Feeling that we belong and that others care about us is important to all of us. People need people. Social support is exactly that: a sense of belonging and the care that we get from others. At uncertain times, it’s critical to identify what we need and to remind ourselves that there are people we can reach out to who can help. Support can be found in different forms such as *providing knowledge or information *bringing a different point of view *emotional support *immediate assistance. Try to identify and connect with people in your life who offer you the social support you need.

Did you know that knitting has mental health benefits? Knitting involves the movement of the hands and fingers. This active finger and wrist movement, dexterity and fine motor coordination can facilitate improvements in other functional skills. Recent studies show that knitting can help with: ▪Lowering blood pressure, ▪Reducing depression and anxiety, ▪Slowing onset of dementia, ▪Distracting from chronic pain, ▪Increasing sense of wellbeing, ▪Reducing loneliness and isolation. Knitting is one of many activities offered and encouraged at Sherwood House.

When it comes to diet plans, missteps are seen as failures or “cheat days” are built-in. While some succeed, this mindset of “be perfect or you’re a failure” can lead to eating disorders, anxiety around food, obsession with healthy foods (orthorexia), and yo-yo dieting patterns. Focusing on progress towards a long-term goal is key. The occasional “missteps” are learning opportunities or simply an enjoyable treat. When progress is the focus, stumbling points along the path are not failures that mean that you have to stop and start again, just lessons.

Funeral rites are as old as the human race itself. Every culture and civilization has attended to the proper care of their dead. There are three common threads for death and the disposition of the dead: 1) Some form of ceremony, funeral rite or ritual, 2) A sacred place for the dead and 3) Memorials for the dead. Researchers have found burial grounds of Neanderthal man dating to 60,000 BC with animal antlers on the body and flower fragments next to the corpse indicating some form of ritual and gifts to the deceased. We are here to help.

Spring is almost here and there is a feeling of hopefulness and renewal in the air. Winter tends to see us more in solitude. Once it warms up and the days are longer, we tend to want to spend more time outdoors and with friends. These activities are good for our health. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our physical and mental health & socializing aids with our mental and emotional health. Once we start, we tend to want to do more healthful things, so get out and have a walk with a friend, socialize and engage – you’ll feel better for it!