Focus on the Positive
https://www.aukids.co.uk/ – issue 7, 2010 Continue reading Focus on the Positive
Category: Health
Cutting Autistic child’s hair
Going to the hairdressers can be a very distressing experience for autistic children due to sensory issues such as a sensitivity to noise and touch. In this article Jim the Trim, a hairdresser from Wales whose barbershop was awarded the National Autistic Society’s Autism-Friendly Award, gives us his Top 5 Tips on how hairdressers can make autistic children more comfortable during a haircut. Top 5 Tips Take your time to get to know the person and for them to get to know you. You may have to be very gradual and just allow the person to come in and watch … Continue reading Cutting Autistic child’s hair
Post-Cardio recovery
I offer Psychotherapy sessions for survivors of heart attacks/cardio events, which are available at my other website: Adjustment Therapy, however the Covid pandemic impacted on my ability to provide any sort of face to face therapy, even with masks, so this was not an option. It has not been safe for me to go out since March 2020 because of the risk of getting the Covid virus and only now, with the vaccine being available to me by May this year, I plan to offer Therapy sessions for people of all ages, who have been affected by a recent Cardio … Continue reading Post-Cardio recovery
Signs of a toxic friendship
8 Signs of a toxic friendship 1. Putting You Down Constantly You should feel like your friend’s equal, giving and receiving positive feedback that makes you both feel good. However, a toxic friend may find ways to make you feel like you’re less than they are. For example, they might draw attention to your insecurities and reinforce them as true. Or, they might discourage you from trying to achieve your dreams (telling you that they’re not realistic for someone like you). 2. Blame Everyone makes mistakes in relationships. Good friends can apologize for their part in such arguments or other … Continue reading Signs of a toxic friendship
Good friendship qualities
What are good friendship qualities? It comes down to 5 crucial qualities in my opinion, yet there may be more. Anyone wish to comment? Nourish. The friendship nourishes both individuals. Each feels supported and cared for and both look forward to each other’s company. Trust. Each knows they can count on each other to be honest and accepting, even when one or both change. Commitment. Both are prepared to put time and effort into the relationship even when physically apart. Balance. The give and take of a relationship balances out over time, as each provide support when required. Relationship. This … Continue reading Good friendship qualities
Adolphe Quetete and BMI?
Today is World Obesity Day (4th March 2021) Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation of body fat on the basis of height and weight applying to adult men and women. Your Body Mass Index score indicates whether you are underweight or overweight. Based on the score that you get, you may be advised to bulk up or lose weight. It is done to ensure that you maintain a bodyweight that may be healthy, and you may be advised to change your lifestyle to attain a healthier BMI. The BMI scale was developed in 1832 by a Belgian mathematician named … Continue reading Adolphe Quetete and BMI?
Are you being nudged?
Do you make choices of your own free will, or are you being nudged along by an unseen force to comply? The Government, Retail and Medical professions, amongst many other industries employ strategies to shape your behaviour. Nudge theory is the science behind subtly leading people to the ‘right’ decision. It works on the principle that small actions can have a substantial impact on the way people behave. For organisations wanting to drive positive behaviour change, it’s a handy concept to know about. Nudge theory is also concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory … Continue reading Are you being nudged?
Uncertainty
All around the world, people remain uncertain about the future. I don’t know what the outcome will be, however I have continued to use some strategies to keep myself going. I want to share them with you, in the hope that you may get some benefit from this particular method. A) Do something every day to reduce anxiety; whether it is a relaxation technique, exercising or getting in touch with some friends. This all amounts to finding some calm in your daily existence. B) Stay informed. Decide to allocate yourself 30 minutes each day to check the Local news and … Continue reading Uncertainty
Autism and Meltdowns
Most parents are familiar with a child’s temper tantrum and the disruptive, angry outbursts where the child demands attention, including getting their own way. In contrast, when a child or adult on the Autistic Spectrum has a Meltdown, they are reacting to emotional overload, and their brain struggles to make sense of a situation or behaviour. Ultimately, a Meltdown is a loss of control brought about by changes to the routine or expected behaviours, resulting in the senses being over stimulated all at once. Explosion of emotions! The Meltdown responses displayed by the Autistic person may include verbal expressions, of … Continue reading Autism and Meltdowns
Balance and Dizziness (vestibular) Disorders
Originally posted on View from Over the Hill:
Since Dr. Graham Bryce and I started the B C Balance & Dizziness Disorders Society (BADD) 15 years ago, I’ve talked with hundreds and hundreds of members dealing with vestibular disorders. When our first Board met around my kitchen table, we discussed a name for our fledgling support group. I noted that “Balance and Dizziness Disorders” which was chosen, would probably have the acronym BADD, which might not look good. The response? “Well, it IS bad.” So “BADD” we became. Balance and Dizziness Disorders ARE bad Through the years, members complain that… Continue reading Balance and Dizziness (vestibular) Disorders
Hope
“Life is available only in the present moment.” “No one has ever lived in the past or the future, only the now.” “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” “While you are walking, smile and be in the here and now, and you will transform that place into paradise.” “Yesterday is already gone. Tomorrow is not yet here. Today is the only day available to us; it is the most important day of our lives.” (Courtesy Thich Nhat Hanh) Continue reading Hope
Giving something back.
I predominantly offer Psychotherapy sessions for parents/carers of children who are on the Autistic spectrum or who have Special Needs. We walk and talk in Nature, rather than sit inside a room, and this form of therapy is found to be more relaxing, while enjoying the natural environment. There are not many people who can afford to pay out in excess of £50 for an hour of Counselling or Psychotherapy, as these sessions are never just once a week; they go on for weeks, months and sometimes longer. This is an expensive outlay for most people. As a parent of … Continue reading Giving something back.
Beware of Shovelling Snow
Every winter, about 100 people in the US die while shovelling snow. Why? A study looking at data from 1990 to 2006 by researchers at the US Nationwide Children’s Hospital recorded 1,647 fatalities from cardiac-related injuries associated with shovelling snow. In Canada, these deaths make the news every winter. Cardiologist Barry Franklin, an expert in the hazardous effects of snow removal, believes the number of deaths could be double that. “I believe we lose hundreds of people each year because of this activity,” says Franklin, director of preventative cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at William Beaumont Hospital, Michigan. His team found … Continue reading Beware of Shovelling Snow
Listening to your partner
I was reading an article in a newspaper the other day, about a GP Doctor, who was enjoying his usual cup of coffee and cereal with his wife, one morning somewhere in the UK. His wife noticed that some cereal was dribbling down his mouth, and it was uncharacteristic of her husband not to clean it up immediately. She also suggested that his speech was a little slurred, but she was brushed off as being ‘silly’. He struggled a little bit with the keyboard on the computer, but again, he thought this could be anything. The Doctor went about his … Continue reading Listening to your partner
Body Image
Body image is something that many people are concerned about and which has a negative effect on their Mental Health. Feelings of being low or depressed contribute to anxieties around their appearance, especially when out in the public domain. Finding clothes that change our outward appearance helps, yet it is inside that the greatest challenges are, which thousands of people have to face each day of their lives. Below are some suggestions which may help in coping with Body image: Practice Mindfulness – this involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help … Continue reading Body Image
Coping with Fear
Fear is one of the most powerful emotions; it has a very strong effect on your mind and body. Fear can create strong signals of response when we’re in emergencies; it can also take effect when you’re faced with non-dangerous events, like exams, public speaking, a new job, a date, or even a party. It’s a natural response to a threat that can be either perceived or real. Fear and anxiety can last for a short time and then pass, but they can also last much longer and you can get stuck with them. In some cases they can take … Continue reading Coping with Fear
Finding Meaning – Every Day
It is easy to become complacent in life and just do enough to get by. Have you taken things for granted? Can you be quite content to let others do the running? We all get like this at one time or another, and it is easy to sit back and watch. I was on the phone to a friend the other day asking how they were, and they said that they were lacking motivation to get up and do anything; preferring to watch some box-sets on Netflix for a few days, eating the remains of the Christmas chocolates and other … Continue reading Finding Meaning – Every Day
Change the way you approach a problem.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein. I love this quote by Albert Einstein. What do you think when you read it? Sometimes I wish the governments of the world would the above quote and change the way they approach their problems; it would certainly be refreshing for us all! We can easily get caught up in a cycle of negativity while trying to overcome problems, and before long they seem bigger than before, as the same way of thinking brings about the same results. If you have a problem, … Continue reading Change the way you approach a problem.
Have a Nap
In need of a quick shut-eye? Don’t ignore your body and take some time to re-energize throughout the day. Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep last night, or just feel lethargic and cannot be bothered. There are many positive reasons for finding some time during the day to have some ‘me-time’ by closing your eyes for a quick nap. Naps boost alertness and improve motor performance, which is why you should feel energized after taking one. The length of your nap determines the benefits. 10 minutes to 30 minutes, may make you feel groggy on waking, but your body will … Continue reading Have a Nap
Coping with Anxiety – Mindfulness Meditation
Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19 7 – Mindfulness Meditation Thinking back to what we have managed to do in such a short space of time, I would like to talk you through a short mindfulness meditation to help you sleep/rest, as your body adjusts to the changes in your new routine of waking at dawn. Going to bed at a time earlier than you are used to can be a challenge, however you will start to feel the benefits soon, and of top of this, your anxiety level will reduce too. If you … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Mindfulness Meditation
Coping with Anxiety – Watching the Food Intake
6 – Watching the food intake I know, it is so easy to eat half that packet of biscuits while consuming 4 coffees all before lunchtime! You didn’t do this while at work prior to the pandemic did you? What has changed? Too much time on our hands? From the previous article, on Shaking your Body Alive, I invited you to adjust your sleeping times, and start to waken at 6am. You body takes time to change to your new regime, and will still urge you to eat when it says so; it has been pre-programmed to require energy … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Watching the Food Intake
Coping with Anxiety – Shake your Body Alive!!
Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19 5 – Shake your body alive Instead of sleeping in your bed until noon (or later) it is time to alter the body clock! Leave the phone on silent and stay away from the TV remote as long as possible from the time you waken. Set your alarm for 6am. Have a wash, taking extra care of your appearance – imagine you are going on a hot date! Take some time, whether in the shower or in front of the mirror, to tell yourself what you want … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Shake your Body Alive!!
Coping with Anxiety – Moving up a gear with Fitness
Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19 4 – Moving up a gear with Fitness Thank you for continuing to follow this short helping strategy for anyone who needs a little help in changing their way of life. Anxious or just a feeling of never ending sameness, can put you into a negative cycle and promote unhealthy habits. I hope these instructions can assist positive change to your routine. Stand in an area where you feel safe, for instance if you have balance issues, stand beside a wall. Now I want you to march … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Moving up a gear with Fitness
Coping with Anxiety – Improve Fitness
Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19 3 – Improve fitness Being advised to stay inside your home during this pandemic has its challenges, which may also have increased the level of anxieties experienced. It is a worrying time regarding the health of the people in the world, but you have to try and concentrate on YOU for now. If you were to remain seated watching TV or sleeping most of the day away, adding in the extra comfort eating while being entertained, it is reasonable to presume that your weight will increase too. It … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Improve Fitness
Coping with Anxiety – Re-enter the Community
Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19 2 – Re-enter the Community Continuing on from the last suggestion of Engaging in a Useful Activity, it is helpful to try to take things slowly at first. If you decided to do a bit of spring cleaning or learn a new hobby like painting or playing a musical instrument, please take baby-steps and go at an easy pace. There is however a need to re-engage with society, even though it is not exactly as you may remember it. If you suffer from anxiety, you can find yourself … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Re-enter the Community
Coping with Anxiety – Engaging in a Useful Activity
Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19 1 – Engage in a Useful Activity Concern over the outbreak of the Coronavirus is perfectly common. Some individuals, however, can experience extreme anxiety which can affect their everyday lives. My first suggestion to help manage anxiety in this present situation, would be to try and engage your brain in a useful activity. I am not talking about watching the latest box set of your favourite drama on TV! Decide to tidy up one room in your house, like a spring cleaning? Go through your items and … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Engaging in a Useful Activity
Taking someone for granted?
A short story highlighting how we can take a partner for granted. I know that I do this, how about you? A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife’s car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against … Continue reading Taking someone for granted?
Let me have the courage to believe in myself
Let me have the courage to believe in myself Not only on the days when I’m going great and nothing seems impossible, But on the days when the world looks lousy and I’m losing. And the road ahead seems too hard; When I wonder if I’m brave enough, smart enough, Strong enough, and I must be crazy if I try Don’t let me quit – Let me have courage in myself. No matter how many people discourage me, doubt, Laugh at me, warn me, think me a fool… Don’t let me listen. Let me hear another voice saying, “You can … Continue reading Let me have the courage to believe in myself
Self Worth
Worth A speaker started off his seminar by holding a £20 bill in the air. In a room of 200 people, he asked, “Who would like a £20 bill?”. Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this to one of you but first let me do this…” He proceeded to crumple up the bill. He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still hands were up in the air. “Well, what if I do this?” He dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now … Continue reading Self Worth
Walk and Talk Therapy
From a young age I was aware that being out in the open countryside was good for you, both physically and mentally. As a wee boy, I would always feel better for having played outside. I was lucky enough to grow up near enough to woods and parks, so being able to run freely outside my home was second nature to me. Now, many decades later, I have come to appreciate that being out in the elements really is therapeutically good for you. And that is why I offer my clients the opportunity of doing what I call “Walking and Talking Therapy” – which … Continue reading Walk and Talk Therapy
