In The Media

Sahera Laing is a columnist with Stuff.co.nz, Selwyn App and The Guardian. Here are some of her latest features.

THE POWER OF SAYING THANK YOU

Most of us were raised to say ‘thank you’ when someone gives or does something for us. It’s basic rules of engagement, yes? Saying a heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes beyond good manners, it is a gift to the other person, serving to build and strengthen the relationship.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS MAKING PEOPLE FAR LESS SOCIABLE

I struggle with social media. I don't find it the slightest bit sociable, more daunting to be honest. Yet, as a small business owner, having a Facebook page is part of the prerequisites (thankfully my mobile phone is so old, Instagram is not an option).

There are hordes of people desperate to be heard and it astonishes me how intimate people get.

Anxiety can actually be useful - and it happens to us all

Anxiety is something of a fashionable word right now. I don't know many people who do not experience some sort of regular anxiety on an ongoing basis.

Anxiety happens at moments of high stress. When we are highly stressed we have a rampant imagination. Mix the two together, and anxiety (if not panic) would be a worthy outcome.