Healing the Whole Person Handout

As part of my introduction, I mentioned the "Healing the Whole Person" handout I continue to work on. Here is the most current edition.

Healing the Whole Person
Whether you are a caregiver or living with a chronic or life threatening condition, you are more than the diagnosis. Feeling powerless in the face of illness is common. It is easy to define yourself by what you can no longer do and how you appear. You may feel that you have been robbed of everything that makes life worth living. Yet great things can be achieved by connecting with your inner self, identity, soul, spirit or whatever form you choose to call the core of who you are versus what you appear to be.

Keep in mind the following
• There’s no benefit in blaming yourself or others for your present situation
• You are doing the best you can and your best is more than good enough.
• Every one has “something” to deal with. This is your something.
• You can have feelings of being disconnected to yourself, family and friends. You may find yourself feeling extremely angry or sad. Be patient with yourself. If the feelings continue to persist for several weeks, or are interfering with your life, get professional help.
• Breathe.

Live in the moment: You only need to live one minute at a time. Think smaller rather than bigger.

Practice Happiness: The following 10 steps were developed as part of the BBC’s 2005 Documentary Making Slough Happy
• Plant something and nurture it

• Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day

• Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week

• Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up

• Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it

• Have a good laugh at least once a day

• Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week

• Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day

• Cut your TV viewing by half

• Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day

I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. Dali Lama

Develop or use your spirituality and/or faith: For some this may be a renewed faith in their religion for others it is an opportunity to find beliefs that provide comfort.

Don’t lose hope

Make achievable goals

Ask for Help

Keep a Journal: Write about feelings and thoughts.

Take an Art Break: Engaging in art activities can reduce stress and increase well being. You can play or listen to music, draw, paint, write a poem, dance, bake or work on a craft project. The sky’s the limit.

Meditate: Inhale through your nose to the count of four or more. Exhale slowly, with lips puckered, through your mouth for as long as you can. As you exhale, listen to the sounds you make. Do you notice a difference in how your face feels as you let go of the tension? Repeat as many times that are comfortable for you, keeping in mind the saying, “take 10 deep breaths.” You can also try meditation on-line by going to Google or You Tube and search the video section.

Manage Your Health
• Keep a health notebook
• Maintain healthy habits by:
- Eating well;
- Reducing sugar & caffeine in your diet;
- Regular exercise as health permits (consider yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong); and
- Getting sufficient sleep
• Keep medical appointments
• Join a support group to help yourself and so you can help others
• Recognize you are in charge of your health care and act accordingly
• Identify resources in your community that can help you get what you need
• Developing and maintaining good relationships with your health providers