Social Well-being

Willpower Part 2: Getting clarity

The brain needs tasks to be finished. If you have uncompleted tasks or any unmet goals in your life, they have a strong tendency to keep popping up in your mind. We can clear our minds by writing down a plan, because that gets the items out of the mind. Then you won’t be beating yourself up, thinking that you don’t have enough willpower to do whatever it is you’re wanting to accomplish.  

Willpower Part 1: Finite amount or endless supply?

Have you ever noticed your willpower fading as the day wears on? Maybe you find it harder to get things done. You might lose patience and snap at loved ones, or find your thoughts spiraling out of control. Perhaps you experience decision fatigue – feeling like you can’t make any more decisions, and compromise becomes more difficult. The reason is that we have a finite amount of willpower, and it becomes depleted as we use it. We use willpower to

Caregiving – Part 2, Survival Strategies

If you want to have more positive feelings about caregiving, reduce your risk of becoming depressed and anxious, feel less frustrated or burdened, and feel better physically and emotionally, consider if some or all of the following tips might help you move in a more positive direction.

Caregiving – Part I, The Burden

If you provide care for someone, you are not alone. In 2007, 2.7 million Canadians aged 45 and older – 1 in 5 – provided care or assistance to an older family member or friend. That works out to $24 to $31 billion worth of informal support. * As a caregiver you may provide practical support (e.g. driving, getting groceries), personal care (e.g. washing hair), emotional support and companionship, and provide information. You may feel satisfaction in providing care, and your emotional bonds and affection are likely strong and meaningful.

Burden of care – personal

But you might also feel anger and resentment about the situation, and stress can lead to burnout. Guilt is common, because caregivers often believe they should do more, and think they could provide better care than they do.