Pets keep loneliness at bay for millions of people and can help with our overwhelming thoughts and while we are more than aware of how a pet can help us with our well-being, we must remember to return the favour. Supporting your pet’s mental health is essential. The pandemic has made us a lot more anxious, but what about our pets? Our pets’ behaviour might change intense situations. But what can we do to make sure that, if we notice our pets having any signs of poor well-being, that we support them?
Providing mental stimulation is crucial. If you are currently stuck at home, you can hide treats and toys around the space to provide that all-important exercise and mental stimulation. But when life returns to normality, give them the benefits of a variety of scenery. Taking them to explore new scenery is as important to your pet’s mental health as it is to you.
Exercising With Different Techniques
Ensuring that they remain agile is essential. Building up their agility will teach them something new and stimulate them. If your pet needs to stay indoors, you must remember that their exercise should not suffer. You can also incorporate new toys on a heavy rotation. A variety of interactive toys can keep your pet interested and stimulated. There is a lot to consider. And when you start to stimulate their senses, you give them that all-important distraction.
Access to Light
Fresh air is important, as well as light and exposure to a variety of senses. Giving them exposure to different smells and sounds provides simulation. You have to remember at this point if your pet’s behaviour changes or they get frustrated, you may need to change your approach. If you are not taking your dog out much at the moment, you need to remember that the variety of noises and smells may frustrate them at not being able to go outside.
Observing and Acting
A physically and mentally stimulated pet will be happier and healthier. Observing changes in their behaviour gives you the opportunity to spot if their mental well-being is being impacted. You should always contact a vet if you are concerned, but the solution might be closer to home. You could give them more treats if you feel you’ve been cutting back recently. There are also other ways to stimulate them, such as the soothing sounds on My Dog’s Favourite Podcast available on Spotify. It is an audio treat for your dog that could help to calm their anxieties.
Stimulation is crucial, but we have to remember when we are trying to look after our pets and mental health that we are more observant. They could be taking their cue from us, in which case, it’s essential to focus on creating a healthier environment for everyone. We can look after our pet’s mental health. In many ways, it is simple.
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
My brother was my best friend and I have hundreds of great memories. I laugh thinking how we came up with some of our adventures. Looking at the worst years of my life and finding happiness is liberating. These memories made my life feel normal. Some are a chuckle, others a belly roll, and most are just things kids do. I was often the mastermind, no time to waste. I hope it will brighten your day. Maybe spark some memories of your own.
We put sheets and blankets over our double-long clothesline making tepees to hide in. We could get a good thirty minutes of fun before having to look for real fun/trouble. Our dog Sandy got in on the action by pulling the tepees down.
While preparing my stepfather’s house for sale. My mother had finished moping the floor. With no thought on our part, we put pop tarts in our soda and they blew all over the newly mopped kitchen.
My brother was checking out a new Christmas BB Gun and shot me in the leg.
We always fought over who got to lick the cake icing bowl.
My Favorite We didn’t know why but our grandma was babysitting that day. Beyond bored, we start walking down the alley. My brother finds a bag of rotting potatoes, perfect for trouble-making. Our neighbors had a pool and were not home, we threw potatoes in the pool, and a dog bowl, on the house and back door. Little did we know our grandma was looking out the kitchen window watching us. We came into the house like nothing new. We had to wait until neighbors got home, apologize for what we’d done, and clean up the mess. It was nasty to clean but it was worth it.
Popping Bubble Wrap was a huge treat, we would fight over who got the bigger piece, We would lay in the front yard watching the stars popping our bubbles.
I would take Turtle Wax from the garage and mix in a little dirt to see how fast it would eat through a pie pan. Dixie cups melted quickly but pie pans took longer. It was difficult to explain the stains on the picnic table.
I never wore shoes unless forced. My grandfather came over and I was my usual jumping-around self. Looking at the flowers of the weeds in our yard. I enjoyed the simple things. Then I let out a scream, I stepped on a Bubble Bee. My grandfather said “Pud” you’ll be okay. I wandered off to find the bee. It was so pretty and I’d never seen that kind of bee. My grandfather called me “Pud” all my life, my guess is that it was an old people’s term of endearment.
At 4-5 years old, I was across the street playing and my mother started yelling there’s a tornado coming. I didn’t hear her so went to the middle of the street to see what was so important. A tornado is coming get in the house now. OK. My dad was at work so we gathered around the television. It wasn’t long before I had to go to the bathroom. I was so scared, I would not go because the Tornado Man might get me. An important note: my Easy Bake Oven went with the wind.
This was great, my brother came from the store with gum with a small poster in it. He asked if he could put it on the wall, NO! He snuck into her bedroom found a bobby pin, plugged it in an electrical socket, and caught the carpet in his bedroom on fire.
I matured early…..getting my mouth washed out with soap for saying fuck at 4 years old.
We’re on a teeter-totter at our grandparent’s house, I was in the air and spotted a snake. I was screaming like crazy. Gramps came back with a hole but I would not get off the swing. I still hate snakes.
When our teeth were loose we put a string around it, tied it to the doorknob, and then slammed the door. One time it took three tries to get one out. The tooth fairy didn’t leave any extra money.
Gramps and I would have a watermelon seed spitting contest, who could get seed over the picnic table.
One of the methods of discipline my grandparents used was to go outside and get a switch. If you brought a wimpy one, it was back outside for another.
My grandparents would take us to Ponchos, and we raised the flag for more until we exploded.
We had pampas grass with long razor blades, on each side of our driveway. We made a bike ramp, the goal was to jump over both pampas grass, and the driveway and not get cut to shreds.
Singing to the radio with my dad driving 90 miles an hour, smoking a cigar with windows rolled up and constantly pushing buttons on the radio while changing lanes. We didn’t worry about his driving it was the cheap cigars we complained about.
I’m blessed to have good memories of my childhood.
Personal budgeting is a powerful tool, but few know its value. You see, most people get upset when they hear that they have to make a budget for their expenses. It is associated with discomfort and headache. Just as it is linked to diet to hunger and limited food, this is because most people only resort to budgeting when things get tough and there are difficulties, just like with someone who, because he has gained a lot of weight, decides to lose weight. But this is not precisely the case. A personal budget is a necessary tool that we must learn to use in our lives. Its mission is not to make you limit your expenses but to help you set aside more money or spend it more efficiently.
Most people who do not have a budget spend more than they need each month, this exaggeration has significant implications as it limits their future economic power. The result is that they have less money left, but also create more fixed costs if the purchases are made with installments and credit cards. But when you plan how much you will spend each month and know in advance where they will go, it is easier to restrain yourself and realize when you are overdoing it. For this reason, make your own personal budget so that you know where you are. If you have types of subscriptions, then look at reassessing them. If you have car costs, then look at honest car service to ensure that you are always keeping the necessities at a lower price.
Helps you achieve your goals
A personal budget is essentially a plan that helps you prioritize where you spend your money. This means that when you create an account, you are essentially shifting your focus to the things that matter most to you. This can be repaying a loan, raising enough money to get a home, or starting your own business. The budget essentially creates the plan that you will follow and allows you to monitor your progress.
Helps you save
People who do not use budgets will not have as much money in savings. Also, planning how you will spend your money each month helps you to avoid infringing on your existing savings. By doing things this way, you can gradually increase the money you have set aside. And the more that you save, the more you will start to feel more comfortable with your finances and of course your future. This will assist you with your home too.
Helps you be flexible
Budget work is to help you be flexible. By recording the income and expenses in detail, you can see how you can transfer money from one expense category to another. It also helps you identify issues that may arise and make the necessary adjustments.
Helps you stay in control
If you feel that you do not have control over your finances and you are always wondering where your money and salary have disappeared, your budget will help you to recover it. By setting your financial priorities and seeing on paper how you spend your money during the month, you better understand habits and patterns that hurt you. This way, it is easier to know where to stop. Having a definite plan for the month, you know what to do and what not to do, and it is easier to think about the future. Make your plans and prepare. The budget is probably the most essential tool you need to change your financial future and gives you the power to make changes right away.
It’s simple
Personal budgeting is not difficult to set up. We are not talking about a budget drawn up by a multinational or a state, where the responsibilities are significant, and the variables are many. We are talking about the account that will help you maintain order in your finances.
So if you start using it regularly, you will see that it is something simple. You can make it even easier and instead of using pen and paper, take advantage of technological advances using a corresponding application. As with anything new, you may be skeptical or feel that you do not have to bother analyzing your finances. But try it for a few months. As you apply it, you will see that you will become more familiar and it will be easier for you to manage your money properly.
Your health and wellness are important factors when it comes to how you feel each day and what you’re able to achieve in life. You must have a lot of natural energy and be in a positive frame of mind if you want to be well and excel.
While not every day will be great, it’s in your best interest to find more stability in your life and mental state. Doing so isn’t always easy but it is possible. Your mental health matters and the only way to make sure you can boost and improve it is to work on it and take actions that help you to achieve this goal.
Keep active if you want to boost and improve your mental health. Exercising and living a healthy lifestyle is good not only for your physical body but also for your mind. Happy chemicals are released when you workout and you’ll notice that you’re in a better mood after you break a sweat. Find activities you enjoy doing and that help you work and challenge different muscle groups. You’ll not only be a happier person for making this change but you’ll also be in better shape and feel more confident in your body.
Learn & Challenge Your Mind
Another way to boost and improve your mental health is to learn new information regularly. Challenge your mind by studying and reading articles and blogs from some of the top leaders out there like Dee Agarwal. Learning not only makes you smarter but it makes you feel good and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Open up your mind to taking in new information and remain curious so that you can expand your knowledge and education and stay mentally well.
Talk About Your Feelings
It’s also in your best interest to get in the habit of talking about your feelings if you want to boost and improve your mental health. Be vulnerable and open with those you trust and let them into your troubles and what’s on your mind. They can be there to listen or also offer advice and input if that’s what you want. It’ll feel good to get what’s bothering you off your mind and out into the open. You won’t have to carry around so many burdens and will likely notice that others feel the same way you do and can relate or have had similar experiences as well. You can’t be afraid to ask for help and should do so when you need it so that you feel less alone.
Follow Your Passions
Do more of what you love if you want to boost and improve your mental health. Start living for yourself instead of others and do what puts a smile on your face. Make more time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy and say no to others when they request your time and attention and you can’t give it. Find a job you love and that puts your skills to use and challenges you daily. You’ll feel much more fulfilled and be in a better place when you’re spending your days doing what pleases you.
Eat Well
Your diet and what you eat also play a role in how you feel and your mental health. Some foods can ignite or reduce anxiety, for example. Commit to eating a nutritious diet full of leafy greens, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It may help to get in the habit of cooking for yourself at home so you have more control over the ingredients and portion sizes. Also, pay attention to what you’re drinking and stick to having more water and tea and less caffeine, alcohol, and sugar if you want to maintain good mental health.
Meditate & Reflect
One of the best ways to slow racing thoughts and boost and improve your mental health is to take the time to meditate and reflect often. Find a quiet place in your home or head out into nature and listen to a guided meditation that will help you feel relaxed, centered, and at ease.
Mental health issues affect one in four people. This could range from stress, anxiety, and depression, to severe mental health issues such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or Borderline Personality Disorder. The good news is there are steps you can take to help deal with these challenges.
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Often, it can be hard to understand the cause of these mental health problems. They may be triggered by something that has gone on in your life such as the loss of a loved one, or a big change such as moving to a new city, or a career change. Whatever the cause, you must practice self-care.
But what can you do to treat your mental health problems?
Here are some steps you should take if you are experiencing any mental health difficulties in your life.
Speak To Your Doctor
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression in your life, then you should speak with your doctor at the earliest possible opportunity. Your doctor should talk you through what is happening in your life in order to understand whether you should be treated with self-care,
antidepressant medication, or whether you would be a suitable candidate for talking therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy.
Speak To A Counselor
If you can speak with a counselor, do so. You may be able to get referred to one by your doctor. If not, there are plenty of specialist counselors that will be able to take you on.
Different counselors and therapists will have their own approaches to dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Make sure that you are happy with the counselor’s approach before you commit to a course of sessions with them.
Use CBD And Other Alternative Treatments
One of the areas that there is growing research into is the use of alternative treatments such as CBD. CBD comes from the same plant as cannabis except it doesn’t have any of the psychoactive ingredients cannabis does. It just relaxes you and relieves symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Another alternative treatment option may be psychedelics. You can read more about this at psychedelicspotlight.com.
Eat Well
There is a lot that can be said about the way that you eat. By making sure that you are eating a balanced diet, you will be able to help to give yourself the energy that you need to keep going.
To fight off stress and depression with your diet you should look at getting your starch fixed with whole grains and beans. You should be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Instead of eating red meats, you should eat fatty fish like salmon or tuna. Finally, add in healthy fats, such as raw nuts and olive oil.
Exercise
Exercising is a great way of clearing your head. It gives you endorphins, a feel-good hormone that will balance out the stress hormones your body will naturally produce.
Start small. Even going for a short walk will be very helpful.
I want to thank Andrea Marchiano, Managing Editor at Triggeer Publishing for sending me How The Successful Deal With The Stressful by Mark Simmonds for review. The publishing date is the end of March.
My Thoughts
What better way to start 2025 than with a book that shares how successful people set strategies to achieve big goals?
Mark has laid out the book by taking famous individuals and sharing their stories of diversity, how they turned their lives around, and how they’ve been successful. It’s an inspirational book full of ideas to change your life, move up the chain, and be happier. This is a book to keep on your bookshelves. Many stories share a personal and will warm hearts to hear their words.
The participants in the book are raw, inspiring, and energizing, they will leave you with new ideas to apply to your own life.
Here’s a short list of authors and topics
Jeff Bezos: Avoiding Procrastination
Achieve more and stress less by simply getting started.
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Prioritizing Task
Keep sane by separating the urgent from the important.
Charles Darwin: Achieving Balance
Maximizing your productivity by mixing up your day.
Malala Yousafzai: Embracing Constraints
Create more opportunities by loving life’s challenges.
This is a must-have book for everyone not just professionals, the words of wisdom in the book are life lessons you can use at any time in life.
At Trigger Publishing, our mission is to empower individuals on their mental health journey through the power of lived experience. We are dedicated to publishing real stories by real people, showing our readers that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. Our books and digital solutions, available through our parent brand Trigger Hub, provide hope, support, and practical tools for mental wellness.
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon. I am not an Amazon Affiliate, the links do not cost you more and I don’t make a commission off the products.
Verilux HappyLight Lumi Plus LED Light Therapy Lamp
10,000 Lux, UV-Free, LED Bright White Light with Adjustable Brightness, Countdown Timer, & Detachable Stand – Boost Mood, Sleep, and Focus. Customizable Lighting Experience: Personalize your light therapy with 3 brightness settings and a convenient countdown timer programmable up to 1 hour in 15-minute increments.
I was feeling the Winter Blues so I purchased one and started using it today. I’ve had Therapy Lights in the past and they did help.
Stanley Insulated Mug
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle & Straw 30 oz | Twist On 3-Way Lid | Cupholder Compatible for Travel | Insulated Stainless Steel Cup | BPA-Free | Azure.
YOUR DREAM TUMBLER: Whichever way your day flows, the H2.0 FlowState tumbler keeps you refreshed with fewer refills. Double wall vacuum insulation means drinks stay cold, iced or hot for hours. Choose between our 14oz, 20oz, 30oz,40oz and 64oz options depending on your hydration needs. The narrow base on all sizes (except 64oz) fits just about any car cup holder, keeping it right by your side.
I have been using Mica insulated tumbers for years but after my surgeries, they were too hard to lift. I wanted a handle to help me lift and boy do this help.
LEVOIT Top Fill Humidifier
For Bedroom, 2.5L Tank for Large Room, Easy to Fill & Clean, 28dB Quiet Cool Mist Air Humidifier for Home Baby Nursery & Plants, Auto Shut-off and BPA-Free for Safety, 25H
𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩: Runs for up to 25 hours on low thanks to its SUPER LARGE capacity of 2.5 liters. The soothing moisture helps quickly relief congestion and dry throat. 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙏𝙤𝙥-𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣: LEVOIT listened to feedback from humidifier customers and upgraded to a easy top-fill design. No need to turn the water tank over or spilling water all over the place. Just ONE-STEP to remove the cover and easily fill the tank.
Making this oil is so simple! Grind the dried rosehips either in a spice grinder or using a mortar & pestle to break them open and reveal the seeds. Fill the glass jar halfway with the crushed rosehips and cover with jojoba oil on top so there’s no room or air.
Secure the lid, and let it sit in a cool dark place for six weeks. When ready, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or muslin into the pouring vessel, and transfer to glass dropper bottles. This oil should stay shelf-stable for over a year.
This infused oil is great for your skin since it’s high in vitamin C, fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants. A little goes a long way.
2 tbs. cut, torn & curled black Assam tea/looseleaf black tea/ tulsi leaf
1 1/2 cups full-fat milk
Strainer
Sweetener to taste
Caramon
To Make
In a small saucepan, add the water and masala chia blend, and bring to a boil. Add the black tea, cover, and remove from heat. Steep for three to five minutes. Add the milk. Bring to the edge of boiling but watch carefully so the milk doesn’t boil over.
Remove from the heat. Optionally, step for one or two minutes. Strain out the leaves, add a sweetener as desired, dust with a pinch of cardamon, and sip!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
When I redesigned my site, I felt certain the widgets included would create an easy way to move around the site. I forgot one big widget, the Search Button. I appreciate Ilze from a day in the life of a latvian mom who pointed it out after telling her she could search for a post.
There is now a Search Button for you to narrow down the type of posts you’re looking for. If there’s anything else you feel the site is missing, please let me know. My goal is to make visiting as easy as possible.
In a bowl, add the sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Using scissors, cut a vanilla bean into small pieces and add to the bowl. Use a handheld mixer to thoroughly combine the ingredients and break down the vanilla bean.
It’s ready when the mixture has a light, fluffy texture. Scoop the scrub into small glass jars, and decorate with string and another whole vanilla bean.
If you making it for yourself, use a large wide-mouth jar and put a small spoon inside to scoop out the amount needed.
You may want to make a double batch for when you run out and this scrub would make the perfect gift for so many occasions.
Aromatherapy can be a natural remedy for stress relief. The practice involves inhaling the scent of essential oils, which are extracted from plants, in order to promote health and well-being.
Your olfactory system directly affects the part of your brain that regulates emotion. That’s why smells can trigger memories and elicit feelings — both negative and positive. Aromatherapy can help in reducing stress and anxiety to engage a general state of calm.
A 2016 review even found that aromatherapy was effective at reducing pain, when combined with conventional treatments.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, which means you should exercise caution when trying them for the first time. They should also be used in moderation, especially if being applied topically, since they’re absorbed into the skin.
There are several ways to use essential oils for stress, from applying topically to inhaling the scent after diluting with water. A general rule of thumb is to follow the specific instructions for each essential oil you try. If you’re going to apply it topically, it’s best to test the oil on a small area of skin first to identify a potential reaction.
We chose these essential oils for their stress-reducing and anti-anxiety properties. We also took a look at any studies that supported the effectiveness of these properties.
Essential oils are generally considered safe to use when used properly.
However, as with any substance you introduce to your body, it’s best to take several precautions. Essential oils require dilution to prevent adverse reactions. As a general rule, you should keep concentration levels of essential oils below 5 percent.
Pay attention to dosage, purity, application method, and any possible drug interactions. Some oils are considered safe if inhaled, but they may be irritating if applied to the skin in concentrations as low as 3 to 5 percent.
When diffusing oils, use these safety precautions:
Fact: Firefighters use wetting agents to make water wetter
The chemicals reduce the surface tension of plain water so it’s easier to spread and soak into objects, which is why it’s known as “wet water.” Find out which of your favorite science “facts” are actually false.
Fact: The longest English word is 189,819 letters long
We won’t spell it out here (though you can read it here), but the full name for the protein nicknamed titin would take three and a half hoursto say out loud.
Fact: “Running amok” is a medically recognized mental condition
The mother spends six months so devoted to protecting the eggs that she doesn’t eat. The babies are the size of a grain of rice when they’re born.
Fact: Cats have fewer toes on their back paws
Like most four-legged mammals, they have five toes on the front, but their back paws only have four toes. Scientists think the four-toe back paws might help them run faster. Do you know any other fun facts about cats?
Fact: Kleenex tissues were originally intended for gas masks
When there was a cotton shortage during World War I, Kimberly-Clark developed a thin, flat cotton substitute that the army tried to use as a filter in gas masks. The war ended before scientists perfected the material for gas masks, so the company redeveloped it to be smoother and softer, then marketed Kleenex as facial tissue instead.
Fact: Blue whales eat half a million calories in one mouthful
These random facts are mindblowing! Those 457,000 calories are more than 240 times the energy the whale uses to scoop those krill into its mouth.
Fact: That tiny pocket in jeans was designed to store pocket watches
The original jeans only had four pockets: that tiny one, plus two more on the front and just one in the back.
Fact: Turkeys can blush
When turkeys are scared or excited—like when the males see a female they’re interested in—the pale skin on their head and neck turns bright red, blue, or white. The flap of skin over their beaks, called a “snood,” also reddens.
Fact: Most Disney characters wear gloves to keep animation simple
Walt Disney might have been the first to put gloves on his characters, as seen in 1929’s The Opry House starring Mickey Mouse. In addition to being easier to animate, there’s another reason Disney opted for gloves: “We didn’t want him to have mouse hands because he was supposed to be more human,” Disney told his biographer in 1957.
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
Many of you know my husband buys me fresh flowers weekly, but I decided to save the money and buy an artificial plant. The artwork is a great $17 find from Amazon. The table needed a refresh.
When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I was terrified that my career was over. These tips helped me adapt my work life so that I could excel.
It started with joint pain and limited use of my left thumb.
Then came the debilitating fatigue that was so profound I couldn’t finish my workday. After numerous tests, office visits, and misdiagnoses, I was diagnosed with RA.
RA is a chronic, systemic form of arthritis that attacks the small joints in the body. This can lead to eventual joint deformity and immobility. I found myself not only grappling with what this new diagnosis meant but also fearful for my job.
I had worked so hard to be where I was in my career. I had dedicated my entire life to working in healthcare, and I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to continue.
The challenges of working with chronic illness
Workers with chronic illness face unpredictable days and uncertain futures. They may worry about their own health, how their condition will progress, and what this might mean for the future of their employment.
The protections afforded chronically ill workers in the United States are vague.
To protect their health and their jobs, workers must navigate employers’ policies, which may include short-term and long-term disability plans and a patchwork of federal laws and regulations.
A 2009 report by the Center for Economics and Policy Research found that among 22 well-resourced nations, the United States was the only one that did not guarantee workers paid time off for illness.
There are two main laws that provide some protection for those with chronic illness in the United States.
The Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take up to 12 weeks off each year for medical or family emergencies, but pay is not guaranteed. This law provides job security if someone needs to take time off due to illness.
The Americans With Disabilities Act
The Americans With Disabilities Act requires employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled workers, often in the form of additional time off.
Strategies for working while navigating chronic illness
If you are dealing with a chronic illness, here are some strategies to help you maintain and even excel at your job.
Decide who you’re going to share your diagnosis with
Sometimes an empathetic co-worker can help with productivity. Other times, no one needs to know. It’s your business. Have questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act? Check out the Job Accommodations Network. Is it against the law to discriminate against a disability. For further information on filing a complaint, check out the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Make a schedule — and stick to it
If you need 90 minutes to get ready before work, 3 hours to get ready for bed, or a midday nap, plan for it. Planning appropriately, and generously, can help you optimize your time while at work.
Optimize your body’s ability to function by listening to it.
Take breaks
Even people without brain fog or medication side effects need to take breaks every 1 to 2 hours, especially when working on a big project or working long hours.
Reject the guilt
Lose the guilt when you call in sick because you are really sick. All too often, we tie too much emotion to calling in sick. If you’re really sick, you shouldn’t be at the workplace anyway. You are human!
Find the right fit
When thinking about having a career when you live with a chronic condition, there are certain factors to consider more seriously. Start by taking an inventory of what you need out of a working environment. Ask yourself these questions about the role or career you are contemplating:
How many hours are required and expected?
Are hours set or is the schedule flexible?
Is there sitting, standing, or lifting involved?
Are you working on a computer?
Is the workspace ergonomic and comfortable for your specific needs?
Is the space climate-controlled?
Is there travel involved?
Is it possible to take time for medical appointments?
Are there medical benefits? Is your current care team on this plan?
Schedule for the right shifts
Sometimes it’s not a matter of what you’re doing but when you’re doing it. If you’re not a morning person, don’t work at a coffee shop.
Are your best hours in the afternoon and early evening? Maybe a receptionist role at a dance school is a good fit. Try to find a career where the hours fit your natural sleep schedule or the times of day when your symptoms tend to be the most manageable.
Look into self-employment options
Can you break off and start your own company? Working for yourself has its benefits. Maybe there are freelance options at companies you are considering.
Use adaptive devices and furniture
Upgrade your office chair, splurge on the ergonomic mouse, and adjust your monitors or other equipment to minimize strain on your joints. Here are some great tips from the Arthritis Foundation about creating an ergonomic office space.
Manage your pain as best as you can
Bring your medications, compression gloves, braces, ice packs, heating pads, ace wraps, and anything else you may need with you to the workplace.
If it helps you to be more productive, have it available to you throughout the day.
Check with an advocacy organization
Advocacy organizations may offer resources that are specific to your condition. They may offer support, resources, or advocacy in your area, which may be helpful. I’d recommend starting with Chronically Capable.
Know and respect your limits
If you can’t work anymore, you can apply for Social Security disability insurance. The process is lengthy, and the payments are modest, but you automatically qualify for Medicare health insurance coverage once approved.
The bottom line
If it doesn’t work, change it.
If you know the job you’re in now is not a good fit, it’s time for something new. Change is scary, but staying the same can be terrifying.
There are many ways to have a fulfilling career with a chronic illness. If you are open-minded and ask yourself the right questions, you can find something you love. If you love what you do, it will never feel like work.
“Violence is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding: It seeks to annihilate rather than convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue. Violence ends up defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.” — in his Nobel Lecture delivered at the University of Oslo on Dec. 11, 1964
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series. I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week, we highlight Bridgette Tales. Bridgette was one of the first people I wrote about in the Blogger Highlight series on 11/14/2022, you can read the post here. Her photography blows my mind, she can capture every feeling of every subject.
I started this blog in 2013 with the words: “Once upon a time there was a mother who wanted to do something other than dishes and laundry.”
This version of myself feels sort of familiar.
It ended with the words: “She took a deep breath and just went for it.”
This I recognize.
I’ve spent the last nearly decade breathing in and plunging forward.
I’ve been as transparent as I can, exploring motherhood, depression, and body image. There are things I withhold to protect my friends and family, and I’m attempting to explore new territory with my fiction writing. The blog, like me, is a work in progress.
If you are new here, you may want to read my top blog posts:
M. Who drew the picture on your blog’s banner and what is the story behind it?
B. The header banner on the blog was drawn by my son when he was 8-years-old. He’s 20 now. It’s me as “Super Mom.”
M. Tell me more about the word show Listen to Your Mother. and how it sparked your creativity.
B. Listen to Your Mother is a spoken-word show on Mother’s Day which features women telling their stories. The audition process itself was a big leap forward for me and made me consider myself a writer/performer more seriously.
All of Brigette’s content and photography are copyrighted and not available for use unless you’ve been given permission.
One of my favorite posts is Photography: Mountain Retreat Like many of her posts, there is a collection of photographs and you’ll find beauties like these in this post.
#16
As always, all photos were taken by me with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW. Let me know if you have a favorite and have a wonderful week.
Be sure to say hello and while you’re there check out her archives.
I’m glad you stopped by and look forward to seeing you soon.
“Fall in love with your life. Wake up early, buy a cup of coffee, go for walks, eat good food, wear what makes you feel confident, listen to your favorite music. purposely create these small moments that make you fall in love with your life.”
What made me think having two hand surgeries in a month was a good idea? I knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park but it was much worse. The stitches are healed but the swelling next to them has not gone down. The wrist still hurts when moved in any direction and though the inside of my hands are no longer bruised they still hurt and are swollen. I have no idea what the healing time is so I’m taking it day by day. Opening up a bottle is painful so he has to jump in to help with those tasks. I even have a few number fingers.
One frustration is that David’s company sent a large basket of 6 plants, but I can’t plant them yet. I just knew I would be able to do something by now. Of course, this affects my writing because once they start hurting, I have to stop before it turns into a bad situation. I love the plants and can’t wait to plant them.
Why did I do it? It’s one you may understand. We had met our Medical Insurance deductable for the year, and if I pushed the second hand to 12/30/24, my surgery would be covered at 100%. If it were a worse surgery, I would have waited, but this made sense at the time. Sometimes, we have to make decisions for our families’ finances.
I hope you don’t find yourself in that situation if so think hard and decide which is best for your health and your family.
This interesting fact will have your taste buds crawling. Unsurprisingly, the attempt to get kids to eat healthier didn’t go over well with the child testers, who were “confused by the taste.” Find out which countries have banned McDonald’s.
Yes, there was a real John Chapman who planted thousands of apple trees on U.S. soil. But the apples on those trees were much more bitter than the ones you’d find in the supermarket today. “Johnny Appleseed” didn’t expect his fruits to be eaten whole, but rather made into hard apple cider.
Scotland has 421 words for “snow”
Yes—421! That’s too many fun facts about snow. Some examples: sneesl(to start raining or snowing); feefle (to swirl); flinkdrinkin (a light snow). Don’t miss these other 11 random interesting facts about snow.
Samsung tests phone durability with a butt-shaped robot
Do these interesting facts have you rethinking everything? People stash their phones in their back pockets all the time, which is why Samsung created a robot that is shaped like a butt—and yes, even wears jeans—to “sit” on their phones to make sure they can take the pressure.
The “Windy City” name has nothing to do with Chicago weather
Was this one of the random facts you already knew? Chicago’s nickname was coined by 19th-century journalists who were referring to the fact that its residents were “windbags” and “full of hot air.”
Peanuts aren’t technically nuts
They’re legumes. According to Merriam-Webster, a nut is only a nut if it’s “a hard-shelled dry fruit or seed with a separable rind or shell and interior kernel.” That means walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pistachios aren’t nuts either. They’re seeds.
Armadillo shells are bulletproof
In fact, one Texas man was hospitalized when a bullet he shot at an armadillo ricocheted off the animal and hit him in the jaw.
What do you think of the Fun Facts? Worth keeping around for a while?
Wish Jack Frost would stop nipping at your nose already? Grab a hot cup of cocoa, add some knee-slappers to your Netflix queue, and get ready to enjoy the season without the winter blues.
Dark mornings, darker evenings, and chilly gray days in between mean winter is here — and with the coldest season come the winter blues. There’s no clinical diagnosis for the “winter blues,” but experts at the National Institutes of Health say the so-called winter blues are fairly common and are usually marked by feeling more down than usual, sad, less energized, or less interested in activities one usually enjoys.
Because the winter blues is not a discrete medical condition, an accurate measure of how many people it affects is difficult to know for sure. Estimates suggest anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of American adults experience such seasonal mood changes at some level. (2)
A small percentage of people who experience a change of mood with the season do have seasonal depression, a more severe condition that is a medical disorder, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD affects between 1 and 9 percent of Americans (prevalence rates differ, depending on location and how severe the change of season actually is). (3)
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD is a recurrent form of major depression, characterized by feelings of hopelessness and despair, fatigue, problems sleeping and concentrating, and changes in appetite. (4) Symptoms of winter blues are milder than those of SAD, but that doesn’t mean you should brush off your blah feeling.
“Feeling blue for a period of time is not, per se, normal,” says Jacqueline Gollan, PhD, professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “When people feel blue, it’s a signal that something in their life needs attention.”
And there are things you can do to lift your mood. This winter, try these bad-mood zappers to beat the winter blues and stay well all winter long:
1. Lace Up Your Running Shoes and Get Moving
Getting at least 20 minutes of vigorous activity four times a week has been shown to reduce depressive mood, says Dr. Gollan. “And there are a variety of ways to get exercise,” she points out. Get a gym membership if that’s what it takes to keep you warm and working out, but you could also try riding your bike to work or running up and down the stairs.
2. Set Your Alarm Clock and Stick to a Sleep Routine
Tempting as it might be to sleep in on dark mornings, it’s best to stick with a regular sleep schedule — which means waking up at the same times on weekdays and weekends. Establish a routine wake-up time and a soothing bedtime ritual, and if you aren’t already in this habit, allow three or four weeks to get used to it, advises Gollan. It’s important to get at least seven hours of sleep every night for your overall health, according to guidelines from the National Sleep Foundation. (5) Also, make sure that your sleeping area is comfortable, slightly cool, and free of noisy distractions.
3. Queue Up a Stream of Laugh-Out-Loud Films
Experts believe that laughter actually stimulates processes in your brain that counter depressive symptoms. And since chuckling is downright contagious, you can invite a few pals over to share the popcorn.
4. Warm Yourself Up With a Mug of Real Hot Cocoa
It’s a good idea to make a few tweaks to your diet during the winter, says Susan Kleiner, PhD, RD, author of The Good Mood Diet. First, get cozy with some homemade hot chocolate, using non-dutched, natural cocoa powder (which is high in heart-healthy and mood-boosting flavonoids). “Plus, this drink gives a wonderful sense of something delicious, a treat, and a ritual to look forward to,” she says. She recommends drinking cocoa in the evening to prepare you for sleep. Make it with fortified milk, which provides a combination of carbohydrate, protein, and vitamin D— the combination helps increase serotonin levels, which help us relax, Dr. Kleiner says.
Kleiner also recommends eating fish — especially fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, lake trout, or sardines — three to five times a week, as this can help boost mood; plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; and at least one egg with the yolk (a good source of choline, which helps regulate nerve function and metabolism among other functions, and therefore is important to keep energy levels stable) each day, preferably for breakfast.
5. Host a Festive Party — But Don’t Stress
’Tis the season to deck the halls and host a small seasonal party. And if it’s already after the holidays, any excuse to host a gathering of friends will do — try a dinner party, cheese tasting, or board game night. Planning an event will give you something to look forward to — and it could also put you on other people’s invite lists (more fun for you!).
On a cautionary note, Gollan says that “chronic interpersonal hassles do increase perceived stress.” So if there’s a relationship in your social circle or family that’s an ongoing source of stress, give yourself a present and work it out, ideally before the party.
Seasonal depression is widespread and can make navigating colder months a challenge. Here are some ways to take care of yourself this season.
3. Queue Up a Stream of Laugh-Out-Loud Films
Experts believe that laughter actually stimulates processes in your brain that counter depressive symptoms. And since chuckling is downright contagious, you can invite a few pals over to share the popcorn.
4. Warm Yourself Up With a Mug of Real Hot Cocoa
It’s a good idea to make a few tweaks to your diet during the winter, says Susan Kleiner, PhD, RD, author of The Good Mood Diet. First, get cozy with some homemade hot chocolate, using non-dutched, natural cocoa powder (which is high in heart-healthy and mood-boosting flavonoids). “Plus, this drink gives a wonderful sense of something delicious, a treat, and a ritual to look forward to,” she says. She recommends drinking cocoa in the evening to prepare you for sleep. Make it with fortified milk, which provides a combination of carbohydrate, protein, and vitamin D— the combination helps increase serotonin levels, which help us relax, Dr. Kleiner says.
Kleiner also recommends eating fish — especially fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, lake trout, or sardines — three to five times a week, as this can help boost mood; plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; and at least one egg with the yolk (a good source of choline, which helps regulate nerve function and metabolism among other functions, and therefore is important to keep energy levels stable) each day, preferably for breakfast.
5. Host a Festive Party — But Don’t Stress
’Tis the season to deck the halls and host a small seasonal party. And if it’s already after the holidays, any excuse to host a gathering of friends will do — try a dinner party, cheese tasting, or board game night. Planning an event will give you something to look forward to — and it could also put you on other people’s invite lists (more fun for you!).
On a cautionary note, Gollan says that “chronic interpersonal hassles do increase perceived stress.” So if there’s a relationship in your social circle or family that’s an ongoing source of stress, give yourself a present and work it out, ideally before the party.
6. Give Yourself a Manageable Task to Accomplish
It’s important to build activities into your day — even chores, like cleaning the floor — that will give you a sense of competence and accomplishment. According to one psychological theory, we all have an innate need to feel competent in order to also grow emotionally, have a sense of integrity, and maintain well-being. (6)
Balance the hard work with little things that bring you pleasure, like treating yourself with fresh flowers or, yes, that homemade cup of hot cocoa. Doing fun and meaningful things is also the basis for behavioral activation, which Gollan says is an important strategy. It’s also one of the best-tested and most effective ways to alleviate depression, according to research. (7)
7. But Don’t Let Your To-Do List Get Too Out of Hand
Don’t overwhelm yourself with lists of projects and chores just because you can’t do other activities you might spend time doing in other seasons. If you love to garden in spring and summer as a stress-relieving activity, that doesn’t mean spending those same hours in the winter cleaning your closets is going to do you the same amount of good — nor be as enjoyable.
Complete the business you need to take care of, and do it on time.
Decide to stop procrastinating on the unpleasant stuff that could just snowball into more stress later, like unpaid bills, so you’ll have more time to do things you do enjoy. Get the tools you need to get organized.
8. Book a Staycation — Even if It’s a Mini One
Most people get a lift when they have something to look forward to. If your coworker’s upcoming Bermuda vacation has you dreaming of traveling, Gollan says you can save money and still get a boost by planning mini-getaways closer to home. You may not have the budget or time off of work to take an exotic trip, but it’s much easier to make time for and plan a local staycation treat, such as an afternoon ice skating with friends, trying out a new restaurant in a nearby town, or going to a concert.
9. Consider Light Therapy if You Can’t Get the Sunshine You Need
It’s dark when you leave for work and dark when you get home, so how are you going to get your daily dose of natural sunshine? And if you don’t think less sunlight during winter months can affect you, your mood, or your energy levels, think again. A decrease in sunlight can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythms, and cause a drop in serotonin levels and vitamin D levels, which can lead to depressive symptoms.
If you have the flexibility and the weather allows for it, schedule in an early-morning walk or lunchtime stroll. If you don’t, consider this option, which is especially beneficial for people with full-fledged seasonal depression: a full-spectrum light box. Light therapy can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythms and its natural release of the hormones that help you feel energized and the ones that help you sleep.
Gollan cautions that these are actually pretty powerful tools (and pricey!), so you really should work with a doctor or mental health professional who can advise you on when during the day to use it, and for how long.
10. Don’t Hesitate to See Your Healthcare Professional
“Blues can be part of some other system,” says Gollan. Chronic pain, headaches, sleep disorders, and even heart disease are all linked to depression symptoms, so check in with your healthcare provider to make sure your winter blues aren’t something more serious.
I bought a Light Therapy Box yesterday because the Winter Blues have hit me.
I love this song and his voice! Wow, Robert Palmer has stood the test of time.
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
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