Facing Challenges

Sometimes we don’t need a complete overhaul, we just need to fine tune some things. We may be limited physically, cognitively or financially, but there are plenty of things we can do that don’t cost much money or present insurmountable physical or cognitive challenges.

First, take a good look at your home environment, both inside and out. Do you enjoy coming home to it? Is it pleasant to be in for extended periods of time? If not, why not? Is it cluttered, poorly maintained or just plain dirty? If it is, take an hour each day to make repairs or to pick things up and either throw them away or put them in their proper places (don’t just rearrange the clutter!). Then, give everything a good cleaning. Coming home to and spending time in a house that is clutter free, clean and smells great can make a big difference in your attitude and emotional well-being. It doesn’t cost much money but the benefits are big. Are you having difficulty cleaning your home due to physical limitations? If so, have you contacted local agencies to determine for which services you qualify and to apply for those services? The Denton County Community Resources directory is available under the Resources tab on this website.

Now, take a good look at the lighting and décor in your home and, if you work outside the home, in your office or cubicle. Are you maximizing ambient and artificial light? Have you surrounded yourself with pleasant pictures and objects or those that represent your feelings of depression/helplessness/hopelessness? What about plants? Again, easy inexpensive changes that can make a big difference.

Now, how do you spend your free time? Do you hole up at home or do you engage in activities outside of the home? Denton has so many free and inexpensive things to do. Here’s a link to Trip Advisor’s list:  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g55732-Activities-Denton_Texas.html. Between DCTA and SPAN you should be able to get to all of them. Money not a concern? Try a new (to you at least) restaurant, coffee house, artisan bakery or craft brewery. Have you ever been to any of the ethnic markets in Denton? You may discover your new favorite food or beverage.

Still in the mood to stay home? Alright, but instead of watching the same shows or playing the same video games, how about renting an audiobook, CD or DVD from the public library? BUT, if you’re going to stay home, at least pick an author, genre or topic you’re not familiar with.

Next week we’ll examine your social environment and the impact it has on your well-being.

 

Disclaimer: This blog is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses or trauma, and Dr. Emick is not responsible for your use of this educational material or its consequences. Furthermore, reading this blog does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The information contained within this blog is not intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate, or best care for any given physical or behavioral health issue, nor does it take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the reader. If you have questions about the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a condition or illness, you should consult your personal health care professional. As always, consult with your personal health care professional before beginning or changing any fitness or nutrition program to make sure that it is appropriate for your needs. Dr. Emick reserves the right to modify her positions on a subject based upon new research or data as it presents.