We’re into the second week of 2018, and some of us are struggling to maintain our resolutions. It’s easy to say that we’ll eat better, or exercise more, or be kind to others. Putting all of this into practice can be, to put it lightly, tiring.
If you are a caregiver for your aging parent, or a disabled dependent, you may be putting your own needs aside to focus on others. While it’s important to temper optimism with practical or frugal thinking, we know that being in a constant state of worry or difficulty can result in depression and anxiety.
Being selfish about your own health is one way to make 2018 better for yourself and the people you love.
Tips for approaching situations with a positive attitude
There are so many things we can do for ourselves to help our mental well-being. Here are some of the ways our team has resolved to put some positivity into our lives. It’s time to shake off feeling guilty for not having time for everything.
- Be aware of stressors like not having enough time to accomplish your to-do list, or trying to cram too much into one day. Get an agenda or app for your phone to help you visualize your time management.
- Eat less processed or fast food. It’s so tempting to indulge in tasty treats, especially when it means you don’t have to plan or prep your meals. Eating good food can really affect how your brain processes emotions and your overall well-being. Colourful, fresh food is as tasty as it is pleasant to look at!
- We love keeping busy, and following through on commitments is important. Sometimes it’s nice to have nothing planned, and learning how to say no is the key to balancing your needs with those of others.
- Who doesn’t like a compliment? Make a point of acknowledging something positive about each other every day. After three days of doing this, our team noticed a shift in the mood of our office, and at home.
- Sticking to a budget is tough, but you can still have fun! A little bit of research can yield many free events like movies in the park, community yoga classes or music festivals. You don’t have to exclude mood-enhancing social activity just because you’re on a budget.
Talk to your doctor
If you have tried everything, and feel like you don’t know what else to do, it may be time to ask for help. Medical journals also point to chemical imbalances as a cause of depression, and these mental health issues can then affect our physical health including headaches and symptoms of pain in our joints.
Getting the proper medical attention and care for mental health ailments is crucial to maintaining your quality of life.
- Do not self-medicate; natural health products DO have an effect on your mind and body. Seek professional advice before taking any supplements that affect serotonin levels in your brain, as well as mood enhancers or sleep aids.
- Keep a journal of when you feel pain, the areas affected and its duration
- Have an honest conversation with your medical professional about your symptoms. We know how difficult it can be to say it out loud, but if we don’t talk about our experience, we can’t expect a resolution.
How can Milestone Health Services Halton help?
When we talk about maintaining balance in your lifestyle, one of the ways you can do this is by supplementing your caregiving with a professional home care team.
Home care in Halton is accessible and many of our services can be brought to your residence. We will create customized client care plan that considers your specific needs. If you are currently under medical supervision, Retire-At-Home Halton offers comprehensive care that includes communicating with your doctors.
We can help you understand the OHIP benefits for which you qualify, and how you can maximize your private insurance benefits.
When we hire caregivers for Milestone Health Services , we ensure they’re qualified and pass all security checks. We want you and your family to feel safe. It would be an honour to serve you and help you find a caregiver who matches your needs.
- available 24 hours
- mobile physiotherapy (through the Work-Fit Total Therapyprogram)
- Connect CareMedical Alert
- Nursing care services
- Personal Care services
- Home Support and Housekeeping services
We provide home care services in the following areas: Halton, including Georgetown, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga North. If you would like to discuss your individual needs (whether or not you’re a senior) contact Milestone Health Services Halton for a complimentary in-home consultation at 1-888-509-9394 or 905-864-9020. You can also use our online contact form or our live chat option.