Category: Teaching and Inspirational Videos

7 Common Triggers for Holiday Blues

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Feeling anxious, sad, or stressed this Christmas?

You are not alone. While many people are excited and filled with joy this time of year, the holidays bring negative feelings for others.

If you are feeling down and blue, perhaps you are wondering what causes those feelings so you can start addressing it.

Beyond Small Talk is here to help you figure that out!

Singer-songwriter Trisha Denise, Counselor at Amara Counseling and Training Center Archie Dela Cruz, and The 700 Club Asia host Peter Kairuz share 7 common triggers for holiday blues.

1. Early and long Christmas in the Philippines and the tendency to compare with other people.

To say that the Pinoys love Christmas is an understatement. As soon as “BER months” arrive, the holiday countdown begins!

And as lights and sounds fill the streets and malls, some people feel pressured into putting up decors or buying gifts. People tend to compare their holiday preparations with others, which might trigger the holiday blues.

 2. Pressures on finances

December is a budget crunch time for many Filipinos. People are feeling the pressure of trying to make this year ‘extra special’ for their loved ones. And the pressure is amplified by the ongoing pandemic.

3. The pressure to lose weight and exercise

With Noche Buena, Media Noche, and a couple of holiday parties in between, staying in shape seem to be a challenging task for some.

Counselor Archie shares that people become more conscious of their bodies during the holidays, which adds to the pressure and holiday blues they feel.

4. Stress caused by heavy traffic

Now that the government has lifted lockdowns, more and more people are going out and meeting their loved ones face-to-face. This means that heavy traffic resumes, too! Traffic congestion and noise pollution are legit sources of stress, leading to holiday blues.

5. Lack of love life or romance

Known as a season of togetherness and love, some people feel lonely—and even pressured—that they don’t have a romantic partner to share the holidays with. Trisha observes this trend, too.

“As a songwriter, I am always asked to write about hugot Christmas songs during this time. I think some girls and guys of my age treat Christmas season as Valentine’s season too. They ask why they don’t have a significant other this Christmas,” she said.

6. When people go through a period of transition

It’s totally overwhelming to find yourself grieving or experiencing life changes during the holiday season.

“As a counselor, I’ve seen, witnessed, and heard people who go through mourning during the holidays, because apart from losing a loved one, transitions are always difficult and challenging,” Archie shares.

If you are going through difficult or major life changes, Peter has an encouragement for you: You can make it through.

“Every time we go through transitions or we enter a new season, there’s going to be changes and it’s going to be challenging. But if we apply ourselves properly, we’re going to come out of that situation as champions.”

7. Unnecessary or unwanted breakups

The holiday season is never a great time to have relational problems, but it happens. Breakups and tensions in relationships as Christmas and New Year arrive also adds to experiencing holiday blues.

What about you, what triggers your holiday blues?

Comment below so we can pray for you. You may also call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and our trained prayer counselors will reach out to you.

If you need help in managing those negative emotions, catch the next webisode of Beyond Small talk to learn tips on how you can cope with holiday blues—streaming this Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

3 Tips to Improve Your Mental and Emotional Health During the Pandemic

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Have you been feeling really overwhelmed lately?

When we neglect our mental and emotional health, especially during these trying times, it can start to worsen – sometimes to the point that it becomes anxiety and depression.

Good news! There are ways to get our mental and emotional health back on track!

Here are three ways we can improve your mental and emotional health, from Licensed Clinical Counselor, Mental Health Advocate, and Beyond Small Talk guest, Dr. Tito Almadin:

1. Accept the reality

It is time to stop resisting reality.

The pandemic is real. The troubles we’re experiencing right now are actually happening. The changes might be hard to accept, but you can only move forward when you learn to accept that they are happening.

Acceptance isn’t a passive state of contentment. Psych Central says it’s good to practice radical acceptance. Radical acceptance means accepting life on life’s terms. Doing so helps you conserve emotional energy and gain clarity on what you need and how to get it.

Embrace the past and find ways on how you can move forward today!

2. Behave appropriately

“When is this pandemic going to end?”

If you’ve asked this question to yourself, you are not alone. Everyone deals with the uncertainty brought by the crisis, and many have spiraled into overwhelming panic.

Do your best to focus on what you can control, plan for what you can, and ease your “pandemic panic” by refusing to succumb to negative thinking.

As Dr. Tito puts it, “Let’s not panic. Let’s not be too paranoid and scared or think negative thoughts so that we don’t get discouraged.”

3. Commit to be better each day

You can make the changes you need to improve your mental health. But to be able to do that, you need to commit.

You need to commit to take steps to improve your condition. Seek help from loved ones and mental health professionals. Make a commitment to yourself that you will take care of yourself more.

You’re not stuck! Find support. Seek help. Seek God’s help.

“Adjust every day. Give yourself a chance to get better. Find people who can help you and talk to them about your feelings and struggles. Don’t keep your problems to yourself,” Dr. Tito encouraged.

Are you struggling with your mental and emotional health?

Begin your steps to peace today and allow us to encourage you through prayers. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

Stay tune for more tips about mental health! Watch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel. 

See you there!

6 Tips for Parents with a Child Struggling with their Mental Health

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No parent ever wants their child diagnosed with a mental illness.

But the truth is, mental health disorders know no age. It could happen to anyone, even to young children, teens, and older adults. Knowing what to do to help their child struggling with their mental health is a big challenge for most parents.

If you’re wondering how you can support your child, Beyond Small Talk guest Paolo Punzalan shares 6 parenting tips to help your child on their mental health journey:

Tip #1: Make your home a safe space for your children

Everyone needs a safe place to flourish. To fully support your child, make sure that your home is a safe place to come home to – both physically and emotionally.

Assure your child that you are willing to understand and listen to their concerns. Start a conversation, and allow them to open up when they want to or when they’re comfortable.

“I tell my children that no matter what happens, they can always come home. Our home should be a place where they can be themselves. That doesn’t mean we won’t discipline or put boundaries. But it should be a safe space. So we listen, we validate. Sometimes we just hug them and not force them to talk,” Paolo shared.

Tip #2: Don’t take things personally

Does your child keep ignoring you? Do they seem rather irritated and a little less than friendly?

Don’t take it personally. Symptoms of mental illnesses differ from one another, but they all affect how your child respond to their environment. Use empathy, not argument.

Paolo recalled, “That became my problem, too. I took it personally. I’d tell them, ‘Why don’t you talk to me? I want to help you but you’re ignoring me!’ It was painful, but we just really need to be there. Those were some of the lessons I learned as my children went through different things during this pandemic.”

Tip #3: Turn to God

No matter how you try to carry everything on your own, you can’t do it all alone. There is no need to be overwhelmed. You can always pray and seek God’s strength, hope, and comfort for you and your child.

“If we love our children, God loves them more. We can surrender all our worries to God,” Paolo reminds.

Tip #4: Be very patient

Looking after anyone who is struggling with their mental health can be physically and emotionally draining. If you find your patience being tested, take the time to think about what your child is going through and remember to take care of your own mental health, too.

Paolo has a suggestion for you, “I know sometimes we want to question them why they wouldn’t talk to us or  even want to eat. But that’s not the time to correct them, it’s a time to be patient.”

Tip #5: Ask for help

It’s good to ask for help. Sometimes, people want to help you and your child, but they do not know how. Give people the opportunity to bless you however they can.

Likewise, Paolo encourages you to seek help from doctors and mental health professionals, “Mental health problems are treatable. I know there’s a stigma, but God can bring healing. If there’s a need to go to a professional, it’s perfectly okay to go to a counselor or a psychiatrist.”

Tip #6: Be present

Every parent should be intentional about “Present parenting.” It’s challenging, but don’t just find time—make time for your child. And whenever you’re together, it’s best to give them your undivided attention.

“More than anything, be present. Love them unconditionally. Tell them, ‘No matter what happens, anak, I’m here. I will love you.’”

As you connect with your child, gently connect them to Jesus, too. Everyone—including you and your child—will go through challenges in life, and you can’t be around them 24/7, forever. But when they get to know God, He can guide them.

Be present, pray, and teach your child that they can turn to God every time.

Is your child struggling with their mental health?

Allow us to comfort you through prayers. Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

For more meaningful content, catch the brand new webisodes of Beyond Small Talk every Saturday, 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel.

How to Support a Loved One with Mental Health Problems – Beyond Small Talk

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Mental illness could happen to anyone and it could be difficult to recognize.

Unlike a physical wound that is easy to spot, mental illness is an internal war hidden behind a smile, a hello, and the telltale phrase, “I’m okay.”

According to Mayo Clinic, some of the warning signs you should watch out for are “excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt, significant tiredness, low energy, and inability to cope with daily problems or stress.”

If you recognize these symptoms in a friend, colleague, or family member, check out these tips from Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz, Sonjia Kakilala and psychotherapist Alain Dizon to know how you can better support them in this journey.

1. Make the person feel that nothing has changed

You might feel awkward when approaching them, but try to relax. Make them feel that you’re the same person they have known and you still see them the same way. Create a safe place for them to unload and share their struggles without judging nor condemning them.

2. Ask them how you could help

It’s okay to be honest and to admit that you don’t know what to do. Ask them how you could help. Always take the cue from the person.

Tell them your limitations and boundaries when helping, but assure them that you’ll journey with them to recovery.

3. Learn how to listen

Avoid acting like an expert by trying to fix your loved ones’ problems. What they need are your heartfelt presence and listening ear to make them feel that you genuinely care.

Also, don’t force them to speak if they are not yet ready to open up. Just make yourself available whenever they are comfortable to finally talk.

4. Educate yourself

One of the biggest challenges that people with mental illness have to deal with is stigma. Educating yourself will help you to better relate to them and provide the best assistance.

Did these tips help you? Feel free to comment on the online discussion and make sure to catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk! Watch it next Saturday, October 23, 2021, 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!

Also, we would love to pray for you and your loved ones who are suffering from mental health problems.

Call 8-737-0-7-00 if you’re in Metro Manila. If you’re outside Metro Manila or the Philippines, contact us through CBN Asia Prayer Center.

3 Self-Care Practices for a Healthier Body, Soul, and Spirit – Beyond Small Talk

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Taking care of your overall well-being is integral to being a healthy and productive person.

It enables you to be more productive, it boosts your immune system, enhances your self-esteem, and improves your compassion towards others, says Katherine Hurst of The Law of Attraction in her article What Is Self-Care And Why Is Self-Care Important?.

But then, a lot of people still think that self-care is being selfish and inconsiderate.

In this webisode of Beyond Small Talk, hosts Peter Kairuz, Sonjia Calit, and Zenia Panahon discuss the importance of self-care. They also share tips that you can apply to have a healthier body, soul, and spirit.

1. Learn to listen to your body

Are the pressures of life crushing you down? Swamped by your daily tasks and cannot function well?

Be sensitive to detect the messages that your body sends to you.

“Self-care is not being selfish, it is being healthy,” Zenia Panahon emphasized.

Can you hear your body groan and complain? It’s okay to take a step back and retreat.

2. Set aside some time for yourself

Stress is everywhere. It is inevitable.

You need to find some time to slow down, clear your thoughts, and get replenished. You may try meditating, take a 10-15 minute walk every day, or clean and declutter your desk.

According to Zenia Panahon, “Self-care routines vary for different people. It still depends on what works for you and what recharges you.”

3. Make a habit of spending time with God.

Dedicate a time for just you and God.

Say a word of prayer, give thanks to Him, and read what He wants to say to you through His Word.

You can come to God in all your brokenness. Allow Him to make you whole and to comfort you while in the midst of your raging sea of stress and negative emotions.

Peter Kairuz says it beautifully, “When God comforts you, it’s all-encompassing. It’s not just your spirit, but your body benefits from that moment with God.”

If you’re suffering from mental illness, Beyond Small Talk is here for you and ready to listen.

Do not hesitate to join our online discussion and share your struggles with us.

You may also call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you.

For more inspiring content and practical tips, catch the next webisodes of Beyond Small Talk every Saturday, at 7:00 PM at The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

10 Common Myths on Mental Health Problems Debunked – Beyond Small Talk

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Judged. Mocked. Discriminated.

These are real battles people with mental illness deal with every day because of stigma from society.

In fact, the Department of Health, as cited by Philippine Star in their article DOH: It’s time to talk about, address depression made an alarming statement, “We need to start talking about depression to end the stigma surrounding mental health because, when left unattended, it can lead to suicide.”

You can help your struggling friend, workmate, or family member with mental health problems. You just have to be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn hard truths about it.

Take time to check out these 10 common myths on mental illness debunked by Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz, Sonjia Calit, and Zenia Panahon.

Myth #1: Mental health problems can only be experienced at a certain age.

Truth: Mental health problems could manifest at any age. According to Mayo Clinic in their article Mental illness in children: Know the signs, like adults, children can also develop the same mental illness such as anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia, and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Myth #2: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.

Truth: Not all who people who have mental health problems act violently. It still varies on the condition and MentalHealth.gov says in their article Mental Health Myths and Facts, “only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness.”

Myth #3: People with mental health problems cannot deal with jobs and/or school.

Truth: There are people with mental health issues who are highly functional and productive members of society. This is why you should be sensitive to  signs of mental illness in your loved ones.

Myth #4: Personality flaws are often cause of mental health issues. You could snap out of it over time.

Truth: Mental health issues can be sourced from different factors such as genetics, environment, socio-economic standing, and temperament, says Zenia Panahon.

Also, you can’t snap out of it. You need professional help and ongoing family support which are both vital toward healing from mental health issues.

Myth #5: Once you experience mental health problems, you will never get out of it.  

Truth: Mental illness is treatable. If you seek help and gain support, you can recuperate from it.

Myth #6: Taking medications is the only answer.

Truth: Some recover from mental health issues solely with the help of friends, family, and mental health professionals, but there are others who also need medication.

Myth #7: It is impossible to prevent mental illness.

Truth: You cannot really control life’s trials and challenges, so there are times that it may push you to your limit.

But, Mayo Clinic explained in Mental Illness that “If you have a mental illness, taking steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and to boost low self-esteem may help keep your symptoms under control.”

Myth #8: Mental illness is a form of brain damage.

Truth: Brain damage is physical. Mental health is how you feel, behave, and think as a person.

Myth #9: I can’t do anything for people who have mental health issues.

Truth: You can do something about it by being a good support system to them. Show your support by learning how to deal with your loved ones who have mental health issues and accompanying them when seeking professional help, Zenia Panahon explained.

Myth #10: If I seek help, others would think I’m crazy.

Truth: When you seek help, you are investing in taking care of yourself, says Zenia Panahon.

Do you still have questions and clarifications?

Join the online discussion and don’t miss the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

If you’re facing an overwhelming barrage of challenges because of the pandemic and don’t know how to handle it, we want to pray for you. Just call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700.

11 Ways to a Better Marriage amid the Pandemic | Beyond Small Talk

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How is your relationship with your spouse lately?

If you have a hard time answering that question, perhaps you need to take the time to pause and reflect about your marriage today.

In a time of a global pandemic, it is not always “marriage as usual.” You may be grateful to be with your family at this time of quarantine, but worries, uncertainties, and responsibilities could still pile up and get the best of you and your partner.

To help you overcome these marital challenges, Beyond Small Talk hosts Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz and husband Marco are here to share tips on how to grow your relationship with your spouse even when you are stuck with each other 24/7.

1. Pray together and seek God as a family

Have you ever tried praying together your family? Seeking God’s presence has never been more important in these trying times.

As Marco shared, “Pray for each other, pray together as husbands and wives, and pray as a family.” Through prayers, invite God to reign over situations where you need Him most.

2.Read the Bible together

In good and bad times, where do you and your spouse turn to? Marco suggests that you turn to praying and Bible-reading.

3. Develop a personal relationship with God

Having a relationship with God matters. He is the glue that holds all your other relationships together.

4. Love God more than your spouse and your children

Make your relationship with God your highest priority, over everyone and everything else in your life. You would be amazed by how He would take care of your relationship with your spouse and children.

5. Acknowledge that you cannot do anything apart from God

Recognizing God as all-powerful takes a lot of humility And it’s important for a good reason: Humbling yourself before God also allows Him to do His work in your family. You need to recognize that apart from Him, you cannot do anything.

As Jesus said in John 15:5 NLT, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

6. Talk to each other openly and honestly

You and your husband cope differently in a crisis. That’s why it’s important to openly communicate with each other to understand your needs and responsibilities as husband and wife.

7. Never stop pursuing your wife

If you’re the husband, Marco advises that you continue to pursue your wife, even after you’ve already won her heart. It’s God who gave her to you. No matter how simple, make sure to give encouraging words and gestures that would fill up her love tank.

8. Submit to, respect, and serve your husband

If you’re a wife, Lara encourages you to submit to, respect, and serve your husband. Loving him unconditionally is like serving God by being a good steward of marriage.

9. Focus on and appreciate the good things that your spouse does for you

Instead of focusing on your partner’s negative behaviors and mistakes, why not focus on the positives?

Appreciating the good things help strengthen your relationship. If a pressing matter needs to be dealt with, do it with all humility, gentleness, and patience (Ephesians 4:2 ESV). Remember that like you, your spouse is still a work in progress.

10. Forgive each other

Ephesians 4:32 ESV encourages you to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. You cannot love God and not forgive your spouse. God wants both of you to constantly forgive each other, just as Jesus constantly forgives you.

11. Put your trust in Jesus Christ alone

Above all, people and seasons change, but God’s love remains forever. As Lara puts it, “He is the only one who never changes. He is good all the time.”

For better and for worse, may you always trust Him and make Him the center of your marriage.

Do you need someone to help you pray for your marriage? You may call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700, or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

Stay tuned to the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk on Saturday, October 2, 2021, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page.

5 Ways to Cope with Pandemic Stress | Beyond Small Talk

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Imposed quarantines from time to time, news about the rise and fall of COVID-19 cases here and there, plus health and safety reminders everywhere. Can you believe that the world has been battling this pandemic for a year and a half now?

How are you holding up?

If these unsettling scenarios stress and fill you with anxiety, know that God wants you to be free from all worries (Psalm 34:4).

God gives you the power to break free from stress!

Here are 5 essential tips to help you cope with your pandemic stress, from inspirational speaker and Beyond Small Talk guest, Carl Pascua.

Tip #1: Slow down and rest

Did you find yourself feeling extra stressed when the pandemic started? You are not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the pandemic.

Perhaps, uncertainty becomes the gasoline that fuels your stress fire.

Don’t worry. You don’t need to force yourself to be okay all the time. Carl suggests that you process your emotions. Take time to figure out where the sadness or stress comes from and take a much-needed rest.

Tip #2: Exercise and stay healthy

Science has long proven that your mind and body are strongly linked.

“Remember, a healthy body can result into a healthy mind and a good emotional condition,” Carl reminds.

The American Psychological Association support’s Carl’s assertion and states that as your mental health declines, your physical health can worsen, and if your physical health declines, you can feel mentally “down.”

So, get off the couch and start a simple exercise routine. Also, be extra mindful of what you eat!

Tip #3: Talk about your problems

Whether it’s with a family member, a trusted friend, or a mentor, sharing your thoughts and concerns with other people can help relieve stress.

Likewise, you can help others feel that they’re not alone, too!

Like you, each person you know could be fighting a battle you don’t know about. So don’t hesitate to reach out. Encourage each other and build each other up! (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)

Tip #4: Let go of the idea about control

Who would’ve thought that by 2020, going to malls, restaurants – or even work – could be a health risk? Who would’ve thought that by the summer of 2021, you would still be cooped up in your home and praying for a pandemic to end?

No one.

But it happened. This goes to show that no matter what your plans are, you cannot control everything. Ease your pandemic stress by letting go of your need to control things, and trusting in Someone greater who is always in control – Jesus Christ.

As Proverbs 19:21 ESV puts it, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Tip #5: Put your faith in Him

If anything, the pandemic proved the famous saying, “Everything changes, except the word change.”

If you put your happiness and trust in things that change – like your career, health, or even relationships – you might feel stressed when things don’t work out the way you had hoped they would. It’s high time to put your joy and faith in a God who never changes.

“Other people may not understand everything that is going on in your life, but God knows. That means you can go to Him, cry to Him, and you can seek help from Him. Problems can be big, but our God is bigger, our God is stronger!” Carl concluded.

No matter what you’re going through, keep going! You can always find comfort and overcome through the help of your merciful God!

“In the multitudes of anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19 NKJV)

Do you feel overwhelmed or stressed?

We are here for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we will pray for you.

Mark your calendars and catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!

Teacher, Check Out these 5 Self-Care Tips for You! | Beyond Small Talk

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Modules. Online classes. Reports.

Sounds familiar, don’t they?

In fact, they are so familiar and important that you tend to give your all to provide quality learning experience for your students. They are so valuable that sometimes, these things that you love to do become the source of your stress and burnout.

Influencer, mental health advocate, and Beyond Small Talk host Jericho Arceo shares helpful self-care tips so teachers and educators like you can still thrive while staying committed to your noble profession:

1. Engage in self-care

What can you do to take care of yourself? Start with yourself.

In this time of crisis, teachers like you are exerting extra effort on their work to the point of skipping meals or not getting enough sleep. The work may feel endless at times, but taking time to take care of yourself isn’t selfish! In fact, it’s an important of part of doing well in your job too.

Take care of your sleep, make sure you eat healthy foods, and do not underestimate the value of exercise. Be a little kinder to your body. The healthier you are in mind, body and spirit, the more productive you will be!

Jericho shares, “When we take care of our bodies, eventually, our mental health is being taken care of. It is important to take care of our bodies intentionally, so we can take care of others – in line with the second commandment which is to love our neighbors.”

2. Identify sources of stress

Pause and take time to identify where your stress could be coming from, both in your work and personal life.  If you can pin-point your triggers, you can find ways to successfully manage and respond to them.

So, what is your stressor? Your deadlines? The workload? Your colleagues? Or the pressure to adjust to new modes of learning?

3. Be part of a support group

Figuratively speaking, no man is an island.

Scientifically speaking, having trusted people around you is important. In fact, a research titled The Correlation of Social Support with Mental Health from the National Library of Medicine shows that having a good support system can have a positive impact on one’s mental health.

“Make sure your support group understands you, listens to you, loves you, and prays for you. They will lead you closer to God and insulate you in times of mental health problems. Choose your friends,” Jericho suggests.

4. Seek professional help

Are you struggling to sleep, feeling restless or down, becoming sick, or lacking interest in things you used to be so passionate about?

A certain amount of work-related stress is inevitable, but a burnout is a more serious type of stress. You may want to consider talking to a doctor or a mental health professional so they can help you work through it.

“If you are experiencing burnout or any mental health problem, it is important to seek professional help. There is nothing wrong with that,” Jericho reminds.

5. Rest

Some people feel an overwhelming sense of guilt whenever they rest. Perhaps that feeling stems out of the belief that one’s productivity equates to one’s worth.

But rest is productive, too.

According to Psychology Today’s article “Rest for Success”, your “downtime” can boost your biological intelligence. Apart from that great benefit, rest also helps increase your productivity, creativity, and attention to detail.

So, take your time off – and the next time you do, gently remind yourself that rest is required, and you deserve it.

According to Jericho, one of the best things you can do as you rest is to pray and have a personal time with God, “Pray to God, because God is the one who understands you when you cannot verbalize what you feel.”

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Are you feeling restless?

It would be our joy to comfort you through prayers and introduce you to the ultimate source of rest and peace. Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you.

Catch the next Beyond Small Talk webisode this Saturday, 7:00 PM on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Budgeting Tips for Couples during the New Normal | Beyond Small Talk

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Calling all husbands and wives!

Are you looking for practical ways to successfully manage your family’s finances amid the pandemic?

If you want to pave the road for better money management in the new normal, check out these helpful budgeting tips from motivational speakers and Beyond Small Talk guests Vic and Avelynn Garcia:

1. Practice conjugal spending

Even after tying the knot, a lot of couples still have separate properties, separate spending priorities, and yes – separate bills to pay.

But did you know that this practice does more harm than good in your marriage?

Splitting bills and expenses divide your marriage’s spending power. It might also lead to other financial risks, such as borrowing money from each other when the other one goes broke. Worse, what if you both go broke?

To foster financial security and trust, Vic and Avelynn suggest that couples must learn how to practice combining all their resources and spending them in a way that is agreed on by both sides.

“Because they have separate money, they tend to buy whatever they want without having to tell their spouse. When you are already married, the husband’s income also belongs to his wife, and the wife’s income also belongs to her husband. That’s why we are encouraging you to combine your money and practice conjugal spending,” says Vic.

2. Practice triangle spending

Before you spend your hard-earned money, don’t just ask your spouse how you can spend wisely – ask God, too.

Your attitude toward money says a lot about how you value your marriage. Most importantly, it also reflects how you value God and the resources that He entrusts to your household.

It’s never too late to include God in the equation.

Pray that He guides you and your spouse in handling your family’s budget. For Him to give you the strength to follow His plan for your finances. Live in the faith that your family can withstand any crisis – all with the help of your generous Heavenly Father.

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT)

Are you experiencing financial struggles in your marriage right now?

Allow us to pray for you. Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

We have more financial tips for you!

Don’t forget to watch the next webisodes of Beyond Small Talk every Saturday, at 7:00 PM on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.