Encouragement

What to say and not say to friends and family coping with serious illness

It’s easy, as a close friend, to worry about the negative experiences your ill friend may have, and while you listen, there can be a tendency to join the pity party. It is good to listen to your friend’s concerns and show them that you understand, but taken too far, you can enable a negative mindset.

Don’t forget that a bit of encouragement can go a long way. And that encouragement should be geared toward your friend and their personality. Not everyone can handle overly inspiring quotes when they’re struggling at the bottom, but that’s also where some people thrive. It’s likely that the type of encouragement you give will depend on their current situation and feelings.

Support

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The word “support” gets thrown around quite a bit when discussing life-altering illnesses or situations–so much that you begin to wonder what it actually means. You can demonstrate support for your friend in many ways.

Your friend may need someone to check in on them regularly, maybe with a quick text or face-to-face visits. They may need occasional rides to radiation oncology appointments or just want a friend to be there with them.

Remember that giving support is not enforcing rules and routines for your friend; it’s showing them that you will be there as they choose to do those things on their own.

Flexibility

How to Support a Friend Who’s Just Been Diagnosed With a Chronic Illness

As anyone with a long-term illness can tell you, every day is not the same. Some days they can be full of energy, showing no outward signs that they’re sick, and on others, they can barely muster the energy to climb out of bed.

With so much fluctuation, it can be easy for friends and family to get frustrated about how these physical changes affect their own schedules and plans. Remember that it’s okay to cancel a night out and it’s okay to give your friend extra attention or space.

Consistency

This may seem contradictory to the flexibility mentioned above, but when it comes to enduring an experience that could potentially go on into the foreseeable future, you’ll need to pace yourself.

Don’t overdo the amount of attention and time you give your friend early on just to see yourself sputter out. Make sure you give yourself time and space to recuperate, too, so your support can be something to count on.

Variety

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Sometimes illnesses like this begin to define the relationship you have with your friend. If all your interactions focus on how they’re feeling, how they’re doing, and what’s happening with the doctor, your friendship can halt its progress.

Part of the reason they want you around is the growing friendship you have. So don’t shy away from discussing yourself, and don’t shy away from happy stories and thoughtful discussions. Your normal relationship can do wonders to offset the somberness of their illness.

The post What to Do for a Friend with a Long-Term Illness appeared first on InstantELLA.

Rachelle Jones, a women’s health doctor, helped us put together this list of self-care tips that you can do in 10 minutes or less each day.

1. Read

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Take a few minutes to read something that you enjoy. Whether it’s a magazine, a book, a blog, or even a Facebook post, take some time for yourself to sit and read something just for you.

2. Call a Friend

How long has it been since you called your best friend? Call a friend up and talk to them for a few minutes. They’ll appreciate the sentiment and you’ll feel much better after you’ve caught up with your friend.

3. Color

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Adult coloring books are all the rage. Pick on up for yourself, or print off a few pages of one, and sit down for 10 minutes or less and just color. Don’t worry about anything else except the task at hand. Let your mind relax as you fill the colors in the lines.

4. Meditate

All you need is a few minutes to meditate. Meditating is especially helpful if you find yourself stressed out or anxious a lot. If you’ve never meditated before, try a guided meditation with an app like Calm. This will help you clear your mind and focus only on yourself while shutting off all other stressors.

5. Listen to Music

Music isn’t what we do, it’s who we are!

Music can be very therapeutic. Find a quiet place to relax for a few minutes and listen to two or three of your favorite songs. You’ll feel rejuvenated after this much needed break.

6. Go Outside

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Go for a short walk outside – or just go outside and sit. Allow the air to refresh your senses and clear your mind as you take in the nature that surrounds you.

7. Journal

Find a quiet place and write down your thoughts. Journaling allows you to reflect on everything that you are thinking and feeling. Write down positive thoughts and things you are grateful for.

The post 10 Minutes To Better Self-Care appeared first on InstantELLA.

Beholding The Golden Green Goose That Hatched One Of The Richest Counties in America

Teton County, Idaho has an abundance of fun recreational activities for the whole family to enjoy, and we want to share some of our favorites with you.

Kotler Ice Arena in Victor, ID

Kotler Ice Arena

The Kotler Ice Arena holds public open skating every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re a pro skater or just beginning, all are welcome to participate in the fun. You can pay daily or purchase a season pass, which are also good for their “Stick & Puck” sessions to practice your hockey skills.

Check Teton Valley Foundation for times and prices.

Geotourism Center in Driggs, ID

Experience the West Side of the Tetons

If your family enjoys museums, then you have to visit the world’s first geotourism center in Driggs. Explore the beauty of the Teton Valley all in the exhibits of the Teton Geotourism Center and learn to love it as the locals do. This is a great place to bring the family for a day trip. Learn all about what makes the Tetons and Yellowstone so unique.

Yellowstone National Park

Snowmobile & Snowcoach Tours

Of course you can’t go wrong with Yellowstone National Park. It is the first and oldest national park in the world. Your family can enjoy an experience fully immersed in natural wonders, from the thousands of geysers to the wildlife that lives there. Just be sure your dress for the weather.

National Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY

National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole

Take your family on a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge this winter. Find yourself within 20 feet of thousands of elk. Dress warm and get ready for an experience of a lifetime. You might even encounter other wildlife, such as eagles, coyotes, foxes, bison, and swans.

Grand Targhee Ski Resort in Jackson, WY

Winter at Grand Targhee Resort

As soon as the winter season starts, you can take your family snow tubing at the Grand Targhee Ski Resort. Enjoy the thrill of speeding down a snowy hill and then the convenience of being pulled back up the hill by their conveyor surface lift. Reservations are recommended because the tubes can sell out quickly.

The post 5 Fun Family Friendly Activities in Teton County, Idaho appeared first on InstantELLA.