Mental health awareness has grown more than ever today. But managers, employers, and leaders still have a long way to go in helping their employees get the support they need to deal with mental illness especially in the workplace. How do we help our people feel better and live better? How do we shift their thoughts to make positive choices at work and in life? Join me today as I talk to Karen Millsap on how you can strengthen your mind, change your thoughts, make positive choices and walk a purposeful path so that you can help your employees do the same. Karen is the The Grief Consultant and CEO of Egency, a firm that helps organizations create a human-centric culture with compassion and empathy. She was a former guest on the podcast where she shared how she turned her pain into a purpose to help others. In this episode, Karen is back to share her wisdom on how we can train our brain to stay focused, aware and calm so we can live a better life. She also talks about the STOP & SHIFT models, what is it, and how she applies it to others to change their thoughts and strengthen their mental wellbeing! In this episode, you will learn about: Why you need to help yourself before you can start helping other people How to have a healthy mindset Silencing negative thoughts that are eating away at you The STOP & SHIFT models and how to put them into practice Strengthening your awareness practice Separating yourself from your thoughts to effectively choose what response to give Why society is more open to talking about mental health now 51 Mental Strength Exercises The 5 Day Digital Detox Training your brain  Karen’s thoughts on people who tend to carry around the weight of other people’s issues What did you think of this episode? Give us a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts, or take our survey. Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. More about Karen Karen Millsap, also known as, The Grief Consultant, began her career in human resources and talent acquisition where she leads countless training, new process, and change initiatives. At a young age, she suddenly became a widow when her husband was tragically murdered which completely changed the trajectory of her life. After experiencing a domino effect of other losses, she became acutely aware of the overall lack of support in our society for grieving people. We are all connected through our struggles, from the death of loved ones to life-altering illnesses, divorce, even job loss. This realization ignited Karen's desire to turn her pain into purpose and pay it forward to help others.   Karen’s work has been featured in SHRM Magazine, on Good Morning Washington, MSNBC, and many others! She is a TEDx keynote speaker who inspires audiences to embrace compassion and empathy to help alleviate other’s suffering by becoming advocates for their own adversaries.  This experience opens minds and hearts to revive connectivity.   She received her undergraduate degree in Communication from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She is also a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist through the Grief Recovery Institute in Los Angeles, California. Connect with Karen Karenmillsap | website Instagram LinkedIn Facebook   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free Download: Get 51 exercises to start building a healthier mindset today The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer Thrive Global Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Walker PhD, Matthew Transform Your Workplace: How Compassion Can Change Your Culture 5 Healthy Morning Habits