What do frequent headaches, sleepless nights, and little patience have in common?
A declining health.
If you're like most people, you’re feeling stressed, tired, and overwhelmed with life. These feelings are often the result of neglecting yourself. In other words, you could be putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own, whether it be those of your company or your family. It’s most often necessary, for example, if you have children. However, if you neglect yourself for too long, you won’t be capable of taking care of others. Many confuse self-care with selfishness, but self-care only becomes selfishness when the only person you’re focusing on all the time is yourself. Everyone needs a balance of taking care of others and themselves.
Here are some ways to improve your self-care methods on a daily or weekly basis.
Make Your Living Space Safer
A living space for seniors can be somewhat different than what's entailed for younger people. Consider how older people usually need to downsize, particularly in their belongings. If you don't declutter, you could trip, slip, or cut yourself and suffer from serious health problems, such as a fractured hip and develop knee problems. There were about 654,000 hospital emergency visits in Canada between 2016 and 2017 because of accidental falls. Additionally, if you or a loved one use a scooter or power chair indoors, cluttered spaces will inhibit their movement and possibly damage their vehicle.
Stairs are problematic because they are an exposed area. Sometimes, the railing isn’t enough to prevent falls. Decluttering them will reduce injuries and allow your stair lift to work properly. You can keep a basket at the foot of a staircase to store small, commonly used items; this will help make less trips up and down the stairs.
The bathroom isn’t called a water closet for nothing, which means seniors are more likely to have an accident in this room compared to the rest of a home. Adding a bath chair and Installing grab bars on the walls, tub, and around the toilet will simplify tasks.
Remove any area rugs that could be tripping hazards, or use carpet tape to ensure the edges remain flat.
Organizing your kitchen by creating space in the cabinets and drawers will provide more counter space and prevent accidental spills and messes from occurring too often; this will also save an elderly from avoidable accidents. Add racks to the inside of doors, use drawer organizers to create sections for utensils, and use wasted wall space by adding shelves.
Choose Healthier Foods
While it's important for people of all walks of life to eat healthy foods, it's critical for seniors. A healthy diet should include a balance of lean protein, fruits and veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. A healthy diet prevents chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as bone and muscle loss.
As we age, everyday tasks we took for granted can suddenly become challenging. Our appetites can change because of medication or our muscles make gripping thin utensils impossible. Whatever the problem, your body still needs the same old nutrients and vitamins, so make a habit of reading nutritional labels on food products. Check for Vitamin D, as this mineral is vital for older individuals with osteoporosis. Choose foods that are low in sodium and high in fibre. Too much sodium causes:
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Osteoporosis
- High blood pressure
- Stomach cancer
It’s recommended to have 25-38 grams of fibre each day.
Get Moving!
If you're not physically active,it’s time to start! By adding a few pieces of exercise equipment, you can set up your own affordable gym in your home. Exercise bands are especially beneficial. If you're allergic to latex, check out our TheraBand Professional Non-Latex Resistance Bands. These are ideal for rehabilitating injuries and improving athletic performance. They can even measure progress, so it's easier to achieve your fitness goals and make you feel accomplished.
You can find all kinds of gadgets for specialized exercises, whether they’re for your hands, legs, shoulders, and more.
Wear the Right Footwear
Not wearing the right shoes and stockings can affect your physical health, as well as your mood. If you suffer from swollen legs and feet—a condition called edema—you should be wearing compression stockings. Our Sigvaris products are designed specifically for people with edema, venous disorders, stasis, and skin changes. Healthcare Solutions offers a wide selection of styles in shoes and other footwear that can fit your preferences and lifestyle.
Meditate
There are a variety of meditation practices you can adopt. Meditation has the connotation that you will burn incense, wear robes, and sit in the lotus position while chanting, “Om…”
But meditation has transformed. You can find a meditative practice that suits your personal preferences, location, and lifestyle. You can meditate at home, in the office, in a library, in a chair, on the floor, or on a cushion; it’s wherever you’re comfortable and whenever you need time to calm your mind.
Yoga is a popular and effective way to work with both mind and body. Between breathing exercises and stretches, you become aware of your inner workings. Yoga itself has many variations, including hot yoga. If you want to burn incense or play soothing music, you are free to do so.
For those who are tech-savvy and may not like yoga, there are apps that facilitate meditation, such as Headspace. This app helps you train in mindfulness—being present in a restful state and engaging in the activity you’re doing. It provides scenarios that make you think and feel with all of your senses.
How long you meditate is also entirely up to you. It can be for a few hours or a few minutes. You’re in control.
Find Self-Care Accessories at Healthcare Solutions
If you don't care for your own needs by putting yourself first now and again, you can't help others. July 24th may be International Self-Care Day (ISD), but you should spend some time each day or week throughout the year to look after your needs. If you want more self-care tips, consult our resources. To find out more about our wide range of Healthcare Solutions products, visit one of our convenient locations, or shop online!