Happy New Year! As you begin 2019, do so with a strong dose of self-compassion. After all, there is science that says it's worth it... http://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/the-scientific-benefits-of-self-compassion-infographic/
As the holidays are upon us, here are some tips to supporting a friend or family member who is dealing with a chronic condition: Ask about his or her experience. Each person has a unique set of symptoms (even within a single disease) and each person deals with these symptoms in a unique matter. It can be a gift when someone cares to check in and ask what is going on. Unless otherwise specified, keep inviting them. Although you might hear the answer 'no' a lot…
Someone recently contacted me asking for some advice on how to support their loved one who is facing some serious health issues. It's a great question and it highlights how helpless we can feel when someone we care about is going through a difficult time. Here are some great tips from the Huffington Post: 8 Ways to Support Someone Dealing with a Health Crisis
Anxiety frequently goes hand in hand with health issues. Whether you are facing a new change or long term management, it is normal to have fears and worries. The many uncertainties relating to your health may feel overwhelming and impossible to manage. Anxiety BC is a great resource for those of us who deal with anxiety. It offers multiple resources for coping with anxiety including downloadable worksheets, videos, and the MindShift™ App. Although the app was designed primarily for youth, it offers useful tools (such as instructions on…
How do you cope with losses in your life? No matter how much good fortune we have in life, each of us will at some time face loss. Beyond the death of a loved one, this could be the loss of a job, a relationship, our health or a dream. Coping with losses is a process that cannot be rushed nor prescribed. Each of us has the right to attend to our suffering in the ways that are most nurturing to us. Time may lessen the…
I recently came across this: I immediately loved the quote and set about finding the source. I was even more thrilled to see it came from this article: 11 Quotes to Remember When You Feel Exhausted Take a read through whenever you are feeling worn out - hope comes from just doing the next best thing. Sometimes that thing is reading other people's wisdom.
For mental well-being, taking breaks (and vacations from work) is essential. An interesting article by Cari Romm on the Science of Us blog earlier this year highlights the importance of scheduling in those breaks! It turns out we are actually more productive after planned breaks (vs. taking them when we think we need them). Who knew? Follow the link below to read the whole story... Taking Breaks Is Good for You — But Scheduling Your Breaks Is Even Better
If you are feeling weary of trying so hard to manage your health and manage your life, you may be interested in the next offering of the Rising Strong™ curriculum on October 14 and 15, 2017. What: A small-group experience co-presented by Karen Gilbert, OT, CDWF. This experiential group is based on the Rising Strong™ book and curriculum of Brene Brown and will focus on supporting you in creating your own story throughout the challenges of a health condition. When: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am – 2:30pm, October 14-15, 2017 Where: Oak and…
Both here on the blog and in my client sessions, I talk a lot about self care. Sometimes I feel the words start to get a little tired and worn from over-use. Yet I continue to stress self care because I truly believe it is vital to living and thriving. We very simply NEED to engage in practices that care for ourselves. An article recently touched on the subtleties of self care. The article beautifully distinguishes acts of daily human maintenance from more intentional acts of self-care. Please read…
When I need some calm perspective, one of my favourite web destinations is Sketches in Stillness. The site's creator, Francois Lange, has created a haven of light through his pairing of delightful sketches and meditative wisdom. I can easily (and happily) lose hours reading and resonating with his messages. Those messages embody the notions of mindfulness, acceptance and compassion.