By Sharon Wagner

If you’re already dealing with mental health challenges, COVID-19 likely added an unwelcome amount of pressure to your life. But whatever obstacles you encounter amid the pandemic chaos, replenishing your emotional energy stores and addressing your mental health needs are positive steps. Start restoring your inner peace with these tips from Zomnir Family Medicine.

Indulge Your Emotions
The bottom line is that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, stressed, sad, or even happy during a pandemic. Realistically speaking, no emotion is a bad thing — it’s how you handle those feelings that matters. Choose healthy ways to feel those big feels, and you’ll be far better off.

• Acknowledge and embrace emotions as sources of information, not as the be-all-end-all of your experience.
• Have some strategies in place for handling sadness when it does rear its melancholy head.
• Release your pent-up emotions if you feel like crying; letting the tears flow can be beneficial in the long run.
• Spend time outdoors to reap the side effects of grounding yourself in nature.
• If you hold a leadership position at work, the load that’s on your back every day can seem overwhelming, so be sure to have a solid stress management plan in place.

Handle Self-Care
Self-care may sound trendy and self-indulgent, but it’s one of the healthiest things you can do for your mental state. Doing things you enjoy is rewarding on its own, but taking a break from the stress of life can do wonders, too.

• Outline your expectations and goals for self-care — and recognize what it’s not.
• Explore journaling for self-help, writing about either things that make you happy, or noting what challenges you’re facing.
• Start practicing meditation and yoga for both physical and mental well-being.
• Exercise with a smartwatch so you can monitor your progress and track your fitness goals (make sure you have a proper screen protector and band that can withstand the rigors of working out). 
• Revamp your sleep hygiene with better routines and habits for restful nights.
• A clean home is a happy home, so splurge a little and check into upholstery cleaning specials that nearby cleaning companies may have to offer. 

Get Professional Help
As beneficial as sitting with your emotions and addressing self-care can be, there are times when professional help is crucial. Check in with your emotional and mental state, and don’t hesitate to seek support when you feel overwhelmed.

• Consider the signs that you may benefit from seeking therapy with an expert and explore your options.
• Explore other options for connecting with mental health support for pandemic times.

Pandemic living isn’t a walk in the park, especially when you’re stuck at home most of the time. But with these resources, you can start on a path toward improved mental health. Whether you go it alone or seek professional help, every step means progress. 

Photo via Unsplash
​
Zomnir Family Medicine concierge medical practice offering excellent medical care with service and compassion. Reach out today! 972-218-0020

When a loved one shows signs of aging, their living situation is often the first thing families consider. And, if you live far away from a senior relative, you might begin questioning whether now is the right time to move closer. 
For many, the events of 2020 and 2021 highlighted how important it is to be close to loved ones in times of need, particularly if there are health issues involved. So, if you notice your senior loved one's health deteriorating but you're unsure of when to make the move, take note of the clear-cut signs listed below.

Their Health Needs Become More Complex
As you age, your medical needs inevitably become more complex. Some common ailments in the elderly include:

• Heart conditions
• Joint problems such as osteoarthritis
• Diabetes
• Cancer

With one or more complex health conditions, it may become increasingly difficult for your loved one to manage day-to-day life alone, even if they won't admit it. Therefore, it's best to move closer to an aging relative if you notice they become unable to manage their health effectively. 
Chronic illnesses and a decrease in physical agility also predispose your elderly relative to have a fall in the home. Falls can be catastrophic, particularly if there is no one there to help. In an emergency, such as a fall, being close to a loved one is essential. 

Your Loved One Has Become Forgetful
Becoming forgetful is another common occurrence in seniors. In many cases, forgetfulness is a normal sign of aging, but sometimes, it's a sign of a more worrisome problem like dementia. 
When forgetfulness becomes a significant problem, some senior citizens forget how to take care of themselves, which can result in issues including:

• Poor hygiene
• Malnutrition
• Behaving erratically

If you've noticed signs that your loved one's self-care routine is declining, perhaps it's time to consider the move.

You're Worried About Their Well-being
Physical health isn't the only reason to consider moving closer to an aging loved one. Loneliness and poor mental health are also common problems for the elderly, particularly those who live alone. It has even been suggested that those who feel socially isolated and lonely could have up to a 26% increased risk of mortality.
If your loved one has mentioned feeling alone, or their mental health seems to be declining, being closer to them may be the best thing to do.

The Moving Process Doesn't Have to Be Difficult
If you've made the decision to move closer to your senior loved one, you might have concerns over the logistics of your move. But, moving doesn't have to be a stressful process. 
To remove any additional stress from moving, why not consider renting an apartment or home rather than purchasing a property? You can use a platform like Rent.com to filter searches by need, including senior-friendliness and accessibility, in an in-demand area like Fort Worth. This option takes away a lot of pressure while also giving you the option to buy a permanent home later down the line. 

Taking Steps to Be Closer to Your Loved One
Making a decision that is best for your family is always the most important thing when considering moving closer to a senior relative. And, only you know what's best for your loved one. 
However, if you notice any of these tell-tale signs, consider speaking to Zomnir Family Medicine to discuss your options. 

By: Sharon Wagner

Image via Pexels

As I sit here in my little home office going through text messages, e-mails, lab reports and consultation notes, I'm reminded of how much I love and appreciate each and every one of you.  I think about you all often, wondering about your diagnosis, a fun trip you're taking, a new baby in your life, a cherished animal you care for, your advice for me and others.  It's such an incredible blessing and privilege to be a part of your lives.  Thank you again for letting me share your journeys, your ups and downs, your hopes, your victories, your mistakes, your recoveries and everything in between.  ~Dr. Z