Seasonal/Holiday

5 Non-Medical Homecare Services for the Holiday Season

December 15, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 5 Non-Medical Homecare Services for the Holiday Season , , , , , , ,

The holidays are officially in full swing and that means that we often have far more work to do than we can realistically accomplish on our own. From holiday party planning, visits with friends and family, and all of the household chores and maintenance that come with this time of year, it’s often helpful to have an extra hand for you or a loved one you take care of this time of year. This is something a good Phoenix home health care provider could accomplish for you in accordance with your own schedule.

A trained professional caregiver could not only help provide medical care for a loved one this holiday, but there are also several non-medical services available to you as well. In terms of Phoenix home care, you could hire out, or outsource a variety of tasks this year. Such non-medical services provided by such a caregiver include:

  • Personal care assistance: This involves the basic tasks of personal grooming and care such as:
    • Bathing
    • Hair care
    • Helping one to dress
    • Shaving
    • Skin care
    • Helping one to the toilet
    • Reminding or administering medications
    • Feeding
    • Nail care

 

  • Homemaker tasks: These include household chores and duties such as:
    • Light cleaning and housekeeping
    • Meal planning and prep
    • Dusting
    • Vacuuming and mopping floors
    • Doing the laundry
    • Dishwashing
    • Running errands
    • Grocery shopping
    • Making the bed
    • Changing bed linens

 

  • Miscellaneous services: These are various tasks you may not have time to complete this time of year such as:
    • Care after a surgery for yourself or a loved one
    • Child care for when you little one becomes ill
    • Newborn care
    • Companionship
    • Wake up calls
    • Tucking you, or a loved one, in at night
    • Driving you or a loved one to appointments and such
    • Live-in caregiver services

 

Regardless of your level of need this holiday season, you are welcome to give MD Home Health/Home Assist a call for a free consultation. We will come to your home and sit down with you to develop a package and schedule of services that is perfect for your needs. You don’t have to do everything alone this year. Help is available and you owe it to yourself to take advantage of it.

For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


5 Gifts Your Caregiver Will Love this Holiday

December 5, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 5 Gifts Your Caregiver Will Love this Holiday

The holidays are just a couple weeks away, and you may be wondering what to get your Phoenix home health caregiver. Well, you are in luck because we have 5 gift ideas that would be ideal for anyone in a helping profession.

It is imperative for caregivers to rejuvenate and recharge with some healthy self-care during their down time. The following gift ideas will that you truly appreciate the services your Phoenix health caregiver provides, while nudging them toward a bit of self-indulgent care for themselves this holiday season.

A Trip to the Spa

Nothing helps calm and relax a caregiver like a day, or even hour, at the spa. Whether it’s a facial, mud bath or a massage, your caregiver will have a chance to unwind, rejuvenate, and come back to work feeling better than ever. When your caregiver is feeling recharged, he/she will have more energy to put into helping you as well, so really sending them to a spa is a win-win for all.

A Vacation

Getting away and seeing a place or land one has never set foot on before can be one of the best ways to recharge and indulge in a bit of self-care. Perhaps your caregiver would like to spend a week touring pyramids, or even a mini-vacation for 2-3 days. Whatever your budget and schedule allows, your caregiver would likely enjoy some time away to gain some new perspective on life. Chances are that once they return home they will find that they appreciate their own surroundings a bit more as well, and they just might even miss you!

A Gym Membership

Exercise is one of the best ways to take care of yourself, and chances are your caregiver is so focused on caring for the needs of others, that they have let their own needs slide a bit. A gym membership is a great way to let your caregiver know that it is OK to take time away from helping others to focus on their own health and needs. Whether it’s a spinning class before or after work, or just a place they can go to do some cardio or lift weights on the weekends, your caregiver is sure to end up feeling more energized and capable of carrying out their duties once they begin to incorporate exercise into their weekly routine.

A Club Membership

Whatever indulgence it is that your caregiver fancies, there is likely to be a club out there designed just for them in this day in age. Whether it’s a wine club, a gourmet food club, or even just a Costco membership, this gift will show your caregiver that you care, while being practical in helping them save money on the things they love to buy most.

A Food Delivery Service

If your caregiver works many hours, they may not have much time to do things such as grocery shopping, cooking or feeding their beloved pets the healthy meals they wish that they could. All of this could be solved with a delivery service. Whether it’s specially prepared meals of a specific diet, healthy pet food delivery (yes, this really exists) or just a gift certificate for Chinese or pizza delivery, your caregiver will appreciate the time saved from preparing their own meals.

If you don’t have a caregiver to buy gift for but would like to, we’d be happy to remedy this for you. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


5 Thanksgiving Day Diet Hacks

November 18, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Healthy Eating, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 5 Thanksgiving Day Diet Hacks , , , , ,

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means family and friends will be gathering together, giving thanks for their blessings, and feasting on approx. 4,500 calories each.  That’s two to three times what the average person needs in an entire day. So how does one enjoy this long celebrated tradition without overdoing it? With these handy dandy Thanksgiving Day health hacks. Now you can have your cake, and eat it.

More Lemons Please

Research shows the body must maintain a slightly alkaline pH balance for optimal health. Most people may not realize the pH balance of what they’re eating. It would be well worth the read to sit down and view a food pH balance chart. In the meantime, know that raw fruits and vegetables are most likely to be alkaline, while processed foods, sweets, meats, sodas, dairy and grains tend to be acidic. One can balance out the high acidity levels in their body by adding lots of fresh lemon to their water. Water is neutral in pH, and lemons are as high on the alkaline scale as it gets. Another high alkaline substance is baking soda, but lemons are much more delicious. You can also balance your body’s pH by drinking a shot of organic apple cider vinegar. This tastes better if you dilute it with water, and if you have a straw–use it, as the vinegar can wear away at the enamel of your teeth.

Eat More Veggies

There are likely to be many tempting indulgences available at the table this Thanksgiving, but if you want to maintain a healthy diet, it’s best to load your plate up with as many veggies as possible. A good rule of thumb is to fill your plate 2/3 of the way with veggies, and the rest of your plate with things like turkey, pie, and anything else you choose. If you want to get more alkaline from your veggies, gravitate toward the green leafy kinds like spinach and kale, as they have higher alkaline levels than most. Also, know that canned veggies are acidic, so if you want to stay healthy, go fresh.

Cut it in Half

If your eyes tend to be bigger than your stomach, and you want to try everything your Thanksgiving Day feast has to offer, start by cutting everything in half. Only take half the portion size you think you want. This is especially important for dessert. Chances are that by the time you have finished eating your half-sized portions, your body will tell you that you’re full. It takes about 20 minutes after being full for the signal to reach your brain.

Slow Down

It’s best to eat as slowly as possible. If you eat your meal in less than 20 minutes, you could be overstuffing your stomach, which will only lead to discomfort later. Try chewing slowly, taking breaks between bites, and conversating with others. Another way to ensure you are eating slower is by using chopsticks.

 Say No to Alcohol

At least while you’re eating. Research has shown that drinking alcohol while eating slows down digestion, and disrupts the way the body breaks down calories. This could cause you to feel fuller longer.

If you’d like more health tips, or a Phoenix home care provider to plan meals, shop, and cook for you, give us a call  at 602-396-5742, or fill out our contact form. We look forward to helping you through our Phoenix home health care non-medical services.


Five Reasons to Take a Daily Walk This Fall

October 14, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Five Reasons to Take a Daily Walk This Fall , , , , , , , , ,

In recent years, a great deal of scientific research has focused on the benefits of walking and how it can be highly advantageous to your health and well-being. There are lots of reasons why you should get up off your chair, and get outside to enjoy the crisp autumn air, while you take a stroll around the neighborhood. Some of those reasons are listed below.

Sitting is bad for you

The very first reason to consider about why you should take a walk this fall is because of what might happen if you don’t. Scientific research has uncovered a whole slew of health issues that result from sitting all day and being largely sedentary, including all sorts of problems with your legs, feet and ankles. So the very first reason for you to get up and take a good walk this fall is to simply eliminate that whole catalog of health problems that might befall you, if you simply take up residence on the couch.

Enjoy reflective time

Regular walking has been shown to be a powerful anti-anxiety activity which has a calming effect on the walker. Most people don’t realize this, but the simple sounds of nature do indeed have a soothing effect on humans. For instance the singing of birds, the buzzing of bees, and a softly falling rain or a babbling brook, all have subtle but powerful influences on the human psyche.

In addition, taking a walk can encourage creative and reflective thinking, and this notion is supported by a Stanford News study indicating that the creativity demonstrated by participants increased by 60% when people were walking, as opposed to those sitting.

Achieve balance in your life

Long walks throughout the neighborhood or the countryside yield even more results than calmness and creativity. It has been found that when anxious, stressed-out individuals settle into a program of regular walking, it can also provide a great opportunity to gain perspective, and to achieve a better balance in your life.

When the mind becomes more settled and more relaxed through a regular program of walking, it allows much greater opportunity for self-discovery and self-examination. This kind of reflection gives people more of a ‘big picture’ look at the important aspects of their lives.

Reduced risk of glaucoma

Walking can help to reduce pressure within your eyes, and it has been shown to reduce the risk factors associated with glaucoma, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. In addition to helping prevent the onset of any of these health problems, walking can be at least somewhat effective in treating the condition once you are ready have it.

Improved balance

Because you’re not always walking on smooth surfaces, the activity of walking can help to improve your balance, and this is something everyone can benefit by. When you have to walk on uneven surfaces like trails, paths, and sandy or gravelly walkways, those steps activate muscles throughout the body which work to stabilize you as you proceed. Over time, this acts to build up your balance so that you become more accommodated to uneven terrain and household obstacles.

In-home assistance experts

MD Home Health is a Phoenix home care company offering in-home assistance for persons temporarily or permanently disabled, and which provides care for loved ones as though they were family. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call 602-396-5742, or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you through our Phoenix home health care services. If someone in your household needs a companion, personal care, home-making, or supportive services, call us at MD Home Health.

 

 


Get Ready for Fall with these Healthy Seasonal Recipes

September 22, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Healthy Eating, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on Get Ready for Fall with these Healthy Seasonal Recipes , , , ,

Gourmet traditional holiday apple pie sweet baked dessert food w

With fall fast approaching, it’s time to go through your recipe catalog and bring out some of your healthy fall favorites so you can enjoy seasonal recipes that are both delicious and good for you. Included in this sampling of healthy seasonal offerings are some that you may not already have, but are definitely worth preparing, so you and your family can enjoy good eating during the coming season.

Phoenix care-givers and care receivers alike will also love these recipes, because they’re great for all ages, and use heart-healthy ingredients. Whether you provide Phoenix home health care, or enjoy the benefits of that care, preparing one of these recipes will be a pleasant experience, and you’ll end up with something really satisfying and delicious to eat.

Zucchini rice casserole

This recipe includes chicken broth, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, Jack cheese, corn, flower, turkey sausage, reduced-fat cream cheese, and pickled jalapenos, to create a heart-healthy and extremely tasty casserole that the whole family will enjoy. You can prepare this dish over two days by doing most of the work ahead of time and refrigerating it before the final bake the next day.

Deep-dish apple pie

To make this healthy version of an old favorite, you’ll need flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, reduced fat sour cream, canola oil, Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, flour, sugar, and one egg. First you need to make the crust, separating into two equal portions for the top and bottom. The pie filling calls for the apples, spices, and lemon juice to be combined and cooked until the apples begin to break down, then put into your baking dish with the top crust covering. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes – then prepare yourself for a delicious taste treat.

Chicken breasts with chive sauce

This is a very simple dinner dish to prepare which doesn’t even involve baking, and it’s very heart-healthy so you don’t have to feel guilty about all that great taste. The recipe calls for four boneless chicken breasts, a little salt, flour, olive oil, two large shallots (chopped), dry white wine, reduced-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat sour cream, Dijon mustard, and one bunch of chopped chives. After flattening and tenderizing the chicken breasts, sauté them until golden brown in the oil. Then cook the shallots in a saucepan, and add the flour, wine and broth. Add in the chicken breasts, and cook on the stovetop until all pink is gone, after which you can stir in the sour cream, mustard, and chives.

Southwestern three-bean and barley soup

For this zesty and satisfying soup, you’ll need onion, celery, carrot, reduced-sodium chicken broth, pearl barley, dried black beans, Great Northern beans, kidney beans, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt. After heating the oil, add in the onion, celery, and carrot, then cook them until softened. Add in water, broth, barley, all three beans, and the spices, then simmer over high heat. After allowing the mixture to simmer for about two hours, add in more water as needed, and serve to your very grateful family members!

More about home care

If you or anyone you know would benefit from having expert Phoenix home care, you should contact us at your convenience to learn more about what we have to offer, and how we can help you. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


4 Ways to Stay Healthy and Active in the Cooler Months Ahead

September 18, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 4 Ways to Stay Healthy and Active in the Cooler Months Ahead , , , , , , , , ,

Active Fall

Both the calendar and the cooler weather are telling us that fall is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start thinking about healthy fall activities to keep you active, while also enjoying the change of seasons. Here are some activities you can do which are low-impact in terms of effort required, and yet still take full advantage of the delightful freshness of the autumn season.

Raking leaves

This is not only a very practical activity, but it’s also pretty good exercise which you can do while appreciating the beautiful colors of the falling leaves. If there are kids in your household, they’ll find tons of ways to have fun and enjoy the piles of leaves you rake up, but even if no one else is around, this is a very productive and satisfying activity that goes beautifully with the season.

Take a walk

Walking is one of those healthy activities which burns calories and strengthens muscles, and also provides you an opportunity to just enjoy the sights and sounds of the fall season as it descends on your neighborhood. It’s also great for lifting your spirits, because you’ll probably be walking in sunshine and breathing in clean fresh air, all of which helps to brighten your outlook and improve your mood for the rest of the day. There’s even a benefit to you from just soaking up a little sunshine, because it supplies needed Vitamin D to your body.

Do some volunteer work

If you are physically able to do so, volunteering to help out with some worthy cause can do a world of good for you, and with the cooler fall weather, you won’t be exerting yourself in difficult weather conditions. This can be something as simple as volunteering at a local soup kitchen for a couple hours, or getting involved with a neighborhood cleanup project. The beauty of this activity is that you can exert yourself to whatever level you’re comfortable with, and afterward you’ll also have a wonderful sense of having made a contribution that helps others. One other definite benefit is that while you’re assisting other people, it gets your mind off your own problems, to give you a break from anything troubling you.

Go for a bike ride

Riding a bike is a wonderful cardiovascular activity, and it can be a very enjoyable experience as well, as you ride around your neighborhood and appreciate the signs of autumn all around you. Bike riding is one of those activities which you can do at just about any age and any level of fitness, as long as you’re not physically disabled. It gets you out into the fresh air to enjoy a little bit of the world around you, especially that part of the world which doesn’t include your favorite couch or chair.

More about home health

You can learn about more healthy activities from the health experts who provide Phoenix home health care, and are dedicated to helping others with programs of wellness. Our Phoenix home care can be tailored to fit the needs of people of all ages and all health conditions. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


Eating Healthy by Season With the Help of a Phoenix Home Care Professional

August 9, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Caregiver Information, Healthy Eating, Hiring a Caregiver, Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Eating Healthy by Season With the Help of a Phoenix Home Care Professional , , , , , , , , ,

Eating Healthy by Season (Small)When you require assistance at home, you may benefit from a variety of non-medical services. These services might include help with basic housekeeping tasks, grocery shopping, and getting errands done. One of the most common needs that a Phoenix home care professional may fulfill is to assist a client with meal preparation.

Eating healthfully all year long is crucial to maintaining a state of good physical, mental, and emotional health. In fact, the potential for developing a chronic disease increases as a result of unhealthy eating habits. If you hire a home care worker to help you with planning your meals, you may want to discuss a schedule of healthy meal plans for every season.

Why Eat According to the Season?

Eating fresh, healthy foods based on the season is a great way to support your overall health. When you consume local foods as much as possible, you are also supporting your community – which ultimately benefits everyone in the area. Cooking fresh, local foods enables you to enjoy a variety of highly nutritional items during every season.

Healthy Fall and Winter Recipes

Fall and winter offer an abundance of opportunities to create delicious, healthful meals. Some examples of fall and winter foods include cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, squash, and pumpkin. You and your home care worker might devise hundreds of meals based on healthy fall and winter recipes. Such recipes could include chicken breasts sautéed with mushrooms, hearty pumpkin soup, and “pasta” made from squash (this can be easily created with an inexpensive kitchen gadget that spiralizes vegetables). Other recipes you might enjoy in the fall and winter months are roasted cauliflower, oatmeal blended with figs and ricotta cheese, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Healthful Spring and Summer Fare

Springtime and summertime bring a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that may be savored via a wealth of nutritious recipes. The foods of the warmer months include strawberries, tomatoes, spinach, watermelon, and zucchini. Recipe ideas might include whole-grain pasta topped with fresh spring vegetables (such as artichoke, asparagus, and even dandelion greens), green salad with tomatoes, and smoothies made with blackberries, raspberries, and fresh pineapple juice. If you have access to an indoor or outdoor grill and some assistance, you could grill chicken, eggplant, and zucchini, followed by slices of fresh mango sprinkled lightly with cinnamon.

Once you know how to plan healthy meals, eating foods that nourish you can be fun. Remember to buy organic foods whenever you have the opportunity; they may be more expensive than other options, but you won’t be exposed to the harmful chemicals found in many non-organic items. A Phoenix home health care professional may be able to advise you on making solid choices for seasonal eating. With a little help from a home care worker and some careful planning, you may indulge in the delicious possibilities that each season yields.

For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


5 Ways You Can Give Your Summer Diet a Boost

June 21, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Healthy Eating, Seasonal/Holiday, Uncategorized Comments Off on 5 Ways You Can Give Your Summer Diet a Boost , , , , , , , ,

Pretty cheerful young woman posing with fresh green lettuce leav

Everyone wants to look their best during the summer time, especially since most people interact a lot more during the warmer months, as opposed to the hibernating nature of winter. With all the get togethers, vacations, and outdoor activities of summer, you can expect to be seen a lot more, and to see your friends, relatives, and neighbors a lot more than you would normally during winter. Whatever kind of diet it is that you’ve chosen to prepare for summer, here are some things you can do to enhance its effectiveness, and get more out of your dieting effort.

Easy-to-do dieting boosts for summer

Each of these five dieting boosts can help dramatically increase the effectiveness of your dieting. By coupling these recommendations with careful food selection, you should achieve results much faster than if you are only dieting without these helpful aids.

  • Include powerful fat burners – eating the right foods is great for avoiding more pounds, but what about the fat you already have on your body? These substances can help burn away fat and slim you down for summer: caffeine from coffee, green tea extract from green teas, yohimbe which operates on the most stubborn fat reserves, hoodia gardonii which controls hunger pangs, oats, nuts, and 7-Keto which increases your metabolic rate.
  • Take advantage of summer foods – there are lots more fresh fruits and vegetables available in summer, especially at Farmers’ Markets,healthy eating, dieting, vegetarian food and people concept - cl roadside stands, and in co-operatives that sell shares on produce. These foods are great for filling you up, so you won’t be tempted to eat other foods which may have far less nutritive value for you, and encourage you to keep eating because you’re not satisfied.
  • Increase your activity level – with nice weather and long hours of daylight, you have no excuse for not exercising a lot more, even if it’s not a formal program. Activities such as jogging, walking, hiking, playing golf, swimming, working in the garden, mowing the lawn, and others can all boost your metabolism and burn fat. Plus, when you’re active, you don’t usually get as hungry as when you’re sitting around the house, thinking about your next meal.
  • Drink lots of water – this is something you might do anyway, but by making a conscious effort to drink more water, you’ll not only be helping your digestive system, but you’ll be making yourself feel more full, and not as tempted to eat larger meals. It’s a good idea to precede each meal with a largeglass of water for this very reason – so there’s just not as much room in your stomach for other goodies.
  • Keep yourself motivated – it’s very important to keep yourself motivated for dieting, because it’s very easy to miss a day or two and end up chucking the whole effort. Try posting a picture of yourself on the refrigerator in your favorite bikini, or for men, hang up a pair of summer shorts you used to fit into, so that it’s visible every day. If this doesn’t work for you, invite a friend to diet along with you, so you can each act as the other’s support during the process.

 

Professional dietary help

People requiring home health care in Phoenix can avail themselves of the non-medical services of MD Home Health and still diet in their own way to achieve better health, whether you are a senior, a physically disabled person, or even a non-adult. In some ways, you might even be more successful, since you’ll have a professional monitoring your diet program while providing expert home health care services.


5 Ways to Brighten up the Holiday Season for your Loved Ones

December 15, 2015 mdhomehealthadmin Articles, Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 5 Ways to Brighten up the Holiday Season for your Loved Ones , , , , ,

Woman hands in winter gloves Heart symbol shaped LifestyleWith the holiday season fast approaching, thoughts about loved ones become more and more prominent in people’s minds, and this is especially true of those family members who might require home nursing care or physical therapy. Of course in most cases, probably the most desired gift for a person in such circumstances would be to have family with them, sharing the season and enjoying the warmth of family ties.

But what about a Christmas present? It is often difficult to come up with a gift idea that really has meaning, and can truly brighten the holiday season. This being so, it makes more sense to consider ideas for Phoenix patients and loved ones that cost little or nothing, and are still truly appreciated.

A surprise ‘hair salon’ session

A female client or loved one might really appreciate a surprise session where she is pampered with an entirely new hairstyle, starting with a shampoo and finishing with a smiling face in the mirror, flashing a brand new look. Why not arrange for your loved one to have a hair salon day at home, and let her feel special for a few hours? She will probably love the whole experience, and every time she is complimented by someone afterward, it will be a reminder of the unique and thoughtful gift she was given.

Donate time/money to a charitable institution

The Phoenix holiday season is a time for giving to others, and it might perk up your loved one if you spend time with her at a charitable organization, helping those less fortunate. The Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation provides a wonderful service to young people in the area, and St. Mary’s Foodbank Alliance serves almost all of Arizona’s 15 counties in offering food and shelter to those who especially need it during the holiday season.

Out for a drive

If your loved one or client spends almost all of his/her time confined to the home setting, it might be nice to arrange for a drive around town to enjoy the sights and sounds of seasonal preparations. This can not only impart a sense of the Phoenix holiday season in your family member, but also provide welcome relief from the life of a shut-in.

Decorating the residence

Cheery decorations are often one of the best triggers of holiday spirit in the home or living space, and they provide constant reminders of the joyous season at hand. Even if your loved one has limited mobility, it will be worth the effort to do a little decorating to brighten up the living area, and enjoy the feeling of being involved and participating in holiday activities.

Reading togetherCare Assistant Reading Book

Homebound patients, especially seniors, may have difficulty reading on their own, but might really appreciate reading a good story with someone. The pleasant sound of another voice is often a very welcoming prospect in itself, and some light discussion about the story might serve to involve your loved one and increase her appreciation for the time you spent together.

MD Home Health can brighten the season for loved ones

Loving home care in Phoenix is provided by MD Home Health/MD Home Assist. Show your loved ones you care by hiring someone to come and clean their home for them, tuck them in at night, cook, run errands or even just give companionship. No one should have to be alone and feeling sad this holiday season, and we will treat your loved ones like family of our own.


5 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues

December 7, 2015 mdhomehealthadmin Articles, Caregiver Information, Healthy Eating, Hiring a Caregiver, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 5 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues , , , , , , , , , ,

Depressed or sad woman walking down a barren path in winter

The holiday season is popularly depicted as a time full of light and joy…but beneath that attractive surface, many people are plagued with stress and sadness. Whether they come from family troubles, unpleasant memories, or the anxiety of always having something to do and somewhere to be, these seasonal doldrums are something almost everyone will experience at some point in their lives. Use these five ways to beat the holiday blues and make it to January with your head held high.

1. Take time to breathe.

If your life during the holidays seems like a whirlwind of activity, those conditions are basically a pressure cooker of stress. Try to keep everything in perspective: the world won’t stop turning if you take fifteen minutes every morning or afternoon to stop and relax. Learn some gentle yoga moves or practice mindful breathing to help yourself feel centered and calm.

2. Don’t neglect physical activity.

Too many people wait until their New Year’s resolutions kick in before they hit the gym. But why miss out on all those positive exercise endorphins during the month when you probably need them the most? You don’t need to bench press 200 pounds or run a marathon, but raising your heartbeat for 30 minutes a day will help you feel better in both body and mind.

3. If things go wrong, do your best to let them go.

A gift doesn’t ship in time for Christmas? Family drama gets out of hand? First batch of decorated cookies burn? It’s just life. Don’t allow yourself to get sucked into resentment or frustration over any of it. Being intentional about maintaining a good attitude is one of the most important things you can do to beat the holiday blues.

4. Take nutritional supplements.

The same hormonal imbalances that cause Seasonal Affective Disorder can rear their heads during the holidays. Fortunately, there are plenty of vitamins and herbs that can help perk up your mood. Take vitamin D supplements to make up for the wintertime reduction in sun exposure, B vitamins, and fish oil. Many people report that St. John’s Wort has a positive impact on depressive moods when taken regularly, and valerian root can mitigate anxiety.

5. Don’t isolate yourself

Even if you feel like crawling into bed and hibernating all winter, isolation can end up making you feel even worse. Whether that means meeting up with friends, having a trained home companion, participating in a candlelight service or holiday event, or unburdening yourself to a therapist, spending time with people you trust can have a major effect on well being.

No matter which holiday ailments may plague you this season, remember that it’s well within your power to beat the holiday blues. Just remember, it’ll all be over soon, so do your best to enjoy it while you can. Should you need some extra help or companionship around your home this season, we’re just a phone call away.

 


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