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rel=https://api.w.org/', 'vary' => 'Accept-Encoding', 'cf-cache-status' => 'DYNAMIC', 'expect-ct' => 'max-age=604800, report-uri=https://report-uri.cloudflare.com/cdn-cgi/beacon/expect-ct', 'ki-edge' => 'v=16.6', 'x-content-type-options' => 'nosniff', 'x-edge-location-klb' => '1', 'x-kinsta-cache' => 'HIT', 'server' => 'cloudflare', 'alt-svc' => 'h3=:443; ma=86400, h3-29=:443; ma=86400, h3-28=:443; ma=86400, h3-27=:443; ma=86400' ) body => '<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <atom:link href="https://www.mydr.com.au/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <description>Health and Medical Information for Australia</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:09:46 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2</generator> <image> <url>https://www.mydr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-favicon_mydr-32x32.png</url> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">185164398</site> <item> <title>Recovering from Covid-19 – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/recovering-from-covid-19-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:04:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid recovery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79121</guid> <description><![CDATA[For those who are full vaccinated recovering from any covid-19 infection is quicker and easier then those who aren't.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092214661a56c55521ad396945793" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092214661a56c55521ad396945793" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>Recovering from COVID depends partly on whether you’re vaccinated. </p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/vaccines-for-covid-19-most-studied-in-history-dr-norman-swan/">vaccinated</a>, you tend to get a very mild illness, recovering is pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got quite a few symptoms, you tend to be much better in about a week. And it looks as though the incidence of long COVID is pretty low. </p> <p>Therefore, most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are better and recovering within a few days.</p> <p><strong><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79121</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Have an Ecological Festive Season</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2021 23:00:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Healthy Weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ecology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marine Ecology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ocean Care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43103</guid> <description><![CDATA[With Christmas is a time when we overindulge in eating and spending and therefore create more waste than any other time of the year. But as we move towards being more ecologically friendly and aware of our actions, we can continue to live a little this festive season without having a big ecological impact. Be […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>With Christmas is a time when we overindulge in eating and spending and therefore create more waste than any other time of the year.</p> <p>But as we move towards being more ecologically friendly and aware of our actions, we can continue to live a little this festive season without having a big ecological impact.</p> <h2><strong>Be Ocean Friendly and Choose What’s Abundant</strong></h2> <p>Summer is a time for hosting a seafood lunches, ordering fish and chips at the beach or stocking up at the fish market. Follow our basic guideline to make ethical seafood choices.</p> <p>This will keep our oceans sustainable with <strong>minimal impact on stocks and the wider marine environment</strong>. If we all practice sustainable seafood choices we will help the ocean relish and increase the availability of our favourite seafood.</p> <p>One great idea would be to kick off a Christmas meal with some farmed shellfish from around Australia. Mussels and oysters are a delicious and really sustainable choice.</p> <p>Some of the suggestions are <strong>King George whiting, octopus</strong> which goes well on the barbecue, <strong>grilled sardines</strong> along with things like <strong>Spanish mackerel</strong> is a great choice. So is is <strong>farmed barramundi.</strong></p> <p><strong>Australian farmed prawns</strong>. also go down perfectly for this time of the year. </p> <p>Some of the sustainable seafoods that are available this time of the year are:</p> <ul><li>Wild caught blue swimmer crabs from SA & NSW</li><li>Australian farmed Murray cod</li><li>Wild caught snapper from Victoria All wild caught Australian sardines</li><li>Australian farmed barramundi</li><li>Wild caught Western king prawns from Spencer Gulf, SA</li><li>All wild caught yellow fin bream</li><li>All wild caught tailor</li></ul> <p>To keep our seafood sustainable and further fund research and development spend more of your money fresh Australian seafood. Australian seafood producers are amongst the best in the world and it would be great to give them our support.</p> <h2><strong>Watch out for Waste</strong></h2> <p>This is the season for crazy and wild Decorations, but unfortunately when their use is over they usually end up in landfills.</p> <p>We suggest recycling everyday household items with a little creativity, it will also add a touch of your own personality.</p> <p>Gift wrappings can be made by using old newspapers and magazines, or last year’s wrapping paper. Gift bags can be reused time and time again. If you are receiving gifts that have paper wrapping, you can either reuse it next year or make sure you recycle it properly.</p> <p>Unfortunately plastic cellophane and metallic wrapping has to go to landfill, as does tinsel.</p> <p>Avoid buying <strong>Tinsel. It is plastic</strong> and is difficult to recycle. If you are gonna use it make sure its reused over several years.</p> <p>One option is to explore traditional (and modern) wooden decorations, or you could test your own creativity and do it as a family.</p> <h2><strong>Sustainable Christmas Tree</strong></h2> <p>Plastic Christmas trees are not the greenest option but they can be used over several years and become part of a households memory – like a family tree.</p> <p>Cut trees however are a better option as long as thy are from sustainable sourced plantations. One of the best options is <strong>trees that you can actually grow in a pot </strong>and repeatedly use.</p> <p>Using LED and solar powered lights is not only energy saving but can be used repeatedly over the years. Try going for non flashing ones as they use more energy.</p> <p>To avoid gifts ending up in the landfill, use <strong>jars of food and vouchers </strong>for experiences, these are an <strong>eco-friendly alternative</strong>.</p> <h2><strong>Recycle the Unwanted</strong></h2> <p>If waste is unavoidable, be sure to now what can and what cannot be recycled. Don’t put soft plastic <strong>in your kerbside bin</strong>, or your recycles <strong>in a plastic bag </strong>and then putting that in the recycling bin. </p> <p>Those won’t get recycled and will cause issues at the recycling facility. Also keep an eye out for recyclable packaging, like cream and custard cartons, these are usually recyclable. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43103</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Beating Christmas Stress and Anxiety</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2021 01:59:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Family Stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43115</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness. Christmas is also a time of  unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness.</p> <p>Christmas is also a time of unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify their grief and loneliness. Others experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict, all these make Christmas a difficult time of the year for people.</p> <p>Here are a few steps we have proved to help you manage stress and anxiety during the festive season.</p> <p><strong>If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress or anxiety, try to reach out to one of the many phone support services or talk to your family doctor.</strong></p> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Money Matters</span></strong></p> <p>The festive season can be a real burden on peoples wallets. Here are some tips for managing your finances and reducing your financial stress of the season:</p> <ul><li><strong>Identify the cause of your financial stress.</strong> Christmas can be an expensive time. Plan ways to reduce spending. You could organise a secret santa amongst the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. </li><li><strong>Find cheap ways to have fun.</strong> Don’t let money dictate how much fun you can have. organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food and substitute the expensive cocktail bars and restaurants. </li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Feuding Familes</span></strong></p> <p>Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you’ll get along. Unresolved family conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety and such gatherings could be a trigger for feelings of anxiety.</p> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Here are Some Ideas for Getting Through:</span></strong></p> <ul><li><strong>Set realistic expectations.</strong> Christmas might not be the fabulous reunion you hoped for. Plan ahead how will you manage feelings of anxiety and depression if they come along. </li><li><strong>Think of the children.</strong> If there are children around, consider their interests and put aside ongoing adult conflicts. Make Christmas a day for the kids and focus on their happiness.</li><li><strong>Control your drinking.</strong> Alcohol contributes to stress, anxiety and depression. As tempted as you may be, don’t drink to cope and drink in small amounts and drink water regularly.</li><li><strong>Avoid known triggers.</strong> If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.</li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Managing Loneliness</span></strong></p> <p>If you find yourself isolated or grieving over the Christmas period, here are a few ways to overcome loneliness: </p> <ul><li><strong>Stay connected with friends and family.</strong> Use phone and online services to overcome separation and stay in touch with friends and family.</li><li><strong>Volunteer</strong>. Find a local charity and volunteer to lend a hand. It’s a great way to connect with people and feel good about making a positive difference.</li><li><strong>Attend community events.</strong> Find out what’s on in your local area and get involved. Art, music, carols or markets getting out and attending can help relieve loneliness.</li><li><strong>Make plans for Christmas Day.</strong> Plan ahead to avoid feeling stressed or lonely on Christmas day. Make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. These things will make Christmas less stressful and lonely and you might actually make some friends. </li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Stay Healthy to Avoid Christmas Anxiety</span></strong></p> <p>Recognising and changing behaviours that contribute to your stress will help you get through the Christmas period. <strong>Remember to stay healthy</strong> by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep to help you cope with Christmas stress. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43115</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Have a Merry Covid Christmas with these 10 IDEAS:</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2021 00:42:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[christmas ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Covid Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[social distancing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43099</guid> <description><![CDATA[2020 and 2021 have been the strangest years of our existence. It has flipped everything we know and do upside down and required some very ingenious improvisation. If you are a parent in the middle of the COVID craziness, then I’m sure the holidays have crossed your mind, with a combination of excitement and dread. […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>2020 and 2021 have been the strangest years of our existence. It has flipped everything we know and do upside down and required some very ingenious improvisation. </p> <p>If you are a parent in the middle of the COVID craziness, then I’m sure the holidays have crossed your mind, with a combination of excitement and dread. We’ve brainstormed some ideas on how to celebrate Christmas while Social Distancing.</p> <h2 id="h-1-online-caroling">1. <strong>Online Caroling.</strong> </h2> <p>Caroling is a great age-old tradition. Families would gather around the fire place or out in the community and sing carols to bring Christmas cheer and lift peoples spirits.<br><br>Caroling has slowly died out of our social scene as people opt for more non-religious was of celebrating Christmas. We think it would be great idea to invite friends and family to have a communal online sing-along! Not only would be a little chaotic in the beginning to get he harmony and tune right (not to mention those who don’t even know the carols) but we could also take turns singing one by ourselves so the delay in transmission doesn’t spoilt the fun.<br><br>There are many ways in which this can bring people together, create some fun and laughter and maintain the sense of community Christmas is famous for. </p> <h2 id="h-2-send-home-made-gifts-through-the-mail">2. <strong>Send Home Made Gifts Through the Mail</strong></h2> <p>Gifting someone a handmade gift shows care, thought and love. It provides a touch of your own personality and creates bond between recover and giver that is much stronger then any department store voucher. Make something gift for someone and surprise them through the mail.</p> <h2 id="h-3-surprise-the-delivery-workers">3. <strong>Surprise the Delivery Workers.</strong></h2> <p>As a kid we always left a Christmas Card for the delivery works and would hide and watch their faces as they saw a card addressed to them sitting on our mail boxes “Dear Delivery Person”. The are the real Santa’s Little Helpers. This year will be extra busy for them, social distancing and travel restrictions means more people will be sending gifts via post. Do your bit and bring Christmas cheer to those working hard to get our prezzies around.<br></p> <h2 id="h-4-bring-christmas-joy-to-essential-workers">4. <strong>Bring Christmas Joy to Essential Workers</strong></h2> <p>They have been the real heroes of our fight against COVID and the social upheaval it has caused to our lives. From supermarket workers, delivery drivers, bus and train drivers, the army of cleaners and those in the medical, are of the many unsung heroes of this pandemic. Get your kids involved and make them special little ornaments, gift cards and out your own perusal touch to it for those who may not get the holidays off.</p> <h2 id="h-5-have-a-scavenger-hunt-around-the-house">5. <strong>Have a Scavenger Hunt around the House</strong></h2> <p>More of us will be in our homes this year than in previous years. Instead of getting overfed and bored, get everyone out and about with a fun filled scavenger hunt. Divide up the people in the house into a team and have a race to see who finishes first and gets the prize</p> <h2 id="h-6-mystery-gifts">6. <strong>Mystery Gifts</strong></h2> <p>There is nothing more heart warming than getting a gift from a mysterious giver. Have your children choose several family members and secretly deliver them a gift. You can a small note of appreciation too.</p> <h2 id="h-7-drive-by-christmas">7. <strong>Drive By Christmas</strong></h2> <p>During Christmas we all love to go past house looking at the array of Christmas decorations. This year we can add to that by standing outside our homes and singing Christmas carols, waving to people and wishing Merry Christmas as they drive past. There are many drive by Christmas ideas online, including hanging Christmas cards, drive by tree decorations etc</p> <h2 id="h-8-home-made-christmas-decorations">8. <strong>Home-Made Christmas Decorations</strong></h2> <p>Seeing your own handwork and creativity on display makes everyone feel proud and happy. Keep your family busy this year by crafting home made decorations such as paper chains and pop cor garlands.</p> <h2 id="h-9-volunteer-or-assist-those-doing-it-tough">9. <strong>Volunteer or Assist Those Doing it Tough</strong></h2> <p>This year is tough for everyone, but there are many people who are doing it tougher. Many people have lost their jobs, seen their incomes disappear, lost their businesses and lost loved ones. As unfortunate as it is this also presents an ideal time for us to teach our kids the real meaning of Christmas – giving, sharing, serving and contributing to the welfare of others.<br>Ask your children to choose some of their clothes and toys to gift to kids who need them. You can also ask to give you food ideas on what to make or cook to donate to the local kitchen. </p> <h2 id="h-10-enjoy-a-candid-camera-moment">10. <strong>Enjoy a Candid Camera Moment</strong></h2> <p>Push away the blues of this of this year by posing for silly photos with your family and friends. You can dress up, pull faces or take motion shots doing something silly. Send it to someone you know who could be a good laugh and some Christmas cheer.<br></p> <p>Laughter is the best medicine and this way you can help cure someone’s sadness.<br></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43099</post-id> </item> <item> <title>10 rules to Reduce Christmas Stress</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2021 23:00:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stress Reduction]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43106</guid> <description><![CDATA[The festive season is a time for enjoying each others company, exchanging gifts, having a few laughs and making memories.  Unfortunately, this season can also be the most stressful for a number of reasons. By following our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress” you maybe able to beat the season stress. You may think “Hmm, yeah […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The festive season is a time for enjoying each others company, exchanging gifts, having a few laughs and making memories. </p> <p>Unfortunately, this season can also be the most stressful for a number of reasons. By following our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress” you maybe able to beat the season stress.</p> <p>You may think “Hmm, yeah right this is really gonna help me” but we encourage you to stick with it anyway. Try to place a copy on your bathroom mirror, so you read it first thing in the morning whilst getting ready, or a copy on the board in the kitchen.</p> <p>After a short while we hope you begin to realise this list will actually help make it easy for you to understand your feelings. This list is meant to remind you to think about yourself and how you feel.</p> <p>Stress can affect us in a number of different ways. These include nausea, butterflies in our stomach, inability to have good sleep, weight-loss and clouded judgements. Quite often we only realise we are suffering from stress when something happens that we can’t control.</p> <p>These are our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress”. </p> <ol><li>You will not be perfect nor even try</li><li>You will not try to be all things to all people</li><li>You will not do things that ought to be done</li><li>You will not spread yourself too thin</li><li>You will learn to say “NO”</li><li>You will make time for yourself</li><li>You will learn to switch on and off and do nothing regularly</li><li>You will be boring, untidy and unattractive</li><li>You will not feel guilty </li><li>10.You will not be your own worst enemy</li></ol> <p>These rules are especially for you if you feel there aren’t enough hours in the day or you haven’t done lately something that you want to do or your future looks cloudy. </p> <p>If so, then these commandments are for you.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43106</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alternatives to a Dysfunctional Family Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 26 Nov 2021 21:20:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=42187</guid> <description><![CDATA[Like many of us, you too dread Christmas: You may be completely fed up with consumerism You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction You are single and looking for a relationship You still bereaving […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Like many of us, you too dread Christmas:</p> <ul><li>You may be completely fed up with consumerism</li><li>You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything</li><li>You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture</li><li>You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction You are single and looking for a relationship</li><li>You still bereaving a loved one</li><li>You are lonely and don’t have any family close by</li></ul> <p>Or perhaps… Your family is just plain dysfunctional and it is too unhealthy for you to be around them right now.</p> <p>Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much self-development work you have done, it’s too easy to get hooked into old patterns and roles. </p> <p>There is nothing more sticky than dealing with a dysfunctional family. You can spend thousands of dollars and hours into therapy but in 15minutes you can become hopelessly smashed in the same crazy dynamics and start acting and feeling the person you are trying not to be. </p> <p>All the training in assertiveness and independence goes out the window and a mere sigh from your family members triggers codependency so severe you end up signing over your house.</p> <p>While there are many strategies on how to survive such family gatherings and avoid the subsequent mandatory meltdown, sometimes the only way to say no to self-inflicted guilt and take care of yourself is to ditch the whole thing altogether.</p> <h2 id="h-here-are-some-things-to-do-on-christmas-day">Here are some things to do on Christmas Day</h2> <p>1. Volunteer at a charity</p> <p>Check out the<a href="http://www.thewaysidechapel.com/volunteering.php"> Wayside Chapel Christmas Day Street Party</a>. Its main objective is to bring together the community. Every year, they put on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and fill the street with music and dancing. The event is a day for the whole community. Activities include breakfast, Christmas church service, entertainment and Christmas lunch.</p> <p>2. Head down to the beach for a swim</p> <p>A trip to the beach is always a safe bet. It’s calming and relaxing for the mind and soul while the sea air, ocean breeze, warmth of the sun are beneficial for the body.</p> <p>3. Keep calm and read a book</p> <p>Use the holiday to take a break from all the busyness of life. Settle down with a wonderful novel or an engrossing reading. You will not need self help book for this one.</p> <p>4. Check out the cinemas</p> <p>Check out the latest serve from Hollywood or a classic rerun that is sometimes played. </p> <p>5. Stream a movie</p> <p>Reframe the way you think and feel with a good movie. It can also help you to deal with life’s ups and downs. Watch a movie about dysfunctional family and who knows, you may even begin to feel a sense of gratitude for your own dysfunctional family after watching them. .</p> <p>6. Spend Christmas with your family of choice</p> <p>You can choose to spend Christmas with different people, your friends, volunteer group. Christmas doesn’t have to spent with your “birth family”</p> <p>7. Go to a church service</p> <p>Christmas has been celebrated for over 2000 years, it’s only in recent times it has become more about presents, consumerism, food and booze. Go back to its roots and check out a Christmas church service the way its meant to be. Hear the church bells ring, listen to the story of Jesus. Find solace and sanctuary. Go with an open mind and connect with something greater than you.</p> <p>8. Sing Christmas Carols</p> <p>Sing Christmas carols on Christmas Day. Singing provides a lot of health benefits and helps one connect with other people.</p> <p>9. Visit the local Zoo.</p> <p>Zoos are open on Christmas Day – some even put lunch on. Check out your local Zoo and be ready to be amazed and wowed.</p> <p>10. Take a walking tour of Sydney</p> <p>Take a walking tour of Sydney and admire the beautiful city.</p> <p>11. Go bush for the day</p> <p>There are many fantastic walks around the Sydney foreshores that feel as though you have gone bush!</p> <p>12. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge</p> <p>To Sydney-siders, the Bridge is more than a photogenic landmark. It’s an iconic part of the City’s character. Now you can climb it on Christmas day.</p> <p>13. Enjoy a Christmas Day picnic or BBQ</p> <p>Enjoy Christmas day with a picnic or a bbq with friends and like-minded people.</p> <p>14. Host an orphans’ Christmas lunch</p> <p>Open your home to those who are on their own, those visiting town for work, on holidays or who wish to take a break from their own family! Get the conversation going on social media and ask everyone to bring a plate.</p> <p>15. Explore the City on a food safari</p> <p>Check out Yum Cha at the local China Town or other cuisines from around the world in your local City.</p> <p>16. Stay at a posh hotel</p> <p>Enjoy the wonderful views of your City from a plush hotel and be treated like royalty.</p> <p>17. Take time for solitude</p> <p>Solitude is about connecting with your whole self without feeling alone or like you’re missing out of something. On this day, practice self-reflection, be creative, start an art journal, a vision board or reflect on your upcoming New Years resolution. Or you could take a warm bath, refuel or sleep if you need to. It’s your day to pamper yourself.</p> <p>18. Get in touch with your spiritual Self </p> <p>Engage your will and take your learning back into your daily life on exit</p> <p>Head somewhere which holds spiritual significance for you; it could be a sacred site or a beautiful garden. Use it to release stress and let go of baggage and receive some spiritual reconnection. </p> <p>19. Find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary at a Buddhist temple</p> <p>Smell the joss sticks and find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary surely to be located in your City.</p> <p>20. Check-in to rehab</p> <p>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, food, sex, drug, alcohol, gambling or ice addiction – check into rehab and start the year anew. Go deep inside, find the real you and connect with others who are suffering from similar issues.</p> <p>21. Camp (or glamp!) on Cockatoo Island (Sydney siders!)</p> <p>Camp at the water’s edge on the northern side of<a href="http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/"> Cockatoo Island</a> and experience the magic of the harbour. On Cockatoo Island you will find a place where history and a unique atmosphere have been preserved by an island location. A place to relax and unwind, yet still only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney.</p> <p>22. Spend time in silence</p> <p>Attend a meditation retreat over Christmas. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. See if there is a meditation centre near you. </p> <p>23. Retreat to the Hinterlands</p> <p>Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of a Retreat and Spa nestled in the stunning hinterlands of your local City or nearby.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">42187</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alternatives to a Dysfunctional Family Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 01:24:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alone]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alternative Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43108</guid> <description><![CDATA[Like many of us, you too dread Christmas: – You maybe completely fed up with consumerism – You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything – You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture – You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction – You are single and looking for a relationship […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Like many of us, you too dread Christmas:</p> <p>– You maybe completely fed up with consumerism</p> <p>– You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything</p> <p>– You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture</p> <p>– You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction</p> <p>– You are single and looking for a relationship</p> <p>– You still bereaving a loved one</p> <p>– You are lonely and don’t have any family close by</p> <p>Or perhaps… Your family is just plain dysfunctional and it is too unhealthy for you to be around them right now.</p> <p>Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much self-development work you have done, it’s too easy to get hooked into old patterns and roles. </p> <p>There is nothing more sticky than dealing with a dysfunctional family. You can spends thousand of dollars and hours into therapy but in 15minutes you can become hopelessly smashed in the same crazy dynamics and start acting and feeling the person you are trying not to be. </p> <p>All the training in assertiveness, and independence goes out the window and a mere sigh from your family members triggers a codependency so severe you end up signing over your house.</p> <p>While there are many strategies on how to survive such family gathering and avoid the subsequent mandatory melt down, sometimes the only way to say no to self-inflicted guilt and take care of yourself is to ditch the whole thing altogether.</p> <h2><strong>Here are some things to do on Christmas Day</strong>:</h2> <p><strong>1. Volunteer at a Charity</strong></p> <p>Check out a Christmas Day Street Party. It’s main objective is to bring together the community. Every year, they put on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and fill the street with music and dancing. The event is a day for the whole community. Activities include: breakfast, Christmas church service, entertainment and Christmas lunch.</p> <p><strong>2. Head Down to the Beach for a Swim</strong></p> <p>A trip to the beach is always a safe bet. It’s calming and relaxing for the mind and soul while the sea air, ocean breeze, warmth of the sun are beneficial for the body.</p> <p><strong>3. Keep Calm and Read a Book</strong></p> <p>Use the holiday to take a break from all the busyness of life. Settle down with a wonderful novel or an engrossing reading. You will not need self help book for this one.</p> <p><strong>4. Check Out the Cinemas</strong></p> <p>Checkout the latest serve from Hollywood or a classic rerun that is sometimes played. </p> <p><strong>5. Stream a Movie</strong></p> <p>Reframe the way you think and feel with a good movie. It can also help you to deal with life’s ups and downs. Watch a movie about dysfunctional family and who knows, you may even begin to feel a sense of gratitude for your own dysfunctional family after watching them.</p> <p><strong>6. Spend Christmas with your Family of Choice</strong></p> <p>You can choose to spend Christmas with different people, your friends, volunteer group. Christmas doesn’t have to spent with your “birth family”.</p> <p><strong>7. Go to a Church Service</strong></p> <p>Christmas has been celebrated for over 2000 years, it’s only in recent times it has become more about presents, consumerism, food and booze. Go back to its roots and check out a Christmas church service the way its meant to be. Hear the church bells ring, listen to the story of Jesus. Find solace and sanctuary. Go with an open mind and connect with something greater than you.</p> <p><strong>8. Sing Christmas Carols</strong></p> <p>Sing Christmas carols on Christmas Day. Singing provides a lot of health benefits and helps one connect with other people.</p> <p><strong>9. Visit the local Zoo</strong></p> <p>Zoos are open on Christmas Day – some even put a lunch on. Check out your local Zoo and be ready to be amazed and wowed.</p> <p><strong>10. Take a Walking Tour of Sydney</strong></p> <p>Take a walking tour of Sydney and admire the beautiful city.</p> <p><strong>11. Go Bush for the Day</strong></p> <p>There are many fantastic walks around the Sydney foreshores that feel as though you have gone bush!</p> <p><strong>12. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge</strong></p> <p>To Sydney-siders, the Bridge is more than a photogenic landmark. It’s an iconic part of the City’s character. Now you can climb it on Christmas day.</p> <p><strong>13. Enjoy a Christmas Day Picnic or BBQ</strong></p> <p>Enjoy Christmas day with a picnic or a bbq with friends and likeminded people.</p> <p><strong>14. Host an Orphans’ Christmas Lunch</strong></p> <p>Open your home to those who are on their own, those visiting town for work, on holidays or who wish to take a break from their own family! Get the conversation going on social media and ask everyone to bring a plate.</p> <p><strong>15. Explore the City on a Food Safari</strong></p> <p>Check out Yum Cha at the local China Town or other ethnic cuisine from around the world in your local City.</p> <p><strong>16. Stay at a Posh Hotel</strong></p> <p>Enjoy the wonderful views of your City from a plush hotel and be treated like royalty.</p> <p><strong>17. Take Time for Solitude</strong></p> <p>Solitude is about connecting with your whole self without feeling alone or like you’re missing out of something. On this day, practice self-reflection, be creative, start an art journal, a vision board or reflect on your upcoming New Years resolution. Or you could take a warm bath, refuel or sleep if you need to. It’s your day to pamper yourself.</p> <p><strong>18. Get in Touch with your Spiritual Self </strong></p> <p>Engage your will and take your learning back into your daily life on exit</p> <p>Head somewhere which holds spiritual significance for you; it could be a sacred site or a beautiful garden. Use it to release stress and let go of baggage and receive some spiritual reconnection. </p> <p><strong>19. Find Inner Calm, Tranquility and Sanctuary at a Buddhist Temple</strong></p> <p>Smell the joss sticks and find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary surely to be located in your City.</p> <p><strong>20. Check-in to Rehab</strong></p> <p>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, food, sex, drug, alcohol, gambling or i addiction – check into rehab and start the year anew. Go deep inside, find the real you and connect with others who are suffering with similar issues.</p> <p><strong>21. Go Glamping on Cockatoo Island</strong> (Island Resort?? can be changed if too particular)</p> <p>Camp at the water’s edge on the northern side Cockotoo Island and experience the magic of the harbour. On Cockatoo Island you will find a place where history and a unique atmosphere have been preserved by an island location. A place to relax and unwind, yet still only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney.</p> <p><strong>22. Spend Time in Silence</strong></p> <p>Attend a meditation retreat over Christmas. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. See if there is a meditation centre near you. </p> <p><strong>23. Retreat to the Hinterlands</strong></p> <p>Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of a Retreat and Spa nestled in the stunning hinterlands of your local City or nearby.</p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43108</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Lockdown and Mental Health Challenges</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/lockdown-and-mental-health-challenges/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[children and mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lockdown]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lockdown survival]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79042</guid> <description><![CDATA[This short article is for parents on how to approach concerns around their teens mental health coming out of the lockdown. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The recent lockdowns have presented us with <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/overcoming-lockdown-fatigue-dr-norman-swan/">broad and varied challenges</a>. These range from financial issues, relationship challenges and concerns around employment and job security. One thing all of these have in common, is their effect <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/ongoing-support-during-coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions">on our mental health.</a> Medical professions have long highlighted the need to focus on helping adults and children deal with mental health. Especially depression and suicide. </p> <p>There is now a growing awareness in corporate Australia of mental health and Employee Wellbeing. These include new changes in corporate behaviour initiated during recent lockdowns. During this time, everyone recognised the struggles of balancing the demands of a “stay at home” and “work from home” parent at once.</p> <p>Naturally, parents have many questions regarding the long term impact on their children. </p> <p>This article is part of a series identifying changes in behaviour that can help with mental health issues highlighted during the pandemic. The lockdowns may have gone away but their effects and reputations will be felt for many years. </p> <h3 id="h-as-a-parent-during-lockdown">As a Parent During Lockdown</h3> <p>Nothing could’ve prepared parents for these extraordinary times. Nor for the merging of their two worlds – working from home and being a parent to children stuck at home. Parents understandably feel guilty for the social and academic difficulties experienced by their children. This includes when they are removed from their friends and the school environment. As an employee, many parents may also feel responsible for any lowered output. For not giving a full 8 hour day or “badly” multi-tasking your many roles. </p> <p>Work and home life have now merged into one. With prolonged lockdowns and movement restrictions, our “work-life balance” is completely lopsided. This requires a completely new level of flexibility and discipline, done consciously and purposely. </p> <p>It’s important for parents to manage their own anxiety. If we as parents demonstrate worry, then that is likely to translate into anxiety for our children also.</p> <p>It’s really important for parents to understand what message they want to impart. Parents need to work together to make sure that they present a calm face to young people. They need to reassure them that, yes, times are tough, however, there is a long and bright future. </p> <p>As adults, we deal with many adversities and manage to get through and learn from those experiences. It’s essential that our children understand this. The security of this knowledge will greatly benefit them.</p> <h3>Acknowledgment</h3> <p>This is a short summary of the first-ever <a href="https://mood.org.au/pages/mission">MOOD Tea Break</a>.</p> <p>MOOD is an organisation that exists to help prevent youth suicide. They do that by funding mental health projects. </p> <p>The topic of this Tea Break was to discuss the challenges presented by the cycle of lockdowns across Australia. They partnered with the team at Tonic Media Network to bring together some experts to help answer questions from the public. </p> <p>Hundreds of people attended this widely received webinar.</p> <p>The topic covered concerns regarding children’s mental, physical and educational well being and any adverse effects on their growth. </p> <p>It also discussed ideas on how parents and adults can look after their own wellbeing. Parents of course had to balance work and parenting at the same time, often one overlapping the other and many had to become impromptu teachers, finding themselves having to recall their dreaded subjects which they thought they left behind in High School – trigonometry nightmares anyone. </p> <p>Finally the topic discussed the changes in Australian working culture and expectations, the resoluteness of human beings who have come through crisis and they need to assure each other that we are in this together, and we will soon be out of this together. </p> <h3>Host: </h3> <p><strong>Jenni Hayward</strong> – General Manager at Mood</p> <h3>Panelists:</h3> <p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/health/minutes/norman.htm"><strong>Dr. Norman Swan</strong></a> from Tonic Media Network.</p> <p><a href="https://www.maggiedent.com"><strong>Maggie Dent </strong></a>host of ABC Podcast “Parental as Anything”.</p> <p><a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/aimee-buchanan-343b6839"><strong>Aimee Buchanan</strong> </a>from MCEO.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/e-scott.html"><strong>Elizabeth Scott</strong>,</a> a psychiatrist at the University of Sydney, The Brain and Mind Centre.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79042</post-id> </item> <item> <title>The Christmas workout</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise & Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Healthy Weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeworkout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43095</guid> <description><![CDATA[Our boring Gym routine is not what’s on our minds as we approach Christmas and end of years holidays. Most of us are too focused on barbecues, family get togethers and doing the Christmas shopping.  But it’s essential to keep your fitness regime on track and get your heat rate pumping. HIIT circuit exercises are […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Our boring Gym routine is not what’s on our minds as we approach Christmas and end of years holidays. Most of us are too focused on barbecues, family get togethers and doing the Christmas shopping. </p> <p>But it’s essential to keep your fitness regime on track and get your heat rate pumping. HIIT circuit exercises are a fun and quick way to get an amazing workout and with the right exercises these can be done anywhere. </p> <h2>Christmas Workout </h2> <p>For this particular workout you will go through 12 sets of exercises in one circuit, and at each set add a new exercise as well as doing the ones from the previous sets. All you need is a mat, a medicine ball or dumbbells, pull-up bar (something to pull yourself up with), and a timer.</p> <p>Take at least 30-60 seconds rest between each set depending on your fitness level.</p> <p><strong>1st Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>2nd Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>3rd Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>4th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>5th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>6th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>7th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>8th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>9th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>10th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>11th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>11 Medicine ball (or dumbbell) wood chops (each side)</li><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>12th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>12 bent-over rows</li><li>11 Medicine ball (or dumbbell) wood chops (each side)</li><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p>If you aren’t completely spent by the end of this circuit well done!!! You are welcome to do it again. </p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43095</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Beating Christmas stress and anxiety</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2021 11:38:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=42174</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness. Christmas is also a time of  unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="42174" class="elementor elementor-42174" data-elementor-settings="[]"> <div class="elementor-section-wrap"> <section data-particle_enable="false" data-particle-mobile-disabled="false" class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-49136b4f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="49136b4f" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e222762" data-id="e222762" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1081b9f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="1081b9f0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-4ocBaZ","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-4ocBaZ","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-4Bgc5k"} --> <p class="eplus-4ocBaZ">The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-je42jC","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-je42jC","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-b2cWJg"} --> <p class="eplus-je42jC">Christmas is also a time of unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify their grief and loneliness. Others experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict, all these make Christmas a difficult time of the year for people.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-o3lUOx","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-o3lUOx","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-zr1Bdh"} --> <p class="eplus-o3lUOx">Here are a few steps we have proved to help you manage stress and anxiety during the festive season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-89aWtH","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-89aWtH","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-mfzqvL"} --> <p class="eplus-89aWtH"><strong>If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress or anxiety, try to reach out to one of the many phone support services or talk to your family doctor.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-YYJwUC","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-YYJwUC","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-nh72gr"} --> <p class="eplus-YYJwUC">Money matters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-W3vd5L","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-W3vd5L","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-CaAIme"} --> <p class="eplus-W3vd5L">The festive season can be a real burden on peoples wallets. Here are some tips for managing your finances and reducing your financial stress of the season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" eplus-QxTWZa","epStylingOptions":{"columnsResponsiveEnabled":false,"columnsHoverEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingResponsiveEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingHoverEnabled":false,"listStyleResponsiveEnabled":false,"listStyleHoverEnabled":false,"listIconResponsiveEnabled":false,"listIconHoverEnabled":false,"columns":{"target":"","responsive":true,"hover":true,"options":[{"custom":true,"control":"ToggleOptions"},{"label":"Columns","control":"Range","attribute":"columns","css":"grid-template-columns","customValue":"repeat({{value}}, 1fr)","props":{"max":5,"min":1,"supportedUnits":[]},"defaults":{"desktop":"1"},"show_if":{"className":["ep-custom-list"]}}]},"itemsSpacing":{"target":"","responsive":true,"hover":true,"options":[{"label":"Items 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--> <ul class=" eplus-QxTWZa"><li><strong>Identify the cause of your financial stress.</strong> Christmas can be an expensive time. Plan ways to reduce spending. You could organise a secret santa amongst the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. </li><li><strong>Find cheap ways to have fun.</strong> Don’t let money dictate how much fun you can have. organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food and substitute the expensive cocktail bars and restaurants. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-wQFSvo","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-wQFSvo","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-OYQyNg"} --> <p class="eplus-wQFSvo">Feuding Familes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-vXvAg8","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-vXvAg8","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-yVHgS3"} --> <p class="eplus-vXvAg8">Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you’ll get along. Unresolved family conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety and such gatherings could be a trigger for feelings of anxiety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-h0wQDz","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-h0wQDz","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-dZTiQA"} --> <p class="eplus-h0wQDz">Here are some ideas for getting through:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" eplus-L0iuaO","epStylingOptions":{"columnsResponsiveEnabled":false,"columnsHoverEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingResponsiveEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingHoverEnabled":false,"listStyleResponsiveEnabled":false,"listStyleHoverEnabled":false,"listIconResponsiveEnabled":false,"listIconHoverEnabled":false,"columns":{"target":"","responsive":true,"hover":true,"options":[{"custom":true,"control":"ToggleOptions"},{"label":"Columns","control":"Range","attribute":"columns","css":"grid-template-columns","customValue":"repeat({{value}}, 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--> <ul class=" eplus-L0iuaO"><li><strong>Set realistic expectations.</strong> Christmas might not be the fabulous reunion you hoped for. Plan ahead how will you manage feelings of anxiety and depression if they come along. </li><li><strong>Think of the children.</strong> If there are children around, consider their interests and put aside ongoing adult conflicts. Make Christmas a day for the kids and focus on their happiness.</li><li><strong>Control your drinking.</strong> Alcohol contributes to stress, anxiety and depression. As tempted as you may be, don’t drink to cope and drink in small amounts and drink water regularly.</li><li><strong>Avoid known triggers.</strong> If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-mGwhtt","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-mGwhtt","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-UFvuW8"} --> <p class="eplus-mGwhtt">Managing loneliness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-mYGc8D","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-mYGc8D","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-uqCBkx"} --> <p class="eplus-mYGc8D">If you find yourself isolated or grieving over the Christmas period, here are a few ways to overcome loneliness: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" 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Find a local charity and volunteer to lend a hand. It’s a great way to connect with people and feel good about making a positive difference.</li><li><strong>Attend community events.</strong> Find out what’s on in your local area and get involved. Art, music, carols or markets getting out and attending can help relieve loneliness.</li><li><strong>Make plans for Christmas Day.</strong> Plan ahead to avoid feeling stressed or lonely on Christmas day. Make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. 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rel=https://api.w.org/', 'vary' => 'Accept-Encoding', 'cf-cache-status' => 'DYNAMIC', 'expect-ct' => 'max-age=604800, report-uri=https://report-uri.cloudflare.com/cdn-cgi/beacon/expect-ct', 'ki-edge' => 'v=16.6', 'x-content-type-options' => 'nosniff', 'x-edge-location-klb' => '1', 'x-kinsta-cache' => 'HIT', 'server' => 'cloudflare', 'alt-svc' => 'h3=:443; ma=86400, h3-29=:443; ma=86400, h3-28=:443; ma=86400, h3-27=:443; ma=86400' ) body => '<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <atom:link href="https://www.mydr.com.au/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <description>Health and Medical Information for Australia</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:09:46 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2</generator> <image> <url>https://www.mydr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-favicon_mydr-32x32.png</url> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">185164398</site> <item> <title>Recovering from Covid-19 – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/recovering-from-covid-19-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:04:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid recovery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79121</guid> <description><![CDATA[For those who are full vaccinated recovering from any covid-19 infection is quicker and easier then those who aren't.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092214661a56c55521ad396945793" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092214661a56c55521ad396945793" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>Recovering from COVID depends partly on whether you’re vaccinated. </p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/vaccines-for-covid-19-most-studied-in-history-dr-norman-swan/">vaccinated</a>, you tend to get a very mild illness, recovering is pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got quite a few symptoms, you tend to be much better in about a week. And it looks as though the incidence of long COVID is pretty low. </p> <p>Therefore, most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are better and recovering within a few days.</p> <p><strong><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79121</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Have an Ecological Festive Season</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2021 23:00:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Healthy Weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ecology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marine Ecology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ocean Care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43103</guid> <description><![CDATA[With Christmas is a time when we overindulge in eating and spending and therefore create more waste than any other time of the year. But as we move towards being more ecologically friendly and aware of our actions, we can continue to live a little this festive season without having a big ecological impact. Be […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>With Christmas is a time when we overindulge in eating and spending and therefore create more waste than any other time of the year.</p> <p>But as we move towards being more ecologically friendly and aware of our actions, we can continue to live a little this festive season without having a big ecological impact.</p> <h2><strong>Be Ocean Friendly and Choose What’s Abundant</strong></h2> <p>Summer is a time for hosting a seafood lunches, ordering fish and chips at the beach or stocking up at the fish market. Follow our basic guideline to make ethical seafood choices.</p> <p>This will keep our oceans sustainable with <strong>minimal impact on stocks and the wider marine environment</strong>. If we all practice sustainable seafood choices we will help the ocean relish and increase the availability of our favourite seafood.</p> <p>One great idea would be to kick off a Christmas meal with some farmed shellfish from around Australia. Mussels and oysters are a delicious and really sustainable choice.</p> <p>Some of the suggestions are <strong>King George whiting, octopus</strong> which goes well on the barbecue, <strong>grilled sardines</strong> along with things like <strong>Spanish mackerel</strong> is a great choice. So is is <strong>farmed barramundi.</strong></p> <p><strong>Australian farmed prawns</strong>. also go down perfectly for this time of the year. </p> <p>Some of the sustainable seafoods that are available this time of the year are:</p> <ul><li>Wild caught blue swimmer crabs from SA & NSW</li><li>Australian farmed Murray cod</li><li>Wild caught snapper from Victoria All wild caught Australian sardines</li><li>Australian farmed barramundi</li><li>Wild caught Western king prawns from Spencer Gulf, SA</li><li>All wild caught yellow fin bream</li><li>All wild caught tailor</li></ul> <p>To keep our seafood sustainable and further fund research and development spend more of your money fresh Australian seafood. Australian seafood producers are amongst the best in the world and it would be great to give them our support.</p> <h2><strong>Watch out for Waste</strong></h2> <p>This is the season for crazy and wild Decorations, but unfortunately when their use is over they usually end up in landfills.</p> <p>We suggest recycling everyday household items with a little creativity, it will also add a touch of your own personality.</p> <p>Gift wrappings can be made by using old newspapers and magazines, or last year’s wrapping paper. Gift bags can be reused time and time again. If you are receiving gifts that have paper wrapping, you can either reuse it next year or make sure you recycle it properly.</p> <p>Unfortunately plastic cellophane and metallic wrapping has to go to landfill, as does tinsel.</p> <p>Avoid buying <strong>Tinsel. It is plastic</strong> and is difficult to recycle. If you are gonna use it make sure its reused over several years.</p> <p>One option is to explore traditional (and modern) wooden decorations, or you could test your own creativity and do it as a family.</p> <h2><strong>Sustainable Christmas Tree</strong></h2> <p>Plastic Christmas trees are not the greenest option but they can be used over several years and become part of a households memory – like a family tree.</p> <p>Cut trees however are a better option as long as thy are from sustainable sourced plantations. One of the best options is <strong>trees that you can actually grow in a pot </strong>and repeatedly use.</p> <p>Using LED and solar powered lights is not only energy saving but can be used repeatedly over the years. Try going for non flashing ones as they use more energy.</p> <p>To avoid gifts ending up in the landfill, use <strong>jars of food and vouchers </strong>for experiences, these are an <strong>eco-friendly alternative</strong>.</p> <h2><strong>Recycle the Unwanted</strong></h2> <p>If waste is unavoidable, be sure to now what can and what cannot be recycled. Don’t put soft plastic <strong>in your kerbside bin</strong>, or your recycles <strong>in a plastic bag </strong>and then putting that in the recycling bin. </p> <p>Those won’t get recycled and will cause issues at the recycling facility. Also keep an eye out for recyclable packaging, like cream and custard cartons, these are usually recyclable. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43103</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Beating Christmas Stress and Anxiety</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2021 01:59:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Family Stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43115</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness. Christmas is also a time of  unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness.</p> <p>Christmas is also a time of unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify their grief and loneliness. Others experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict, all these make Christmas a difficult time of the year for people.</p> <p>Here are a few steps we have proved to help you manage stress and anxiety during the festive season.</p> <p><strong>If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress or anxiety, try to reach out to one of the many phone support services or talk to your family doctor.</strong></p> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Money Matters</span></strong></p> <p>The festive season can be a real burden on peoples wallets. Here are some tips for managing your finances and reducing your financial stress of the season:</p> <ul><li><strong>Identify the cause of your financial stress.</strong> Christmas can be an expensive time. Plan ways to reduce spending. You could organise a secret santa amongst the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. </li><li><strong>Find cheap ways to have fun.</strong> Don’t let money dictate how much fun you can have. organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food and substitute the expensive cocktail bars and restaurants. </li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Feuding Familes</span></strong></p> <p>Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you’ll get along. Unresolved family conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety and such gatherings could be a trigger for feelings of anxiety.</p> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Here are Some Ideas for Getting Through:</span></strong></p> <ul><li><strong>Set realistic expectations.</strong> Christmas might not be the fabulous reunion you hoped for. Plan ahead how will you manage feelings of anxiety and depression if they come along. </li><li><strong>Think of the children.</strong> If there are children around, consider their interests and put aside ongoing adult conflicts. Make Christmas a day for the kids and focus on their happiness.</li><li><strong>Control your drinking.</strong> Alcohol contributes to stress, anxiety and depression. As tempted as you may be, don’t drink to cope and drink in small amounts and drink water regularly.</li><li><strong>Avoid known triggers.</strong> If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.</li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Managing Loneliness</span></strong></p> <p>If you find yourself isolated or grieving over the Christmas period, here are a few ways to overcome loneliness: </p> <ul><li><strong>Stay connected with friends and family.</strong> Use phone and online services to overcome separation and stay in touch with friends and family.</li><li><strong>Volunteer</strong>. Find a local charity and volunteer to lend a hand. It’s a great way to connect with people and feel good about making a positive difference.</li><li><strong>Attend community events.</strong> Find out what’s on in your local area and get involved. Art, music, carols or markets getting out and attending can help relieve loneliness.</li><li><strong>Make plans for Christmas Day.</strong> Plan ahead to avoid feeling stressed or lonely on Christmas day. Make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. These things will make Christmas less stressful and lonely and you might actually make some friends. </li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Stay Healthy to Avoid Christmas Anxiety</span></strong></p> <p>Recognising and changing behaviours that contribute to your stress will help you get through the Christmas period. <strong>Remember to stay healthy</strong> by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep to help you cope with Christmas stress. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43115</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Have a Merry Covid Christmas with these 10 IDEAS:</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2021 00:42:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[christmas ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Covid Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[social distancing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43099</guid> <description><![CDATA[2020 and 2021 have been the strangest years of our existence. It has flipped everything we know and do upside down and required some very ingenious improvisation. If you are a parent in the middle of the COVID craziness, then I’m sure the holidays have crossed your mind, with a combination of excitement and dread. […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>2020 and 2021 have been the strangest years of our existence. It has flipped everything we know and do upside down and required some very ingenious improvisation. </p> <p>If you are a parent in the middle of the COVID craziness, then I’m sure the holidays have crossed your mind, with a combination of excitement and dread. We’ve brainstormed some ideas on how to celebrate Christmas while Social Distancing.</p> <h2 id="h-1-online-caroling">1. <strong>Online Caroling.</strong> </h2> <p>Caroling is a great age-old tradition. Families would gather around the fire place or out in the community and sing carols to bring Christmas cheer and lift peoples spirits.<br><br>Caroling has slowly died out of our social scene as people opt for more non-religious was of celebrating Christmas. We think it would be great idea to invite friends and family to have a communal online sing-along! Not only would be a little chaotic in the beginning to get he harmony and tune right (not to mention those who don’t even know the carols) but we could also take turns singing one by ourselves so the delay in transmission doesn’t spoilt the fun.<br><br>There are many ways in which this can bring people together, create some fun and laughter and maintain the sense of community Christmas is famous for. </p> <h2 id="h-2-send-home-made-gifts-through-the-mail">2. <strong>Send Home Made Gifts Through the Mail</strong></h2> <p>Gifting someone a handmade gift shows care, thought and love. It provides a touch of your own personality and creates bond between recover and giver that is much stronger then any department store voucher. Make something gift for someone and surprise them through the mail.</p> <h2 id="h-3-surprise-the-delivery-workers">3. <strong>Surprise the Delivery Workers.</strong></h2> <p>As a kid we always left a Christmas Card for the delivery works and would hide and watch their faces as they saw a card addressed to them sitting on our mail boxes “Dear Delivery Person”. The are the real Santa’s Little Helpers. This year will be extra busy for them, social distancing and travel restrictions means more people will be sending gifts via post. Do your bit and bring Christmas cheer to those working hard to get our prezzies around.<br></p> <h2 id="h-4-bring-christmas-joy-to-essential-workers">4. <strong>Bring Christmas Joy to Essential Workers</strong></h2> <p>They have been the real heroes of our fight against COVID and the social upheaval it has caused to our lives. From supermarket workers, delivery drivers, bus and train drivers, the army of cleaners and those in the medical, are of the many unsung heroes of this pandemic. Get your kids involved and make them special little ornaments, gift cards and out your own perusal touch to it for those who may not get the holidays off.</p> <h2 id="h-5-have-a-scavenger-hunt-around-the-house">5. <strong>Have a Scavenger Hunt around the House</strong></h2> <p>More of us will be in our homes this year than in previous years. Instead of getting overfed and bored, get everyone out and about with a fun filled scavenger hunt. Divide up the people in the house into a team and have a race to see who finishes first and gets the prize</p> <h2 id="h-6-mystery-gifts">6. <strong>Mystery Gifts</strong></h2> <p>There is nothing more heart warming than getting a gift from a mysterious giver. Have your children choose several family members and secretly deliver them a gift. You can a small note of appreciation too.</p> <h2 id="h-7-drive-by-christmas">7. <strong>Drive By Christmas</strong></h2> <p>During Christmas we all love to go past house looking at the array of Christmas decorations. This year we can add to that by standing outside our homes and singing Christmas carols, waving to people and wishing Merry Christmas as they drive past. There are many drive by Christmas ideas online, including hanging Christmas cards, drive by tree decorations etc</p> <h2 id="h-8-home-made-christmas-decorations">8. <strong>Home-Made Christmas Decorations</strong></h2> <p>Seeing your own handwork and creativity on display makes everyone feel proud and happy. Keep your family busy this year by crafting home made decorations such as paper chains and pop cor garlands.</p> <h2 id="h-9-volunteer-or-assist-those-doing-it-tough">9. <strong>Volunteer or Assist Those Doing it Tough</strong></h2> <p>This year is tough for everyone, but there are many people who are doing it tougher. Many people have lost their jobs, seen their incomes disappear, lost their businesses and lost loved ones. As unfortunate as it is this also presents an ideal time for us to teach our kids the real meaning of Christmas – giving, sharing, serving and contributing to the welfare of others.<br>Ask your children to choose some of their clothes and toys to gift to kids who need them. You can also ask to give you food ideas on what to make or cook to donate to the local kitchen. </p> <h2 id="h-10-enjoy-a-candid-camera-moment">10. <strong>Enjoy a Candid Camera Moment</strong></h2> <p>Push away the blues of this of this year by posing for silly photos with your family and friends. You can dress up, pull faces or take motion shots doing something silly. Send it to someone you know who could be a good laugh and some Christmas cheer.<br></p> <p>Laughter is the best medicine and this way you can help cure someone’s sadness.<br></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43099</post-id> </item> <item> <title>10 rules to Reduce Christmas Stress</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2021 23:00:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stress Reduction]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43106</guid> <description><![CDATA[The festive season is a time for enjoying each others company, exchanging gifts, having a few laughs and making memories.  Unfortunately, this season can also be the most stressful for a number of reasons. By following our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress” you maybe able to beat the season stress. You may think “Hmm, yeah […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The festive season is a time for enjoying each others company, exchanging gifts, having a few laughs and making memories. </p> <p>Unfortunately, this season can also be the most stressful for a number of reasons. By following our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress” you maybe able to beat the season stress.</p> <p>You may think “Hmm, yeah right this is really gonna help me” but we encourage you to stick with it anyway. Try to place a copy on your bathroom mirror, so you read it first thing in the morning whilst getting ready, or a copy on the board in the kitchen.</p> <p>After a short while we hope you begin to realise this list will actually help make it easy for you to understand your feelings. This list is meant to remind you to think about yourself and how you feel.</p> <p>Stress can affect us in a number of different ways. These include nausea, butterflies in our stomach, inability to have good sleep, weight-loss and clouded judgements. Quite often we only realise we are suffering from stress when something happens that we can’t control.</p> <p>These are our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress”. </p> <ol><li>You will not be perfect nor even try</li><li>You will not try to be all things to all people</li><li>You will not do things that ought to be done</li><li>You will not spread yourself too thin</li><li>You will learn to say “NO”</li><li>You will make time for yourself</li><li>You will learn to switch on and off and do nothing regularly</li><li>You will be boring, untidy and unattractive</li><li>You will not feel guilty </li><li>10.You will not be your own worst enemy</li></ol> <p>These rules are especially for you if you feel there aren’t enough hours in the day or you haven’t done lately something that you want to do or your future looks cloudy. </p> <p>If so, then these commandments are for you.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43106</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alternatives to a Dysfunctional Family Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 26 Nov 2021 21:20:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=42187</guid> <description><![CDATA[Like many of us, you too dread Christmas: You may be completely fed up with consumerism You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction You are single and looking for a relationship You still bereaving […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Like many of us, you too dread Christmas:</p> <ul><li>You may be completely fed up with consumerism</li><li>You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything</li><li>You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture</li><li>You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction You are single and looking for a relationship</li><li>You still bereaving a loved one</li><li>You are lonely and don’t have any family close by</li></ul> <p>Or perhaps… Your family is just plain dysfunctional and it is too unhealthy for you to be around them right now.</p> <p>Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much self-development work you have done, it’s too easy to get hooked into old patterns and roles. </p> <p>There is nothing more sticky than dealing with a dysfunctional family. You can spend thousands of dollars and hours into therapy but in 15minutes you can become hopelessly smashed in the same crazy dynamics and start acting and feeling the person you are trying not to be. </p> <p>All the training in assertiveness and independence goes out the window and a mere sigh from your family members triggers codependency so severe you end up signing over your house.</p> <p>While there are many strategies on how to survive such family gatherings and avoid the subsequent mandatory meltdown, sometimes the only way to say no to self-inflicted guilt and take care of yourself is to ditch the whole thing altogether.</p> <h2 id="h-here-are-some-things-to-do-on-christmas-day">Here are some things to do on Christmas Day</h2> <p>1. Volunteer at a charity</p> <p>Check out the<a href="http://www.thewaysidechapel.com/volunteering.php"> Wayside Chapel Christmas Day Street Party</a>. Its main objective is to bring together the community. Every year, they put on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and fill the street with music and dancing. The event is a day for the whole community. Activities include breakfast, Christmas church service, entertainment and Christmas lunch.</p> <p>2. Head down to the beach for a swim</p> <p>A trip to the beach is always a safe bet. It’s calming and relaxing for the mind and soul while the sea air, ocean breeze, warmth of the sun are beneficial for the body.</p> <p>3. Keep calm and read a book</p> <p>Use the holiday to take a break from all the busyness of life. Settle down with a wonderful novel or an engrossing reading. You will not need self help book for this one.</p> <p>4. Check out the cinemas</p> <p>Check out the latest serve from Hollywood or a classic rerun that is sometimes played. </p> <p>5. Stream a movie</p> <p>Reframe the way you think and feel with a good movie. It can also help you to deal with life’s ups and downs. Watch a movie about dysfunctional family and who knows, you may even begin to feel a sense of gratitude for your own dysfunctional family after watching them. .</p> <p>6. Spend Christmas with your family of choice</p> <p>You can choose to spend Christmas with different people, your friends, volunteer group. Christmas doesn’t have to spent with your “birth family”</p> <p>7. Go to a church service</p> <p>Christmas has been celebrated for over 2000 years, it’s only in recent times it has become more about presents, consumerism, food and booze. Go back to its roots and check out a Christmas church service the way its meant to be. Hear the church bells ring, listen to the story of Jesus. Find solace and sanctuary. Go with an open mind and connect with something greater than you.</p> <p>8. Sing Christmas Carols</p> <p>Sing Christmas carols on Christmas Day. Singing provides a lot of health benefits and helps one connect with other people.</p> <p>9. Visit the local Zoo.</p> <p>Zoos are open on Christmas Day – some even put lunch on. Check out your local Zoo and be ready to be amazed and wowed.</p> <p>10. Take a walking tour of Sydney</p> <p>Take a walking tour of Sydney and admire the beautiful city.</p> <p>11. Go bush for the day</p> <p>There are many fantastic walks around the Sydney foreshores that feel as though you have gone bush!</p> <p>12. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge</p> <p>To Sydney-siders, the Bridge is more than a photogenic landmark. It’s an iconic part of the City’s character. Now you can climb it on Christmas day.</p> <p>13. Enjoy a Christmas Day picnic or BBQ</p> <p>Enjoy Christmas day with a picnic or a bbq with friends and like-minded people.</p> <p>14. Host an orphans’ Christmas lunch</p> <p>Open your home to those who are on their own, those visiting town for work, on holidays or who wish to take a break from their own family! Get the conversation going on social media and ask everyone to bring a plate.</p> <p>15. Explore the City on a food safari</p> <p>Check out Yum Cha at the local China Town or other cuisines from around the world in your local City.</p> <p>16. Stay at a posh hotel</p> <p>Enjoy the wonderful views of your City from a plush hotel and be treated like royalty.</p> <p>17. Take time for solitude</p> <p>Solitude is about connecting with your whole self without feeling alone or like you’re missing out of something. On this day, practice self-reflection, be creative, start an art journal, a vision board or reflect on your upcoming New Years resolution. Or you could take a warm bath, refuel or sleep if you need to. It’s your day to pamper yourself.</p> <p>18. Get in touch with your spiritual Self </p> <p>Engage your will and take your learning back into your daily life on exit</p> <p>Head somewhere which holds spiritual significance for you; it could be a sacred site or a beautiful garden. Use it to release stress and let go of baggage and receive some spiritual reconnection. </p> <p>19. Find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary at a Buddhist temple</p> <p>Smell the joss sticks and find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary surely to be located in your City.</p> <p>20. Check-in to rehab</p> <p>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, food, sex, drug, alcohol, gambling or ice addiction – check into rehab and start the year anew. Go deep inside, find the real you and connect with others who are suffering from similar issues.</p> <p>21. Camp (or glamp!) on Cockatoo Island (Sydney siders!)</p> <p>Camp at the water’s edge on the northern side of<a href="http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/"> Cockatoo Island</a> and experience the magic of the harbour. On Cockatoo Island you will find a place where history and a unique atmosphere have been preserved by an island location. A place to relax and unwind, yet still only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney.</p> <p>22. Spend time in silence</p> <p>Attend a meditation retreat over Christmas. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. See if there is a meditation centre near you. </p> <p>23. Retreat to the Hinterlands</p> <p>Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of a Retreat and Spa nestled in the stunning hinterlands of your local City or nearby.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">42187</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alternatives to a Dysfunctional Family Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 01:24:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alone]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alternative Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43108</guid> <description><![CDATA[Like many of us, you too dread Christmas: – You maybe completely fed up with consumerism – You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything – You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture – You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction – You are single and looking for a relationship […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Like many of us, you too dread Christmas:</p> <p>– You maybe completely fed up with consumerism</p> <p>– You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything</p> <p>– You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture</p> <p>– You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction</p> <p>– You are single and looking for a relationship</p> <p>– You still bereaving a loved one</p> <p>– You are lonely and don’t have any family close by</p> <p>Or perhaps… Your family is just plain dysfunctional and it is too unhealthy for you to be around them right now.</p> <p>Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much self-development work you have done, it’s too easy to get hooked into old patterns and roles. </p> <p>There is nothing more sticky than dealing with a dysfunctional family. You can spends thousand of dollars and hours into therapy but in 15minutes you can become hopelessly smashed in the same crazy dynamics and start acting and feeling the person you are trying not to be. </p> <p>All the training in assertiveness, and independence goes out the window and a mere sigh from your family members triggers a codependency so severe you end up signing over your house.</p> <p>While there are many strategies on how to survive such family gathering and avoid the subsequent mandatory melt down, sometimes the only way to say no to self-inflicted guilt and take care of yourself is to ditch the whole thing altogether.</p> <h2><strong>Here are some things to do on Christmas Day</strong>:</h2> <p><strong>1. Volunteer at a Charity</strong></p> <p>Check out a Christmas Day Street Party. It’s main objective is to bring together the community. Every year, they put on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and fill the street with music and dancing. The event is a day for the whole community. Activities include: breakfast, Christmas church service, entertainment and Christmas lunch.</p> <p><strong>2. Head Down to the Beach for a Swim</strong></p> <p>A trip to the beach is always a safe bet. It’s calming and relaxing for the mind and soul while the sea air, ocean breeze, warmth of the sun are beneficial for the body.</p> <p><strong>3. Keep Calm and Read a Book</strong></p> <p>Use the holiday to take a break from all the busyness of life. Settle down with a wonderful novel or an engrossing reading. You will not need self help book for this one.</p> <p><strong>4. Check Out the Cinemas</strong></p> <p>Checkout the latest serve from Hollywood or a classic rerun that is sometimes played. </p> <p><strong>5. Stream a Movie</strong></p> <p>Reframe the way you think and feel with a good movie. It can also help you to deal with life’s ups and downs. Watch a movie about dysfunctional family and who knows, you may even begin to feel a sense of gratitude for your own dysfunctional family after watching them.</p> <p><strong>6. Spend Christmas with your Family of Choice</strong></p> <p>You can choose to spend Christmas with different people, your friends, volunteer group. Christmas doesn’t have to spent with your “birth family”.</p> <p><strong>7. Go to a Church Service</strong></p> <p>Christmas has been celebrated for over 2000 years, it’s only in recent times it has become more about presents, consumerism, food and booze. Go back to its roots and check out a Christmas church service the way its meant to be. Hear the church bells ring, listen to the story of Jesus. Find solace and sanctuary. Go with an open mind and connect with something greater than you.</p> <p><strong>8. Sing Christmas Carols</strong></p> <p>Sing Christmas carols on Christmas Day. Singing provides a lot of health benefits and helps one connect with other people.</p> <p><strong>9. Visit the local Zoo</strong></p> <p>Zoos are open on Christmas Day – some even put a lunch on. Check out your local Zoo and be ready to be amazed and wowed.</p> <p><strong>10. Take a Walking Tour of Sydney</strong></p> <p>Take a walking tour of Sydney and admire the beautiful city.</p> <p><strong>11. Go Bush for the Day</strong></p> <p>There are many fantastic walks around the Sydney foreshores that feel as though you have gone bush!</p> <p><strong>12. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge</strong></p> <p>To Sydney-siders, the Bridge is more than a photogenic landmark. It’s an iconic part of the City’s character. Now you can climb it on Christmas day.</p> <p><strong>13. Enjoy a Christmas Day Picnic or BBQ</strong></p> <p>Enjoy Christmas day with a picnic or a bbq with friends and likeminded people.</p> <p><strong>14. Host an Orphans’ Christmas Lunch</strong></p> <p>Open your home to those who are on their own, those visiting town for work, on holidays or who wish to take a break from their own family! Get the conversation going on social media and ask everyone to bring a plate.</p> <p><strong>15. Explore the City on a Food Safari</strong></p> <p>Check out Yum Cha at the local China Town or other ethnic cuisine from around the world in your local City.</p> <p><strong>16. Stay at a Posh Hotel</strong></p> <p>Enjoy the wonderful views of your City from a plush hotel and be treated like royalty.</p> <p><strong>17. Take Time for Solitude</strong></p> <p>Solitude is about connecting with your whole self without feeling alone or like you’re missing out of something. On this day, practice self-reflection, be creative, start an art journal, a vision board or reflect on your upcoming New Years resolution. Or you could take a warm bath, refuel or sleep if you need to. It’s your day to pamper yourself.</p> <p><strong>18. Get in Touch with your Spiritual Self </strong></p> <p>Engage your will and take your learning back into your daily life on exit</p> <p>Head somewhere which holds spiritual significance for you; it could be a sacred site or a beautiful garden. Use it to release stress and let go of baggage and receive some spiritual reconnection. </p> <p><strong>19. Find Inner Calm, Tranquility and Sanctuary at a Buddhist Temple</strong></p> <p>Smell the joss sticks and find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary surely to be located in your City.</p> <p><strong>20. Check-in to Rehab</strong></p> <p>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, food, sex, drug, alcohol, gambling or i addiction – check into rehab and start the year anew. Go deep inside, find the real you and connect with others who are suffering with similar issues.</p> <p><strong>21. Go Glamping on Cockatoo Island</strong> (Island Resort?? can be changed if too particular)</p> <p>Camp at the water’s edge on the northern side Cockotoo Island and experience the magic of the harbour. On Cockatoo Island you will find a place where history and a unique atmosphere have been preserved by an island location. A place to relax and unwind, yet still only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney.</p> <p><strong>22. Spend Time in Silence</strong></p> <p>Attend a meditation retreat over Christmas. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. See if there is a meditation centre near you. </p> <p><strong>23. Retreat to the Hinterlands</strong></p> <p>Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of a Retreat and Spa nestled in the stunning hinterlands of your local City or nearby.</p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43108</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Lockdown and Mental Health Challenges</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/lockdown-and-mental-health-challenges/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[children and mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lockdown]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lockdown survival]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79042</guid> <description><![CDATA[This short article is for parents on how to approach concerns around their teens mental health coming out of the lockdown. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The recent lockdowns have presented us with <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/overcoming-lockdown-fatigue-dr-norman-swan/">broad and varied challenges</a>. These range from financial issues, relationship challenges and concerns around employment and job security. One thing all of these have in common, is their effect <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/ongoing-support-during-coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions">on our mental health.</a> Medical professions have long highlighted the need to focus on helping adults and children deal with mental health. Especially depression and suicide. </p> <p>There is now a growing awareness in corporate Australia of mental health and Employee Wellbeing. These include new changes in corporate behaviour initiated during recent lockdowns. During this time, everyone recognised the struggles of balancing the demands of a “stay at home” and “work from home” parent at once.</p> <p>Naturally, parents have many questions regarding the long term impact on their children. </p> <p>This article is part of a series identifying changes in behaviour that can help with mental health issues highlighted during the pandemic. The lockdowns may have gone away but their effects and reputations will be felt for many years. </p> <h3 id="h-as-a-parent-during-lockdown">As a Parent During Lockdown</h3> <p>Nothing could’ve prepared parents for these extraordinary times. Nor for the merging of their two worlds – working from home and being a parent to children stuck at home. Parents understandably feel guilty for the social and academic difficulties experienced by their children. This includes when they are removed from their friends and the school environment. As an employee, many parents may also feel responsible for any lowered output. For not giving a full 8 hour day or “badly” multi-tasking your many roles. </p> <p>Work and home life have now merged into one. With prolonged lockdowns and movement restrictions, our “work-life balance” is completely lopsided. This requires a completely new level of flexibility and discipline, done consciously and purposely. </p> <p>It’s important for parents to manage their own anxiety. If we as parents demonstrate worry, then that is likely to translate into anxiety for our children also.</p> <p>It’s really important for parents to understand what message they want to impart. Parents need to work together to make sure that they present a calm face to young people. They need to reassure them that, yes, times are tough, however, there is a long and bright future. </p> <p>As adults, we deal with many adversities and manage to get through and learn from those experiences. It’s essential that our children understand this. The security of this knowledge will greatly benefit them.</p> <h3>Acknowledgment</h3> <p>This is a short summary of the first-ever <a href="https://mood.org.au/pages/mission">MOOD Tea Break</a>.</p> <p>MOOD is an organisation that exists to help prevent youth suicide. They do that by funding mental health projects. </p> <p>The topic of this Tea Break was to discuss the challenges presented by the cycle of lockdowns across Australia. They partnered with the team at Tonic Media Network to bring together some experts to help answer questions from the public. </p> <p>Hundreds of people attended this widely received webinar.</p> <p>The topic covered concerns regarding children’s mental, physical and educational well being and any adverse effects on their growth. </p> <p>It also discussed ideas on how parents and adults can look after their own wellbeing. Parents of course had to balance work and parenting at the same time, often one overlapping the other and many had to become impromptu teachers, finding themselves having to recall their dreaded subjects which they thought they left behind in High School – trigonometry nightmares anyone. </p> <p>Finally the topic discussed the changes in Australian working culture and expectations, the resoluteness of human beings who have come through crisis and they need to assure each other that we are in this together, and we will soon be out of this together. </p> <h3>Host: </h3> <p><strong>Jenni Hayward</strong> – General Manager at Mood</p> <h3>Panelists:</h3> <p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/health/minutes/norman.htm"><strong>Dr. Norman Swan</strong></a> from Tonic Media Network.</p> <p><a href="https://www.maggiedent.com"><strong>Maggie Dent </strong></a>host of ABC Podcast “Parental as Anything”.</p> <p><a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/aimee-buchanan-343b6839"><strong>Aimee Buchanan</strong> </a>from MCEO.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/e-scott.html"><strong>Elizabeth Scott</strong>,</a> a psychiatrist at the University of Sydney, The Brain and Mind Centre.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79042</post-id> </item> <item> <title>The Christmas workout</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise & Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Healthy Weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeworkout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43095</guid> <description><![CDATA[Our boring Gym routine is not what’s on our minds as we approach Christmas and end of years holidays. Most of us are too focused on barbecues, family get togethers and doing the Christmas shopping.  But it’s essential to keep your fitness regime on track and get your heat rate pumping. HIIT circuit exercises are […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Our boring Gym routine is not what’s on our minds as we approach Christmas and end of years holidays. Most of us are too focused on barbecues, family get togethers and doing the Christmas shopping. </p> <p>But it’s essential to keep your fitness regime on track and get your heat rate pumping. HIIT circuit exercises are a fun and quick way to get an amazing workout and with the right exercises these can be done anywhere. </p> <h2>Christmas Workout </h2> <p>For this particular workout you will go through 12 sets of exercises in one circuit, and at each set add a new exercise as well as doing the ones from the previous sets. All you need is a mat, a medicine ball or dumbbells, pull-up bar (something to pull yourself up with), and a timer.</p> <p>Take at least 30-60 seconds rest between each set depending on your fitness level.</p> <p><strong>1st Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>2nd Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>3rd Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>4th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>5th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>6th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>7th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>8th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>9th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>10th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>11th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>11 Medicine ball (or dumbbell) wood chops (each side)</li><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>12th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>12 bent-over rows</li><li>11 Medicine ball (or dumbbell) wood chops (each side)</li><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p>If you aren’t completely spent by the end of this circuit well done!!! You are welcome to do it again. </p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43095</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Beating Christmas stress and anxiety</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2021 11:38:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=42174</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness. Christmas is also a time of  unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="42174" class="elementor elementor-42174" data-elementor-settings="[]"> <div class="elementor-section-wrap"> <section data-particle_enable="false" data-particle-mobile-disabled="false" class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-49136b4f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="49136b4f" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e222762" data-id="e222762" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1081b9f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="1081b9f0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-4ocBaZ","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-4ocBaZ","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-4Bgc5k"} --> <p class="eplus-4ocBaZ">The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-je42jC","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-je42jC","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-b2cWJg"} --> <p class="eplus-je42jC">Christmas is also a time of unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify their grief and loneliness. Others experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict, all these make Christmas a difficult time of the year for people.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-o3lUOx","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-o3lUOx","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-zr1Bdh"} --> <p class="eplus-o3lUOx">Here are a few steps we have proved to help you manage stress and anxiety during the festive season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-89aWtH","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-89aWtH","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-mfzqvL"} --> <p class="eplus-89aWtH"><strong>If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress or anxiety, try to reach out to one of the many phone support services or talk to your family doctor.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-YYJwUC","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-YYJwUC","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-nh72gr"} --> <p class="eplus-YYJwUC">Money matters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-W3vd5L","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-W3vd5L","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-CaAIme"} --> <p class="eplus-W3vd5L">The festive season can be a real burden on peoples wallets. Here are some tips for managing your finances and reducing your financial stress of the season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" eplus-QxTWZa","epStylingOptions":{"columnsResponsiveEnabled":false,"columnsHoverEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingResponsiveEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingHoverEnabled":false,"listStyleResponsiveEnabled":false,"listStyleHoverEnabled":false,"listIconResponsiveEnabled":false,"listIconHoverEnabled":false,"columns":{"target":"","responsive":true,"hover":true,"options":[{"custom":true,"control":"ToggleOptions"},{"label":"Columns","control":"Range","attribute":"columns","css":"grid-template-columns","customValue":"repeat({{value}}, 1fr)","props":{"max":5,"min":1,"supportedUnits":[]},"defaults":{"desktop":"1"},"show_if":{"className":["ep-custom-list"]}}]},"itemsSpacing":{"target":"","responsive":true,"hover":true,"options":[{"label":"Items 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--> <ul class=" eplus-QxTWZa"><li><strong>Identify the cause of your financial stress.</strong> Christmas can be an expensive time. Plan ways to reduce spending. You could organise a secret santa amongst the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. </li><li><strong>Find cheap ways to have fun.</strong> Don’t let money dictate how much fun you can have. organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food and substitute the expensive cocktail bars and restaurants. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-wQFSvo","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-wQFSvo","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-OYQyNg"} --> <p class="eplus-wQFSvo">Feuding Familes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-vXvAg8","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-vXvAg8","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-yVHgS3"} --> <p class="eplus-vXvAg8">Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you’ll get along. Unresolved family conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety and such gatherings could be a trigger for feelings of anxiety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-h0wQDz","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-h0wQDz","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-dZTiQA"} --> <p class="eplus-h0wQDz">Here are some ideas for getting through:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" eplus-L0iuaO","epStylingOptions":{"columnsResponsiveEnabled":false,"columnsHoverEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingResponsiveEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingHoverEnabled":false,"listStyleResponsiveEnabled":false,"listStyleHoverEnabled":false,"listIconResponsiveEnabled":false,"listIconHoverEnabled":false,"columns":{"target":"","responsive":true,"hover":true,"options":[{"custom":true,"control":"ToggleOptions"},{"label":"Columns","control":"Range","attribute":"columns","css":"grid-template-columns","customValue":"repeat({{value}}, 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--> <ul class=" eplus-L0iuaO"><li><strong>Set realistic expectations.</strong> Christmas might not be the fabulous reunion you hoped for. Plan ahead how will you manage feelings of anxiety and depression if they come along. </li><li><strong>Think of the children.</strong> If there are children around, consider their interests and put aside ongoing adult conflicts. Make Christmas a day for the kids and focus on their happiness.</li><li><strong>Control your drinking.</strong> Alcohol contributes to stress, anxiety and depression. As tempted as you may be, don’t drink to cope and drink in small amounts and drink water regularly.</li><li><strong>Avoid known triggers.</strong> If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-mGwhtt","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-mGwhtt","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-UFvuW8"} --> <p class="eplus-mGwhtt">Managing loneliness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-mYGc8D","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-mYGc8D","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-uqCBkx"} --> <p class="eplus-mYGc8D">If you find yourself isolated or grieving over the Christmas period, here are a few ways to overcome loneliness: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" 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--> <ul class=" eplus-vlpmSg"><li><strong>Stay connected with friends and family.</strong> Use phone and online services to overcome separation and stay in touch with friends and family.</li><li><strong>Volunteer</strong>. Find a local charity and volunteer to lend a hand. It’s a great way to connect with people and feel good about making a positive difference.</li><li><strong>Attend community events.</strong> Find out what’s on in your local area and get involved. Art, music, carols or markets getting out and attending can help relieve loneliness.</li><li><strong>Make plans for Christmas Day.</strong> Plan ahead to avoid feeling stressed or lonely on Christmas day. Make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. 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autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092214661a56c55521ad396945793" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>Recovering from COVID depends partly on whether you’re vaccinated. </p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/vaccines-for-covid-19-most-studied-in-history-dr-norman-swan/">vaccinated</a>, you tend to get a very mild illness, recovering is pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got quite a few symptoms, you tend to be much better in about a week. And it looks as though the incidence of long COVID is pretty low. </p> <p>Therefore, most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are better and recovering within a few days.</p> <p><strong><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79121</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Have an Ecological Festive Season</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2021 23:00:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Healthy Weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ecology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marine Ecology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ocean Care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43103</guid> <description><![CDATA[With Christmas is a time when we overindulge in eating and spending and therefore create more waste than any other time of the year. But as we move towards being more ecologically friendly and aware of our actions, we can continue to live a little this festive season without having a big ecological impact. Be […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>With Christmas is a time when we overindulge in eating and spending and therefore create more waste than any other time of the year.</p> <p>But as we move towards being more ecologically friendly and aware of our actions, we can continue to live a little this festive season without having a big ecological impact.</p> <h2><strong>Be Ocean Friendly and Choose What’s Abundant</strong></h2> <p>Summer is a time for hosting a seafood lunches, ordering fish and chips at the beach or stocking up at the fish market. Follow our basic guideline to make ethical seafood choices.</p> <p>This will keep our oceans sustainable with <strong>minimal impact on stocks and the wider marine environment</strong>. If we all practice sustainable seafood choices we will help the ocean relish and increase the availability of our favourite seafood.</p> <p>One great idea would be to kick off a Christmas meal with some farmed shellfish from around Australia. Mussels and oysters are a delicious and really sustainable choice.</p> <p>Some of the suggestions are <strong>King George whiting, octopus</strong> which goes well on the barbecue, <strong>grilled sardines</strong> along with things like <strong>Spanish mackerel</strong> is a great choice. So is is <strong>farmed barramundi.</strong></p> <p><strong>Australian farmed prawns</strong>. also go down perfectly for this time of the year. </p> <p>Some of the sustainable seafoods that are available this time of the year are:</p> <ul><li>Wild caught blue swimmer crabs from SA & NSW</li><li>Australian farmed Murray cod</li><li>Wild caught snapper from Victoria All wild caught Australian sardines</li><li>Australian farmed barramundi</li><li>Wild caught Western king prawns from Spencer Gulf, SA</li><li>All wild caught yellow fin bream</li><li>All wild caught tailor</li></ul> <p>To keep our seafood sustainable and further fund research and development spend more of your money fresh Australian seafood. Australian seafood producers are amongst the best in the world and it would be great to give them our support.</p> <h2><strong>Watch out for Waste</strong></h2> <p>This is the season for crazy and wild Decorations, but unfortunately when their use is over they usually end up in landfills.</p> <p>We suggest recycling everyday household items with a little creativity, it will also add a touch of your own personality.</p> <p>Gift wrappings can be made by using old newspapers and magazines, or last year’s wrapping paper. Gift bags can be reused time and time again. If you are receiving gifts that have paper wrapping, you can either reuse it next year or make sure you recycle it properly.</p> <p>Unfortunately plastic cellophane and metallic wrapping has to go to landfill, as does tinsel.</p> <p>Avoid buying <strong>Tinsel. It is plastic</strong> and is difficult to recycle. If you are gonna use it make sure its reused over several years.</p> <p>One option is to explore traditional (and modern) wooden decorations, or you could test your own creativity and do it as a family.</p> <h2><strong>Sustainable Christmas Tree</strong></h2> <p>Plastic Christmas trees are not the greenest option but they can be used over several years and become part of a households memory – like a family tree.</p> <p>Cut trees however are a better option as long as thy are from sustainable sourced plantations. One of the best options is <strong>trees that you can actually grow in a pot </strong>and repeatedly use.</p> <p>Using LED and solar powered lights is not only energy saving but can be used repeatedly over the years. Try going for non flashing ones as they use more energy.</p> <p>To avoid gifts ending up in the landfill, use <strong>jars of food and vouchers </strong>for experiences, these are an <strong>eco-friendly alternative</strong>.</p> <h2><strong>Recycle the Unwanted</strong></h2> <p>If waste is unavoidable, be sure to now what can and what cannot be recycled. Don’t put soft plastic <strong>in your kerbside bin</strong>, or your recycles <strong>in a plastic bag </strong>and then putting that in the recycling bin. </p> <p>Those won’t get recycled and will cause issues at the recycling facility. Also keep an eye out for recyclable packaging, like cream and custard cartons, these are usually recyclable. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43103</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Beating Christmas Stress and Anxiety</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2021 01:59:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Family Stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43115</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness. Christmas is also a time of  unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness.</p> <p>Christmas is also a time of unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify their grief and loneliness. Others experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict, all these make Christmas a difficult time of the year for people.</p> <p>Here are a few steps we have proved to help you manage stress and anxiety during the festive season.</p> <p><strong>If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress or anxiety, try to reach out to one of the many phone support services or talk to your family doctor.</strong></p> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Money Matters</span></strong></p> <p>The festive season can be a real burden on peoples wallets. Here are some tips for managing your finances and reducing your financial stress of the season:</p> <ul><li><strong>Identify the cause of your financial stress.</strong> Christmas can be an expensive time. Plan ways to reduce spending. You could organise a secret santa amongst the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. </li><li><strong>Find cheap ways to have fun.</strong> Don’t let money dictate how much fun you can have. organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food and substitute the expensive cocktail bars and restaurants. </li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Feuding Familes</span></strong></p> <p>Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you’ll get along. Unresolved family conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety and such gatherings could be a trigger for feelings of anxiety.</p> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Here are Some Ideas for Getting Through:</span></strong></p> <ul><li><strong>Set realistic expectations.</strong> Christmas might not be the fabulous reunion you hoped for. Plan ahead how will you manage feelings of anxiety and depression if they come along. </li><li><strong>Think of the children.</strong> If there are children around, consider their interests and put aside ongoing adult conflicts. Make Christmas a day for the kids and focus on their happiness.</li><li><strong>Control your drinking.</strong> Alcohol contributes to stress, anxiety and depression. As tempted as you may be, don’t drink to cope and drink in small amounts and drink water regularly.</li><li><strong>Avoid known triggers.</strong> If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.</li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Managing Loneliness</span></strong></p> <p>If you find yourself isolated or grieving over the Christmas period, here are a few ways to overcome loneliness: </p> <ul><li><strong>Stay connected with friends and family.</strong> Use phone and online services to overcome separation and stay in touch with friends and family.</li><li><strong>Volunteer</strong>. Find a local charity and volunteer to lend a hand. It’s a great way to connect with people and feel good about making a positive difference.</li><li><strong>Attend community events.</strong> Find out what’s on in your local area and get involved. Art, music, carols or markets getting out and attending can help relieve loneliness.</li><li><strong>Make plans for Christmas Day.</strong> Plan ahead to avoid feeling stressed or lonely on Christmas day. Make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. These things will make Christmas less stressful and lonely and you might actually make some friends. </li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Stay Healthy to Avoid Christmas Anxiety</span></strong></p> <p>Recognising and changing behaviours that contribute to your stress will help you get through the Christmas period. <strong>Remember to stay healthy</strong> by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep to help you cope with Christmas stress. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43115</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Have a Merry Covid Christmas with these 10 IDEAS:</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2021 00:42:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[christmas ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Covid Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[social distancing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43099</guid> <description><![CDATA[2020 and 2021 have been the strangest years of our existence. It has flipped everything we know and do upside down and required some very ingenious improvisation. If you are a parent in the middle of the COVID craziness, then I’m sure the holidays have crossed your mind, with a combination of excitement and dread. […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>2020 and 2021 have been the strangest years of our existence. It has flipped everything we know and do upside down and required some very ingenious improvisation. </p> <p>If you are a parent in the middle of the COVID craziness, then I’m sure the holidays have crossed your mind, with a combination of excitement and dread. We’ve brainstormed some ideas on how to celebrate Christmas while Social Distancing.</p> <h2 id="h-1-online-caroling">1. <strong>Online Caroling.</strong> </h2> <p>Caroling is a great age-old tradition. Families would gather around the fire place or out in the community and sing carols to bring Christmas cheer and lift peoples spirits.<br><br>Caroling has slowly died out of our social scene as people opt for more non-religious was of celebrating Christmas. We think it would be great idea to invite friends and family to have a communal online sing-along! Not only would be a little chaotic in the beginning to get he harmony and tune right (not to mention those who don’t even know the carols) but we could also take turns singing one by ourselves so the delay in transmission doesn’t spoilt the fun.<br><br>There are many ways in which this can bring people together, create some fun and laughter and maintain the sense of community Christmas is famous for. </p> <h2 id="h-2-send-home-made-gifts-through-the-mail">2. <strong>Send Home Made Gifts Through the Mail</strong></h2> <p>Gifting someone a handmade gift shows care, thought and love. It provides a touch of your own personality and creates bond between recover and giver that is much stronger then any department store voucher. Make something gift for someone and surprise them through the mail.</p> <h2 id="h-3-surprise-the-delivery-workers">3. <strong>Surprise the Delivery Workers.</strong></h2> <p>As a kid we always left a Christmas Card for the delivery works and would hide and watch their faces as they saw a card addressed to them sitting on our mail boxes “Dear Delivery Person”. The are the real Santa’s Little Helpers. This year will be extra busy for them, social distancing and travel restrictions means more people will be sending gifts via post. Do your bit and bring Christmas cheer to those working hard to get our prezzies around.<br></p> <h2 id="h-4-bring-christmas-joy-to-essential-workers">4. <strong>Bring Christmas Joy to Essential Workers</strong></h2> <p>They have been the real heroes of our fight against COVID and the social upheaval it has caused to our lives. From supermarket workers, delivery drivers, bus and train drivers, the army of cleaners and those in the medical, are of the many unsung heroes of this pandemic. Get your kids involved and make them special little ornaments, gift cards and out your own perusal touch to it for those who may not get the holidays off.</p> <h2 id="h-5-have-a-scavenger-hunt-around-the-house">5. <strong>Have a Scavenger Hunt around the House</strong></h2> <p>More of us will be in our homes this year than in previous years. Instead of getting overfed and bored, get everyone out and about with a fun filled scavenger hunt. Divide up the people in the house into a team and have a race to see who finishes first and gets the prize</p> <h2 id="h-6-mystery-gifts">6. <strong>Mystery Gifts</strong></h2> <p>There is nothing more heart warming than getting a gift from a mysterious giver. Have your children choose several family members and secretly deliver them a gift. You can a small note of appreciation too.</p> <h2 id="h-7-drive-by-christmas">7. <strong>Drive By Christmas</strong></h2> <p>During Christmas we all love to go past house looking at the array of Christmas decorations. This year we can add to that by standing outside our homes and singing Christmas carols, waving to people and wishing Merry Christmas as they drive past. There are many drive by Christmas ideas online, including hanging Christmas cards, drive by tree decorations etc</p> <h2 id="h-8-home-made-christmas-decorations">8. <strong>Home-Made Christmas Decorations</strong></h2> <p>Seeing your own handwork and creativity on display makes everyone feel proud and happy. Keep your family busy this year by crafting home made decorations such as paper chains and pop cor garlands.</p> <h2 id="h-9-volunteer-or-assist-those-doing-it-tough">9. <strong>Volunteer or Assist Those Doing it Tough</strong></h2> <p>This year is tough for everyone, but there are many people who are doing it tougher. Many people have lost their jobs, seen their incomes disappear, lost their businesses and lost loved ones. As unfortunate as it is this also presents an ideal time for us to teach our kids the real meaning of Christmas – giving, sharing, serving and contributing to the welfare of others.<br>Ask your children to choose some of their clothes and toys to gift to kids who need them. You can also ask to give you food ideas on what to make or cook to donate to the local kitchen. </p> <h2 id="h-10-enjoy-a-candid-camera-moment">10. <strong>Enjoy a Candid Camera Moment</strong></h2> <p>Push away the blues of this of this year by posing for silly photos with your family and friends. You can dress up, pull faces or take motion shots doing something silly. Send it to someone you know who could be a good laugh and some Christmas cheer.<br></p> <p>Laughter is the best medicine and this way you can help cure someone’s sadness.<br></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43099</post-id> </item> <item> <title>10 rules to Reduce Christmas Stress</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2021 23:00:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stress Reduction]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43106</guid> <description><![CDATA[The festive season is a time for enjoying each others company, exchanging gifts, having a few laughs and making memories.  Unfortunately, this season can also be the most stressful for a number of reasons. By following our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress” you maybe able to beat the season stress. You may think “Hmm, yeah […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The festive season is a time for enjoying each others company, exchanging gifts, having a few laughs and making memories. </p> <p>Unfortunately, this season can also be the most stressful for a number of reasons. By following our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress” you maybe able to beat the season stress.</p> <p>You may think “Hmm, yeah right this is really gonna help me” but we encourage you to stick with it anyway. Try to place a copy on your bathroom mirror, so you read it first thing in the morning whilst getting ready, or a copy on the board in the kitchen.</p> <p>After a short while we hope you begin to realise this list will actually help make it easy for you to understand your feelings. This list is meant to remind you to think about yourself and how you feel.</p> <p>Stress can affect us in a number of different ways. These include nausea, butterflies in our stomach, inability to have good sleep, weight-loss and clouded judgements. Quite often we only realise we are suffering from stress when something happens that we can’t control.</p> <p>These are our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress”. </p> <ol><li>You will not be perfect nor even try</li><li>You will not try to be all things to all people</li><li>You will not do things that ought to be done</li><li>You will not spread yourself too thin</li><li>You will learn to say “NO”</li><li>You will make time for yourself</li><li>You will learn to switch on and off and do nothing regularly</li><li>You will be boring, untidy and unattractive</li><li>You will not feel guilty </li><li>10.You will not be your own worst enemy</li></ol> <p>These rules are especially for you if you feel there aren’t enough hours in the day or you haven’t done lately something that you want to do or your future looks cloudy. </p> <p>If so, then these commandments are for you.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43106</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alternatives to a Dysfunctional Family Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 26 Nov 2021 21:20:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=42187</guid> <description><![CDATA[Like many of us, you too dread Christmas: You may be completely fed up with consumerism You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction You are single and looking for a relationship You still bereaving […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Like many of us, you too dread Christmas:</p> <ul><li>You may be completely fed up with consumerism</li><li>You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything</li><li>You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture</li><li>You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction You are single and looking for a relationship</li><li>You still bereaving a loved one</li><li>You are lonely and don’t have any family close by</li></ul> <p>Or perhaps… Your family is just plain dysfunctional and it is too unhealthy for you to be around them right now.</p> <p>Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much self-development work you have done, it’s too easy to get hooked into old patterns and roles. </p> <p>There is nothing more sticky than dealing with a dysfunctional family. You can spend thousands of dollars and hours into therapy but in 15minutes you can become hopelessly smashed in the same crazy dynamics and start acting and feeling the person you are trying not to be. </p> <p>All the training in assertiveness and independence goes out the window and a mere sigh from your family members triggers codependency so severe you end up signing over your house.</p> <p>While there are many strategies on how to survive such family gatherings and avoid the subsequent mandatory meltdown, sometimes the only way to say no to self-inflicted guilt and take care of yourself is to ditch the whole thing altogether.</p> <h2 id="h-here-are-some-things-to-do-on-christmas-day">Here are some things to do on Christmas Day</h2> <p>1. Volunteer at a charity</p> <p>Check out the<a href="http://www.thewaysidechapel.com/volunteering.php"> Wayside Chapel Christmas Day Street Party</a>. Its main objective is to bring together the community. Every year, they put on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and fill the street with music and dancing. The event is a day for the whole community. Activities include breakfast, Christmas church service, entertainment and Christmas lunch.</p> <p>2. Head down to the beach for a swim</p> <p>A trip to the beach is always a safe bet. It’s calming and relaxing for the mind and soul while the sea air, ocean breeze, warmth of the sun are beneficial for the body.</p> <p>3. Keep calm and read a book</p> <p>Use the holiday to take a break from all the busyness of life. Settle down with a wonderful novel or an engrossing reading. You will not need self help book for this one.</p> <p>4. Check out the cinemas</p> <p>Check out the latest serve from Hollywood or a classic rerun that is sometimes played. </p> <p>5. Stream a movie</p> <p>Reframe the way you think and feel with a good movie. It can also help you to deal with life’s ups and downs. Watch a movie about dysfunctional family and who knows, you may even begin to feel a sense of gratitude for your own dysfunctional family after watching them. .</p> <p>6. Spend Christmas with your family of choice</p> <p>You can choose to spend Christmas with different people, your friends, volunteer group. Christmas doesn’t have to spent with your “birth family”</p> <p>7. Go to a church service</p> <p>Christmas has been celebrated for over 2000 years, it’s only in recent times it has become more about presents, consumerism, food and booze. Go back to its roots and check out a Christmas church service the way its meant to be. Hear the church bells ring, listen to the story of Jesus. Find solace and sanctuary. Go with an open mind and connect with something greater than you.</p> <p>8. Sing Christmas Carols</p> <p>Sing Christmas carols on Christmas Day. Singing provides a lot of health benefits and helps one connect with other people.</p> <p>9. Visit the local Zoo.</p> <p>Zoos are open on Christmas Day – some even put lunch on. Check out your local Zoo and be ready to be amazed and wowed.</p> <p>10. Take a walking tour of Sydney</p> <p>Take a walking tour of Sydney and admire the beautiful city.</p> <p>11. Go bush for the day</p> <p>There are many fantastic walks around the Sydney foreshores that feel as though you have gone bush!</p> <p>12. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge</p> <p>To Sydney-siders, the Bridge is more than a photogenic landmark. It’s an iconic part of the City’s character. Now you can climb it on Christmas day.</p> <p>13. Enjoy a Christmas Day picnic or BBQ</p> <p>Enjoy Christmas day with a picnic or a bbq with friends and like-minded people.</p> <p>14. Host an orphans’ Christmas lunch</p> <p>Open your home to those who are on their own, those visiting town for work, on holidays or who wish to take a break from their own family! Get the conversation going on social media and ask everyone to bring a plate.</p> <p>15. Explore the City on a food safari</p> <p>Check out Yum Cha at the local China Town or other cuisines from around the world in your local City.</p> <p>16. Stay at a posh hotel</p> <p>Enjoy the wonderful views of your City from a plush hotel and be treated like royalty.</p> <p>17. Take time for solitude</p> <p>Solitude is about connecting with your whole self without feeling alone or like you’re missing out of something. On this day, practice self-reflection, be creative, start an art journal, a vision board or reflect on your upcoming New Years resolution. Or you could take a warm bath, refuel or sleep if you need to. It’s your day to pamper yourself.</p> <p>18. Get in touch with your spiritual Self </p> <p>Engage your will and take your learning back into your daily life on exit</p> <p>Head somewhere which holds spiritual significance for you; it could be a sacred site or a beautiful garden. Use it to release stress and let go of baggage and receive some spiritual reconnection. </p> <p>19. Find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary at a Buddhist temple</p> <p>Smell the joss sticks and find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary surely to be located in your City.</p> <p>20. Check-in to rehab</p> <p>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, food, sex, drug, alcohol, gambling or ice addiction – check into rehab and start the year anew. Go deep inside, find the real you and connect with others who are suffering from similar issues.</p> <p>21. Camp (or glamp!) on Cockatoo Island (Sydney siders!)</p> <p>Camp at the water’s edge on the northern side of<a href="http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/"> Cockatoo Island</a> and experience the magic of the harbour. On Cockatoo Island you will find a place where history and a unique atmosphere have been preserved by an island location. A place to relax and unwind, yet still only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney.</p> <p>22. Spend time in silence</p> <p>Attend a meditation retreat over Christmas. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. See if there is a meditation centre near you. </p> <p>23. Retreat to the Hinterlands</p> <p>Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of a Retreat and Spa nestled in the stunning hinterlands of your local City or nearby.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">42187</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alternatives to a Dysfunctional Family Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 01:24:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alone]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alternative Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43108</guid> <description><![CDATA[Like many of us, you too dread Christmas: – You maybe completely fed up with consumerism – You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything – You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture – You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction – You are single and looking for a relationship […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Like many of us, you too dread Christmas:</p> <p>– You maybe completely fed up with consumerism</p> <p>– You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything</p> <p>– You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture</p> <p>– You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction</p> <p>– You are single and looking for a relationship</p> <p>– You still bereaving a loved one</p> <p>– You are lonely and don’t have any family close by</p> <p>Or perhaps… Your family is just plain dysfunctional and it is too unhealthy for you to be around them right now.</p> <p>Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much self-development work you have done, it’s too easy to get hooked into old patterns and roles. </p> <p>There is nothing more sticky than dealing with a dysfunctional family. You can spends thousand of dollars and hours into therapy but in 15minutes you can become hopelessly smashed in the same crazy dynamics and start acting and feeling the person you are trying not to be. </p> <p>All the training in assertiveness, and independence goes out the window and a mere sigh from your family members triggers a codependency so severe you end up signing over your house.</p> <p>While there are many strategies on how to survive such family gathering and avoid the subsequent mandatory melt down, sometimes the only way to say no to self-inflicted guilt and take care of yourself is to ditch the whole thing altogether.</p> <h2><strong>Here are some things to do on Christmas Day</strong>:</h2> <p><strong>1. Volunteer at a Charity</strong></p> <p>Check out a Christmas Day Street Party. It’s main objective is to bring together the community. Every year, they put on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and fill the street with music and dancing. The event is a day for the whole community. Activities include: breakfast, Christmas church service, entertainment and Christmas lunch.</p> <p><strong>2. Head Down to the Beach for a Swim</strong></p> <p>A trip to the beach is always a safe bet. It’s calming and relaxing for the mind and soul while the sea air, ocean breeze, warmth of the sun are beneficial for the body.</p> <p><strong>3. Keep Calm and Read a Book</strong></p> <p>Use the holiday to take a break from all the busyness of life. Settle down with a wonderful novel or an engrossing reading. You will not need self help book for this one.</p> <p><strong>4. Check Out the Cinemas</strong></p> <p>Checkout the latest serve from Hollywood or a classic rerun that is sometimes played. </p> <p><strong>5. Stream a Movie</strong></p> <p>Reframe the way you think and feel with a good movie. It can also help you to deal with life’s ups and downs. Watch a movie about dysfunctional family and who knows, you may even begin to feel a sense of gratitude for your own dysfunctional family after watching them.</p> <p><strong>6. Spend Christmas with your Family of Choice</strong></p> <p>You can choose to spend Christmas with different people, your friends, volunteer group. Christmas doesn’t have to spent with your “birth family”.</p> <p><strong>7. Go to a Church Service</strong></p> <p>Christmas has been celebrated for over 2000 years, it’s only in recent times it has become more about presents, consumerism, food and booze. Go back to its roots and check out a Christmas church service the way its meant to be. Hear the church bells ring, listen to the story of Jesus. Find solace and sanctuary. Go with an open mind and connect with something greater than you.</p> <p><strong>8. Sing Christmas Carols</strong></p> <p>Sing Christmas carols on Christmas Day. Singing provides a lot of health benefits and helps one connect with other people.</p> <p><strong>9. Visit the local Zoo</strong></p> <p>Zoos are open on Christmas Day – some even put a lunch on. Check out your local Zoo and be ready to be amazed and wowed.</p> <p><strong>10. Take a Walking Tour of Sydney</strong></p> <p>Take a walking tour of Sydney and admire the beautiful city.</p> <p><strong>11. Go Bush for the Day</strong></p> <p>There are many fantastic walks around the Sydney foreshores that feel as though you have gone bush!</p> <p><strong>12. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge</strong></p> <p>To Sydney-siders, the Bridge is more than a photogenic landmark. It’s an iconic part of the City’s character. Now you can climb it on Christmas day.</p> <p><strong>13. Enjoy a Christmas Day Picnic or BBQ</strong></p> <p>Enjoy Christmas day with a picnic or a bbq with friends and likeminded people.</p> <p><strong>14. Host an Orphans’ Christmas Lunch</strong></p> <p>Open your home to those who are on their own, those visiting town for work, on holidays or who wish to take a break from their own family! Get the conversation going on social media and ask everyone to bring a plate.</p> <p><strong>15. Explore the City on a Food Safari</strong></p> <p>Check out Yum Cha at the local China Town or other ethnic cuisine from around the world in your local City.</p> <p><strong>16. Stay at a Posh Hotel</strong></p> <p>Enjoy the wonderful views of your City from a plush hotel and be treated like royalty.</p> <p><strong>17. Take Time for Solitude</strong></p> <p>Solitude is about connecting with your whole self without feeling alone or like you’re missing out of something. On this day, practice self-reflection, be creative, start an art journal, a vision board or reflect on your upcoming New Years resolution. Or you could take a warm bath, refuel or sleep if you need to. It’s your day to pamper yourself.</p> <p><strong>18. Get in Touch with your Spiritual Self </strong></p> <p>Engage your will and take your learning back into your daily life on exit</p> <p>Head somewhere which holds spiritual significance for you; it could be a sacred site or a beautiful garden. Use it to release stress and let go of baggage and receive some spiritual reconnection. </p> <p><strong>19. Find Inner Calm, Tranquility and Sanctuary at a Buddhist Temple</strong></p> <p>Smell the joss sticks and find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary surely to be located in your City.</p> <p><strong>20. Check-in to Rehab</strong></p> <p>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, food, sex, drug, alcohol, gambling or i addiction – check into rehab and start the year anew. Go deep inside, find the real you and connect with others who are suffering with similar issues.</p> <p><strong>21. Go Glamping on Cockatoo Island</strong> (Island Resort?? can be changed if too particular)</p> <p>Camp at the water’s edge on the northern side Cockotoo Island and experience the magic of the harbour. On Cockatoo Island you will find a place where history and a unique atmosphere have been preserved by an island location. A place to relax and unwind, yet still only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney.</p> <p><strong>22. Spend Time in Silence</strong></p> <p>Attend a meditation retreat over Christmas. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. See if there is a meditation centre near you. </p> <p><strong>23. Retreat to the Hinterlands</strong></p> <p>Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of a Retreat and Spa nestled in the stunning hinterlands of your local City or nearby.</p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43108</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Lockdown and Mental Health Challenges</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/lockdown-and-mental-health-challenges/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[children and mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lockdown]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lockdown survival]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79042</guid> <description><![CDATA[This short article is for parents on how to approach concerns around their teens mental health coming out of the lockdown. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The recent lockdowns have presented us with <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/overcoming-lockdown-fatigue-dr-norman-swan/">broad and varied challenges</a>. These range from financial issues, relationship challenges and concerns around employment and job security. One thing all of these have in common, is their effect <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/ongoing-support-during-coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions">on our mental health.</a> Medical professions have long highlighted the need to focus on helping adults and children deal with mental health. Especially depression and suicide. </p> <p>There is now a growing awareness in corporate Australia of mental health and Employee Wellbeing. These include new changes in corporate behaviour initiated during recent lockdowns. During this time, everyone recognised the struggles of balancing the demands of a “stay at home” and “work from home” parent at once.</p> <p>Naturally, parents have many questions regarding the long term impact on their children. </p> <p>This article is part of a series identifying changes in behaviour that can help with mental health issues highlighted during the pandemic. The lockdowns may have gone away but their effects and reputations will be felt for many years. </p> <h3 id="h-as-a-parent-during-lockdown">As a Parent During Lockdown</h3> <p>Nothing could’ve prepared parents for these extraordinary times. Nor for the merging of their two worlds – working from home and being a parent to children stuck at home. Parents understandably feel guilty for the social and academic difficulties experienced by their children. This includes when they are removed from their friends and the school environment. As an employee, many parents may also feel responsible for any lowered output. For not giving a full 8 hour day or “badly” multi-tasking your many roles. </p> <p>Work and home life have now merged into one. With prolonged lockdowns and movement restrictions, our “work-life balance” is completely lopsided. This requires a completely new level of flexibility and discipline, done consciously and purposely. </p> <p>It’s important for parents to manage their own anxiety. If we as parents demonstrate worry, then that is likely to translate into anxiety for our children also.</p> <p>It’s really important for parents to understand what message they want to impart. Parents need to work together to make sure that they present a calm face to young people. They need to reassure them that, yes, times are tough, however, there is a long and bright future. </p> <p>As adults, we deal with many adversities and manage to get through and learn from those experiences. It’s essential that our children understand this. The security of this knowledge will greatly benefit them.</p> <h3>Acknowledgment</h3> <p>This is a short summary of the first-ever <a href="https://mood.org.au/pages/mission">MOOD Tea Break</a>.</p> <p>MOOD is an organisation that exists to help prevent youth suicide. They do that by funding mental health projects. </p> <p>The topic of this Tea Break was to discuss the challenges presented by the cycle of lockdowns across Australia. They partnered with the team at Tonic Media Network to bring together some experts to help answer questions from the public. </p> <p>Hundreds of people attended this widely received webinar.</p> <p>The topic covered concerns regarding children’s mental, physical and educational well being and any adverse effects on their growth. </p> <p>It also discussed ideas on how parents and adults can look after their own wellbeing. Parents of course had to balance work and parenting at the same time, often one overlapping the other and many had to become impromptu teachers, finding themselves having to recall their dreaded subjects which they thought they left behind in High School – trigonometry nightmares anyone. </p> <p>Finally the topic discussed the changes in Australian working culture and expectations, the resoluteness of human beings who have come through crisis and they need to assure each other that we are in this together, and we will soon be out of this together. </p> <h3>Host: </h3> <p><strong>Jenni Hayward</strong> – General Manager at Mood</p> <h3>Panelists:</h3> <p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/health/minutes/norman.htm"><strong>Dr. Norman Swan</strong></a> from Tonic Media Network.</p> <p><a href="https://www.maggiedent.com"><strong>Maggie Dent </strong></a>host of ABC Podcast “Parental as Anything”.</p> <p><a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/aimee-buchanan-343b6839"><strong>Aimee Buchanan</strong> </a>from MCEO.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/e-scott.html"><strong>Elizabeth Scott</strong>,</a> a psychiatrist at the University of Sydney, The Brain and Mind Centre.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79042</post-id> </item> <item> <title>The Christmas workout</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise & Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Healthy Weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeworkout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43095</guid> <description><![CDATA[Our boring Gym routine is not what’s on our minds as we approach Christmas and end of years holidays. Most of us are too focused on barbecues, family get togethers and doing the Christmas shopping.  But it’s essential to keep your fitness regime on track and get your heat rate pumping. HIIT circuit exercises are […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Our boring Gym routine is not what’s on our minds as we approach Christmas and end of years holidays. Most of us are too focused on barbecues, family get togethers and doing the Christmas shopping. </p> <p>But it’s essential to keep your fitness regime on track and get your heat rate pumping. HIIT circuit exercises are a fun and quick way to get an amazing workout and with the right exercises these can be done anywhere. </p> <h2>Christmas Workout </h2> <p>For this particular workout you will go through 12 sets of exercises in one circuit, and at each set add a new exercise as well as doing the ones from the previous sets. All you need is a mat, a medicine ball or dumbbells, pull-up bar (something to pull yourself up with), and a timer.</p> <p>Take at least 30-60 seconds rest between each set depending on your fitness level.</p> <p><strong>1st Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>2nd Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>3rd Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>4th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>5th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>6th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>7th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>8th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>9th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>10th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>11th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>11 Medicine ball (or dumbbell) wood chops (each side)</li><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>12th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>12 bent-over rows</li><li>11 Medicine ball (or dumbbell) wood chops (each side)</li><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p>If you aren’t completely spent by the end of this circuit well done!!! You are welcome to do it again. </p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43095</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Beating Christmas stress and anxiety</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2021 11:38:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=42174</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness. Christmas is also a time of  unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="42174" class="elementor elementor-42174" data-elementor-settings="[]"> <div class="elementor-section-wrap"> <section data-particle_enable="false" data-particle-mobile-disabled="false" class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-49136b4f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="49136b4f" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e222762" data-id="e222762" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1081b9f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="1081b9f0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-4ocBaZ","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-4ocBaZ","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-4Bgc5k"} --> <p class="eplus-4ocBaZ">The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-je42jC","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-je42jC","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-b2cWJg"} --> <p class="eplus-je42jC">Christmas is also a time of unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify their grief and loneliness. Others experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict, all these make Christmas a difficult time of the year for people.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-o3lUOx","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-o3lUOx","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-zr1Bdh"} --> <p class="eplus-o3lUOx">Here are a few steps we have proved to help you manage stress and anxiety during the festive season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-89aWtH","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-89aWtH","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-mfzqvL"} --> <p class="eplus-89aWtH"><strong>If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress or anxiety, try to reach out to one of the many phone support services or talk to your family doctor.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-YYJwUC","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-YYJwUC","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-nh72gr"} --> <p class="eplus-YYJwUC">Money matters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-W3vd5L","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-W3vd5L","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-CaAIme"} --> <p class="eplus-W3vd5L">The festive season can be a real burden on peoples wallets. 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--> <ul class=" eplus-QxTWZa"><li><strong>Identify the cause of your financial stress.</strong> Christmas can be an expensive time. 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--> <ul class=" eplus-L0iuaO"><li><strong>Set realistic expectations.</strong> Christmas might not be the fabulous reunion you hoped for. 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As tempted as you may be, don’t drink to cope and drink in small amounts and drink water regularly.</li><li><strong>Avoid known triggers.</strong> If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-mGwhtt","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-mGwhtt","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-UFvuW8"} --> <p class="eplus-mGwhtt">Managing loneliness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-mYGc8D","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-mYGc8D","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-uqCBkx"} --> <p class="eplus-mYGc8D">If you find yourself isolated or grieving over the Christmas period, here are a few ways to overcome loneliness: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" 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--> <ul class=" eplus-vlpmSg"><li><strong>Stay connected with friends and family.</strong> Use phone and online services to overcome separation and stay in touch with friends and family.</li><li><strong>Volunteer</strong>. Find a local charity and volunteer to lend a hand. It’s a great way to connect with people and feel good about making a positive difference.</li><li><strong>Attend community events.</strong> Find out what’s on in your local area and get involved. Art, music, carols or markets getting out and attending can help relieve loneliness.</li><li><strong>Make plans for Christmas Day.</strong> Plan ahead to avoid feeling stressed or lonely on Christmas day. Make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. These things will make Christmas less stressful and lonely and you might actually make some friends. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-SPMc1u","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-SPMc1u","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-SLAdL6"} --> <p class="eplus-SPMc1u">Stay healthy to avoid Christmas anxiety</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-cFSOxj","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-cFSOxj","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-JSGlKb"} --> <p class="eplus-cFSOxj">Recognising and changing behaviours that contribute to your stress will help you get through the Christmas period. <strong>Remember to stay healthy</strong> by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep to help you cope with Christmas stress. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">42174</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss> ' $sniffer = object(SimplePie_Content_Type_Sniffer) { file => object(SimplePie_File) {} } $sniffed = 'application/rss+xml' $encodings = array( (int) 0 => 'UTF-8', (int) 7 => 'ISO-8859-1' ) $application_types = array( (int) 0 => 'application/xml', (int) 1 => 'application/xml-dtd', (int) 2 => 'application/xml-external-parsed-entity' ) $text_types = array( (int) 0 => 'text/xml', (int) 1 => 'text/xml-external-parsed-entity' ) $charset = array( (int) 0 => '; charset=UTF-8', (int) 1 => 'UTF-8' ) $encoding = 'UTF-8' $utf8_data = '<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <atom:link href="https://www.mydr.com.au/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <description>Health and Medical Information for Australia</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:09:46 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2</generator> <image> <url>https://www.mydr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-favicon_mydr-32x32.png</url> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">185164398</site> <item> <title>Recovering from Covid-19 – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/recovering-from-covid-19-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:04:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid recovery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79121</guid> <description><![CDATA[For those who are full vaccinated recovering from any covid-19 infection is quicker and easier then those who aren't.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092214661a56c55521ad396945793" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092214661a56c55521ad396945793" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>Recovering from COVID depends partly on whether you’re vaccinated. </p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/vaccines-for-covid-19-most-studied-in-history-dr-norman-swan/">vaccinated</a>, you tend to get a very mild illness, recovering is pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got quite a few symptoms, you tend to be much better in about a week. And it looks as though the incidence of long COVID is pretty low. </p> <p>Therefore, most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are better and recovering within a few days.</p> <p><strong><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79121</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Have an Ecological Festive Season</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2021 23:00:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Healthy Weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ecology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marine Ecology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ocean Care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43103</guid> <description><![CDATA[With Christmas is a time when we overindulge in eating and spending and therefore create more waste than any other time of the year. But as we move towards being more ecologically friendly and aware of our actions, we can continue to live a little this festive season without having a big ecological impact. Be […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>With Christmas is a time when we overindulge in eating and spending and therefore create more waste than any other time of the year.</p> <p>But as we move towards being more ecologically friendly and aware of our actions, we can continue to live a little this festive season without having a big ecological impact.</p> <h2><strong>Be Ocean Friendly and Choose What’s Abundant</strong></h2> <p>Summer is a time for hosting a seafood lunches, ordering fish and chips at the beach or stocking up at the fish market. Follow our basic guideline to make ethical seafood choices.</p> <p>This will keep our oceans sustainable with <strong>minimal impact on stocks and the wider marine environment</strong>. If we all practice sustainable seafood choices we will help the ocean relish and increase the availability of our favourite seafood.</p> <p>One great idea would be to kick off a Christmas meal with some farmed shellfish from around Australia. Mussels and oysters are a delicious and really sustainable choice.</p> <p>Some of the suggestions are <strong>King George whiting, octopus</strong> which goes well on the barbecue, <strong>grilled sardines</strong> along with things like <strong>Spanish mackerel</strong> is a great choice. So is is <strong>farmed barramundi.</strong></p> <p><strong>Australian farmed prawns</strong>. also go down perfectly for this time of the year. </p> <p>Some of the sustainable seafoods that are available this time of the year are:</p> <ul><li>Wild caught blue swimmer crabs from SA & NSW</li><li>Australian farmed Murray cod</li><li>Wild caught snapper from Victoria All wild caught Australian sardines</li><li>Australian farmed barramundi</li><li>Wild caught Western king prawns from Spencer Gulf, SA</li><li>All wild caught yellow fin bream</li><li>All wild caught tailor</li></ul> <p>To keep our seafood sustainable and further fund research and development spend more of your money fresh Australian seafood. Australian seafood producers are amongst the best in the world and it would be great to give them our support.</p> <h2><strong>Watch out for Waste</strong></h2> <p>This is the season for crazy and wild Decorations, but unfortunately when their use is over they usually end up in landfills.</p> <p>We suggest recycling everyday household items with a little creativity, it will also add a touch of your own personality.</p> <p>Gift wrappings can be made by using old newspapers and magazines, or last year’s wrapping paper. Gift bags can be reused time and time again. If you are receiving gifts that have paper wrapping, you can either reuse it next year or make sure you recycle it properly.</p> <p>Unfortunately plastic cellophane and metallic wrapping has to go to landfill, as does tinsel.</p> <p>Avoid buying <strong>Tinsel. It is plastic</strong> and is difficult to recycle. If you are gonna use it make sure its reused over several years.</p> <p>One option is to explore traditional (and modern) wooden decorations, or you could test your own creativity and do it as a family.</p> <h2><strong>Sustainable Christmas Tree</strong></h2> <p>Plastic Christmas trees are not the greenest option but they can be used over several years and become part of a households memory – like a family tree.</p> <p>Cut trees however are a better option as long as thy are from sustainable sourced plantations. One of the best options is <strong>trees that you can actually grow in a pot </strong>and repeatedly use.</p> <p>Using LED and solar powered lights is not only energy saving but can be used repeatedly over the years. Try going for non flashing ones as they use more energy.</p> <p>To avoid gifts ending up in the landfill, use <strong>jars of food and vouchers </strong>for experiences, these are an <strong>eco-friendly alternative</strong>.</p> <h2><strong>Recycle the Unwanted</strong></h2> <p>If waste is unavoidable, be sure to now what can and what cannot be recycled. Don’t put soft plastic <strong>in your kerbside bin</strong>, or your recycles <strong>in a plastic bag </strong>and then putting that in the recycling bin. </p> <p>Those won’t get recycled and will cause issues at the recycling facility. Also keep an eye out for recyclable packaging, like cream and custard cartons, these are usually recyclable. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-an-ecological-festive-season-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43103</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Beating Christmas Stress and Anxiety</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2021 01:59:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Family Stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43115</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness. Christmas is also a time of  unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness.</p> <p>Christmas is also a time of unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify their grief and loneliness. Others experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict, all these make Christmas a difficult time of the year for people.</p> <p>Here are a few steps we have proved to help you manage stress and anxiety during the festive season.</p> <p><strong>If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress or anxiety, try to reach out to one of the many phone support services or talk to your family doctor.</strong></p> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Money Matters</span></strong></p> <p>The festive season can be a real burden on peoples wallets. Here are some tips for managing your finances and reducing your financial stress of the season:</p> <ul><li><strong>Identify the cause of your financial stress.</strong> Christmas can be an expensive time. Plan ways to reduce spending. You could organise a secret santa amongst the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. </li><li><strong>Find cheap ways to have fun.</strong> Don’t let money dictate how much fun you can have. organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food and substitute the expensive cocktail bars and restaurants. </li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Feuding Familes</span></strong></p> <p>Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you’ll get along. Unresolved family conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety and such gatherings could be a trigger for feelings of anxiety.</p> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Here are Some Ideas for Getting Through:</span></strong></p> <ul><li><strong>Set realistic expectations.</strong> Christmas might not be the fabulous reunion you hoped for. Plan ahead how will you manage feelings of anxiety and depression if they come along. </li><li><strong>Think of the children.</strong> If there are children around, consider their interests and put aside ongoing adult conflicts. Make Christmas a day for the kids and focus on their happiness.</li><li><strong>Control your drinking.</strong> Alcohol contributes to stress, anxiety and depression. As tempted as you may be, don’t drink to cope and drink in small amounts and drink water regularly.</li><li><strong>Avoid known triggers.</strong> If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.</li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Managing Loneliness</span></strong></p> <p>If you find yourself isolated or grieving over the Christmas period, here are a few ways to overcome loneliness: </p> <ul><li><strong>Stay connected with friends and family.</strong> Use phone and online services to overcome separation and stay in touch with friends and family.</li><li><strong>Volunteer</strong>. Find a local charity and volunteer to lend a hand. It’s a great way to connect with people and feel good about making a positive difference.</li><li><strong>Attend community events.</strong> Find out what’s on in your local area and get involved. Art, music, carols or markets getting out and attending can help relieve loneliness.</li><li><strong>Make plans for Christmas Day.</strong> Plan ahead to avoid feeling stressed or lonely on Christmas day. Make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. These things will make Christmas less stressful and lonely and you might actually make some friends. </li></ul> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color">Stay Healthy to Avoid Christmas Anxiety</span></strong></p> <p>Recognising and changing behaviours that contribute to your stress will help you get through the Christmas period. <strong>Remember to stay healthy</strong> by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep to help you cope with Christmas stress. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43115</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Have a Merry Covid Christmas with these 10 IDEAS:</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2021 00:42:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[christmas ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Covid Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[social distancing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43099</guid> <description><![CDATA[2020 and 2021 have been the strangest years of our existence. It has flipped everything we know and do upside down and required some very ingenious improvisation. If you are a parent in the middle of the COVID craziness, then I’m sure the holidays have crossed your mind, with a combination of excitement and dread. […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>2020 and 2021 have been the strangest years of our existence. It has flipped everything we know and do upside down and required some very ingenious improvisation. </p> <p>If you are a parent in the middle of the COVID craziness, then I’m sure the holidays have crossed your mind, with a combination of excitement and dread. We’ve brainstormed some ideas on how to celebrate Christmas while Social Distancing.</p> <h2 id="h-1-online-caroling">1. <strong>Online Caroling.</strong> </h2> <p>Caroling is a great age-old tradition. Families would gather around the fire place or out in the community and sing carols to bring Christmas cheer and lift peoples spirits.<br><br>Caroling has slowly died out of our social scene as people opt for more non-religious was of celebrating Christmas. We think it would be great idea to invite friends and family to have a communal online sing-along! Not only would be a little chaotic in the beginning to get he harmony and tune right (not to mention those who don’t even know the carols) but we could also take turns singing one by ourselves so the delay in transmission doesn’t spoilt the fun.<br><br>There are many ways in which this can bring people together, create some fun and laughter and maintain the sense of community Christmas is famous for. </p> <h2 id="h-2-send-home-made-gifts-through-the-mail">2. <strong>Send Home Made Gifts Through the Mail</strong></h2> <p>Gifting someone a handmade gift shows care, thought and love. It provides a touch of your own personality and creates bond between recover and giver that is much stronger then any department store voucher. Make something gift for someone and surprise them through the mail.</p> <h2 id="h-3-surprise-the-delivery-workers">3. <strong>Surprise the Delivery Workers.</strong></h2> <p>As a kid we always left a Christmas Card for the delivery works and would hide and watch their faces as they saw a card addressed to them sitting on our mail boxes “Dear Delivery Person”. The are the real Santa’s Little Helpers. This year will be extra busy for them, social distancing and travel restrictions means more people will be sending gifts via post. Do your bit and bring Christmas cheer to those working hard to get our prezzies around.<br></p> <h2 id="h-4-bring-christmas-joy-to-essential-workers">4. <strong>Bring Christmas Joy to Essential Workers</strong></h2> <p>They have been the real heroes of our fight against COVID and the social upheaval it has caused to our lives. From supermarket workers, delivery drivers, bus and train drivers, the army of cleaners and those in the medical, are of the many unsung heroes of this pandemic. Get your kids involved and make them special little ornaments, gift cards and out your own perusal touch to it for those who may not get the holidays off.</p> <h2 id="h-5-have-a-scavenger-hunt-around-the-house">5. <strong>Have a Scavenger Hunt around the House</strong></h2> <p>More of us will be in our homes this year than in previous years. Instead of getting overfed and bored, get everyone out and about with a fun filled scavenger hunt. Divide up the people in the house into a team and have a race to see who finishes first and gets the prize</p> <h2 id="h-6-mystery-gifts">6. <strong>Mystery Gifts</strong></h2> <p>There is nothing more heart warming than getting a gift from a mysterious giver. Have your children choose several family members and secretly deliver them a gift. You can a small note of appreciation too.</p> <h2 id="h-7-drive-by-christmas">7. <strong>Drive By Christmas</strong></h2> <p>During Christmas we all love to go past house looking at the array of Christmas decorations. This year we can add to that by standing outside our homes and singing Christmas carols, waving to people and wishing Merry Christmas as they drive past. There are many drive by Christmas ideas online, including hanging Christmas cards, drive by tree decorations etc</p> <h2 id="h-8-home-made-christmas-decorations">8. <strong>Home-Made Christmas Decorations</strong></h2> <p>Seeing your own handwork and creativity on display makes everyone feel proud and happy. Keep your family busy this year by crafting home made decorations such as paper chains and pop cor garlands.</p> <h2 id="h-9-volunteer-or-assist-those-doing-it-tough">9. <strong>Volunteer or Assist Those Doing it Tough</strong></h2> <p>This year is tough for everyone, but there are many people who are doing it tougher. Many people have lost their jobs, seen their incomes disappear, lost their businesses and lost loved ones. As unfortunate as it is this also presents an ideal time for us to teach our kids the real meaning of Christmas – giving, sharing, serving and contributing to the welfare of others.<br>Ask your children to choose some of their clothes and toys to gift to kids who need them. You can also ask to give you food ideas on what to make or cook to donate to the local kitchen. </p> <h2 id="h-10-enjoy-a-candid-camera-moment">10. <strong>Enjoy a Candid Camera Moment</strong></h2> <p>Push away the blues of this of this year by posing for silly photos with your family and friends. You can dress up, pull faces or take motion shots doing something silly. Send it to someone you know who could be a good laugh and some Christmas cheer.<br></p> <p>Laughter is the best medicine and this way you can help cure someone’s sadness.<br></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/have-a-merry-covid-christmas-with-these-10-ideas-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43099</post-id> </item> <item> <title>10 rules to Reduce Christmas Stress</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2021 23:00:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stress Reduction]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43106</guid> <description><![CDATA[The festive season is a time for enjoying each others company, exchanging gifts, having a few laughs and making memories.  Unfortunately, this season can also be the most stressful for a number of reasons. By following our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress” you maybe able to beat the season stress. You may think “Hmm, yeah […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The festive season is a time for enjoying each others company, exchanging gifts, having a few laughs and making memories. </p> <p>Unfortunately, this season can also be the most stressful for a number of reasons. By following our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress” you maybe able to beat the season stress.</p> <p>You may think “Hmm, yeah right this is really gonna help me” but we encourage you to stick with it anyway. Try to place a copy on your bathroom mirror, so you read it first thing in the morning whilst getting ready, or a copy on the board in the kitchen.</p> <p>After a short while we hope you begin to realise this list will actually help make it easy for you to understand your feelings. This list is meant to remind you to think about yourself and how you feel.</p> <p>Stress can affect us in a number of different ways. These include nausea, butterflies in our stomach, inability to have good sleep, weight-loss and clouded judgements. Quite often we only realise we are suffering from stress when something happens that we can’t control.</p> <p>These are our “10 Rules to Reduce Stress”. </p> <ol><li>You will not be perfect nor even try</li><li>You will not try to be all things to all people</li><li>You will not do things that ought to be done</li><li>You will not spread yourself too thin</li><li>You will learn to say “NO”</li><li>You will make time for yourself</li><li>You will learn to switch on and off and do nothing regularly</li><li>You will be boring, untidy and unattractive</li><li>You will not feel guilty </li><li>10.You will not be your own worst enemy</li></ol> <p>These rules are especially for you if you feel there aren’t enough hours in the day or you haven’t done lately something that you want to do or your future looks cloudy. </p> <p>If so, then these commandments are for you.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/10-rules-to-reduce-christmas-stress-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43106</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alternatives to a Dysfunctional Family Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 26 Nov 2021 21:20:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=42187</guid> <description><![CDATA[Like many of us, you too dread Christmas: You may be completely fed up with consumerism You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction You are single and looking for a relationship You still bereaving […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Like many of us, you too dread Christmas:</p> <ul><li>You may be completely fed up with consumerism</li><li>You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything</li><li>You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture</li><li>You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction You are single and looking for a relationship</li><li>You still bereaving a loved one</li><li>You are lonely and don’t have any family close by</li></ul> <p>Or perhaps… Your family is just plain dysfunctional and it is too unhealthy for you to be around them right now.</p> <p>Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much self-development work you have done, it’s too easy to get hooked into old patterns and roles. </p> <p>There is nothing more sticky than dealing with a dysfunctional family. You can spend thousands of dollars and hours into therapy but in 15minutes you can become hopelessly smashed in the same crazy dynamics and start acting and feeling the person you are trying not to be. </p> <p>All the training in assertiveness and independence goes out the window and a mere sigh from your family members triggers codependency so severe you end up signing over your house.</p> <p>While there are many strategies on how to survive such family gatherings and avoid the subsequent mandatory meltdown, sometimes the only way to say no to self-inflicted guilt and take care of yourself is to ditch the whole thing altogether.</p> <h2 id="h-here-are-some-things-to-do-on-christmas-day">Here are some things to do on Christmas Day</h2> <p>1. Volunteer at a charity</p> <p>Check out the<a href="http://www.thewaysidechapel.com/volunteering.php"> Wayside Chapel Christmas Day Street Party</a>. Its main objective is to bring together the community. Every year, they put on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and fill the street with music and dancing. The event is a day for the whole community. Activities include breakfast, Christmas church service, entertainment and Christmas lunch.</p> <p>2. Head down to the beach for a swim</p> <p>A trip to the beach is always a safe bet. It’s calming and relaxing for the mind and soul while the sea air, ocean breeze, warmth of the sun are beneficial for the body.</p> <p>3. Keep calm and read a book</p> <p>Use the holiday to take a break from all the busyness of life. Settle down with a wonderful novel or an engrossing reading. You will not need self help book for this one.</p> <p>4. Check out the cinemas</p> <p>Check out the latest serve from Hollywood or a classic rerun that is sometimes played. </p> <p>5. Stream a movie</p> <p>Reframe the way you think and feel with a good movie. It can also help you to deal with life’s ups and downs. Watch a movie about dysfunctional family and who knows, you may even begin to feel a sense of gratitude for your own dysfunctional family after watching them. .</p> <p>6. Spend Christmas with your family of choice</p> <p>You can choose to spend Christmas with different people, your friends, volunteer group. Christmas doesn’t have to spent with your “birth family”</p> <p>7. Go to a church service</p> <p>Christmas has been celebrated for over 2000 years, it’s only in recent times it has become more about presents, consumerism, food and booze. Go back to its roots and check out a Christmas church service the way its meant to be. Hear the church bells ring, listen to the story of Jesus. Find solace and sanctuary. Go with an open mind and connect with something greater than you.</p> <p>8. Sing Christmas Carols</p> <p>Sing Christmas carols on Christmas Day. Singing provides a lot of health benefits and helps one connect with other people.</p> <p>9. Visit the local Zoo.</p> <p>Zoos are open on Christmas Day – some even put lunch on. Check out your local Zoo and be ready to be amazed and wowed.</p> <p>10. Take a walking tour of Sydney</p> <p>Take a walking tour of Sydney and admire the beautiful city.</p> <p>11. Go bush for the day</p> <p>There are many fantastic walks around the Sydney foreshores that feel as though you have gone bush!</p> <p>12. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge</p> <p>To Sydney-siders, the Bridge is more than a photogenic landmark. It’s an iconic part of the City’s character. Now you can climb it on Christmas day.</p> <p>13. Enjoy a Christmas Day picnic or BBQ</p> <p>Enjoy Christmas day with a picnic or a bbq with friends and like-minded people.</p> <p>14. Host an orphans’ Christmas lunch</p> <p>Open your home to those who are on their own, those visiting town for work, on holidays or who wish to take a break from their own family! Get the conversation going on social media and ask everyone to bring a plate.</p> <p>15. Explore the City on a food safari</p> <p>Check out Yum Cha at the local China Town or other cuisines from around the world in your local City.</p> <p>16. Stay at a posh hotel</p> <p>Enjoy the wonderful views of your City from a plush hotel and be treated like royalty.</p> <p>17. Take time for solitude</p> <p>Solitude is about connecting with your whole self without feeling alone or like you’re missing out of something. On this day, practice self-reflection, be creative, start an art journal, a vision board or reflect on your upcoming New Years resolution. Or you could take a warm bath, refuel or sleep if you need to. It’s your day to pamper yourself.</p> <p>18. Get in touch with your spiritual Self </p> <p>Engage your will and take your learning back into your daily life on exit</p> <p>Head somewhere which holds spiritual significance for you; it could be a sacred site or a beautiful garden. Use it to release stress and let go of baggage and receive some spiritual reconnection. </p> <p>19. Find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary at a Buddhist temple</p> <p>Smell the joss sticks and find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary surely to be located in your City.</p> <p>20. Check-in to rehab</p> <p>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, food, sex, drug, alcohol, gambling or ice addiction – check into rehab and start the year anew. Go deep inside, find the real you and connect with others who are suffering from similar issues.</p> <p>21. Camp (or glamp!) on Cockatoo Island (Sydney siders!)</p> <p>Camp at the water’s edge on the northern side of<a href="http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/"> Cockatoo Island</a> and experience the magic of the harbour. On Cockatoo Island you will find a place where history and a unique atmosphere have been preserved by an island location. A place to relax and unwind, yet still only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney.</p> <p>22. Spend time in silence</p> <p>Attend a meditation retreat over Christmas. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. See if there is a meditation centre near you. </p> <p>23. Retreat to the Hinterlands</p> <p>Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of a Retreat and Spa nestled in the stunning hinterlands of your local City or nearby.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">42187</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alternatives to a Dysfunctional Family Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 01:24:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alone]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alternative Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43108</guid> <description><![CDATA[Like many of us, you too dread Christmas: – You maybe completely fed up with consumerism – You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything – You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture – You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction – You are single and looking for a relationship […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Like many of us, you too dread Christmas:</p> <p>– You maybe completely fed up with consumerism</p> <p>– You are simply exhausted and need a break from everything</p> <p>– You don’t celebrate Christmas in your culture</p> <p>– You are suffering or recovering from eating order or an addiction</p> <p>– You are single and looking for a relationship</p> <p>– You still bereaving a loved one</p> <p>– You are lonely and don’t have any family close by</p> <p>Or perhaps… Your family is just plain dysfunctional and it is too unhealthy for you to be around them right now.</p> <p>Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much self-development work you have done, it’s too easy to get hooked into old patterns and roles. </p> <p>There is nothing more sticky than dealing with a dysfunctional family. You can spends thousand of dollars and hours into therapy but in 15minutes you can become hopelessly smashed in the same crazy dynamics and start acting and feeling the person you are trying not to be. </p> <p>All the training in assertiveness, and independence goes out the window and a mere sigh from your family members triggers a codependency so severe you end up signing over your house.</p> <p>While there are many strategies on how to survive such family gathering and avoid the subsequent mandatory melt down, sometimes the only way to say no to self-inflicted guilt and take care of yourself is to ditch the whole thing altogether.</p> <h2><strong>Here are some things to do on Christmas Day</strong>:</h2> <p><strong>1. Volunteer at a Charity</strong></p> <p>Check out a Christmas Day Street Party. It’s main objective is to bring together the community. Every year, they put on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and fill the street with music and dancing. The event is a day for the whole community. Activities include: breakfast, Christmas church service, entertainment and Christmas lunch.</p> <p><strong>2. Head Down to the Beach for a Swim</strong></p> <p>A trip to the beach is always a safe bet. It’s calming and relaxing for the mind and soul while the sea air, ocean breeze, warmth of the sun are beneficial for the body.</p> <p><strong>3. Keep Calm and Read a Book</strong></p> <p>Use the holiday to take a break from all the busyness of life. Settle down with a wonderful novel or an engrossing reading. You will not need self help book for this one.</p> <p><strong>4. Check Out the Cinemas</strong></p> <p>Checkout the latest serve from Hollywood or a classic rerun that is sometimes played. </p> <p><strong>5. Stream a Movie</strong></p> <p>Reframe the way you think and feel with a good movie. It can also help you to deal with life’s ups and downs. Watch a movie about dysfunctional family and who knows, you may even begin to feel a sense of gratitude for your own dysfunctional family after watching them.</p> <p><strong>6. Spend Christmas with your Family of Choice</strong></p> <p>You can choose to spend Christmas with different people, your friends, volunteer group. Christmas doesn’t have to spent with your “birth family”.</p> <p><strong>7. Go to a Church Service</strong></p> <p>Christmas has been celebrated for over 2000 years, it’s only in recent times it has become more about presents, consumerism, food and booze. Go back to its roots and check out a Christmas church service the way its meant to be. Hear the church bells ring, listen to the story of Jesus. Find solace and sanctuary. Go with an open mind and connect with something greater than you.</p> <p><strong>8. Sing Christmas Carols</strong></p> <p>Sing Christmas carols on Christmas Day. Singing provides a lot of health benefits and helps one connect with other people.</p> <p><strong>9. Visit the local Zoo</strong></p> <p>Zoos are open on Christmas Day – some even put a lunch on. Check out your local Zoo and be ready to be amazed and wowed.</p> <p><strong>10. Take a Walking Tour of Sydney</strong></p> <p>Take a walking tour of Sydney and admire the beautiful city.</p> <p><strong>11. Go Bush for the Day</strong></p> <p>There are many fantastic walks around the Sydney foreshores that feel as though you have gone bush!</p> <p><strong>12. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge</strong></p> <p>To Sydney-siders, the Bridge is more than a photogenic landmark. It’s an iconic part of the City’s character. Now you can climb it on Christmas day.</p> <p><strong>13. Enjoy a Christmas Day Picnic or BBQ</strong></p> <p>Enjoy Christmas day with a picnic or a bbq with friends and likeminded people.</p> <p><strong>14. Host an Orphans’ Christmas Lunch</strong></p> <p>Open your home to those who are on their own, those visiting town for work, on holidays or who wish to take a break from their own family! Get the conversation going on social media and ask everyone to bring a plate.</p> <p><strong>15. Explore the City on a Food Safari</strong></p> <p>Check out Yum Cha at the local China Town or other ethnic cuisine from around the world in your local City.</p> <p><strong>16. Stay at a Posh Hotel</strong></p> <p>Enjoy the wonderful views of your City from a plush hotel and be treated like royalty.</p> <p><strong>17. Take Time for Solitude</strong></p> <p>Solitude is about connecting with your whole self without feeling alone or like you’re missing out of something. On this day, practice self-reflection, be creative, start an art journal, a vision board or reflect on your upcoming New Years resolution. Or you could take a warm bath, refuel or sleep if you need to. It’s your day to pamper yourself.</p> <p><strong>18. Get in Touch with your Spiritual Self </strong></p> <p>Engage your will and take your learning back into your daily life on exit</p> <p>Head somewhere which holds spiritual significance for you; it could be a sacred site or a beautiful garden. Use it to release stress and let go of baggage and receive some spiritual reconnection. </p> <p><strong>19. Find Inner Calm, Tranquility and Sanctuary at a Buddhist Temple</strong></p> <p>Smell the joss sticks and find inner calm, tranquillity and sanctuary surely to be located in your City.</p> <p><strong>20. Check-in to Rehab</strong></p> <p>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, food, sex, drug, alcohol, gambling or i addiction – check into rehab and start the year anew. Go deep inside, find the real you and connect with others who are suffering with similar issues.</p> <p><strong>21. Go Glamping on Cockatoo Island</strong> (Island Resort?? can be changed if too particular)</p> <p>Camp at the water’s edge on the northern side Cockotoo Island and experience the magic of the harbour. On Cockatoo Island you will find a place where history and a unique atmosphere have been preserved by an island location. A place to relax and unwind, yet still only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney.</p> <p><strong>22. Spend Time in Silence</strong></p> <p>Attend a meditation retreat over Christmas. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. See if there is a meditation centre near you. </p> <p><strong>23. Retreat to the Hinterlands</strong></p> <p>Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of a Retreat and Spa nestled in the stunning hinterlands of your local City or nearby.</p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/alternatives-to-a-dysfunctional-family-christmas-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43108</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Lockdown and Mental Health Challenges</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/lockdown-and-mental-health-challenges/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[children and mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lockdown]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lockdown survival]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79042</guid> <description><![CDATA[This short article is for parents on how to approach concerns around their teens mental health coming out of the lockdown. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The recent lockdowns have presented us with <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/overcoming-lockdown-fatigue-dr-norman-swan/">broad and varied challenges</a>. These range from financial issues, relationship challenges and concerns around employment and job security. One thing all of these have in common, is their effect <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/ongoing-support-during-coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions">on our mental health.</a> Medical professions have long highlighted the need to focus on helping adults and children deal with mental health. Especially depression and suicide. </p> <p>There is now a growing awareness in corporate Australia of mental health and Employee Wellbeing. These include new changes in corporate behaviour initiated during recent lockdowns. During this time, everyone recognised the struggles of balancing the demands of a “stay at home” and “work from home” parent at once.</p> <p>Naturally, parents have many questions regarding the long term impact on their children. </p> <p>This article is part of a series identifying changes in behaviour that can help with mental health issues highlighted during the pandemic. The lockdowns may have gone away but their effects and reputations will be felt for many years. </p> <h3 id="h-as-a-parent-during-lockdown">As a Parent During Lockdown</h3> <p>Nothing could’ve prepared parents for these extraordinary times. Nor for the merging of their two worlds – working from home and being a parent to children stuck at home. Parents understandably feel guilty for the social and academic difficulties experienced by their children. This includes when they are removed from their friends and the school environment. As an employee, many parents may also feel responsible for any lowered output. For not giving a full 8 hour day or “badly” multi-tasking your many roles. </p> <p>Work and home life have now merged into one. With prolonged lockdowns and movement restrictions, our “work-life balance” is completely lopsided. This requires a completely new level of flexibility and discipline, done consciously and purposely. </p> <p>It’s important for parents to manage their own anxiety. If we as parents demonstrate worry, then that is likely to translate into anxiety for our children also.</p> <p>It’s really important for parents to understand what message they want to impart. Parents need to work together to make sure that they present a calm face to young people. They need to reassure them that, yes, times are tough, however, there is a long and bright future. </p> <p>As adults, we deal with many adversities and manage to get through and learn from those experiences. It’s essential that our children understand this. The security of this knowledge will greatly benefit them.</p> <h3>Acknowledgment</h3> <p>This is a short summary of the first-ever <a href="https://mood.org.au/pages/mission">MOOD Tea Break</a>.</p> <p>MOOD is an organisation that exists to help prevent youth suicide. They do that by funding mental health projects. </p> <p>The topic of this Tea Break was to discuss the challenges presented by the cycle of lockdowns across Australia. They partnered with the team at Tonic Media Network to bring together some experts to help answer questions from the public. </p> <p>Hundreds of people attended this widely received webinar.</p> <p>The topic covered concerns regarding children’s mental, physical and educational well being and any adverse effects on their growth. </p> <p>It also discussed ideas on how parents and adults can look after their own wellbeing. Parents of course had to balance work and parenting at the same time, often one overlapping the other and many had to become impromptu teachers, finding themselves having to recall their dreaded subjects which they thought they left behind in High School – trigonometry nightmares anyone. </p> <p>Finally the topic discussed the changes in Australian working culture and expectations, the resoluteness of human beings who have come through crisis and they need to assure each other that we are in this together, and we will soon be out of this together. </p> <h3>Host: </h3> <p><strong>Jenni Hayward</strong> – General Manager at Mood</p> <h3>Panelists:</h3> <p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/health/minutes/norman.htm"><strong>Dr. Norman Swan</strong></a> from Tonic Media Network.</p> <p><a href="https://www.maggiedent.com"><strong>Maggie Dent </strong></a>host of ABC Podcast “Parental as Anything”.</p> <p><a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/aimee-buchanan-343b6839"><strong>Aimee Buchanan</strong> </a>from MCEO.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/e-scott.html"><strong>Elizabeth Scott</strong>,</a> a psychiatrist at the University of Sydney, The Brain and Mind Centre.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79042</post-id> </item> <item> <title>The Christmas workout</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise & Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Healthy Weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeworkout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43095</guid> <description><![CDATA[Our boring Gym routine is not what’s on our minds as we approach Christmas and end of years holidays. Most of us are too focused on barbecues, family get togethers and doing the Christmas shopping.  But it’s essential to keep your fitness regime on track and get your heat rate pumping. HIIT circuit exercises are […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Our boring Gym routine is not what’s on our minds as we approach Christmas and end of years holidays. Most of us are too focused on barbecues, family get togethers and doing the Christmas shopping. </p> <p>But it’s essential to keep your fitness regime on track and get your heat rate pumping. HIIT circuit exercises are a fun and quick way to get an amazing workout and with the right exercises these can be done anywhere. </p> <h2>Christmas Workout </h2> <p>For this particular workout you will go through 12 sets of exercises in one circuit, and at each set add a new exercise as well as doing the ones from the previous sets. All you need is a mat, a medicine ball or dumbbells, pull-up bar (something to pull yourself up with), and a timer.</p> <p>Take at least 30-60 seconds rest between each set depending on your fitness level.</p> <p><strong>1st Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>2nd Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>3rd Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>4th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>5th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>6th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>7th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>8th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>9th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>10th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>11th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>11 Medicine ball (or dumbbell) wood chops (each side)</li><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p><strong>12th Set:</strong></p> <ul><li>12 bent-over rows</li><li>11 Medicine ball (or dumbbell) wood chops (each side)</li><li>10 reverse lunges (each leg)</li><li>9 shoulder presses</li><li>8 squats</li><li>7 hip bridges</li><li>6 triceps dips</li><li>5 push-ups</li><li>4 Burpees</li><li>3 20-second wall sits</li><li>2 pullups</li><li>1 30-second plank</li></ul> <p>If you aren’t completely spent by the end of this circuit well done!!! You are welcome to do it again. </p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/the-christmas-workout-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43095</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Beating Christmas stress and anxiety</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2021 11:38:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=42174</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness. Christmas is also a time of  unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="42174" class="elementor elementor-42174" data-elementor-settings="[]"> <div class="elementor-section-wrap"> <section data-particle_enable="false" data-particle-mobile-disabled="false" class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-49136b4f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="49136b4f" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e222762" data-id="e222762" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1081b9f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="1081b9f0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-4ocBaZ","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-4ocBaZ","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-4Bgc5k"} --> <p class="eplus-4ocBaZ">The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it is be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment and loneliness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-je42jC","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-je42jC","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-b2cWJg"} --> <p class="eplus-je42jC">Christmas is also a time of unreasonableness. There is misplaced high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying expensive lavish celebrations and gifts. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify their grief and loneliness. Others experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict, all these make Christmas a difficult time of the year for people.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-o3lUOx","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-o3lUOx","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-zr1Bdh"} --> <p class="eplus-o3lUOx">Here are a few steps we have proved to help you manage stress and anxiety during the festive season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-89aWtH","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-89aWtH","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-mfzqvL"} --> <p class="eplus-89aWtH"><strong>If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress or anxiety, try to reach out to one of the many phone support services or talk to your family doctor.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-YYJwUC","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-YYJwUC","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-nh72gr"} --> <p class="eplus-YYJwUC">Money matters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-W3vd5L","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-W3vd5L","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-CaAIme"} --> <p class="eplus-W3vd5L">The festive season can be a real burden on peoples wallets. 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--> <ul class=" eplus-QxTWZa"><li><strong>Identify the cause of your financial stress.</strong> Christmas can be an expensive time. Plan ways to reduce spending. You could organise a secret santa amongst the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. </li><li><strong>Find cheap ways to have fun.</strong> Don’t let money dictate how much fun you can have. organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food and substitute the expensive cocktail bars and restaurants. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-wQFSvo","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-wQFSvo","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-OYQyNg"} --> <p class="eplus-wQFSvo">Feuding Familes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-vXvAg8","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-vXvAg8","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-yVHgS3"} --> <p class="eplus-vXvAg8">Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you’ll get along. Unresolved family conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety and such gatherings could be a trigger for feelings of anxiety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-h0wQDz","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-h0wQDz","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-dZTiQA"} --> <p class="eplus-h0wQDz">Here are some ideas for getting through:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" eplus-L0iuaO","epStylingOptions":{"columnsResponsiveEnabled":false,"columnsHoverEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingResponsiveEnabled":false,"itemsSpacingHoverEnabled":false,"listStyleResponsiveEnabled":false,"listStyleHoverEnabled":false,"listIconResponsiveEnabled":false,"listIconHoverEnabled":false,"columns":{"target":"","responsive":true,"hover":true,"options":[{"custom":true,"control":"ToggleOptions"},{"label":"Columns","control":"Range","attribute":"columns","css":"grid-template-columns","customValue":"repeat({{value}}, 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--> <ul class=" eplus-L0iuaO"><li><strong>Set realistic expectations.</strong> Christmas might not be the fabulous reunion you hoped for. Plan ahead how will you manage feelings of anxiety and depression if they come along. </li><li><strong>Think of the children.</strong> If there are children around, consider their interests and put aside ongoing adult conflicts. Make Christmas a day for the kids and focus on their happiness.</li><li><strong>Control your drinking.</strong> Alcohol contributes to stress, anxiety and depression. As tempted as you may be, don’t drink to cope and drink in small amounts and drink water regularly.</li><li><strong>Avoid known triggers.</strong> If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-mGwhtt","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-mGwhtt","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-UFvuW8"} --> <p class="eplus-mGwhtt">Managing loneliness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-mYGc8D","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-mYGc8D","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-uqCBkx"} --> <p class="eplus-mYGc8D">If you find yourself isolated or grieving over the Christmas period, here are a few ways to overcome loneliness: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":" 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--> <ul class=" eplus-vlpmSg"><li><strong>Stay connected with friends and family.</strong> Use phone and online services to overcome separation and stay in touch with friends and family.</li><li><strong>Volunteer</strong>. Find a local charity and volunteer to lend a hand. It’s a great way to connect with people and feel good about making a positive difference.</li><li><strong>Attend community events.</strong> Find out what’s on in your local area and get involved. Art, music, carols or markets getting out and attending can help relieve loneliness.</li><li><strong>Make plans for Christmas Day.</strong> Plan ahead to avoid feeling stressed or lonely on Christmas day. Make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. These things will make Christmas less stressful and lonely and you might actually make some friends. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-SPMc1u","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-SPMc1u","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-SLAdL6"} --> <p class="eplus-SPMc1u">Stay healthy to avoid Christmas anxiety</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":" eplus-cFSOxj","epGeneratedClass":"eplus-cFSOxj","epAnimationGeneratedClass":"edplus_anim-JSGlKb"} --> <p class="eplus-cFSOxj">Recognising and changing behaviours that contribute to your stress will help you get through the Christmas period. <strong>Remember to stay healthy</strong> by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep to help you cope with Christmas stress. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/beating-christmas-stress-and-anxiety/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">42174</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss> ' $parser = object(SimplePie_Parser) { error_code => null error_string => null current_line => (int) 1344 current_column => (int) 1 current_byte => (int) 89364 separator => '' namespace => array( (int) 0 => '' ) element => array( (int) 0 => '' ) xml_base => array( (int) 0 => '' ) xml_base_explicit => array( (int) 0 => false ) xml_lang => array( (int) 0 => '' ) data => array( 'child' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) datas => array( (int) 0 => array([maximum depth reached]) ) current_xhtml_construct => (int) -1 encoding => 'UTF-8' }SimplePie::init() - APP/webroot/scripts/simple_pie/simplepie.inc, line 1781 include - APP/View/Elements/right_rssbox.ctp, line 15 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Users/login.ctp, line 44 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 96
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