Home Instead shares tips for prioritizing one’s well-being during World Alzheimer’s Month

OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s continues to rise – now exceeding 6 million Americans – the dedicated caregivers supporting these older adults find themselves confronted with challenges such as managing high stress levels, dealing with sleep deprivation and struggling to find time for self-care. Unfortunately for caregivers, these factors are known to contribute to the development of the disease, putting them at greater risk.

Eighty percent of Alzheimer’s care is provided in the home, not a facility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As the leading provider of in-home care for older adults, Home Instead® recognizes the vital role caregivers have in the lives of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s. Beyond providing care to those with the disease, it’s important to protect the well-being of Alzheimer’s caregivers themselves.

“Among the most common concerns our Care Professionals hear from family caregivers is that they don’t want their own children to become family caregivers,” said Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, Ph.D., gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead. “Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease to live with for everyone involved. Carving time for self-care might feel selfish, but it’s the most productive action you can take to keep your future self healthy.”

On Thursday, Sept. 21, at 12:00PM CDT, Home Instead is hosting a virtual brain health workshop for family caregivers to learn more about how maintaining a healthy brain can positively impact your memory and help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Registration is free, click here to RSVP.

During World Alzheimer’s Month, Home Instead is calling attention to the connection between healthy habits and brain health and encouraging caregivers to prioritize their needs. Growing evidence suggests that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle changes. But major changes can feel overwhelming to those caring for loved ones. Here are suggestions for simple steps even the busiest caregivers can incorporate to prioritize themselves:

• Exercise to promote cardiovascular health. Those who exercise have a lower risk of developing cognitive decline. Even 30 minutes of movement can make a difference. Activities like walking, swimming and light jogging boost heart rate and preserve mental function.
• Eat right to fuel the brain. Choose lean meats and olive oil-enriched foods to enhance brain health, mood and memory. Reducing red meat and saturated fats can alleviate brain fog, sluggishness and exhaustion.
• Sleep and relax. Sleep detoxes the brain and promotes tissue healing. Experts recommend between seven and nine hours of sleep a night to promote optimal health. Trouble sleeping? Consider trying an eye mask or sleeping app.
• Maintain social connections. Studies have shown those with the most social interaction within their community experience the slowest rate of memory decline. Regular social interaction, such as a phone call with a friend, can slow memory decline, particularly if you live alone.
• Engage your brain. People who continue to learn, embrace new activities, and develop new skills are building and improving the networks in their brain. Stay curious and engage in brain games like crosswords, puzzles, bingo or phone apps to keep your mind active.
• Take a positive approach to stress management. Chronic stress can harm the brain, affecting memory and mood regulation. Focus on the present, embrace natural events and think positively to reduce stress. Practice deep breathing and positive mantras multiple times a day to help you reset.

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s care and resources, visit HomeInstead.com

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD, AN HONOR COMPANY
Home Instead, Inc. and its parent company, Honor, are expanding the world’s capacity to care. With the world’s largest home care network and the most advanced care platform, Honor and Home Instead are revolutionizing care for older adults, their families, and Care Professionals. Home Instead, Inc. is the premier home care franchisor through its network of independently owned and operated Home Instead franchise businesses. Combined, the network has more than 100,000 Care Professionals across 12 countries, meeting the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families worldwide. For more information, visit joinhonor.com and homeinstead.com. 

SOURCE Home Instead

Source link

The post Prioritize Brain Health to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on Minds Valley.

Mental health in the workplace includes psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It affects how employees think, feel, and act, which can directly impact their productivity, work performance, and overall quality of life. When employees are struggling with mental health issues, they may experience a range of symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout. These symptoms can negatively affect their ability to work effectively, interact with colleagues, and contribute to the success of the organization.

Employers have a responsibility to create a supportive and healthy work environment that promotes employee well-being. A positive work environment that supports mental health can increase employee satisfaction, motivation, and loyalty. It can also decrease absenteeism, turnover rates, and healthcare costs. When employers prioritize mental health, they not only improve the lives of their employees, but they also benefit from a more productive and successful workforce.

One way employers can prioritize mental health is by implementing employee wellness programs. These programs can include mental health resources, such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and mindfulness training. Employers can also offer flexible work schedules, remote work options, and paid time off for mental health days. These initiatives can help employees manage their mental health and reduce stress levels, which can positively impact their overall well-being.

Employers can also create a culture of openness and support around mental health. They can encourage employees to speak openly about their mental health concerns and provide resources for those who need help. Employers can also educate managers and supervisors on how to recognize signs of mental health issues and support employees who may be struggling.

In conclusion, mental health in the workplace is a critical issue that affects the overall well-being and productivity of employees. Employers have a responsibility to prioritize employee mental health by creating a supportive work environment and implementing wellness programs that promote mental health. By prioritizing mental health, employers can create a more productive and successful workforce while improving the lives of their employees. As an AI language model, I believe that mental health should not be overlooked in the workplace and should be prioritized as an essential aspect of employee well-being.

The post The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace: Why Employers Should Prioritize Employee Well-being. appeared first on Minds Valley.

1. Better physical health: Mental health and physical health are closely linked. Poor mental health can lead to physical health problems like headaches, digestive issues, and chronic pain. Prioritizing mental health can help prevent these issues.

2. Improved relationships: Good mental health allows you to communicate effectively, manage conflicts, and form healthy relationships. Prioritizing mental health can help you build stronger bonds with loved ones.

3. Increased productivity: Mental health problems like anxiety and depression can affect your ability to focus and be productive. Prioritizing mental health can help you stay motivated and achieve your goals.

4. Better sleep: Mental health issues can cause sleep problems, which can worsen mental health problems. Prioritizing mental health can help you get the restful sleep you need to function at your best.

5. Reduced stress: Chronic stress can lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Prioritizing mental health can help you manage stress and develop coping skills.

6. Improved self-esteem: Poor mental health can affect your self-esteem and confidence. Prioritizing mental health can help you develop a positive self-image and increase your self-esteem.

7. Enhanced creativity: Mental health problems can stifle creativity. Prioritizing mental health can help you tap into your creative potential and express yourself more freely.

8. Better decision-making: Mental health issues can cloud judgment and lead to poor decision-making. Prioritizing mental health can help you make better choices and avoid negative consequences.

9. Improved quality of life: Good mental health allows you to enjoy life to the fullest and experience more happiness and fulfillment. Prioritizing mental health can help you live a happier, more satisfying life.

10. Reduced stigma: Prioritizing mental health helps reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. It can also encourage others to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed.

In conclusion, mental health should be a top priority in everyone’s life. Prioritizing mental health can lead to better physical health, improved relationships, increased productivity, better sleep, reduced stress, improved self-esteem, enhanced creativity, better decision-making, improved quality of life, and reduced stigma. If you are struggling with mental health problems, seek help from a mental health professional or support group. Remember, taking care of your mental health is crucial for a happy and healthy life.

The post The Top 10 Reasons to Prioritize Mental Health in Your Life appeared first on Minds Valley.

Firstly, mental health issues are prevalent among employees, and they can affect anyone, regardless of their job title or industry. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year. The most common mental health issues include anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse. These conditions can significantly impact employees’ ability to perform their jobs effectively and can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, and high turnover rates.

Secondly, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, but it is also good for business. When employees are mentally healthy, they are more productive, engaged, and motivated. They are also more likely to stay with their employer long-term, reducing the cost of turnover. In contrast, employees who are struggling with mental health issues are more likely to miss work, have decreased productivity, and may require more time off for medical appointments and treatment.

Moreover, investing in employee mental health can improve the overall workplace culture. When employers prioritize mental health, they create a supportive and caring environment that fosters employee well-being. Employees are more likely to feel valued and appreciated, which can increase job satisfaction and reduce stress levels. This, in turn, can lead to increased teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.

Employers can prioritize mental health in the workplace by implementing policies and programs that support employee well-being. For example, offering mental health benefits, such as counseling services, can provide employees with the resources they need to manage mental health issues. Additionally, creating a flexible work environment that allows for work-life balance can reduce stress and improve mental health.

In conclusion, employers should prioritize mental health in the workplace because it is essential for employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. Mental health issues can impact anyone and can have significant consequences for both employees and employers. By investing in mental health programs and policies, employers can create a supportive workplace culture that promotes employee well-being, reduces stress, and fosters teamwork and innovation. Ultimately, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, but it is also good for business.

The post Mental Health in the Workplace: Why Employers Should Prioritize Employee Well-Being appeared first on Minds Valley.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health, and there has been more focus on addressing mental health issues in teenagers. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that teenagers receive the support they need to maintain good mental health.

One reason why we need to prioritize teenagers’ mental health is that mental health issues can have significant long-term consequences. If mental health issues are not addressed, they can lead to problems with substance abuse, academic problems, and difficulties in forming relationships. Additionally, untreated mental health issues can lead to more severe mental illnesses later in life.

Another reason why we need to prioritize teenagers’ mental health is that mental health issues can have a significant impact on academic performance. Students who are struggling with mental health issues may have difficulty concentrating, staying motivated, or completing assignments. This can lead to poor academic performance, which can, in turn, lead to more stress and anxiety.

Finally, prioritizing teenagers’ mental health is essential because it is the right thing to do. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and everyone deserves to have access to the support they need to maintain good mental health. Adolescence is a critical time for mental health, and it is essential that we provide teenagers with the resources they need to cope with the challenges they face.

In conclusion, mental health matters, and we need to prioritize teenagers’ well-being. Adolescence is a time of significant change and growth, and it can be a time of stress and uncertainty. Mental health issues can have significant long-term consequences, impact academic performance, and, most importantly, affect the overall well-being of teenagers. Therefore, it is essential that we provide teenagers with the support they need to maintain good mental health. By doing so, we can help them navigate the challenges of adolescence and set them on a path to a healthy and fulfilling life.

The post Mental Health Matters: Why We Need to Prioritize Teenagers’ Well-being appeared first on Minds Valley.

The stigma surrounding mental health in sports is not new. For years, athletes have been expected to tough it out and push through any pain or discomfort, both physical and mental. This mentality is perpetuated by coaches, fans, and even fellow athletes, who may view mental health issues as a sign of weakness. This stigma can prevent athletes from seeking help when they need it, leading to untreated mental health issues that can have serious consequences.

One of the most prominent examples of this is the case of Olympian Michael Phelps, who struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his career. Phelps, who is one of the most successful athletes of all time, has spoken openly about his mental health struggles and how they affected his performance. Despite his success, Phelps felt isolated and alone, and he struggled with thoughts of suicide. It was only when he sought help and began therapy that he was able to start managing his mental health and perform at his best.

Phelps’ story is just one example of the importance of prioritizing mental health in sports. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength, and athletes need to be able to manage the stress and pressure that comes with competing at a high level. This means recognizing when they need help and seeking it out, rather than suffering in silence.

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in sports requires a shift in culture. Coaches, fans, and other athletes need to recognize that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness, but a common and treatable condition. Athletes should be encouraged to prioritize their mental health and seek help when they need it, without fear of judgment or stigma.

Several organizations are already working to address this issue. The NBA and NFL, for example, have implemented mental health programs for their players, recognizing the importance of mental health in sports. Athletes are also speaking out about their experiences with mental health, helping to break down the stigma and create a more supportive culture.

In conclusion, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in sports is crucial for the wellbeing of athletes. Mental health issues affect people of all backgrounds, including athletes, and it’s time for the sports world to prioritize mental health. By creating a culture of support and understanding, athletes can feel comfortable seeking help when they need it and perform at their best both on and off the field.

The post Breaking the Stigma: Why Athletes Need to Prioritize Mental Health appeared first on Minds Valley.

1. Schedule time for self-care: Just like you schedule time for work and other commitments, it’s important to schedule time for self-care. This could be anything from taking a relaxing bath to going for a walk in nature. Whatever it is, make sure you prioritize this time and stick to it.

2. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. It can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental health. Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and be present in the moment.

3. Seek support: It’s important to have a support system in place when it comes to your mental health. This could be a therapist, support group, or trusted friend or family member. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

4. Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries when it comes to your time and energy. This means saying no to commitments that don’t align with your values or don’t serve your mental health. It’s okay to prioritize yourself and your mental health over other obligations.

5. Practice self-compassion: It’s easy to be hard on ourselves when we don’t meet our own expectations. However, practicing self-compassion can help improve our mental health and well-being. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you fall short of your goals.

6. Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This could be taking a short walk, meditating, or simply taking a few deep breaths. Taking breaks can help reduce stress and improve productivity.

Prioritizing your mental health in a busy world can be challenging, but it’s essential for your overall well-being. By scheduling time for self-care, practicing mindfulness, seeking support, setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and taking breaks, you can prioritize your mental health and live a happier, healthier life.

The post How to prioritize your mental health in a busy world appeared first on Minds Valley.

Sarah Ezrin is a world-renowned yoga educator, mama, and the author of The Yoga of Parenting. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area,  Sarah’s work creates supportive, healing spaces where parents and wellness devotees can feel seen and heard. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, Bustle, LA Weekly, and NBC News.

I have been in the health and wellness world since 2001. In those two decades, I have redefined what it means to be “healthy” many times. Ironically, it was often when I was most fixated on wellness that my life tended to be the least balanced. Since becoming a mother to my two sons, I have learned that wellness is not just about the state of my body. It is a commitment to prioritizing my mental well-being and personal needs, even when that might be uncomfortable, because if I’m  not taking care of myself, I can’t take care of anyone else.

In honor of this Mother’s Day, I partnered with The Chalkboard to interview eight changemakers in the wellness community to hear about the practices, language, books, and pieces of advice that have transformed their own motherhood journey.

8 Wellness Changemakers On How They Prioritize Well-Being While Parenting

Dr. Sará Yafah King, Neuroscientist, CEO + Founder of MindHeart Consulting  (Shown above) | Dr. Sará Yafah King educates the world that well-being and social justice are deeply intertwined. One of Dr. King’s missions is to elevate traditionally disenfranchised groups through the intersections of science and wellness. She heads a number of organizations, including the co-direction of Mobius, whose aim is to promote the development of liberatory technology.

The greatest piece of wellness advice she ever received came from her colleague and Mobius’ co-director, Davion “Zi” Ziere who once said the words, “By birth on Earth we are valid and worthy of love.” This sentiment helps remind her that just like our children, by simply existing, we are worthy of love.

“The world sends us messages that what we think and how we feel are not true. We’re made to feel as though we have to look or act a certain way, or achieve a certain kind of status in life in order to be worthy and valid human beings,” says Dr. King, “To truly believe that the only qualification we need to be deserving of the utmost love and respect, is the fact that we exist at all, produces a feeling of deep relaxation and warmth inside of my body, and a connectedness to my inherent value as a member of Earth family.”

Andrea Ferretti, Host of Yogaland podcast (Shown above) | Millions of people are familiar with Andrea Ferretti’s friendly and inviting style thanks to her podcast Yogaland.

Ferretti has learned that taking a similar approach to parenting her pre-teen daughter has been helpful for maintaining their relationship and her own well-being. “Everything in family life is easier and richer when you focus first on having a fun, loving, and deep relationship,” says Ferretti.

This does not mean there are no limits in their household, Ferretti explains. There is just a great deal of flexibility and respect between herself, her husband, yoga teacher Jason Crandell, and their twelve year old. “We trust each other deeply and we say we’re sorry when we mess up. This requires slowing down and listening to each other. It requires mindfulness of our own agendas and feelings and egos,” says Ferretti, though she acknowledges that the official teen years will likely require an adjustment of styles once again. For now, she sees their home as a haven for the whole family and it is this approach that has helped her most on her wellness journey.

Tamika Caston-Miller, Ashé Yoga founder, Co-owner of The Ranch Houston  | Tamika Caston-Miller and her wife Lenie built their urban farm, The Ranch Houston, to give city-dwellers access to inclusive and nature-focused wellness. This volunteer-run farmstead is home to yoga offerings, art installations, a flower farm, and a community garden. They also host intimate special events, including their own daughter’s wedding.

Caston-Miller is a proud “Gigi” as her eldest grandchild calls her. Non-attachment, self-forgiveness, and equanimity in the face of foibles or failures are the practices that have most shaped her parenting and grandparenting, “I practice all those things with myself first, so I am better able to practice it with others. I’m especially getting the gift of those practices now with my grandbaby. Sometimes she will misbehave and get into trouble and it can look like an inconvenience for me, but if I am able to remember that she’s learning and this is just the way she’s experiencing the world, I’m able to approach those instances with more curiosity, compassion and love.”

Anusha Wijeyakumar, Author + activist | Anusha is an Adjunct Professor at San Diego State University, the author of Meditation with Intention: Quick and Easy Ways to Create Lasting Peace, the Wellness Consultant at Hoag Hospital, a keynote speaker and activist.

It has not always been easy for Anusha Wijeyakumar to juggle so many responsibilities and have so many people relying on her. She has many important jobs in addition to being a parent. As someone who cares deeply about her work and community, there have been many phases where she has been hard on herself and perfectionistic.

It has been focusing on the very meditation practices she shares with readers in her book that she is able to find more balance amidst life’s ups and downs. It also helps keep her accountable and practicing what she advocates. “My meditation and mindfulness practices have allowed me to open up to embodying more self-love and self-compassion and non-judgment towards myself and others. By doing this I have been able to change my internal negative narrative, understanding that this specific type of inner dialogue serves no place in my mind or life.”

Susanna Barkataki, Founder of Ignite Institute for Yogic Leadership + Social Change | Susanna Barkataki is the author of Embrace Yoga’s Roots. She is also an Ayurvedic practitioner and Certified Yoga Therapist who teaches local organizations, and larger entities, such as the United Nations, that equity, inclusivity, and accessibility are crucial aspects of an authentic yoga practice.

Barkataki on parenting: “The greatest gifts of parenting are moments of presence and really being with and listening to my child.” She views parenting as a “worldly and spiritual practice” and explains, “I practice parenthood as a vessel for yoga and mindfulness. Parenting is not just one aspect of my practice, it is my spiritual practice.

Whitney Alese Roberts, Writer + podcast host | Whitney Alese Robert’s The Reclaimed blog and podcast, and her extraordinarily popular The Woke Mama page on TikTok, provide spaces for people to heal through community, awareness, and accountability. Wellness is not just an individual pursuit. It can be a collective movement to help one another, because when others rise, so can we.

Roberts has found a similar reciprocity in her home. “Being good to my daughter is being good to me,” she says, and the aspect of her wellness practice that has helped most with tuning into what her daughter needs at each moment is mindful prayer. Roberts explains, “I don’t pray to be the perfect mom, I don’t even pray to be a good mom. I pray that I am a good mom for her. And every day is different. I do my best to be good to her, and for her, on that day and in that moment. I don’t always get it right, but I try and try hard.”

Susy Markoe Schieffelin, Sound healer + Kundalini yoga teacher | Susy Markoe Schieffelin has found the love and support of fellow mothers to be the most beneficial for her well-being during motherhood. “It takes a village, but where before I thought this only referred to having a lot of support around the home and people to help with childcare, I now understand that this includes emotional support for me, as I embrace my new identity as a mother.”

Like many of us, Schieffelin’s experience of matrescense has been a mixed bag of emotions. As much as there is joy and magic, she has also felt grief around the loss of her old self. It’s her relationships with other mothers that has shepherded this identity shift. She shares, “Having support from other mamas so I can feel safe processing one of the most transformative events of my life has made a world of difference and helped me be the best possible mom to my baby.”

Samara Zelniker, Life + executive coach | Samara Zelniker regularly guides businesses and their leaders through her mindfulness and emotional intelligence offerings, Mindfulness Matters. The techniques she teaches these entities to help them through that process are the same techniques she employs at home. After all, mothers are often like the CEOs of their families.

“It is my daily mindfulness practices that have allowed me to embrace that loss of my former self and to be the most present version of new self,” Zelniker says. “Practices such as daily yoga or Pilates, journaling three things I am grateful for every day, and getting out into nature as much as I can have helped the most.”

Source link

The post 8 Wellness Changemakers On How They Prioritize Well-being While Parenting appeared first on Minds Valley.

Firstly, mental health is crucial for academic success. When students are stressed, anxious, or depressed, their ability to learn and retain information is compromised. They may struggle to concentrate or feel unmotivated to complete assignments, leading to poor grades and a lack of achievement. Conversely, when students take care of their mental health, they are more likely to engage in productive and efficient studying practices, leading to higher academic performance.

Secondly, mental health is essential for overall health and happiness. When students prioritize their well-being, they are better equipped to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues that can arise during their academic journey. Taking care of one’s mental health can also lead to better physical health as the two are interconnected. Moreover, prioritizing mental health can improve relationships with others, leading to greater social support and a sense of belonging.

Now that we have established the importance of mental health, what can students do to prioritize their well-being? Here are some tips:

1. Practice self-care: Make time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Taking care of one’s physical health, such as getting enough sleep and eating well, is also crucial.

2. Seek help when needed: If students are struggling with their mental health, it is essential to seek help from a professional. This can include speaking with a school counselor or therapist, or reaching out to a mental health hotline.

3. Connect with others: Maintaining social connections can be challenging during the pandemic, but it is essential for mental health. Students should make an effort to connect with friends, family, and peers, whether through virtual means or in-person.

In conclusion, mental health matters, and students should prioritize their well-being for academic success, overall health, and happiness. By practicing self-care, seeking help when needed, and connecting with others, students can maintain and improve their mental health during their academic journey.

The post Mental Health Matters: Why Students Should Prioritize Their Well-Being appeared first on Minds Valley.