Mental Health

If you are concerned about not being able to sleep at night, then you’re not alone. So many people are in the same situation as you are right now, but with a bit of help, you should find that it is easier for you to not only feel better about yourself, but also to make sure that you are supporting your mental health by simply sleeping as much as you need.

Workout

Believe it or not, one of the best things you can do when you are struggling to sleep at night is to work out.  Going for a walk during the day won’t just help you to lose some weight, as it will also help you to stay up less at night. Exercise is the best way for you to boost the effects that come with melatonin. If you can watch the timing of your workouts, then this will help you a lot as well. Exercising too close to bedtime can be too stimulating, but if you work out in the morning, then this will help you to get some sunlight, which will help you with your circadian rhythm. If you can keep things like this in mind, you will notice that it is much easier for you to not only feel better about yourself, but also to get the sleep you need at night as well.

Bed is for Sleep Only

Another thing to do, which can be hard at first, is to make sure that you are using your bed for sleep only. You have to make sure that you are not using your bed to answer phone calls or to text. You also need to make sure that you are not up late responding to emails, as this will again work against you. The bed has to be a way for you to sleep, not to stay awake for longer than you should be.

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It’s not a topic that we like to think about very often, but if there has been a new diagnosis or a development in a long-term health issue, then we may have to face the truth that our parent is near the ned of their life. It’s a complex and emotionally wrought period of time, but while they still have time with us, we must do what we can to provide comfort, dignity, and care. Here, we’re going to look at a few tips that can make a big difference.

Help With The Practicalities

Beyond facilitating and supporting any medical recommendations, your parents’ chief concern in the upcoming days might be preparing for practical matters associated with the end of their lives. This might include preparing a will, putting a power of attorney in place, and listening to their last wishes. Providing the support they need here can help assuage their fears about leaving any unfinished business. 

Consider The Care They May Need

You might want to be able to provide whatever care you can for your parent, if they need it, but you might not be able to do it all yourself. With palliative home care services, you can ensure that they’re able to stay in their own home while having their daily needs met, including symptom and pain relief, as well as having some company. It can feel a lot calmer and more personal than being surrounded by medical staff at a hospital.

Be Present In Ways That Matter

Even when you’re not certain about what you can do to help practically in that moment, simply being present, being able to listen, and letting them know that they’re not alone can do a lot to offer comfort to someone who is facing what is undoubtedly a scary process.

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As we celebrate Older Americans Month this May, the Better Business Bureau is leaning into the theme of "Championing Your Health." Health iincludes not only nutrition or exercise, but your financial and emotional well-being, as well. This month, we also observe Scam Survivor Day. For too long, seniors targeted by fraudsters have carried a heavy burden of shame. It's time to change that. ...

Among older adults, chronic health conditions, disability, uncontrolled pain and other physiological issues can challenge their mental well-being. Talk to a medical professional if you are worried about your mental health or that of a loved one. ...

There's nothing trivial about the benefits of trivia. Even if you're not great at it, spending time with others and challenging your brain can be a terrific mood booster and a good mental workout. ...

There’s a point where being tired stops feeling temporary and starts feeling like part of somebody’s whole personality. Which might sound silly, and it might sound like a joke, but no, this actually isn’t, and it’s pretty serious. Just things in life keep piling up to the point where it feels like anything, even the smallest of tasks, just feel like a big negotiation that’s just happening in your head. You need to get your mental health back on track; in fact, you already know that for a fact here. So yeah, a lot of adults look at all that and call it burnout, because that’s the label that feels the most obvious.

And sometimes it is burnout. Of course it is. Life gets heavy, work gets ridiculous (and standards seem to only be getting worse here, too), responsibilities pile up, and the brain starts acting like it’s had enough. But sometimes that explanation gets used a little too fast, and that’s where things get messy, because chronic overwhelm doesn’t always start and end with stress. It can, but it’s not the only thing, that’s the point here. 

Sometimes Burnout is Just the First Explanation

If somebody keeps feeling scattered, mentally fried, disorganized, and weirdly behind no matter what season of life it is, then yeah, it can make sense to look deeper. That’s part of why some adults start thinking about seeing a mental health professional; they do research (though ideally it’s still best to see a professional), and oftentimes it might even be ideal to look into a private ADHD assessment, because burnout keeps getting blamed while the same patterns have been showing up for years.

And the point is going beyond just a hard month here, not just during a rough job, but across routines, relationships, paperwork, errands, and all the boring little parts of adult life, too.

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Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis yourself or you’re supporting a loved one, hearing the word ‘dementia’ can fill many of us with dread. We all know that dementia typically gets worse and there isn’t yet a cure. Preparing for what is to come is important – while every person’s journey is different, dementia typically follows three stages.

This post explains more about what to expect in these three stages and how you can prepare in order to make the most of each stage. 

Early stage

In the early stage, changes are often subtle: misplaced items, trouble finding words or difficulty managing finances. Many people are able to remain independent during this stage, which can include working, driving and maintaining relationships, but they’re aware that something is not right.

Early stage dementia anxiety is common. People worry about the future, fear of losing independence and uncertainty about telling friends or employers. Emotional support during this stage can be important – talk to a counselor, join support groups and open up to trusted family members.

Dementia can progress at different speeds, but for many people the early stage lasts several years. It’s important to make the most of your full independence while you have it. This includes discussing future wishes with loved ones and organizing legal and financial documents. It also includes taking vacations, immersing yourself in passions and hobbies and spending quality time with friends and family. 

Engaging your brain with puzzles and problem-solving activities may help to slow down dementia. You can also establish routines and start using memory aids like calendars, alarms and labels to maintain independence longer.

Middle stage

During the middle stage, confusion and forgetfulness become more noticeable. Tasks like cooking, managing medications and handling money will typically require supervision during this stage. Mood changes, sleep problems and wandering also emerge during this stage, which can prompt family members to explore professional caregiving options.

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The return of sunshine has many of us ready to check off the to-do lists we’ve put off all winter. If cleaning is one of those projects, a Cleveland Clinic psychologist says the benefits of decluttering go beyond just making your space look nice. ...