UBCNews - Business

“Mind over matter” may be an age-old idiom, but it’s the key to overcoming many of life’s challenges—of course, that’s provided you welcome them. Now, some people see these challenges as a means to improve themselves, while others may shy away because the thought of failure is too frightening. Which one are you? A mindset test will be able to help you determine that for yourself—something that mental health professionals agree is crucial for unlocking your true potential.

Dr. Carol Dweck, Ph.D., originally developed the Growth Mindset Scale to research how an individual’s mindset influences their academic performance. Specifically, this scale was created to determine whether individuals had different beliefs on whether they could change their intelligence. Depending on their results, respondents are classified either as an individual with a “growth” mindset or a “fixed” mindset.

As per Dr. Dweck’s research, individuals with a growth mindset believe that they are capable of improving their intelligence with effort, while those with a fixed mindset believe that they are born with a limited amount of intelligence that cannot be altered. So, why is this actually important? Well, many studies have found that students oriented towards growth tend to perform better in school compared to those with a fixed perspective.

Naturally, adults may find a test like this extremely helpful as well. That’s why mental health professionals encourage you to use these tools; they’ll let you gain insight into how you approach challenges.

Although the original Growth Mindset Scale was primarily used to identify limiting beliefs on intelligence in teenagers and college students, the assessment has been modified many times to suit adults.

Mission Connection Healthcare offers their own version: their 10-item assessment takes a more general approach to mindset, questioning respondents about their overall abilities rather than just their intelligence. Additionally, their tool goes into more detail about the individual’s tendencies to accept or avoid challenges, the importance of their self-image, and their fear of failure.

There are other similar quizzes out there, all of which you can use to determine your mindset. Even if you think you know yourself, it never hurts to have a tangible idea to use as a starting point on your journey of personal growth.

While mindset tests cannot reliably diagnose underlying mental health conditions, experts say that therapy can still be effective at altering negative thought patterns or amplifying growth-oriented perspectives. If you think that might be helpful for you, you have plenty of options.

To start with, look for a licensed mental health provider that offers comprehensive outpatient mental health services to adults. Go for one that offers integrative, whole-person treatments—these will help you address pretty much all of your issues at their roots.

If accessibility is important to you, many mental health centers offer online therapy through telehealth. These give you all the care of an in-person appointment, but with additional flexibility and less travel time.

Remember, mindsets can always change, and the right strategies can help you on your journey to improving yourself. Mind over matter, right?

Visit the link in the description to find out more!

If you’re a social worker, a primary care provider, or any other kind of professional that offers some form of care to others, you’ve definitely encountered all kinds of people in your line of work, each with their own unique care needs. But what do you do when someone has symptoms of a condition that you can’t treat—like a severe mental disorder? The answer is actually quite simple: refer them for a psychiatric evaluation. But before you do that, make sure you know about what the process involves, along with any legal and ethical considerations you should keep in mind.

You’re probably aware that mental health issues are more common than they’re made out to be, but did you know that it’s also common for people to not get help for them? According to Mental Health America, 54.7% of American adults with a mental illness, an equivalent of 28 million people, don’t receive the treatment they need. As a result, many of these individuals find their mental health conditions worsening over time, leading to issues such as lower work productivity, physical health conditions, and, in extreme cases, suicide—one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

But here’s the thing. While many barriers to treatment still exist, a significant number of individuals do not consider seeking care due to a lack of knowledge on the mental health resources available.

But as a healthcare professional, you’ll have more access to that kind of information, which means you can be the key to making sure your client gets potentially life-changing treatment. In fact, it’s your duty to refer patients with symptoms that fall outside your scope of care. These symptoms may include prolonged depressive moods or anxiety, extreme mood swings, hallucinations, risky behaviors, or impaired social function; referrals should also be considered in cases where patients are already receiving talk therapy but are no longer receptive to treatment.

Once you’ve taken note of your client’s symptoms, you must receive informed consent; involuntary referrals can only be provided if the patient is deemed a danger to themselves or other people. You can then initiate the process online or in person at a mental health facility by providing the appropriate details, after which you’ll be able to coordinate treatment plans with the chosen facility’s psychiatric team.

In spite of your best efforts, your client may still be unable or unwilling to receive treatment due to waitlists, financial limitations, geographic barriers, or stigma. Luckily, you can make things easier for them by working with mental health treatment centers like Mission Connection, which improve accessibility through telehealth, offer flexible payment options, and provide compassionate care.

Psychiatric evaluations shouldn’t be a painful process, and you can make it that much easier by following these steps. By working together with your client and the right psychiatric team, you can make a difference.

If your son or daughter is one of the many teens in America who are struggling, there are many simple yet highly effective ways to improve their mental health.

And if you’re searching for easily implementable strategies that can spark connectedness, joy and purpose for your teen, there are many ways to get information and inspiration, including through mental health providers like Mission Prep.

Sadly, rates of poor mental health are continuing to rise amongst American teens, so if your teen is struggling, it is important to remember that you are not alone.

As the CDC recently reported, roughly 1 in 5 American children aged 3-17 has been diagnosed with a mental health condition, most commonly with anxiety, depression or a behavioral disorder. And, as that number focuses in on adolescents between 12 and 17, 40% report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year with roughly 20% reporting symptoms of either anxiety or depression in the last week.

That’s why it is imperative that parents and caregivers like yourself can learn how these symptoms can be better managed or alleviated, and how you can best support your teen at home.

Thankfully, there are lots of actionable activities that can support your teen’s mental health in everyday life.

These include expressive outlets like journaling and art, which will help your teen process emotions constructively, as well as mindfulness practices like deep breathing and meditation to manage anxiety and improve focus.

Regular physical activity—such as walking or yoga—also has a lot of benefits and can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost overall mood.

In addition to individual practices, improving social connection and positive routine-building are also important things you can help your teen with.

Plus, strategies like making an emotional first aid kit and making a gratitude box can help your teen to build up their self-esteem, manage emotional triggers, and develop practical tools for resilience.

However, as a parent, you should also know that, in more severe cases, professional intervention may be required.

If you and your teen are new to professional mental health help, you should look for an individual therapist, clinic or center that offers personalized, holistic and compassionate care. Ideally, you also want one that utilizes evidence-based psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alongside expressive and alternative therapies like art and surf therapy and wellness.

If residential or inpatient care is needed because your child requires 24/7 structured support, you should also look for a center that will create spaces where your teen can center themselves through wellness activities like yoga, express themselves through creative pursuits, and socialize safely and reconnect with the outside world at organized outings.

If you need more advice on how to find the right professional help for your teen, Mission Prep can also support you with this. Click on the link in the description!

Hey everyone! You know what fascinates me? The psychology behind persuasive marketing. Did you hear about Alex Hormozi's recent book launch that generated $4.4 million in just 90 minutes? That's mind-blowing!

While Mohali’s skyline is dotted with office towers, the workforce is changing. Women with technical know-how, people skills, or entrepreneurial ambition are no longer the exception in Mohali, nor are they sidelined due to gender. Instead, they are part of a talent pool fuelling a growing local economy. A May 2025 report from global customer-experience BPO T-TEC covered this subject, outlining the roles in which women are advancing fastest and the policies that are making those gains possible.

Salary levels in the state of Punjab – especially the BPO corridor - now rival those in larger metros, yet living costs remain lower. Companies have responded to this talent-attraction advantage by establishing regional hubs where they can scale teams quickly without sacrificing quality of life for employees. Safe night-shift transport, flexible scheduling, and visible female managers have turned Mohali into a magnet for women seeking both professional growth and work-life balance. HR executives note that female participation rates have risen sharply in customer-support, QA, and learning-and-development units over the past two years.

Several key roles are emerging as foundations for long-term professional success. These positions combine growth potential with supportive environments that recognize and reward talent, and include:

Executive positions in Customer Support: This involves Voice or chat roles that provide immediate customer-impact experiences and often feed into quality-assurance or team-lead positions within a year to 18 months.

Q-A specialist, which involving Detail-oriented audit interactions and coach agents, that help shape service strategy.

Corporate trainer, where Trainers design onboarding curricula, deliver workshops, and become culture carriers across global accounts.

U-I and U-X designer. Mohali’s product studios value creativity and flexible hours, making design a popular re-entry route after career breaks.

Tech remains an enduring bright spot in Mohali. Demand for Python, JavaScript, and cloud-platform expertise continues to outstrip supply, and local institutes now run targeted boot camps and events aimed at recruiting female talent.

Opportunity doesn’t stop at entry-level employment. The Chandigarh Group of Colleges’ annual Prerna summit pairs founders with investors, while NetSmartz sponsors weekend hackathons for women-led start-ups. Quark Software’s internal “Women at Quark” forum illustrates how peer networks inside established firms can boost confidence and career mobility.

If you are considering Mohali, start by updating your CV to highlight communication skills and any digital certifications. Certifications from short courses – for example, Google’s U-X Design or Microsoft’s Azure fundamentals – carry weight with local recruiters. Networking remains essential: regional LinkedIn groups, tech-meet-ups, and women-in-business breakfasts often lead to referral interviews faster than anonymous applications.

Salary conversations in India can be both direct and nuanced, often blending open discussions about expectations with indirect references to the role’s market value and total compensation. Aspiring employees should research the median salary for their position, prepare a target figure, and be ready to address all aspects of the offer.

Weekends might mean a trip to Sukhna Lake, a quick drive to the Shivalik foothills, or sampling Sector 82’s growing café scene. Affordable housing clusters near IT hubs reduce commute times, and the planned airport expansion promises quicker links to Delhi and Mumbai.

For women planning their next professional chapter, Mohali presents a rare mix: strong salaries, supportive workplace policies, and a community that celebrates talent and ambition.

You're scrolling through your phone, and another heartbreaking image pops up. A child in Gaza. A family fleeing Sudan. Your heart breaks, and you think, "I have to do something." So you Google "donate to Gaza crisis" and boom - you're hit with hundreds of charity appeals. Sound familiar?

Sometimes called "liquid gold," oud been cherished for centuries in Middle Eastern fragrance traditions and is now experiencing a renaissance in Western perfumery. Yet for some fragrance enthusiasts, oud—with its powerful presence and strong profile—can be intimidating. How do you choose the right oud fragrance that suits your personality and lifestyle?

Interested in learning more about Arabian perfumes? Follow the link in the description for more information.

Understanding the Complexity of Oud:

This origin story explains why genuine oud commands such extraordinary prices. Oud can cost around $5,000 per pound, a price point that has historically kept oud fragrances in the realm of luxury collections. Today, however, more accessible interpretations are emerging.

The Oud Spectrum: Finding Your Match:

Traditional:

Sweet Amber - Moving along, we encounter oud blended with amber and balsamic notes. These combinations soften oud's intensity while preserving its distinctive character, creating a warmer, more approachable profile that works beautifully in cooler weather.

Smoke and Incense - Another traditional interpretation pairs oud with incense notes like frankincense and myrrh. These compositions suit evening wear and moments when you want something profound but not overwhelming.

Contemporary:

Gourmand Fusion - Another innovative direction blends oud with gourmand elements like vanilla, tonka bean, or even chocolate. These creations feel indulgent and comforting—ideal for those who appreciate sweetness but want something with more sophistication than typical dessert-inspired scents.

Green Interpretation - Perhaps the most unexpected modern take introduces green notes alongside oud. Fresh herbs, violet leaf, or fig can transform oud into something surprisingly refreshing and versatile for everyday wear.

Tips for Selecting Oud Fragrances:

Test on Your Skin - Oud interacts dramatically with individual skin chemistry. What smells divine on your friend might present completely differently on you.

Factor in Seasonality - Heavier oud compositions that feel perfect in December might become cloying in July. Consider having different oud options for different seasons, or focus on lighter interpretations if you live in warmer climates.

Overlooking Concentration - The concentration matters enormously with oud. An eau de toilette will present oud's character very differently than a parfum or attar. Higher concentrations aren't necessarily "better"—they're simply different experiences.

Finding Quality Without Breaking the Bank: While pure oud commands astronomical prices, quality oud fragrances don't have to empty your bank account. The key is understanding what you're paying for:

Synthetic vs. Natural - Many excellent contemporary oud fragrances use high-quality synthetic oud accords that effectively replicate natural oud without the extreme price tag. These aren't "fake" but rather skilled interpretations that can be remarkably beautiful.

Concentration and Longevity - A modestly priced oud fragrance with excellent longevity often represents better value than a more expensive option that fades quickly. UK retailers like The Perfume Closet understand this balance, offering options like their Luminous Oud that provides impressive longevity at accessible price points.

The Blending Factor - Well-crafted blends where oud plays a supporting rather than starring role can offer exceptional value. These fragrances capture oud's magic without requiring massive quantities of raw material that drive up prices.

Finding Your Oud Journey Partner.

With their expanded Arabian perfume collection featuring over 600 fragrances—including renowned houses like Lattafa and Ajmal alongside their own Luminous Oud creation—they exemplify the kind of knowledgeable guidance that makes oud accessible to newcomers and connoisseurs alike.

"We believe everyone should have the chance to discover their perfect oud fragrance," notes Saj, the founder. "That's why we offer options across price points and encourage customers to take their time testing before committing."

The Perfect Introduction: For those curious but uncertain where to begin, The Perfume Closet's Arabian fragrance hampers offer an excellent entry point. These collections can include several different oud expressions in smaller sizes, allowing you to discover your preferences without committing to a full bottle. These luxury fragrance hampers also let you experiment with oils, sprays, and even oud-infused accessories that create a comprehensive introduction.

Whether you're drawn to oud's rich heritage, its complex character, or simply curious about what's behind its growing popularity in perfumery, taking the time to explore this remarkable ingredient properly will reward you with a signature scent that truly stands apart from the ordinary.

Your perfect oud is waiting—The Perfume Closet can help you find it. You can find more information at the link in the description.

The likes of Givenchy, Dior, and Paco Rabanne are all now adding Arabian fragrances to their product offerings, but these only scratch the surface. Arabian scents, like oud, rose, amber, and musk, have thousands of years of history, and there’s a thriving industry of less-well-known producers.

Companies like Dubai-based Lattafa and Ajmal create both traditional and modern blends, and they’re now available in the UK, Birmingham-based The Perfume Closet explains. A small number of specialist outlets also have bricks-and-mortar shops, allowing you to try a wide variety of genuine Arabian fragrances before making a purchase.

Arabic perfumes are known for their depth and richness, with oud, rose, amber, and musk being some of the most prevalent fragrances. While these scents have cultural significance for locals and those of Arabic origins, the accessibility afforded by online sales has seen Arabian perfumes grow into a US$3.5 billion industry, according to reporting from Research and Markets.

The Perfume Closet explains that it has seen a significant surge in demand for high-quality Arabian fragrances, both in-store and via its online channels. The firm states that many clients have cultural ties, but a growing number have only recently discovered the unique nature of Arabic scents, and want to explore them in greater depth.

“Arabian perfumes are known for their heady oud and sandalwood scents, but modern blends layer these earthy notes with anything from light fruits to florals and spices,” The Perfume Closet’s founder, Saj, explains. “The popularity of Arabian perfumes seems unstoppable, with most designer brands jumping on the trend, and we’re also seeing increasing demand for top-quality fragrances.”

Many UK-based retailers now offer genuine Arabic perfumes, body sprays, body oils, and even air fresheners online, with Lattafa being one of the most popular. However, to fully explore all that’s available, it’s best to find a seller that has a physical store, as these often have products that aren’t available online, and you can often try-before-you-buy.

Check out the description to learn more!

You know, I was thinking about something interesting the other day. Did you know that 91% of homeowners check online reviews before they even consider hiring a contractor? That's a massive number that really shows how much the game has changed for local contractors.

Hey there, let's talk summer plans.

Picture this: you step out onto a private balcony—fifteen stories up. Fresh coffee in your hand. The ocean stretching out in front of you. Sun just starting to rise over Myrtle Beach.

Now, imagine you've got not one, but three balconies like that. That's exactly what's waiting for you at this newly renovated penthouse managed by Casago Myrtle Beach.

Yup—Casago's just wrapped up a full-scale makeover on this luxury condo, and the timing couldn't be better. We're heading into peak season, and if you're looking for a place to stay that actually feels like a vacation—you're gonna want to hear this.

This penthouse is located at Ocean Dunes Tower 1, right on the beach. It's got three bedrooms, ten-foot ceilings, and over one thousand seven hundred square feet of space. You're getting a fully updated kitchen—sleek open layout, brand-new cabinetry, granite countertops. Everything's freshly painted in warm, beachy tones. It just feels like summer.

But let's be real—the star of the show? Those views. Three balconies. One facing the ocean, perfect for sunrise and sunset. One facing the city—so you get that killer night view, including the SkyWheel all lit up. And a third for just… vibing.

Inside, there are three full bathrooms plus a powder room. The master bath? Double sink, walk-in tiled shower, and a massive skylight pouring in natural light. It's that blend of luxury and comfort that makes you wanna stay an extra week. Or two.

You're also just steps from the beach, and minutes from restaurants, shops, and attractions along the 75th Avenue corridor. So you can get out and explore—or just chill on your private deck and let the waves do the talking.

If you're wondering about timing—yeah, you're in that window right now. June through August is prime vacation season in Myrtle Beach. The market's hot. Over seven thousand five hundred active listings, most of them condos—and this one stands out.

So if you're ready to turn your summer trip into a full-on beachfront experience, check out this penthouse. It's live on Airbnb right now.

But heads up—it won't stay available long. This is the kind of spot that books out fast. Check availability by clicking on the link in the description.