Welcome to the 31st issue of 5 Minute Friday from The Backpack CPA! Every Friday I share a short newsletter with tips & resources to help you with your professional & personal growth & development!

Let's start "GROWING" through our human journey instead of just "GOING" through it!

First a few words from a wise person…

“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” ~ Albert Einstein

We live in an age where technology is increasingly being used to do more things and artificial intelligence is becoming more advanced & doing a lot of the thinking and doing for us. With so much of our lives happening digitally, it can be easy to forget about the power of human connection. But, even in the digital age, there’s still a need for meaningful connections with other people. Let’s take a look at why human connection matters and how you can use it to your benefit.

The Benefits of Human Connection
Every day, we rely on technology to help us stay connected with others. Whether it’s through social media, Zoom meetings, texting, or even emailing, it can be easy to forget that there are still real-life benefits that come from connecting with people face-to-face in person. Here are a few of the advantages of making meaningful connections with other people:

• Improved Mental Health – Many research studies (both scientific & non-scientific) have shown that interacting with other people increases feelings of happiness and reduces feelings of loneliness and depression. Making connections with others can help boost your mental health by improving your self-esteem and providing support during difficult times. I have a client that works from home and visits Starbucks at least once a day, not for the coffee, but just for the social interaction.

• Increased Productivity – Connecting with others and building relationships has been linked to increased productivity in both personal and professional settings. On a personal level, having a strong network of friends and family can help motivate you to set goals and achieve them. Professionally speaking, networking with co-workers or peers can open up opportunities for collaboration on projects as well as sharing ideas that could lead to new innovations or ideas that can help you with your work or even just life in general!

• Enhanced Creativity – Interacting with other people helps spark creativity by giving us access to different perspectives on topics or ideas we may not have considered before. For example, brainstorming sessions among group members typically yield better results than working alone because each person brings their own unique ideas to the table which could lead to something new that no one thought of before, and remember 1 + 1 = 3!

Making Meaningful Connections
Now that we’ve seen why human connection is important, here are a few ways we can make meaningful connections with others in today’s digital age. One way is through networking events such as conferences or conventions where like-minded individuals come together for a shared purpose. These events provide an opportunity for you to meet new contacts, build relationships & even life-long friendships! Additionally, many companies now offer virtual mentorship programs which allow professionals from all over the world to connect via video chat or phone call for mutual mentorship opportunities! Or you could also visit your local coffee shop for social interaction!

Remember, despite living in a digital age filled with technology that makes staying connected easier than ever before, there is still value in making meaningful connections with others face-to-face. Doing so has proven benefits ranging from improved mental health outcomes to increased productivity levels and enhanced creativity—all of which are essential ingredients for success both professionally & personally! So if you want to get ahead in life (or just have fun!), don’t forget about the importance of human connection! Reach out today—you might be surprised at what kind of relationships await you out there!

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📗💡 Learning/Tools

4-7-8 breathing

The 4-7-8 breathing technique is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety. It can help you relax and gain a sense of calm in moments of distress. Here's how to practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique:

Begin by exhaling forcefully out through your mouth, making a "whoosh" sound as you do so.
Close your mouth and inhale silently through your nose for a count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven seconds.
Exhale completely through your mouth again with a whooshing sound for a count of eight.
Repeat steps 1-4 at least three times or until you feel relaxed and calmer again.

The 4-7-8 breathing technique has been shown to be an effective way to lower blood pressure levels, reduce stress hormones, slow down the heart rate & help us become more mindful in our lives overall. With consistent practice this technique can have a powerful impact on our physical and mental well-being, allowing us to take back control over our emotions when they begin to take over us during difficult times.

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If you want to chat about anything feel free to send me a message or even book a time to chat https://calendly.com/vbcpa/thebackpackcpa

Stay inspired & keep growing 🚀,

Vimal (or Vic)

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The Power of Human Connection in the Digital…