Eldercare Resources: New Year, New You

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New Year, New You
By Carrie Pereda, Caring Workplace, St. Andrew's At-Home Services

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season comes to an end, a New Year is upon us once again. Now is the time to reflect on years past and develop New Years resolutions for 2005. Take the time to think about what you want to do to improve the way you live your life. New Year's resolutions, although a cliché, can have an amazing impact on your physical and emotional well being.

Start a Physical Fitness Plan
You hear it time and time again…but it's so important. Do you consider yourself an active person? Do you eat the recommended 3-5 servings of vegetables a day? For that matter, do you eat one serving? Vegetables provide your body with so many nutrients that can play an incredible role in your physical condition. Exercise boosts your metabolism and treats your body with endorphins that reduce stress. Treat your body like a temple. You only have one.

Reduce Stress
Managing stress is a challenging task. It is important to remember that there are many things in life that are out of your control. When a frustrating incident occurs that is out of your control, don't stress about what you can not change. Work positively towards what you can change. Stress reduction is very important in maintaining overall physical health. Studies suggest people who are stressed suffer more colds, coughs, and flus than those who are not. Also, concentrate on what truly matters. I suggest reading a wonderful book called Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.

Mentally Challenge Yourself
Learn something new! Take a class at local university, read a book on a subject you've always been curious about, or pick up a new volunteer position. Stimulating the mind is very important as we age. There is a strong connection between our physical, mental, and emotional well being so exercising your brain is very important. On top of picking up a new piece of information, learning something new is rewarding and enriching.

So this year, reflect back on years past. Make a few goals for 2005 and write them down. Probably the biggest challenge for most is deciding to make a resolution, and STICKING to that resolution. Writing your goals down will help you keep them. Your goal list should be kept some place YOU see often. I always suggest the inside of a kitchen cabinet. As you begin taking steps towards a better you, take small ones. Find your comfort level and make a schedule or plan with short-term steps. Pay attention to each tiny positive thing you do differently and acknowledge your accomplishment. Often times keeping a journal helps people stick to their plans as well. Short-term goals will suddenly turn into long-term ones, and before you know it, you'll be well on your way to better you.

Happy New Year!

St. Andrew’s At-Home Services helps to serve the needs of older adults and their families in the comfort of their home, including housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation, personal care, nursing services and companionship. For more information, please call (314) 726-5766 or visit them at www.silverselect.com . St. Andrew’s At-Home Services is a not-for profit division of St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors, an Episcopal-Presbyterian organization serving older adults and their families since 1961.

St. Andrew's Resources for Seniors: Eldercare & Caregiver Resource Center
6633 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63130 Phone: 314-726-5766 Fax: 314-726-5719 Contact Us