

Almost half of young adults aged between 18 and 29 stated in a survey that the weekends during Advent are more stressful than other weekends in the year. Social obligations, gift shopping and expectations of visitors increase the feeling of having to be available for everyone.

This makes small islands of calm all the more important: a walk, a free evening, a conscious opportunity to take a deep breath. They interrupt the emotional charge and give us the opportunity to think more clearly again.
 

A change of perspective: what really takes the pressure off us

In the end, we rarely remember perfectly planned lists, but rather encounters, conversations and small moments that have touched us. Nevertheless, we often act as if perfection is the key to success.

A relieving look at December includes three simple thoughts:

- Not everything has to get done this year
- Not everything has to be perfect
- You don't have to do everything yourself

If we look at December not as a sprint, but as a transition, there is room for serenity. The month turns from a final sprint into a phase of pause in which we can consciously decide what is really good for us.
 

Rethinking the end of the year: less pressure, more clarity

December doesn't become calmer by getting more done, but by looking at it differently. By reducing expectations, questioning urgency and consciously sorting priorities, we regain peace of mind. A small change of perspective gives you exactly what many people want at the end of the year: more clarity, more lightness and a feeling of consciously moving forward instead of rushing after things.

For anyone who would like to deepen this thought in their everyday life, we are offering our workbook "Quiet reflection and outlook" as a gift this month. It invites you to take a quiet look back, rediscover personal resources and shape the transition into the new year with clarity.

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Women empower women: Sometimes a compliment is enough

There are moments when a small gesture makes more of a difference than big words. A sincere compliment, a supportive sentence or a quick glance that shows: I see you. This is exactly what Women Support Women Day stands for. A day that reminds us how powerful solidarity between women is and how much women can strengthen each other when they consciously look and are there for each other.
 

The power of small gestures

A compliment often lasts longer than we think. It boosts self-esteem, encourages and creates connection. From a psychological point of view, positive feedback activates the reward system in the brain and promotes trust and a sense of belonging. For many women, recognition and encouragement are particularly valuable, as they often experience high pressure, many expectations and the challenge of fulfilling different roles at the same time.

A sentence such as "You did a great job", "I admire your courage" or "You are a great inspiration to me" can open doors. It shows appreciation and helps women to follow their path more clearly and confidently.
 

When women empower women

In families, friendships or teams, a special form of community is created when women support each other. It's not about grand gestures, but about small everyday moments. A colleague is encouraged after a difficult presentation, a friend receives exactly the words she needs at the moment, or a mother supports her daughter when she has doubts.

This mutual support is a counterbalance to competition, pressure to be perfect or social expectations. It creates space for connection and relief. And it reminds us that women don't have to go through challenges alone, but can learn from each other and grow together.
 

Why recognition is difficult for many women

Many women are socialized in such a way that they tend to be reluctant to praise or are unable to accept such compliments themselves. Modesty, fear of being judged or the need to always be strong can prevent this. This makes it all the more important to consciously remember how powerful mutual encouragement can be. Giving a compliment does not mean making yourself smaller, but rather creating a sense of connection.
 

Women Support Women Day

Every year, Women Support Women Day invites you to pause for a moment and consciously do something good for a woman in your own environment. You can give a compliment, offer support or simply say thank you. This day stands for female solidarity and for the fact that it is often just a small impulse that makes all the difference.

It's a great opportunity to think about how you can empower women in your own life and how much positive energy this can generate.
 

Empowering women worldwide together with TERRE DES FEMMES

While many women experience support in their own environment, there are numerous girls and women around the world who experience violence, discrimination or a lack of rights. TERRE DES FEMMES has been campaigning for the protection, equality and rights of women for many years. As a company, we would like to support this commitment and use Women Support Women Day to draw attention to it.

If you would also like to make a difference, we would be delighted to receive any support in the form of a donation to TERRE DES FEMMES. Every donation helps to empower women worldwide and give them more security and opportunities. You can donate here.
 

How women can empower women: small ideas for everyday life

  • Give an honest compliment
  • Give time and simply listen
  • Making other women's successes visible
  • Encourage someone when they have doubts
  • Offer support without judging
  • Promoting female colleagues instead of comparing them
  • Encouraging and empowering young girls
  • Consciously appreciating a woman from the community
     

Stronger together

Sometimes it doesn't take much to lift someone up. A compliment, a sentence, a gesture. Women empower women because they know how much strength there is in community. When women empower each other, a network of support, courage and warmth is created that has an impact far beyond Women Support Women Day.

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Our gift to you: Your annual review to fill out

Sometimes it only takes a brief moment of silence to see things more clearly again.
Our workbook "Silent Reflection and Outlook" invites you to use this moment for yourself.

Over the past few months, you have achieved a lot, made decisions, overcome challenges and collected beautiful moments. This workbook helps you to consciously perceive and categorize all of this and draw new strength from it for the coming year.

Four gentle modules await you to guide you through looking back, goals, self-care and relationships. With impulses, reflection questions and small exercises, it supports you in finding your own personal path and looking forward with confidence.

You can use the workbook flexibly: fill it out digitally directly on the screen or print it out if you prefer to write by hand. Choose the path that feels most right for you.

If you are ready to give yourself a mindful moment for yourself, you can download the workbook here and get started right away.

We wish you many valuable insights and a clear outlook on what may come.

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Time for yourself – Meditation exercises with Carla 

Your little break at the end of the year

When December is full of appointments, expectations and tasks, give yourself a moment just for you. A short break, a conscious breath, and you will find your way back to calm, clarity and renewed strength. This little relaxation exercise will help you discover a quiet moment in the midst of the hustle and bustle.

You canalso discover our four-week exercise program, which gives you 30 minutes of mindfulness, meditation and gentle relaxation twice a week during Advent - live and from the comfort of your own home or office.

Whether it's a fantasy journey, breathing exercise or gentle winter meditation - you can look forward to soothing moments that will accompany you through Advent and make you feel calmer, clearer and more relaxed for the holidays.

Register now for our exercises via the current lecture program!