Nurturing Relationships, Family Bonds, and Self-Care

February, a month dedicated to celebrating love, hosts two significant holidays revolving around the theme of affection. Valentine’s Day, traditionally focused on romantic love, provides a chance to express appreciation for significant others. In the midst of our hectic lives, this day acts as a gentle reminder to pause and invest time in demonstrating love to those who hold importance in our lives.

In recent years, there has been a shift in the perception of Valentine’s Day. While it was traditionally centered around having a romantic partner, contemporary celebrations are moving away from the emphasis on the need for companionship. There is a growing trend to redefine this day as an occasion for self-care and self-love. The challenge, however, lies in reshaping the concept of self-care beyond clichéd practices like a bubble bath or a glass of wine.

Following Valentine’s Day, another celebration unfolds—Family Day. This day provides an opportunity for many to be at home, spending quality time with their families. In the midst of daily chaos, Family Day serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, disconnect from work and school demands, and relish shared moments with loved ones. It is a time to appreciate the bonds that form the foundation of our lives and find joy in the simplicity of being together.

February extends beyond celebrating romantic love; it offers an opportunity to embrace diverse expressions of affection, build connections, and find fulfillment beyond romantic relationships. It is a canvas where we can appreciate and cherish various forms of love in our lives, including the love for family, friends, and ourselves. Let’s make February a time to appreciate and cultivate all kinds of meaningful connections.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often goes unrecognized and untreated because there are no symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke, by: 1. Reviewing your medications, helping you take them as prescribed and managing potential side effects. 2. Teaching you how to use a blood pressure monitoring device properly and testing your blood pressure regularly. 3. Advising you how to maintain a healthy weight, and a diet that’s low in sodium. and 4. Guiding you through a step-by-step quit smoking plan. Learn more about how to keep your blood pressure under control by speaking with your pharmacist.

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people experiencing homelessness within Regina. This fundraiser helps YWCA Regina provide shelter, care, and holistic support to women and families experiencing homelessness to heal and find hope. CNOY 2024 takes place on February 24th, 2024 – drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 190 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them. Learn more + get involved at cnoy.org/regina

Moose Jaw Family Services Inc.,
200 Main Street S. Moose Jaw SK, S6H 5S7
Phone: 306-694-8133
Website: www.mjfamilyservices.ca
Email: [email protected]
Donate: donations can be made online to [email protected]
This Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® edition is sponsored by WellBRAND Marketing in support of the Moose Jaw Family Services Inc.

If you are someone considering a new goal or change this January, here are some tips for creating healthier resolutions:
Positive Impacts:
1. Motivation: Resolutions can serve as powerful motivators, inspiring us to make positive changes in our lives.
2. Sense of Purpose: Setting goals can give us a sense of direction and purpose; contributing to overall well-being.
3. Personal Growth: Resolutions often involve personal development and growth, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
4. Routine and Structure: Working towards resolutions can bring structure and routine into daily life, providing a sense of stability.

• Unrealistic Expectations: Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and disappointment. It’s important to set realistic and achievable objectives.
Tip: Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way. It’s the small steps that take you where you want to go.
• All-or-Nothing Thinking: Some of us may adopt an “all-or-nothing” mentality, viewing any deviation from our resolution as a failure.
Tip: Embrace flexibility. Understand that setbacks are a normal part of any journey, and it’s okay to adjust your goals as needed. If last week you were reading zero nights a week before bed and this week you read once, that’s still one more time than last week! It’s still a step in the direction you want to go.
• Pressure and Stress: The pressure to meet New Year’s resolutions can cause stress, especially if progress is slow or unexpected obstacles arise.
Tip: Focus on the process rather than the outcome. Celebrate the effort you put into your goals, and be kind to yourself if things don’t go as planned.
• Comparison with Others: Comparing your progress to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and negatively impact how we feel about ourselves.
Tip: Remember that everyone is on their own journey. Focus on your personal growth, you are doing this for you! Don’t forget to love yourself along the way.
• Lack of Support: Pursuing resolutions without a support system can be challenging.
Tip: Share your goals with friends or family who can provide encouragement and accountability. Consider joining online communities or seeking professional support.
Ultimately, the key is to approach New Year’s resolutions with a balanced and compassionate mindset. Reflect on what truly matters to you, set realistic goals, and prioritize your mental well-being throughout the journey. If difficulties persist, seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals is essential.

can have both positive and potentially challenging effects on mental health. While setting goals and resolutions can provide motivation and a sense of purpose, unrealistic expectations or a lack of progress can contribute to stress and negative feelings. As we enter 2024, remember new beginnings can happen anytime! Setting a new goal or wanting to make a change is valid any time of the year. Creating a resolution should not feel pressured or forced. You are the expert on your own growth. For some of us, the January and February months can be some of the most difficult. So be kind to yourself and trust in what feels right for you.

The sound of a kitten purring truly warms your heart. The soft gentle “rumble” is a soothing and enjoyable experience that will literally have a therapeutic effect on your body. The vibrations of a kitten purring promote relaxation, reduces stress, and even assists in the healing of an injury. Snuggling up with a warm cuddly kitten is a delightful way to take a moment out of a busy day plus enjoy the health benefits of stopping and taking a breath. Interested in adopting? Go to www.mjhs.ca for more information.