2023 April articles Archives

Exercise with a buddy

It’s hard to motivate yourself to get the exercise you need for your overall wellbeing. Maybe the answer is to get a friend to join you on your path to becoming fit and healthy. Training with a friend can have numerous benefits, including:

Accountability: When you have a workout buddy, you are more likely to stick to your fitness routine. You can hold each other accountable and motivate each other to show up and put in the effort.
Increased motivation: Exercising together can be more productive and enjoyable. You can encourage each other to push harder and achieve better goals together.
Social support: Having a training buddy can provide you with much needed support, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also increase feelings of connectedness and belonging.
Variety in workouts: You and your training buddy can share tips on what worked. You can try new exercises and routines together, making them more interesting and challenging.
Cost-effective: It can also be cost-effective as you can split the cost of a personal trainer or subscription, which can save you both money in the long run.

If structured fitness workouts are not your beat, then try some other easy options to combine socialising and exercise:

Take a walk or jog together: Walking or jogging with a buddy can be a great way to catch up while getting fresh air and exercising.
Try a new class together: Joining something new, like yoga, with a friend can be a fun way to try new ways to stretch and stay healthy, and enjoy their company.
Play a sport together: Find out what clubs your colleagues or mates belong to, and join in. It can be a great way to stay active and competitive.
Go hiking or biking together: Exploring the great outdoors together can be fun and challenging. Plan new routes as often as you can.
Create a steps challenge: It’s not always easy to exercise together if you have commitments or are travelling. Try to create a challenge for the number of steps you complete daily, whether running, walking or just climbing the stairs. This can keep you both motivated and accountable and keep you connected.

If you would like to discover some exercise ideas or routines, connect with one of the Health 24/7 biokineticists. They will discuss what is best for your body, age, fitness level, injuries you may have sustained and your wellbeing goals or outcomes. A dietician is also available at no cost to you or your family.

Get on the right track today.

zara2023-03-29T07:50:52+00:00

Socialising as stress-busting strategy

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an integral part of our lives. We are constantly bombarded with work, deadlines, and responsibilities that leave us feeling drained and exhausted. It’s no wonder that stress has become one of the leading causes of health issues globally. However, there are ways to manage stress, and one of the most effective ways is through socialising.

Socialising with friends, family, and colleagues can provide us with the support, understanding, and empathy needed to cope with stress.

It triggers the release of feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These hormones are responsible for creating positive emotions such as happiness, contentment, and relaxation. When we’re stressed, we may feel isolated and alone. When we socialise with others, we feel a sense of connection and belonging and that we have people who care about us and are there for us when we need them.

Talking with someone we trust can help us feel heard, understood and validated. We may also gain a fresh perspective on our problems and find solutions we hadn’t considered before. It also allows us to engage in fun and relaxing activities that can help us forget our stressors for a while. Spending time with friends, going out for dinner, watching a movie, or having fun can help us recharge and feel refreshed.

However, socialising doesn’t have to involve going out and doing something, especially if we’re introverted or feeling overly emotional or overwhelmed. Simply being around others and enjoying their company can help us feel calmer and grounded. Whether in person or online, socialising can provide us with a sense of belonging, support, and relaxation that can help us cope. So, the next time you feel stressed, reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague. Your mental health will thank you for it.

zara2023-03-29T07:43:08+00:00

Supporting a loved one with substance abuse problems

Dealing with substance abuse is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can be particularly heartbreaking. You undoubtedly want to do everything you can to help them overcome their addiction and regain their health and wellbeing. However, it can be a complex and emotionally demanding task, and it’s essential to approach it methodically, practically and with as much support as possible.

The first step is to educate yourself about addiction. Learn about the physical, psychological, and social effects of drug and alcohol abuse and the various treatment options available. Familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, so you can recognise them and take appropriate action.

It’s also important to approach the situation with empathy and compassion. Addiction is a disease, and it’s not something anyone chooses or can control. Your loved one may feel ashamed, guilty, or hopeless, and it’s crucial to show them that you care and are there for them. Listen to them without judgement, offer emotional support, and be patient and understanding.

Another critical aspect is setting boundaries. Addiction can be incredibly manipulative, disruptive and destructive, and protecting yourself and your family from its effects is vital. This may mean establishing strict limits, such as not enabling or making excuses for them, refusing to bail them out of legal or financial problems, or not tolerating abusive or aggressive behaviour.

Treatment for substance abuse can take many forms, from counselling and therapy to medication-assisted treatment and inpatient rehabilitation. Encourage them to speak with a qualified addiction specialist, and offer to help them find the resources they need to get better.

Supporting a loved one with substance abuse problems can be emotionally challenging, and taking care of yourself is essential. Ensure you get enough rest, eat healthily, and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment.

Consider joining a support group for family members of those struggling with addiction, and don’t hesitate to call LifeAssist to help or advice if you need it.

zara2023-03-27T13:47:26+00:00

What is Sleep Hygiene?

Sleep hygiene is the term used to describe good sleep habits or behaviours you can practise to get a good night’s sleep.

Good sleep hygiene is critical for maintaining physical and mental health. During sleep, the body repairs and restores itself, allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed and energised.

Getting proper quality sleep has numerous benefits for physical and mental health. It improves concentration, productivity, and memory retention. It enhances immune function and helps regulate hormones that control appetite, mood, and stress levels. It can also improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of obesity and diabetes.

It is essential for mental health as it improves mood, reduces anxiety and depression symptoms, and enhances overall emotional resilience. It also enhances creativity, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities.

Here are some tips to help improve sleep hygiene:

Stick to a Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment: The bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet. Consider investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Avoid Stimulants: Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can interfere with sleep. Avoid consuming these substances in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Get Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality, but avoiding vigorous exercise close to bedtime is important.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.
Limit Screen Time: Exposure to the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with sleep preparation. Avoid using screens in the hours leading up to bedtime.

We are more prone to illness, injury, and chronic health problems without enough quality sleep. It can also lead to cognitive impairment, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making.

Sleep deprivation can also negatively affect mental health, causing or exacerbating anxiety or depression. It is linked to increased stress, leading to physical and emotional symptoms, including irritability, fatigue, and decreased motivation.

Make sleep a priority, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in your overall health and well-being. If you are losing sleep because of stress, please call LifeAssist to connect to a counsellor.

zara2023-03-27T13:33:57+00:00