Family Balance During COVID-19

Family Balance During COVID-19

When the world was ordered to work from home, many people were pleased about not having to drive to work. But reality dawned. Now, many parents wish that they could leave the house and go to work like the good old days. Remote working with kids around can be a major nightmare. As a work-from-home mom or dad, you take on multiple roles: your day job, parenting, teaching, and with restaurants closed, more cooking. Phew! That can be too much to handle. Here are a few ideas that might help.

Keep the children busy with lots of homework

Many children are still learning from home at this point during the pandemic. When it comes to home-schooling or remote schooling, you are either the teacher or the coordinator, so you must wear a different hat. Homework comes first before play. Set this boundary and help your child understand that you also need time to do your homework.

Don’t keep working after 5

When it’s time for family time, turn off your computer and give your kids and partner the attention they deserve. This is not just good for them; it will help you to unwind too. And given the infectious anxiety and worry that characterizes this period, talking to your family—venting—is critical for emotional wellbeing.

Designate a workplace and work time

When it’s time for work, get into the home office and lock the door behind you. Remove distractions so that you can work efficiently. Otherwise, failure to meet work deadlines and KPIs at this time can be a major contributor to stress and mental health problems.

Have time for yourself

Before the pandemic struck, you probably would pass by the gym or see a friend after work. You had an evening hobby and a favorite TV show. These things are important when it comes to mental health and overall wellbeing. Find ways to keep doing that by working out at home, going for a stroll, or talking to your friends online.

Get help with household chores

Encourage everyone to participate in household chores, including the children. Teach them to make their bed, pick up their dirty clothes, and straighten their room. Having one less thing on your to-do list can give you peace of mind.

Call for help when you need it

Sometimes we are strong enough, and we cope, but other times, we crash under it all. Such as when a child has ADHD or you are struggling with anxiety, bipolarity, or PTSD. We are here to help.

ACT Family Counseling provides counseling and psychotherapy services with six convenient locations. Connect with us and let us help you find the strength to live another day.

 

ACT Family Counseling

6 Locations to Serve You

Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville

800.801.8777

This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com

CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.

Staying Safe During COVID – Even When Your Friends are Not

Staying Safe During COVID – Even When Your Friends are Not

Dealing with the current chaotic environment is no easy task. Staying COVID safe when your friends are not can be challenging for everyone involved. With mixed messaging tossed about from every avenue imaginable, it can be difficult for many social butterflies to comprehend the need to stay on guard. How can you enjoy time spent with a dear friend and communicate your need for maintaining healthy social distances? Maybe you have someone at home who is particularly at risk; maybe you are. Just know, that you have socially distanced friends within reach who can help you stay COVID safe when your friends are not.

Counseling through the COVID Crisis

ACT Family Counseling offers you the perspective and prep you need to tackle tough topics. COVID shouldn’t be the reason to cancel pleasure in your life. You can enjoy the company of others in responsible, loving ways without the drama! But how? First, let’s chat about “communicating” clearly. Here are some tips for when you are trying to share your heart about staying COVID safe when your friends are not:

  • Make open-ended inquiries
  • Check non-verbal cues
  • Set aside your “reading-mind” goggles
  • Steer clear of blame games

Good communication creates lasting friendships. Need more guidance? ACT Family Counseling is ready to help!

Staying COVID Safe When Your Friends Are Not “CAN” Be a Positive Experience

It can be a definite positive to receive counseling from experts in communication. At ACT Family Counseling, we guide you toward your goals while keeping you safe. Our online counseling can help you find solutions to solve the complex challenges in your life. Staying COVID safe when others are not, especially when they are your friends, can be tough. You don’t want to offend, you don’t want to seem withdrawn, just safe yet social.

You can draw close to your friends from a safe distance. We can show you how by giving you the tools that will ensure your friends feel appreciated and you stay COVID safe!

ACT Family Counseling

6 Locations to Serve You

Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville

800.801.8777

This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com

CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.

Coping with the Effects of Unemployment

Coping with the Effects of Unemployment

Many people around the world have been left jobless because of COVID-19. You get fired without notice or your business closes its doors. This has plunged the world into sleepless nights over rent, mortgages, school fees, and daily sustenance. There is a high risk of developing anxiety and depression over these fears and worries. ACT Family Counseling recommends the following to take care of your mental health and overall wellbeing:

Allow yourself to feel angry, sad, and anxious

Don’t fight the feeling. Allow yourself to get angry or frustrated. Let yourself be sad, anxious, and everything else. This is a therapeutic strategy recognized as ACT—acceptance and commitment therapy. It works well to remind you that in many things, as humans, we have no control. Once you accept what is happening, it becomes easier to adapt and make the needed survival changes.

Maintain perspective

It is easy to blame yourself for the job loss and financial turmoil that characterizes this period. Don’t do that. Keep in mind that many people have been affected by the scourge of the pandemic. Organizations have had to make tougher decisions to downsize. It’s not your fault, and it’s certainly not your boss’s fault.

Seek help with essentials

Many states, local, and government resources have been mobilized at this time to help those in dire need. If you cannot meet your basic needs, such as food and shelter, find a local shelter or food bank in your community for assistance. And do not forget to file for pandemic unemployment insurance relief. The benefits, though small, may play a significant role in reducing your financial burden.

Boost your energy

On average, a person thinks 60,000 thoughts every day. Now, around this time, when all that is on TV is negative news about the pandemic, a large majority of these thoughts are gloomy, depressing, and anxious. That can drain your energy and make you question if life is worth living. To avoid that, make yourself busy with a hobby or through exercise. Do something that pumps up your energy.

We are here to help

ACT Family Counseling is counseling is here for you if job loss has you are feeling overwhelmed and alone at this time.

 

ACT Family Counseling

6 Locations to Serve You

Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville

800.801.8777

This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com

CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.

Preventing Household Conflict During COVID

Preventing Household Conflict During COVID

Few things in life can cause more tension than spending too much time with the same people. As days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, minor annoyances fester into major conflict. It doesn’t have to be that way. Fortunately, there are some strategies your family can adopt to preserve the harmony in your home until the COVID-19 pandemic is over and behind us.

  1. Hit the Pause Button.

Frustration is like a volcano. Pressure builds and builds until it finally erupts into an argument. Learn to recognize when your frustration levels are rising. Taking a deep breath and pausing for a few moments can help release the pressure.

  1. Talk Openly (& Listen)

Discuss your feelings with your family, and listen as they discuss how they feel. Conflict always involves more than one person, so everyone must understand the things they can do to ease the burden on one another.

  1. Cherish “Me” Time

Whether it’s a walk in the park or a drive through the woods, everyone needs time away. Get away from the house and enjoy some quiet time away from potential stressors.

  1. Establish House Rules

Rules help prevent conflict before it occurs. Rules should include quiet time for work and studies, dedicated family time, establishing which areas of the home are for work/study, and which are for play.

  1. Be Patient, and Be Kind

Please. Thank You. I appreciate your help. Simple words and kind phrases go a long way towards expressing gratitude and maintaining a conflict-free home.

ACT Family Counseling is here for you. Our counselors understand the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created for families, and we can help you adopt strategies that will bring your family closer together. We encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment.

 

ACT Family Counseling

6 Locations to Serve You

Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville

800.801.8777

This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com

CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.

Dementia

Dementia

Dementia – How to Cope

Mom Has Dementia – I’m Never Sure What to Expect

It started with simple forgetfulness. We thought that was all there was to it. Where did I leave my keys? I can’t find my glasses. I missed my doctor appointment.

Over time, it worsened. Mom seemed to be confused. She wasn’t sure what day it was; she wasn’t sure where she was; she didn’t even remember if she had eaten breakfast or lunch. She probably didn’t.

We Tried to Let Her Live Alone

There may have been confusion about events, dates, and simple tasks, but she was adamant about staying in her home and holding onto her life. One day it became obvious that could no longer continue, and Dementia was setting in.

She wandered off and was missing for more than 24 hours. The police, the fire department, even the canine squad spent the day looking for her. A hard rain wiped away her scent and left us afraid for her. Finally she was found, slightly damaged, but it was very clear we could not continue as we had.

Now I’m a Caregiver

Now my life has been turned upside down. I am so busy trying to figure out what it means to care for my forgetful mother, I forget to eat. I didn’t go on that run today. I forgot to comb my hair before I left the house!

After the first week of her moving in with me, I’m not sure which end is up. I am relieved that Mom is safe in my care, but I am exhausted and very uncertain of the future

Are You Living with Dementia?

Maybe you are in the first stage of the condition. Maybe you are further along and don’t really know it. Maybe you are a caregiver like I am, wondering how you are going to get out of bed in the morning and do it all again tomorrow.

As the illness progresses, I’m sure it will get even harder. I need help!!!

Online Counseling

If I fall apart, where will that leave Mom and I?

In addition to what I have read online about dementia to understand the condition, online therapy has been extremely valuable. It is my time to voice my fears and concerns and find positive ways to go forward.

Professional counseling has effectively help me with the emotional, behavioral, and psychological impacts of the condition, including fear, depression, and anxiety. I truly believe that my therapy is instrumental in maintaining my mental stability, allowing us both a better quality of life.

Patient or Caregiver

Teletherapy sessions are very advantageous. We don’t have to travel, which is a big ordeal right now.  We connect online in the convenience of our home. We can meet with a counselor separately or together. We are learning and coping with our new situation. We are extremely grateful.

When you need help you with the emotional challenges of dementia, ACT Teletherapy provides online sessions personalized to the specific needs of patients and caregivers. Contact us at 833.928.1430 to learn more.

 

ACT Family Counseling

6 Locations to Serve You

Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville

800.801.8777

This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com

CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.