Chris Hadfield- tips on spaceship living Can't handle two weeks in your house? Try a year in space.
VICTOR TANGERMANN MARCH 24TH 2020
Retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield also had some advice to give in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel over the weekend.
His advice is to approach the situation from an analytical place.
“Once you understand the risk and your mission, your sense of purpose, and your obligations, then take action. Start doing things,” Chris Hadfield said.
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The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line informs, supports and connects for older Australians
Some older people are vulnerable to COVID-19 but less connected to the internet and in need of ways to access information for their circumstances. The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support.
Older Australians, their families, friends and carers can FREECALL 1800 171 866 if they:
would like to talk with someone about the COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on them
feel lonely or worry about a loved one
care for someone and need some information or someone to talk to
need help or advice about changing the aged care services they are receiving
need help to access new care services or essential supplies such as shopping
have concern about themselves, a friend or family member living with Dementia
would like to arrange a one-off or regular wellbeing check for themselves, or someone else.
Older Australians, their relatives, carers, friends or supporters can:
call 1800 171 866
8.30am – 6pm AEST weekdays
for any information or services they may need.
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line is a joint initiative of:
COTA Australia,
Dementia Australia,
National Seniors and
OPAN,
supported by funding from the Australian Government.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Whatever situation you are in right now, how you feel and what you do is within your control :-)
Getting and accepting help can be an important step to fixing the problem.
Another thing you can do is to put yourself in the right state of mind to achieve a positive result.
Here are some ideas for how to improve how you feel and act -
1. Realise that you have personal power:
From renowned psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl:
"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts, comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."
Often the biggest barrier to achieving what you want is focusing too much on external things over which you have no control. This can leave you with feelings of being anxious, vulnerable, angry, frustrated or depressed.
Whatever the situation, You always have tremendous personal power. You control what you think, which affects how you feel. If there are actions that will improve the situation, you can resolve to take them. If the situation seems hopeless, you can work on making the best of it and improving your position--bit by bit. By focusing on what is within your power, you will start to build positive energy.
2. Reflect or meditate:
People meditate to promote relaxation and build internal energy or life force. It can also be used to improve compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. While meditation is not for everyone, any person can benefit by applying some of the principles.
Meditating is about calming the mind. It is particularly useful for when you keep thinking the sames things over and over, such as reliving a negative experience, or if your thoughts are jumbled. Meditation helps you focus on simple things and slow down enough to change your thought patterns.
Meditation often starts with finding a quiet, comfortable place that is free of distractions and taking slow, deep breaths. But doing things such as walking and bike riding can also induce meditative states.
There are many different things you can task your mind with while meditating. Whatever it is, it should create calm feelings and lead to a natural, gentle flow of thoughts. Examples are imagining that you are flying over the countryside, or focusing on different parts of your body (starting with the toes).
3. Look at the situation objectively:
A common barrier to solving a problem is injecting emotional factors into one’s thinking. You might be focusing on the negative consequences of an event or situation (such as 'losing yourself ' as your caring duties take over). You might also be making moral judgements (i.e. this wouldn’t be happening if people were fairer or more considerate and took the time to look at how my whole life has changed). No-one Sees ME anymore.
To process the problem and arrive at a solution, you need to accept the facts as they are. Then you are in a position to focus on what can be done rather than what cannot been done. It is not a matter of rejecting or ignoring your feelings, it is about setting them aside so that you can best take action.
4. Figure out what is within your power:
You may be surprised at how much scope you personally have to achieve a particular goal in your life. Some actions may be big and some may be small. But, in almost any situation, you can improve outcomes or how you cope by doing something. By thinking creatively about what you can do, you will quickly gain a greater sense of personal empowerment.
5. Commit to action:
Solving personal problems and improving your life comes down to action and not just intentions. Once you have figured out what you want to achieve and the things you need to do to get there, then you must act.
Some ways to ensure you get results and don’t give up are:
Some Extra Tips to help you both as the disease/condition/age of your loved one progresses:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/family-caregiving.htm
and do remember that YOU the Carer, CAN maintain your own health, and a semblance of control even in those circumstances that you think/ feel are totally Out of your control...
and... "Those Visiting Relatives!"
Carers Payments and services if you provide care for someone with a severe disability, illness or a frail and aged adult.
Go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/carers
01 February 2020
This site has been Extraordinarily thought out. Just click on whatever information/services you are looking for and 'click'...
- - - - - - - -
The Australian Government rolled out a range of new early-intervention services and supports for carers in late 2019. These new services have been designed based on evidence that shows the best way to help carers is to help them early in their caring role, increase their skills and reduce the strain of caring. These new services can help you get the support you need before reaching crisis point. New services to give you support and skills New services are currently being designed and tested with carers.
more at National Carer Gateway
How to say, "No". The Most Difficult Word for a Carer - any Carer...
YOU do not have to do this all by Yourself. There IS help. The first thing to do is 'Just Ask'. Call 1800 422 737. It's OK. It's Not your fault.
Sometimes it 'Just IS'. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
The carer coaching service provides an opportunity for you to explore the impacts of your caring role on your life.
Designed in partnership with carers, each coaching session will get you thinking about:
Each session includes evidence supported information, practical tips, resources, reflection activities and stories from real Australian carers.There are eight coaching sessions available.
Peer support to assist you to connect with and learn from other carers. This online community forum will help carers share their stories, knowledge and experience with others.
Self-guided coaching to support and teach your skills useful to your caring situation. The coaching modules will cover a range of topics and can be completed at your own pace online.
A new phone-based counselling service to provide short term emotional and psychological support.
Practical skills courses to improve your general skills and knowledge are being gradually rolled out. You can explore the first two modules, Dealing with stress, and Effective communication techniques now on www.carergateway.gov.au.
Improvements includes the introduction of new early-intervention services and a new service delivery model that will provide carers with a support system that is easy to navigate and provides a consistent experience across the country.
New services to give you support and skills -Carer Gateway is setting up services to give you support and skills.
Since April 2020, you are able to get:
A new way to get the help you need:
Since September 2019, you are able to call just one number to find the help you need.
Carer Gateway will talk through what you need and help you to find services and support in your area. We are setting up new local Carer Gateway service providers to make sure that the person you talk with knows your area and can give you direct help.
We will help you with:
These new services can help you to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and get the support you need before reaching crisis point.
The individual’s coping style to psychosocial stress impacts the stress-induced pathological changes and the risk of psychological disorders such as depression.
For an in-depth understanding of Mental Health topics - A - Z.
Download booklet beyondblue’s 'A guide to what works for anxiety'
7 Carer Coping Skills and Planning tips for those Special Occasions
Those Special Occasions/Celebrations are a challenging time for Carers, for many it can be overwhelming, stressful with mixed emotions such as anxiety, love and sadness. Some family members that you don’t often see may find it difficult to understand the complexities of a mental illness, which could lead to loved ones feeling rejected.
Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing
A growing body of epidemiological evidence indicates that greater exposure to, or ‘contact with’, natural environments (such as parks, woodlands and beaches) is associated with better health and well-being, at least among populations in high income, largely urbanised, societies. While the quantity and quality of evidence varies across outcomes, living in greener urban areas is associated with lower probabilities of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, asthma hospitalisation, mental distress, and ultimately mortality, among adults; and lower risks of obesity and myopia in children. Greater quantities of neighbourhood nature are also associated with better self-reported health, and subjective well-being in adults, and improved birth outcomes, and cognitive development, in children.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3#ref-CR2
06 June 2020
VICTOR TANGERMANN MARCH 24TH 2020
Retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield also had some advice to give in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel over the weekend.
His advice is to approach the situation from an analytical place.
- First, figure out the actual risks that you and your loved ones are facing right now.
- Then find an objective and set yourself goals.
“Once you understand the risk and your mission, your sense of purpose, and your obligations, then take action. Start doing things,” Chris Hadfield said.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line informs, supports and connects for older Australians
Some older people are vulnerable to COVID-19 but less connected to the internet and in need of ways to access information for their circumstances. The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support.
Older Australians, their families, friends and carers can FREECALL 1800 171 866 if they:
would like to talk with someone about the COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on them
feel lonely or worry about a loved one
care for someone and need some information or someone to talk to
need help or advice about changing the aged care services they are receiving
need help to access new care services or essential supplies such as shopping
have concern about themselves, a friend or family member living with Dementia
would like to arrange a one-off or regular wellbeing check for themselves, or someone else.
Older Australians, their relatives, carers, friends or supporters can:
call 1800 171 866
8.30am – 6pm AEST weekdays
for any information or services they may need.
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line is a joint initiative of:
COTA Australia,
Dementia Australia,
National Seniors and
OPAN,
supported by funding from the Australian Government.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Whatever situation you are in right now, how you feel and what you do is within your control :-)
Getting and accepting help can be an important step to fixing the problem.
Another thing you can do is to put yourself in the right state of mind to achieve a positive result.
Here are some ideas for how to improve how you feel and act -
1. Realise that you have personal power:
From renowned psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl:
"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts, comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."
Often the biggest barrier to achieving what you want is focusing too much on external things over which you have no control. This can leave you with feelings of being anxious, vulnerable, angry, frustrated or depressed.
Whatever the situation, You always have tremendous personal power. You control what you think, which affects how you feel. If there are actions that will improve the situation, you can resolve to take them. If the situation seems hopeless, you can work on making the best of it and improving your position--bit by bit. By focusing on what is within your power, you will start to build positive energy.
2. Reflect or meditate:
People meditate to promote relaxation and build internal energy or life force. It can also be used to improve compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. While meditation is not for everyone, any person can benefit by applying some of the principles.
Meditating is about calming the mind. It is particularly useful for when you keep thinking the sames things over and over, such as reliving a negative experience, or if your thoughts are jumbled. Meditation helps you focus on simple things and slow down enough to change your thought patterns.
Meditation often starts with finding a quiet, comfortable place that is free of distractions and taking slow, deep breaths. But doing things such as walking and bike riding can also induce meditative states.
There are many different things you can task your mind with while meditating. Whatever it is, it should create calm feelings and lead to a natural, gentle flow of thoughts. Examples are imagining that you are flying over the countryside, or focusing on different parts of your body (starting with the toes).
3. Look at the situation objectively:
A common barrier to solving a problem is injecting emotional factors into one’s thinking. You might be focusing on the negative consequences of an event or situation (such as 'losing yourself ' as your caring duties take over). You might also be making moral judgements (i.e. this wouldn’t be happening if people were fairer or more considerate and took the time to look at how my whole life has changed). No-one Sees ME anymore.
To process the problem and arrive at a solution, you need to accept the facts as they are. Then you are in a position to focus on what can be done rather than what cannot been done. It is not a matter of rejecting or ignoring your feelings, it is about setting them aside so that you can best take action.
4. Figure out what is within your power:
You may be surprised at how much scope you personally have to achieve a particular goal in your life. Some actions may be big and some may be small. But, in almost any situation, you can improve outcomes or how you cope by doing something. By thinking creatively about what you can do, you will quickly gain a greater sense of personal empowerment.
5. Commit to action:
Solving personal problems and improving your life comes down to action and not just intentions. Once you have figured out what you want to achieve and the things you need to do to get there, then you must act.
Some ways to ensure you get results and don’t give up are:
- have some sort of practical plan, even if it is just a sketch in your mind
- start with small, achievable steps
- try to enjoy the process of achieving your goal
- persist when things get tough (remember that few great things are easily achieved)
- and Accept Help - from whatever direction it comes.
Some Extra Tips to help you both as the disease/condition/age of your loved one progresses:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/family-caregiving.htm
and do remember that YOU the Carer, CAN maintain your own health, and a semblance of control even in those circumstances that you think/ feel are totally Out of your control...
and... "Those Visiting Relatives!"
Carers Payments and services if you provide care for someone with a severe disability, illness or a frail and aged adult.
Go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/carers
01 February 2020
This site has been Extraordinarily thought out. Just click on whatever information/services you are looking for and 'click'...
- Disability and carers
- Education
- Employment
- Family and domestic violence
- Health
- Housing
- Legal services
- Mental health
- Money
- Older Australians
- Raising Children
- Relationships
- Separated parents
- Travelling
- - - - - - - -
The Australian Government rolled out a range of new early-intervention services and supports for carers in late 2019. These new services have been designed based on evidence that shows the best way to help carers is to help them early in their caring role, increase their skills and reduce the strain of caring. These new services can help you get the support you need before reaching crisis point. New services to give you support and skills New services are currently being designed and tested with carers.
more at National Carer Gateway
How to say, "No". The Most Difficult Word for a Carer - any Carer...
YOU do not have to do this all by Yourself. There IS help. The first thing to do is 'Just Ask'. Call 1800 422 737. It's OK. It's Not your fault.
Sometimes it 'Just IS'. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
The carer coaching service provides an opportunity for you to explore the impacts of your caring role on your life.
Designed in partnership with carers, each coaching session will get you thinking about:
- how you are going,
- how you’d like things to be and
- how you might be able to take steps towards making that happen.
Each session includes evidence supported information, practical tips, resources, reflection activities and stories from real Australian carers.There are eight coaching sessions available.
Peer support to assist you to connect with and learn from other carers. This online community forum will help carers share their stories, knowledge and experience with others.
Self-guided coaching to support and teach your skills useful to your caring situation. The coaching modules will cover a range of topics and can be completed at your own pace online.
A new phone-based counselling service to provide short term emotional and psychological support.
Practical skills courses to improve your general skills and knowledge are being gradually rolled out. You can explore the first two modules, Dealing with stress, and Effective communication techniques now on www.carergateway.gov.au.
Improvements includes the introduction of new early-intervention services and a new service delivery model that will provide carers with a support system that is easy to navigate and provides a consistent experience across the country.
New services to give you support and skills -Carer Gateway is setting up services to give you support and skills.
Since April 2020, you are able to get:
- Phone counselling – you can talk with a counsellor over the phone if you are feeling stressed or if you need advice
- Online connection to other carers – you can join the carer community forum to be part of an online community and get support and advice from other carers
- Self-guided coaching – you can work through interactive coaching sessions at your own pace to help you in your caring role
- Skills courses – you can use our online education resources to learn new skills and strategies for looking after someone and looking after yourself.
A new way to get the help you need:
Since September 2019, you are able to call just one number to find the help you need.
Carer Gateway will talk through what you need and help you to find services and support in your area. We are setting up new local Carer Gateway service providers to make sure that the person you talk with knows your area and can give you direct help.
We will help you with:
- Carer support planning – to help you identify what areas of support will best help you in your caring role and to develop a simple plan for ongoing support and service
- Tailored financial packages – which might be
- one-off practical support in the form of equipment or items to assist in your caring role
- a range of ongoing practical supports, such as respite or transport, provided over a twelve-month period
- In-person counselling – for one-on-one support with a professional counsellor
- In-person coaching – to work one-on-one with a coach to learn new skills
- In person connection with carers – where you can meet with people in similar caring situations and share your stories, knowledge and experience
- Emergency respite care – to make sure the person you care for will be looked after if you can’t provide care because of something urgent or unplanned.
These new services can help you to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and get the support you need before reaching crisis point.
The individual’s coping style to psychosocial stress impacts the stress-induced pathological changes and the risk of psychological disorders such as depression.
For an in-depth understanding of Mental Health topics - A - Z.
Download booklet beyondblue’s 'A guide to what works for anxiety'
7 Carer Coping Skills and Planning tips for those Special Occasions
Those Special Occasions/Celebrations are a challenging time for Carers, for many it can be overwhelming, stressful with mixed emotions such as anxiety, love and sadness. Some family members that you don’t often see may find it difficult to understand the complexities of a mental illness, which could lead to loved ones feeling rejected.
Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing
A growing body of epidemiological evidence indicates that greater exposure to, or ‘contact with’, natural environments (such as parks, woodlands and beaches) is associated with better health and well-being, at least among populations in high income, largely urbanised, societies. While the quantity and quality of evidence varies across outcomes, living in greener urban areas is associated with lower probabilities of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, asthma hospitalisation, mental distress, and ultimately mortality, among adults; and lower risks of obesity and myopia in children. Greater quantities of neighbourhood nature are also associated with better self-reported health, and subjective well-being in adults, and improved birth outcomes, and cognitive development, in children.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3#ref-CR2
06 June 2020