2021 is a New Year with New Opportunities!
Let me begin by saying, that no matter what is still happening in our world we still need to make a plan, to try to reach the best versions of ourselves we can for the New Year.
What are some of the things I plan on working on you ask? Well here is my short list for the year.
BE KIND: The first thing on my list I feel is the most important step to a happy and healthy New Year is to continue to “Be Kind” at every opportunity I get. Wearing masks can make it feel like everyone is disconnected, distant from everyone else. Our faces tell our story, mood, feelings - without the ability to see each other we truly are not sure what the other person feels. This is why it is so important to continue to smile under our masks, laugh and feel humor, speak softly but clearly, and if someone needs someone to listen, just be kind. We are in the most stressful time of our lives so we need to take a pause, rest, relax, and find enjoyment.
EXERCISE: I know we have talked about this before but I think we really have to make the effort to get some type of exercise. Most offices limit how much you can walk around and interact during COVID, as we need to keep our distance. This can keep some in the position of being completely sedentary, which leads to weight gain, and can cause health conditions to worsen. There are so many ways to enjoy exercise, take a walk outside, and stretch at your desk. The fit watches can even remind you to get up and move so that you avoid a sedentary pattern.
HEALTHY EATING: We do not need to think diet, let us think balance. Our bodies require a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight and medical health. Think grazing and portion control - not calorie starving your body. Doing that can cause hair loss, and damage to your precious organs. Such a great variety of healthy foods and snacks, and food delivery services can supplement healthy meals with a busy work and home life. Talk via telehealth to your doctor so you can create a successful plan together so that weight comes off slow and steady.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW: I have been researching all sorts of new things to occupy my spare time when home from work that will teach me fun new skills. The internet has unlimited places you can look at to do everything from crafts to woodcarving. Use your imagination and choose a couple of things to try to let your mind have a break from the stresses of the world. This pandemic has really changed how we do things so we either just sit there and be bored and frustrated or we do a little fun research and pick a fun new skill to learn. You can learn how to make the Chocolate Coco Bombs that is all the rage. Maybe beadwork is your thing that relaxes your mind. The choices are endless. Start with one idea and next thing you know you are ready to master a second. I discovered Etsy, and all I can say is wow! All the talented people creating beautiful things and selling them online. Maybe due to physical limitations you are stuck at home unable to leave your home to work. Research an online start up business. The only barrier is the one you create in your mind.
SOCIALIZE: The internet once again provides us all sorts of choices to stay connected virtually. There are dozens of platforms to join so that you do not need to loose contact with loved ones. Socializing is a very important part to a healthy mind and spirit. Isolation can bring on depression and anxiety, so let us all get together even if it is virtually for now. I meet up with friends and family in the virtual world so we can stay connected. There are support groups online and others shared virtually via Zoom. Look under support groups on our website. You can always form a close circle of friends and meet on a weekly basis - think coffee time, happy hour, needlepoint, dancing! Just reach out as I do you so are not alone.
BIGGEST GOAL FOR 2021: I AM GOING TO LIVE MY BEST LIFE UNLIMBITED!!!! Find your new normal, keep all your appointments’ with your Doctor, and your Prosthetist, we are all part of a team that wants you to return to a quality of life! So dream about your mountain, reach for it, and do not stop until you have climbed to the top of your personal mountain. That is my goal for 2020!
New Years Quote:
I Wish You Happiness
Be inspired to take control of your own happiness with endearing journey offering love, hope, and divine insights from the universe. Be present in your life and become part of the new Happiness Movement!
Author Elise Bradfield
These tips are informed suggestions. If you do not feel comfortable with them, please do not attempt them. Instead as always contact your medical professional or your prosthetist for help and advice.
If you have a question for me about living as an amputee, ask! And if I don’t know the answer, I will find it for you, and I will leave no stone unturned to help you find your own personal new normal. If there is a topic you would like me to feature please let me know! I want us all to grow strong together. Email me at Dawn@dankmeyer.com. This email is not secure, so if you wish to keep any specific health information private, you should call us!
Dawn Miranda recently joined Dankmeyer, Inc. as a Prosthetist Assistant after relocating from San Antonio, TX. To read more about Dawn on our Clinical Staff page, click here.