It’s good to be busy, but when does it become too much? We all try to fill our hours with as many things as possible and between work, family, and our social lives, we’re all at risk of doing too much. It may not seem obvious at first, but there are some subtle signs that you should look out for to help you realize when it’s time to slow down at work. Looking after your health is important and if you start to experience any of the following, it may be time for you to take a break from work and focus on your wellbeing.
You’re irrationally angry towards others
We all get irritated or angry from occasionally but if you usually have a calm and happy demeanor and start getting angry at others for no reason, you may find that you’re sleep deprived. Your crankiness may not even manifest in direct anger towards others; it could even be getting irritable at someone’s actions or talking about their faults incessantly to others. There are many health benefits of sleep, and if you find yourself regularly missing out on your recommended 8 hours, it’s time to make some changes to your lifestyle.
You’re distracted
Everyone gets distracted from time to time, but starting to forget things on a regular basis can start to be a concern. Being distracted while driving because your mind was somewhere else can be dangerous to you and others and is a sign that you have too much on your mind. Smaller distractions like forgetting things on your groceries list can be remedied through better planning and making lists, but if you do start to get concerned about your memory, you should speak to your doctor to rule out anything more serious. Sometimes a busy day at work is all it takes to help your mind to wander, so perhaps it’s time you booked a day off or took a vacation to help you de-stress and get back on track.
You’re feeling run down
When you’re overtired or stressed your immune system could take a hit, leaving you susceptible to many illnesses and viruses. If you feel like you’ve been suffering from a cold for weeks or you’re feeling a lack of energy, it may be time to slow things down. You should book an appointment with your doctor for an overall health check, in case your low immunity is caused by something else. You can also use practical tips to increase your energy levels easily. Remember that a lack of energy and persistent bouts of illness could be a sign of serious illness and you should keep an eye out for family and friends who might be suffering these sorts of symptoms.
Slowing down and getting help
If you’re starting to notice changes in your behavior or that you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, then it’s time to ask for help. It may be just a simple case of offloading your concerns to a family member or friend or speaking to work about taking a break or sharing some of your responsibilities. Find some relaxing hobbies that you can enjoy after work that will help take your mind off things – cycling is an excellent way to increase your fitness and can help you to de-stress too.
If you suspect that your condition is medically related, you should book an appointment to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Some possible illnesses can show few obvious symptoms, especially some work-related illnesses. If the worst does happen and you find yourself battling a serious illness caused by work, make sure you get the right help. By making sure that you call the right lawyer if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other condition, you could ease the pressure on your finances while you take a break.
If you feel that work is the main cause of your issues and that you need to take a break, it may be time to reassess your career. Some lines of work are more stressful than others and if you’ve reached a point where it’s getting too much – there’s nothing wrong with giving something else a try.
Nothing is more important than your health, and if work is impacting yours for any reason, it’s time to make a change. Be honest with yourself and find ways of maintaining that all-important work/life balance and keeping yourself fit and healthy.
FTC Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
As soon as our parents start to reach a certain age, it’s all too easy to worry about their ailing health and fragility. So, there is no wonder that most people do all that they can to care for their elderly parents. However, if you do not live close to your parents, you might find that you start worrying about not being there for them. The distance could make it very difficult for you to help and support your parents, and you might struggle to get to them if there is ever an emergency. However, there are some things you can do to care for your parents from afar. Here are some tips.
Mommy Bernice.
Discuss The Situation With Your Siblings If some of your siblings still live close to your parents, you should have a meeting with them to discuss the situation. One of your siblings might agree to take charge of your parents’ care schedule. As long as you know that your siblings have a good handle on things, you will be able to have more peace of mind while you are living away.
Arrange For In-Home Care If your parents are still well enough to look after themselves in their own home, you might still want to arrange for some at home care agencies to call in to see them from time to time. That way, you know that there is always someone going into their home on a regular basis to ensure that they are OK. This also means that you parents will have a regular companion who they can chat with, which is especially important if one of your parents lives on their own.
Collect Important Contact Information Even though you don’t live close to your parents, you should still make the effort to collect all of the usual important contact details for people who can help them. This should include phone numbers for their regular doctor, caregiver, and insurance company. It’s also a good idea to have the number for a neighbor or nearby friend who can quickly check in on your parents if you ever have reason to be worried.
Keep In Touch Just because you can’t visit your parents regularly, there is no reason not to keep in contact! Calling them every other day gives them something to look forward to, and it will also calm your mind as you will be able to hear that they are well. It’s also worth using Skype and Facetime to keep in touch so that you can see as well as hear them!
Have An Emergency Plan You always need to have an emergency plan in case anything goes wrong. This should include the quickest way for you to travel to your parents. You might also want to start saving for an emergency fund so that you can cover expensive airfare or train travel.
As you can see, caring for your elderly parents from afar doesn’t have to be too difficult. Keep these tips handy so that you always know your best options!
FTC Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
There have been too many stories in the news lately about people that have been pushed so far down by their mental health, that they have committed suicide. Yet still, many people are very ignorant to the fact that because you can’t see mental health that it doesn’t exist. It’s understandable that if you’re lucky enough to have never experienced depression or anxiety that you won’t understand what it feels like to feel that way. Please though, don’t just shrug it off if a loved one tells you they’re struggling. Saying ‘you’re fine’ doesn’t make it go away. It also makes the person suffering feel like they can’t talk about it. In this article, I’m going to give you a few ways on how you can either help yourself, or help someone you know through this awful condition.
Talking
Whether you’re the person talking about your mental health, or the person listening, talking is a great way of letting out bottled up feelings. No matter how small and insignificant your worries or stresses may seem, letting them out with a loved one will make the world of difference to how you feel. If you’re the person listening, provide empathetic questions and comments to what they are saying. Try to put yourself in their position to see how they’re feeling. Sometimes just being a good friend is all they need from you.
The conversation doesn’t just have to be on the subject of the problem either, it could lead onto many other conversations to make each other laugh and generally, cheer each other up. Never underestimate the power of talking.
If you don’t feel like you have anyone to talk to about your mental health, visit your GP who will listen to your problems and can refer you to talk to a therapist.
You Time
We’ve all got hectic lives, between work, school runs and money issues, we barely get any time to wind down and relax. Take some time each day to do something for yourself and you will notice the difference in how you feel. This could be watching your favorite TV show or taking yourself for a relaxing bath.
Another great way of relaxing your mind in the time you take for yourself is through meditation. There are tapes available to download that will take your mind away from it’s worries. Drinking skinny tea at the same time is also a great way of promoting your mental health. Clearing your mind, even for just a short time each day will help you calm down and think more clearly.
Remember, the way that you’re feeling doesn’t make you weak. It is said that even the strongest of minds crumble at times and there is nothing wrong with asking for help. It takes strength to admit that something is wrong, and there is help available. Don’t suffer alone, let’s break the stigma, and tackle your mental health.
FTC Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
I hope you having an awesome day!
Summertime is in full force with temperatures soaring into the mid-90s this weekend. Coupled with high humidity levels and it definitely is a good idea to be inside where it is cool. While my hubby and I have been staying inside whenever possible, we have also been heading outside to take care of our backyard tranquility. Owning your house means it’s good to keep the grass cut, the trees trimmed and we like to plant flowers. In the last couple of weeks while working outside, we have learned several valuable lessons. Not just about yard work and gardening; but about life in general. We wanted to share with you what we have learned about life, through our time working in the garden. We call it Life Lessons From The Garden. This is the first in those series of articles.
Flowers from the Garden / Photos by JTwisdom
I know what you are thinking. Why would I be working in the garden when it’s so hot and humid?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have spent many hours outside with my daddy, and now my hubby, taking care of our yard and the flowers. My mother would often have me outside trimming weeds, watering the plants or doing whatever she thought needed to be done. Through the years, what began as a chore has now blossomed into one of my passions, and brings me some of my greatest joys. I have grown to enjoy the time outside and I can truly say that it brings me peace. After a long day or week and needing some time to unwind and destress, I head outside to see what needs to be done. It lowers the blood pressure and the stress just melts away. Spending hours planting, watering, weeding and tending to the garden, and then seeing that flower show off its vibrant color or aromatic scent, the joy just builds up inside of me. I take breaks and drink plenty of water; but I still sweat. Coming inside to eat some delicious watermelon is always nice.
Getting my hands dirty in the garden.
The first lesson learned from our time in the garden — Find What Brings You Fun times.
For me, my number one Joy is Jesus, my LORD and SAVIOR! I can’t put anything before him, He makes it possible for me to enjoy my everyday life.
God gave me this passion for gardening.
It’s a lot of fun going to the gardening center with the hubby to purchase the flowers and plants.
For me, fun is deciding how to arrange them in the yard for the greatest display of color.
For me, fun is making sure to water, to weed an to manicure each day.
For me, fun is cutting a flower and bringing it in our home.
For me, fun is the flower’s aroma tickling my nose each time I get close it.
For you, what brings your fun times?
Maybe it is a walk in the park with your dog.
Maybe it is spending time with your family.
May it is reading a good book with a hot cup of tea.
It does not matter what it is. Once you experience that joy, you know you will want to keep it going. Take the time to find out where your joy comes from and be sure to do it as often as possible. When you have more joy in your heart, you become a happier person and being a happier person means you can enjoy more of what life has to offer.
Check back for more lessons learned from the garden. Until then, happy gardening! And be Joyful!
Feeling positive about your appearance is difficult for everyone. Do you often look in the mirror and love what you see? Don’t worry if you don’t. Nobody does. Investing in a new wardrobe, to find your style and to emphasize your curves, is always a great way of falling back in love with yourself. At the heart of how you feel about your appearance is how much you care for yourself. Making yourself a fashion gift can boost your mental, or giving your skin a full spa treatment can transform your feeling. But there’s something else that can define how beautiful you feel. It’s your strength; it’s the energy you are ready to invest in feeling beautiful, whether it is mentally, physically or even from a health-related perspective.
JT and Vinny
Give your body the energy it needs to function For most individuals, when they think about beauty, they think about weight loss. In reality, beauty is not specifically about losing weight, but it is about giving your body the energy it needs to function. As a result, you naturally develop easy ways to make healthier meals and to stick to the appropriate calories intake. As much as you might love doughnuts, you are not without knowing that they don’t provide any nutrient to your body. Consequently, your healthy diet relies on understanding the right balance of nutrients – fat, proteins, vegetables, etc. – and addressing your needs with the appropriate recipe.
Give your mind the energy it needs to be motivated Whether you want to become healthier or fitter, you need to stick to a positive mindset. Too many people give up t the first negative thought. Feeling beautiful in your body means that you need to stay motivated, at least long enough to see the first changes. These transformations don’t have to weight-related. They can be linked to improving your health or reducing your stress levels. Whatever keeps you from feeling beautiful will not disappear easily. Therefore you need to focus your efforts on keeping a positive mindset.
Give yourself the right to be imperfect You are not perfect. You are perfectly imperfect. But guess what? Nobody is perfect. Nothing in nature is perfect either. The idea of perfection is based on having all the desirable elements and qualities, yet you are left to decide what is desirable and to recognize what is possible too. In other words, it’s important to accept that, while you may not be flawless, you may just be as good as it is possible for you to be at any given time. Is there anything wrong with imperfection anyway?
Give your body the time to improve As hinted above, most transformations take time, whether you are trying to change your mindset or your physical appearance. If you are trying to lose weight, for instance, you need to be aware that you need to get rid of 3,500 calories to lose 1 pound of weight. To put it in other words, it’s the equivalent of cutting your calories consumption by 500 every single day of the week. While this can be achieved with a mix of diet and exercising, you need to know that you will not drop a dress size within a week. Giving yourself the time to improve is key to rediscover your beauty. Don’t rush it.
FTC Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
Today is Memorial Day. It is a day to honor and remember the soldiers who died for our country, The United States of America. Freedom isn’t free! Praise God for our military. We should and must pray for them and their families everyday.
We Will Never Forget!
Decorated Vietnam War veteran, Dave Roever, spoke at my church this holiday weekend. His testimony is awesome and will inspire you. He was burned beyond recognition and by the healing power of Jesus, he is alive and is devoted to helping other wounded veterans. Roever will make you laugh and he will make you cry.
Please listen to his testimony on Trinity Broadcasting Network.
When I hear him speak about helping war veterans get the help they need to get back into daily life and gain that connection with their families, it is amazing. It makes me want to help in anyway I can. If you would like to help please go to the Roever Foundation.
“The Roever Foundation’s goal is clear; to assist those especially in underprivileged countries and the youth in our public schools and assistance to our military providing them with inspirational speaking tours and training for wounded warriors through the wounded warrior alliance. Roever Foundation is preparing these young speakers who have lost limbs, suffered TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), with a future in public speaking.”
On this Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect your freedom and the remember men and women who sacrificed their life so that you can enjoy it.
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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