Self Help

As a parent, you want to teach your children as many things as possible. While you might feel this means tangible lessons like helping them learn their ABCs when they are preschoolers and teaching them to drive when they are teens, it’s important to remember that your kids will also learn by simply watching what you are doing.

For instance, when it comes to having good mental health, how you act, the decisions that you make and the way you treat yourself and others can all help your children learn what this important concept means. In order to model good mental health for your kids, please consider the following tips:

Be Mindful of How and Where You Spend Money
While you might not equate solid mental health with spending money, the two are linked together. If your kids see you constantly stressing about bills and fighting with your spouse about money, it can lead to negative associations with money in their future. Strive to live within your means and if money is tight, take proactive steps like trimming back expenses rather than putting everything on your Visa.

Also, to show your kids how to be smart with money, make a point of shopping for brands that you can trust and believe in. Explain how you don’t want to waste money and research the best companies before making purchases. For example, if you are looking for high quality health, beauty and lifestyle products, a company like Amway is a great place to start. If your kids bring up the Amway scam rumor, show them how the company refuted the accusations on their site, and assure them that you only spend your money on products from reputable and reliable companies.

Take Care of Yourself Too
Parents often put their own self care last while their children get the lion’s share of time and attention. You probably make sure your kids get enough sleep, yet you are sleep deprived. Your kids see the dentist twice a year on schedule, but you keep cancelling your own appointments because of your huge number of commitments. While it is definitely important to take good care of your children, you need and deserve the same treatment. Being a parent who handles the needs of his or her kids while still modeling good self-care is a wise choice that your children will definitely notice. Mention that you are going in for a physical with your doctor, go out for walks as a family and establish a family bedtime—these are all ways to take care of yourself and your kids at the same time.

Show Compassion for Yourself and for Others
Another effective way to model good mental health habits for your kids is by being compassionate. As The Washington Post notes, being gentle with yourself and others can help you and your children learn to navigate difficult feelings. On the flip side, poor emotional regulation, including being really hard on yourself, can result in headaches and stomachaches and other physical symptoms. So, when life is stressful and you make an error in your checking account or accidentally burn dinner, instead of blurting out “I’m such an idiot!” try to remain as calm as possible and avoid making self-deprecating remarks.

Remember, Your Kids Are Always Watching
On those days where you have to remind your children 100 times to take out the trash, it may be difficult to believe that your kids actually listen to you. But children really do watch what you are doing and what is coming out of your mouth, as well as your daily habits. By striving to model good mental health, you will not only feel better yourself, but your kids should also grow up to be mentally healthy and happy adults.

by Amanda Green

Some of us have experienced the unfortunate event when a loved one has been suddenly rushed to the hospital. We worry and anxiously pace as we wait in the waiting room for any news from the doctor. Moments pass and a plethora of thoughts bombard our mind, but we remain optimistic. We think about how the bright surgical lights will focus on our loved one. We think about how long it may take before we talk with them again.

Post-Op

The surgeon makes their way towards you and gives the good news that surgery was successful. You breathe a sigh of relief. You head over to your loved one’s recovery room and watch them sleep. As you stand there, you’re wondering what to say first when they wake up and wonder how they are feeling. Hours pass and your loved one wakes up. You rush over to their side and ask if they need anything. You wonder if they want an extra pillow, some water, or perhaps some food. You call the nurse and they indicate that everything is fine and that a meal will be scheduled later on the day. As the nurse leaves the room, your loved one reaches out to you.

Words of Encouragement

Recuperating from surgery is not easy for a patient. Sometimes it can get overwhelming for them and may hinder a quick recovery. We want to encourage them to stay optimistic during their treatment. Reading a book together, bringing in letters of encouragement, or by simply just spending time with your loved one can be a positive distraction. The hospital takes care of the physical recovery and we take care of the mental fitness. Words of inspiration can boost positivity. “To succeed, we must have the will to succeed, we must have stamina, determination, backbone, perseverance, self-reliance, and faith.” – B.C. Forbes

Musical Healing

An article states that “There’s a belief that music and pain are processed along the same [nerve] pathways.” Music therapy is slowly being integrated into recovery rooms of hospitals. It is said that music therapy can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and the “perception of pain.” Music can even decrease the need for medications that aid patients in dealing with fear and pain. Having a personalized playlist for your loved one can inspire and also relieve them of stress and tension associated with recovery.

Laughter

Doesn’t laughing feel good? Laughter can break a bad mood. Most importantly, it can reduce anger and frustration associated with the path to recovery. Your loved one may feel depressed or angry because they feel pain. We want to lighten up their mood and distract them from the pain they feel. Most recovery rooms have television sets; tune in to something that’s humorous. Laughter can be a powerful painkiller but can also help along the healing process. Laughing can also help avoid depression.

Emotional Support

It’s not always fun bearing the brunt of your loved one’s frustrations. We have to put our minds in a state where we can support both our emotions and the emotions of our loved one that’s recovering from surgery. At times it can get so overwhelming it can lead to an environment that can halt treatment progression. It is recommended to take time for yourself. Take time to relax and rejuvenate. Take a stroll in a park or grab a bite to eat; change your surroundings for a while. By doing so, you will find that it will improve your mood and also gives you time to breathe in some fresh air.

Exercise

A good exercise routine will help maintain a positive attitude. Not only are you the guiding light for your loved one, but they also depend on you to keep things positive when they are feeling down. Exercising can promote circulation and help prepare for the day ahead. Whether you’re assisting them with their physical recovery or encouraging them to stay optimistic during treatment, it is important to always stay positive.

From words of encouragement, healing through music, laughter, and everything in between, always remember to remain optimistic and reassuring for your loved one. Remember, they are recuperating from surgery and feeling tremendous amounts of pain. When you feel overwhelmed and fatigued, take time for yourself. Taking the time will help improve your mood and help you refresh, and in turn, promote a favorable environment for quick recovery.