6. LIVE
YOUR
LIFE
WELL Building Resiliency
Taking a proactive approach
10 Tools to Live Your Life Well
7. LIVE
YOUR
LIFE
WELL 10 Tools to Live Your Life Well
1. Connect With Others
2. Help Others
3. Get Plenty of Rest
4. Eat Well *
5. Pursue a Creative Interest
6. Get Physically Active*
7. Exercise Your Mind
8. Reduce Stress*
9. Take Better Care of Your Spirit
10. Get Professional Help If You Need It
Good Afternoon.As you can see.. we are going to talk about a couple of life’s bumps and a path to get around them..adapting to aging..tools for maintaining emotional wellness.
When I was a kid..We didn’t know the connection between eating the fries and cardio health..Today, we all know it..we may not always make the best decision but no doubt “knowing it” changes behavior.But can we change behavior around mental health, around emotional wellness?Up until a couple years ago, I thought emotional wellness, the ability to deal with life’s stresses & ups & downs.. was random, genetic…But while that is true..it’s not the whole deal. Hundreds of research studies with thousands of participants, over decades and backed by major universities or government agencies shows that how good you feel is to a fairly large extent up to you. No matter how stressful your situation, you can take steps to promote your well-being. So that is what Live Your Life Well is all about…a proactive approach to aging.you can do specific things to protect your mental health, you can actually build resiliency and strengthen what you have.So..going back to those French fries..<click>Live Your Life is a big scope idea that seeks to change behavior. We want to get that link..like the like we make with bad fatty food to cardio..we want that link of taking specific steps to good mental health.And the why?Because good mental health strengthens your ability to cope with everyday hassles and more serious crises and challenges.To be as clear as choosing fruits & vegetables is over French Fries. Okay..let’s look at the two biggest outcomes of the Living Your Life Well program. <click>Cope better with stress. <click>Build and strengthen Resiliency <click>
Stress hurts....most of us know this..we may forget how many organ systems take a hit because we of all the noise in our daily life.When I was a caregiver..Take a look at what stress does to just your brain.. <click>
Stress is just one way we invite depression to our door.Sometimes it’s just a lot of things hitting us at once..mostly its accumulated loss.Certainly a bump.A significant number of older adults face depression..26%I have a short video that explains it better than I can..<click> http://nihseniorhealth.gov/depression/faq/video/depression1_na.html?intro=yes
You really can’t go through life with hitting a couple bumps in the road.As you age the bumps do add up.We need a strategy.We need to be able to weather that storm or that bump in the road that let’s face it can complicate aging “well”. <click>
The way we cope with stress..the strategy is ..if you will..is by introducing the Live Your Life Well idea and demonstrating how to Build Resilience..by being proactive..<<click>> Ten Tools to Live Your Life Well. <<click>>
There are no surprises here..but getting familiar with these simple ideas as TOOLS that can BUILD resiliency is a new twist. You can handle life’s bumps, hurtles, whatever..This can show you how.That’s the basic idea.<<click>>
Everyone needs a "pit crew," …people you can rely on to rev you up. Ask yourself if you have at least a few friends or family members who: You feel comfortable to being withGive you a sense you could tell them anything Can help you solve problemsMake you feel valuedTake your concerns seriouslyStrengthen Your RelationshipsMe? I call my daughter everyday..my brother lives alone so I stop by couple times a week with my dog. Sometimes it’s work, easier to sit home..but…<<click>>
Research indicates that those who consistently help other people experienceless depression, greater calm, fewer pains and better health. They may even live longer.Helping others can be small things like:Calling a friend to see how she's doingServing your spouse breakfast in bedLetting a car in front of you on the highwaySmiling at a stranger in the streetHolding the post office door open for the next person.Or it can be:Finding the RIGHT volunteer opportunity.Matching your interests with a need.Anyone here volunteer?No excuse not to volunteer..I knew a lady who really couldn’t get around very well..so she knits baby stuff for The Baby Center. They pick it up..she would get letter from young Mom’s..so grateful.<<click>>
Did you know? Not getting enough sleep can lead to :greater risk of depression and anxietyincreased risk of heart disease and cancerimpaired memoryreduced immune system functioningweight gaingreater likelihood of accidentsAnyone have any sleep tips?Set a regular bedtimeDe-caffeinate yourself.De-stress yourselfExercise.Make your bed a sleep haven<<click>>
I’d like too invite: Marion Lalevee…Registered Dietician and Nutrition Therapist..among other thingsEating well can:boost your energylower the risk of developing certain diseasesprovide fuel to your brain counteract the impact of stress on your bodyaffect mood-related body chemicals.<<click>>
Do something you've always wanted to do. Bake a soufflé, do some woodworking, learn to knit. If you're not sure how, take a class or look for a local group dedicated to the activity. Pursue a creative interest. Writing, singing or making music all have therapeutic effects. Or just turn on a song you love: Brain images show that music can trigger feel-good hormones. <<click>>
Barbara Ann Body Recall Exercise SpecialistEXERCISE:decreases stress, anger and tensionreduces anxiety and depressionoffers a greater sense of well-being ALSO,prevent heart disease and high blood pressurelower your risk for stroke, osteoporosis, colon cancer and diabetesimprove your sleepincrease your energy decrease some kinds of pain boost your immune systemhelp with weight management <<click>>
Your brain's fitness depends on how much it is used. Every time you do something new or different, you create new neural pathways. These simple tricks will help give your brain a workout.Does anyone have a suggestion that works for them?<<click>>
There are many ways to reduce stress..Meet Dian Hamilton. A certified laughter yoga teacher<<click>>
This can be found in organized religion or meditation or even Nature.Focus on your goals, values and beliefs. What brings you hope, joy and comfort? What do you care about most? How can you make a difference in the world?Keep a journal to help you express your deepest thoughts and feelings. Read inspiring stories or essays to unearth insights and philosophies that can enrich your life.Be open to new experiences. Nurture your spirit with nature, music, art or whatever sounds appealing. Look at what's good in yourself and others. Notice the sacred in and around you. Sure, there's plenty of bad stuff, but you'll find greater peace and joy by focusing on the positive. <<click>>
If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference..Most depression is treatable..sometimes it just takes an informed physician and the right med to kick start you back into life..sometimes just re-engaging..going back to Church choir, etcBarbara Ann..what are some of the places to look for help here in Harwich? COA Town NurseYour doctor
