Monthy Newsletter Archives

Consumer Tip

With all the chaos that 2020 has brought it may not have occurred to you that the festive season is rapidly approaching! With this in mind, it is always prudent to start planning for this time as early as you can. Here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Do a budget. Plan how much money you want to set aside.
Start buying gifts and non-perishable foods now. Take advantage of specials and avoid impulse buying at the last minute.
If finances are tight, a simple festive season can still be fun – there are loads of creative ideas on the internet! Talk to family and friends about how you can make it fun together!

zara2021-04-13T09:22:46+00:00

Caring Families

Growing your own vegetables is a wonderful way to save money, improve your nutrition, and access your favourite produce.

No garden? No problem. Work with neighbours to create a garden in a shared area but if not possible, you can still grow your own food in your apartment!

Any plant can grow in containers with fertilised soil. Find a sunny spot in your apartment, buy some seeds and water daily. No room? Hanging baskets from ceilings are popular space savers.

zara2021-04-14T08:57:40+00:00

Keeping the momentum after lockdown

COVID-19 has had a mental and emotional impact on many of us. It has disrupted our lives, creating a sense of restlessness, uncertainty and new concerns. We may find we are easily distracted and unable to stay focused. Goalposts keep changing, and just as we started to settle, lockdown eases and once again our routines and habits are disrupted.

A new rhythm

When changes occur, conscious effort and thought are required to adapt – at least at first. This may affect our energy and productivity. Suggestions to help you ease back into the flow:

Groovy tunes: Prepare a list of songs that inspire you to tackle the day. Some of them may be cheesy but whatever works to get you alive, alert and enthusiastic!

Boosters: What are the healthy habits that you know help keep you on track and productive? A clear list of graded tasks to achieve for the day, focusing on one task at a time? Scheduled five-minute breaks every hour? Healthy eating practices and an early night’s sleep?

Stay present: Notice when your thoughts and words focus on the past or the future, and gently guide them back to the present task. This helps sharpen concentration and performance.

Act on a new awareness: Lockdown was difficult but it allowed for reflection. We’re hopefully clearer about what and who is important to us, who we can rely on, and what behaviours distract us or dampen our enthusiasm. This can include gossiping or complaining, negative thoughts and self-pity.

Be gentle: Many people are struggling to focus and achieve right now. Be self-aware and take one step at a time to avoid falling into unproductive behaviours as you adjust to new realities.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2020/03/29/productivity-and-positivity/#7c1ba9f240f4

https://medium.com/@timsneath/staying-positive-and-productive-in-a-covid-19-world-ac6c76e2f8d5

https://www.hrzone.com/lead/culture/maintaining-productivity-whilst-transitioning-back-to-the-workplace

zara2021-04-01T08:02:49+00:00

Talking to your partner

Effective communication is one of the cornerstones of a happy and successful relationship. It is easy to get stuck in a rut with your partner where the only communication that happens is about the kids or what’s for dinner. But do you know how each other actually feel? Do you understand each other’s reality? Talking about the deep stuff isn’t always easy and may take some practice. These exchanges are what lead to emotional intimacy and create a connection between the two of you as well as allow you to solve problems in the relationship constructively. Here are some tips to help you to talk to your partner more effectively:

Nip small issues in the bud before they escalate into bigger issues. Talk about problems early and often.
Do you listen when someone shouts at you? You can’t solve problems when you’re angry. Wait until you are both calm and ready to talk before taking on a conversation about big issues.
Create space to talk. You can’t have a heart-to-heart with the TV blaring and the kids going wild in the next room. Set aside quiet time where you and your partner can really listen to each other.
Communication isn’t only about talking. You need to really hear what your partner is telling you.
Talk about how you feel and what you need without making it sound like you are criticising your partner. Focus on the problem, not the person.
Be honest. There’s no way to solve the problem if you are not upfront about what the problem is.
Acknowledge that not every issue can be solved in one conversation. Be willing to work on it over time.

If you and your partner need professional support in your relationship, contact LifeAssist to arrange relationship counselling.

Sources:

https://www.psychalive.org/communication-between-couples/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/close-encounters/201704/10-tips-solving-relationship-conflicts

zara2021-03-16T12:42:09+00:00

Health is wealth

Good health is our greatest source of wealth. Without it, we would not have the energy, strength and confidence to succeed, to love and to enjoy life. Without it, we don’t really have anything.

Dear Heart

At the core of our being, our hearts beat every second, 24 hours a day, never resting, to keep us alive and well. World Heart Day on 29 September reminds us to take special care of this incredible hard-working organ that pumps life-giving blood containing oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies.

How healthy are we? The grim facts

Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, claiming approximately one million lives globally each year.
Approximately 225 people die of heart attacks or strokes in South Africa every day.
Not only do the elderly suffer; in fact, half of the people who die from heart attacks in this country are below 65 years.

The good news

Although the statistics are staggering, the good news is that 80% of heart diseases and strokes can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes.

Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight
Eating healthy foods and beverages
Staying active
Managing blood pressure
Reducing blood sugar levels
Quitting smoking
Controlling cholesterol

Even small changes can make a huge difference to your health, such as:

Reducing salt, sugar and processed fat intake,
Increasing fruit and vegetables in your diet,
Sleeping 7-8 hours a day
Taking regular walks.

Know your numbers

Keep a check on your health by having your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar tested at least once a year. Your doctor may recommend medication to keep your levels healthy.

Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent chronic and debilitating illnesses and conditions. Make a decision to feel good and take care of your health. For more information and support, contact the LifeAssist National Contact Centre.

zara2021-04-07T09:28:58+00:00

The positives of returning to work and working remotely

Covid-19 forced many of us to work remotely and whether you’re returning to work or continuing to work from home, in a world where there is so much negativity relating to COVID, here are some positives to consider regarding either of the two options:-

Home sweet home?

More family time
Working at home, saves petrol and time in traffic jams, allowing you to spend more quality time with your human and/or furry family.
Side-step corporate politics
Being out the office minimises the chances of being caught in idol gossip and office politics.
Choices
There’s more flexibility around working hours, as long as deadlines are met. You can dance, nap, or play with the puppy during a break – choices not possible at the office.

Missed the office?

A “real” office
Your home “office” set up may not be ideal. Your ergonomic chair, powerful broadband, with IT support at hand, may be enticing you back.
Colleagues
It is not the same meeting over Zoom all the time… You may be craving adult conversation with your favourite colleagues.
Normalcy
Tired of looking like a slouch in your tracksuit and slippers every day? Deep down, you know it’s time to put in the effort so that you feel more confident to face the brave new world. Also, having your boss and colleagues in the same office may be more motivating and supportive than you remember or had imagined.

Sources:

https://www.welcometothejungle.com/en/articles/getting-back-to-office-post-lockdown

https://www.themuse.com/advice/10-reasons-working-remotely-is-even-better-than-you-thought-it-was

zara2021-03-16T09:35:36+00:00

Substance Abuse – Signs of children using drugs

For many parents finding out that their child is using drugs is their worst nightmare. Teens who abuse drugs may suffer emotional and physical consequences and are at more risk of becoming addicted later on. It’s vital to watch out for common signs of drug abuse in your kids. The earlier they get help, the better. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

Drastic changes in health and hygiene. Track marks, frequent injuries, headaches, too little or too much sleep, a dirty or messy appearance.
Changes at home or school. Drug paraphernalia like pipes or foil, complaints from the teacher, stealing items or money, bunking school, bad results on tests or reports.
Changes in behaviour. Ignoring rules, behaving recklessly, disappearing, anger outbursts, moodiness, arguing with everyone, secretive behaviour, restlessness.
Emotional changes. Withdrawal, isolation, depression, talk of suicide, anxiety
Family History. Addiction can be genetic, so if there are addicts on either side of the family your child may be more at risk.
Environment. Your child is more at risk if there are other drug users in the home, or if you live in a community with high rates of substance abuse.

By taking an interest in your child’s life and making time to have open and honest conversations you are more likely to pick up when something is wrong. If you are concerned that your child may be using drugs, contact LifeAssist for guidance and support.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/when-kids-call-the-shots/201805/5-warning-signs-your-teenager-may-be-using-drugs

https://africacheck.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/3rd-Annual-Youth-Risk-Survey-2011.pdf

zara2021-03-17T11:47:34+00:00

Consumer Tip

The COVID-19 outbreak may have you rethinking how to manage your spending and income.
The idea behind this budgeting method is to give every rand a job. A zero-based budget can help you avoid wasting money when your finances are upended. A zero-based budget means that you are assigning every rand you have coming in each month to a specific purpose. Once you figure out what you need to allocate to cover expenses, savings and debt repayment, you should have zero money left over for the month.

Caring Families

One of the key aspects of any exercise programme is safe stretching. Our repetitive daily activities and lack of movement cause our muscles to stiffen up and as we age, the range of movement of our limbs decrease. By following a regular (daily if possible) stretching routine, we ensure more flexible muscles.

VIDEO: LEARN YOUR OWN PILATES STRETCHING TECHNIQUES HERE >

zara2021-04-14T08:13:57+00:00

Positive tips for kids returning back to school

Going back to school after any long break can be disruptive, but after months of lockdown, many pupils and parents may be especially apprehensive. In addition to concerns about contracting COVID-19, some doubt that children will adapt to new practices such as keeping their distance from teachers and friends.

Identify fears

Most children are optimistic by nature but may pick up on their parents’ anxieties. The anxiety about virus transmission is mostly an adult fear. Understand your child’s concerns and reinforce positive messages like: “There may be a nasty virus we can’t see, but if we wash our hands carefully, we can stay safe.” Be honest if you can’t answer a question and explain that scientists will find a cure for this new virus in time. While you can’t guarantee that you or granny won’t fall ill, tell them that you’ll take steps to avoid this. Some children might be anxious about leaving the safety of home and may need encouragement to reunite with friends and teachers.

Empower your child

Going back to school normally brings familiarity and routine, but things will have changed – there won’t be contact sports and playtime will be different. Support the steps the school has taken to ensure safety, and get your kids on board with the new measures so that they feel empowered. Sticking to the rules can be tricky, especially for younger children, so find out how the school will tackle any breaches and don’t overreact to transgressions. Instead reinforce positive behaviours, explaining how practices such as wearing masks keeps everyone safe.

Let your child debrief

Home should be a safe haven where your child can feel free to offload. Take time to be fully present to listen to their experiences each day, acknowledge their feelings and take an interest in their schoolwork – after all, in many families, the parent has, up until now, been the teacher. You can share about your day too, and establish a new norm for communication in your household.

Keep calm

Adjusting to the new normal is hard for everyone and generally, your children will cope as well as you do. Reach out to LifeAssist if you feel overwhelmed so that you are able to give your children the support they need.

https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/05/20/advice-to-parents-supporting-your-children-through-the-covid-19-lockdown/

https://www.jozikids.co.za/zaparents-blog/help-for-parents-braving-school/

Author: Dr Juliette MacLiam

zara2021-03-25T07:10:35+00:00