Page 14 - Summer 2019 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

• Work with your hands allow more space for those “lost days” where you just cannot
• Go to the gym get going.
• Soothing music
• Sit in the sunshine. Create Boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries
People often ask what they can do for someone allows you to say, “yes”
in grief, and it is hard to know what to tell them. to the things you really
Identify small things that you know you used to want because you boldly
enjoy and ask a friend to provide it. say “no” to what you do

not really want or have
Breathe energy for. It may be hard
Breathing is another helpful tool. When we are to make decisions at times.
stressed, we tend to breathe more shallowly. Remember, you are not
Your body needs the oxygen from full deep being selfish by saying
breaths. Become aware of your breath. Just “no” to some things for
breathe! Specific exercises can easily be found now. You are being smart
online. Always check with your heath care so you can heal. In the
professional. future, you will be able
to do more when you feel
Write better.

Writing is a most valuable tool in your healing
toolbox. Simple journaling gives you an outlet to
share your unfiltered feelings and ask the hard
questions without worrying about what anybody
thinks. I encourage you to set aside time in your
day to just overflow onto the page. Allow your
thoughts to fill the space on the page. If you keep
everything stuffed inside, you will pay the price
in your body and soul. And I hate to tell you this,
but you will leak. All that pressurized grief will
find its way out through things like sickness,
poor choices, depression, anxiety, bursts of
anger, etc. So, go ahead and let it out!

Establish A Routine
Every day can be different on the journey
through the valley. It helps to establish a flexible
routine. Have a schedule so that you know what
to do when you do not know what to do. Meals,
rest, coffee with a friend, a trip by your favorite
drive through for iced tea, family time, chores,
and workouts can give some needed structure
to your day and keep you busy, but not too
busy. Remember, you are a heart patient. Keep
it light, but somewhat predictable. Steady and
purposeful movement through your days will

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