19 Oct November 2020 – Case Managers
When Life Gives You Lemons…make Lemonade!
How do you feel when you hear a positive saying like this? Some people will roll their eyes or shake their head. Maybe even chime in with a negative comment. Other people will smile, nod and agree. Time and time again studies have proven that our attitude towards life and situations we face have an affect on the outcomes. Research has shown that people tend to become less optimistic later in life. While this may make sense, maintaining or learning to have an optimistic thinking pattern and a positive approach to life can have amazing benefits. In fact, decades of research has proven that healthy people who are optimistic report feeling better than equally healthy people who are pessimistic. Keep in mind, being optimistic doesn’t mean someone is happy all of the time. Being optimistic is deciding to face a situation with a positive attitude knowing there will be better times ahead. Here are ten reasons why becoming an optimist may benefit you!
10 Reasons to Think Like An Optimist
1. Optimists feel healthier – In a worldwide study optimists rated their health and sense of welling significantly higher than pessimists did. Makes sense since optimists take lemons and make lemonade, right?
2. Optimists ARE healthier – A recent study found people with a high level of optimism have a healthier heart and a lower level of triglycerides (bad cholesterol). Paying attention to your diet is still recommended.
3. Optimists are more likely to be Centenarians – Want to reach 100 years old? Learn optimism!
4. Optimists take fewer sick days – Studies have found strong connections between being optimistic about our health and a having strong immune system. Does it mean optimists don’t get sick? Of course not, but
positive thinking can affect the severity of illness and your recovery time.
5. Optimists are less prone to freak out – Optimists produce less cortisol (stress hormone) therefore are less likely to get upset, angry or panicked when facing stress. Optimists don’t sweat the small stuff.
6. Optimists are the best dates – It was put to the test! Romantic relationships benefit from a sunny disposition and positive attitudes. Optimistic people tend to be happier in life and in their relationships.
7. Optimists have happier 9-5s – People who see their glass as half full identify as being happier in their jobs and have fewer complaints at work than people who see their glass has half empty.
8. Optimists get more job offers and promotions – Ever think your outlook on life could affect your chances of getting a job, promotion or raise? It does according to a study of graduate students.
9. Optimists are better at bouncing back – It makes sense right? When life gives you lemons do you pout about it or make lemonade? Lemon pie or a lemon martini work just the same 🙂
10. Optimists make better athletes – It doesn’t always come down to muscle mass and ability. One study of swimmers proved this to be true. After swimming their fastest, the swimmers were given a false time (7 seconds was added to the actual time). The optimists’ reaction fueled an even faster time in the next race where the pessimists did worse. Adapted from happify.com
Our brains and bodies work in mysterious ways! If you would like more information on being optimistic or changing your thought patterns, feel free to contact me. My cup is half-full and I know we will get through this global pandemic but supporting each other.
Stay safe, Julie
THANK YOU VETERANS
I’ve been blessed to know many wonderful Veterans. Thank you for serving so that we may enjoy the freedom we have today. ~ Becky
Veteran Discounts & Resources
- DODReads.com is a Veteran run website where you can read books, articles, interviews or listen to Military related podcasts. This website has free material as well as material you may purchase if you choose.
- The National Archives & Records Administration is a great source to look at historical documents, but is also a great resource for Veterans; request military records, browse Military photos, request replacements for lost medals or awards and more. Check it out at www.archives.gov.
- Apple products – 10% off for any past or present Military member (immediate family under same roof also eligible).
- Costco – New members will receive a $30 Costco shopping card when you join.
- Buying a car? Ask if they offer a Military discount.
- Sherwin Williams – 15% off for Vet’s & spouses.
- Ring home security – 20% off of products when ordered off their website.
“Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
November is National Family Caregiver Month
If you are a caregiver, have been a caregiver or know a caregiver, then you are well aware of what this role means. Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Often times the caregiver puts his or her needs last.
- Caregivers – don’t hesitate to reach out to a family member or friend if you need something. Self care is crucial.
- Family and friends of caregivers often ask how they can help. We would suggest you offer to run an errand, pick up some groceries or offer to provide some respite, so the caregiver can take some time to themselves.
- This is especially important right now when many of us are isolated and feel alone.
Please give Julie or myself a call if you need resources for support or would like more details about the Caregiver Support group.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
~ Christopher Reeve
Olivia will be 7 months old on November 11. She likes bird watching, turning the page at story time and mimicking others. Her mom told me that someone taught her to blow raspberries. Oops… no teeth yet, but she’s working at them!
As we enter this holiday season, I hope that you and your family find peace and joy. Be safe and stay well. ~ Becky