In order to support friends or family members with chronic illness, you need to make an effort to understand their situation. It’s also important to be responsive yet realistic about the support you can provide. Communication is key and ensure your friend or family member knows you are there for them, but in the way they prefer. It’s also vital not to try and go it alone. If you’re a caregiver for a family member or loved one with chronic illness, you could look into extra support such as home care services. Here are a few ways you can provide support to your friend or family member yourself.
Listen and support
Listening isn’t the only thing important for improving communication, you also need to pay attention and tailor your assistance to their needs. It’s important to validate their feelings and views, and recognize when it’s your turn to be responsive or take a step back. Try and find a balance. Good communication is key to any relationship.
Do the research
One of the best ways to support a friend or family member with chronic illness is to do research into the issue. This can involve the law, medical research, and other solutions such as Consumer-Directed Services. These services provide support to those who need additional help at home, or with daily tasks. Researching these sorts of solutions can be useful. Although it is impossible to understand your loved one’s position, you will have deeper knowledge about it.
Attend appointments
If your friend or family wishes, you could attend appointments and health tests with them. This will also improve your understanding of the challenges they go through. If necessary, you can also speak to doctors and other staff on behalf of your friend or relative. Don’t speak for them if it’s not needed, however, it depends on the type of support they have requested from you.
Be responsive
It’s always important to be responsive to their needs. Ensure you are quick to offer help when asked and be gracious about it. Don’t let their chronic illness get in the way of your relationship and include them in social events and activities. Remember to be inclusive when planning social get togethers, however, and try to tailor any activities so that everyone involved can take part.
Be realistic
Whereas you need to prove you’re available, it’s also essential to be realistic about providing support. Don’t overestimate the time you’ve got to dedicate to them or you could risk letting them down. Depending on the illness, your friend or family member might not necessarily need your help, it’s more about maintaining your relationship. Schedule time together and make the effort to check in.
It’s also necessary to practice self-care if you're providing support to a loved one with chronic illness. Don’t be afraid to seek the help and advice you need from others as well. Coping with chronic illness can be a challenge, but it’s a little easier if you’re not doing it alone.
Photo by Kristina Nor from Pexels
Taking care of your skin should always be a priority. The fact is that if you have a busy schedule it can become difficult to find the time to take care of your skin.
However, no matter how busy you become you will need to take the time to cleanse yourself. Those moments should be spent nourishing your skin. You can easily do this by taking a milk bath.
Milk baths are becoming a bit of a trend and with good reason, they nourish the skin and are easy to do. The benefits are many and you will find that your skin becomes more supple.
What is a Milk Bath?
A milk bath is made by adding milk to your bathwater. The milk may be animal-based or it may be plant-based. Many types of milk can be used to make baths. Here are a few of them.
Cow’s milk
Goat’s milk
Almond milk
Coconut milk
Buttermilk
Soy milk
All of these are legitimate choices and are excellent for milk baths. This means that even someone who is a vegan can take a milk bath since there are coconut, soybean, and almond milk options available.
It is hard to say which bath will be the most nourishing to your skin. Although the legendary Queen Cleopatra swore by goat’s or donkey’s milk depending on the source. No matter what type of milk she used it was undoubtedly one of her beauty secrets.
Are Milk Baths for Everyone?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. Milk baths are not for everyone and can prove to be problematic for people who are allergic to any form of milk.
They can also be problematic during pregnancy and are often not recommended especially if you have had bleeding or issues with pregnancy viability. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before trying new skin and healthcare routines in pregnancy.
The Benefits of Milk Baths
Smooth Skin
A milk bath will make your skin feel very soft. The fat and protein from the milk will immediately make your skin feel more supple.
The lactic acid in the milk helps to exfoliate the skin and this makes the skin look and feels renewed.
Eczema
Several irritations can plague the skin and milk baths work well for many of them. Chief among these skin conditions is eczema. The proteins can help to relieve itchiness and redness that can occur in the skin when this condition is present.
Some people add oatmeal to the bath to make it extra nourishing. You can put the oats in a blender and grind it finely then it will be ready for use in your bath.
Sunburn
Sunburned skin can be very painful. One way to help soothe this is to take a milk bath. The amino acids, proteins, and fats found in milk will prove helpful to your skin.
You can even add some aloe vera or honey to the bath to help speed up the healing process. Soaking for about a half-hour in this bath should help to significantly soothe your sunburn.
Heal Dry Skin
If you suffer from dry skin then milk baths are great for soothing your skin. Make sure that you take baths regularly so that the minerals and proteins from the milk can start working on your skin quickly to relieve irritation.
How to Make a Milk Bath?
Milk baths are not that difficult to make. The following is an easy recipe you can follow to get your bath ready to use quite quickly.
Pour two cups of powdered milk into a bathtub. As discussed before, this milk can be any type of milk you prefer. You can add some essential oils to the bath if you like. This will make the bath more fragrant.
Some people like to add honey to make the bath even more nourishing. Others add dashes of Epsom salts and even some baking soda to make the bath more exfoliating to the skin. This is optional and you may prefer to leave these out.
Once you have added everything to the bath then you should mix the bath well to ensure that all the ingredients are saturated in the water.
How long you choose to soak in the bath is also a personal choice. Many people soak for twenty to thirty minutes but you may choose to go longer.
If you notice any allergic reactions afterward then it is best to refrain from taking this kind of bath again. You can do a patch test with other forms of milk for a day and see how your skin reacts to a solution made from other types of milk.
Buying Pre-Made Milk Baths
There are several pre-made milk baths available on the market and you may be wondering whether you should purchase them or not. Pre-made milk baths can come in handy when you are traveling and would like to nourish your skin without having to make the bath yourself.
Pre-made milk baths tend to have more ingredients than just milk. Before you go ahead and make a purchase it is best to ensure that you read the labels carefully. Since there may be ingredients there that may not appeal to you and may also cause allergic reactions.
Your Best Skin
Giving your skin the nourishment it needs is important because this can keep it looking healthy for a long time. Proper care can also reduce the chances of getting fine lines and wrinkles prematurely since milk baths are known for their anti-aging properties.
Milk baths are an affordable way to ensure that your skin gets all the proper care it needs. Once you find the type of milk that works for your skin you should be consistent in taking baths. Since this is what will help you to receive the maximum benefits from the treatment.
Milk baths are versatile so you can add other nourishing ingredients to them until you find the perfect combination for your skin.
It often pays to look at least smart when you’re traveling. In many places, it’s taken as a sign of respect and much appreciated. The challenge is making sure you can “dress the part” on any occasion without weighing yourself down. With that in mind, here are four tips.
Buy your clothes with travel in mind
Few people are lucky enough to have space for a “regular” wardrobe and a “travel” wardrobe. Everybody, however, can think about their travel plans (or hopes) when they buy their clothes. Look for items that can be used flexibly and/or help to save space in your luggage.
For example, if you buy your main pieces in neutrals, you can mix and match them easily. You can then use accessories to add a pop of color. Similarly, look for shoes that are both smart and comfortable. Also, think about buying waterproof shoes instead of waterproof boots. They’ll often give you all the protection you need but take up much less space in your luggage.
Invest in great base layers
Even if you’re going somewhere hot, you should think about being able to layer up for warmth. A lot of places are only warm during the daytime (when the sun is out). They can get very cold at night. If you’re going somewhere cooler, you definitely need to think about how to stay warm and look stylish.
In a lot of cases, thermals should be your clothing item of choice. They provide a lot of insulation. This means that your outer layers can be chosen for style rather than warmth.
Learn how to care for your clothes
If you love to travel, it’s really useful to know how to wash your clothes effectively by hand. Firstly, this gives you the reassurance to pack less. Secondly, it means that you have a decent chance of staying stylish even with limited access to laundry facilities. Thirdly, it can save you both time and money hunting down and paying for laundry facilities.
It’s even better if you can learn to do basic repairs to your clothes. As a minimum, you should be able to sew on a button properly and repair tears. Ideally, you should also be able to fix zips. If you’re planning on being away for an extended period, it can be helpful to learn how to make basic alterations. That way you can be sure any new clothes you buy will fit you properly.
Always think about the details
It’s often the little touches that make an outfit truly stylish and memorable. The good news is that these little touches often take up little to no space in your luggage. For example, belts, scarves, and hair accessories can all be tucked into otherwise unusable spaces. Learning how to tuck and fold clothes takes up no space at all.
Even with small items, however, think about how they can be made to serve more than one purpose. For example, look for reversible scarves that are also big enough to work as hats and/or belts. Also, look for reversible belts and/or belts where you can change the buckle to create a new look.
*contributed post*
We decorated..."sort of". For a lady who loves to decorate her surroundings, a corner doesn't seem like enough and yet the corner has become a symbol of light on these dark and difficult days.
And while it isn't like years ago when the tribe was together and we danced around and sang off key and laughter was bursting forth in carefree abandon as we added "just one more light to an empty room already covered in happy decorations"...the corner has become a gentle reminder of hope.
We decorated this corner last year-almost in defiance of facing the first Christmas without my dad and my grandmother in the hospital. At first we cried as we hung up a simple strand of lights... missing my dad who loved Christmas so deeply...but then the simple strand of lights brought a gentle reminder to us of light in the dark.
So this year we added a bit to the corner of additional precious pieces that have special meaning (like the mini tree that we found years ago at a thrift store for $1 that my dad rigged to randomly blink to play a prank on me and then couldn't fix and we still can't fix it back- haha) and it has gently reminded me that we put up lights because "the weary world rejoices".
A world like me, that is exhausted, feels like sometimes giving up, crying, confused, soul-broken, and limping through the dark.
A world, that like myself needs the gentle reminder that Christmas brings light and extinguishes the darkest silence where hope feels like it doesn't exist anymore.
For those who are limping (or desperately crawling) with shattered hearts...I am thinking of you and sending you the gentlest of hugs. You are not forgotten... you are seen in your pain. May you be gently comforted by the light today and tomorrow and as we approach a new year.
YES! You read that correctly! The 2020 one day only sale at December Caravan is TODAY! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas season from the December Caravan Shop y'all! TODAY ONLY everything in the shop is 70% off!!!
7 Things You Must See When You Visit Old Town Colmar in the Winter // Colmar, France
December 9, 2020
// The Cologne Cathedral (Exterior) //
// A Walk Through Cologne Square //
When it comes to looking after your health, there’s no measure too far to make sure you’re feeling your best. Everyone knows that a balanced diet and a long and consistent amount of sleep is great for you, but is that all you can do to look after yourself? Well, there are a lot of methods that aren’t talked about so much that you may find beneficial!
Why aren’t they so highly praised? Our health is not something so consistent that you can put the same expectations on every one. Like mentioned before, a balanced diet and a good sleep schedule are suitable for everyone, but there are plenty of measures that won’t fit anyone and everyone. Many factors can change one’s health needs, whether it be shape, size, illness, or injury; you need to do what’s best for you and you alone!
There’s no better time like the present to find out what will benefit you, so let’s take a look at some examples.
Physical State
Your physical state plays a significant role in what your body needs. If you’ve fallen ill or find yourself stuck inside for other reasons, you are likely to be missing out on vitamins you would be getting from going outside; in times like these, it’s good to be making sure to find supplements to compensate!
In other cases, falling ill or injuries means our bodies need to recover their strength, which can mean taking special precautions and changing the diet up a bit to make sure we get what we need! Whether it be physical aids like the one linked here or changing your diet up to ensure you’re getting the vitamins and energy you need to get through the day.
Mental State
Maybe you don’t have a unique case that prevents you from meeting your physical needs; it’s still important to look after the mental health side of things. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, if not more! So what can you do to look after yourself mentally? Well, just like before, a balanced diet and consistent sleep schedule play a major role here, but there’s more you can do.
The first step of looking after your mental health is making sure that you’re giving your mind enough of what it needs. It may be that you need more communication, or more hobbies, or maybe even more challenges! Keeping yourself busy is a great way to stay on top of your mental health, especially if you can find satisfaction in what it is that you do. Even if you’re a busy person, you must make sure you set yourself some time to relax and enjoy yourself at some point in the day.
Recognizing mental health problems is often one of the more significant challenges when it comes to self-care, as it’s not always easy to realize when things aren’t how they should be. Many people are too busy to notice if they’ve been stressed a lot or are already used to their patterns to know that something is wrong and needs changing! If you feel like that could be you, do take the time to observe your own thoughts and feelings!
Both mental and physical health go hand in hand, and you cannot look after one without the other; you deserve to feel and be your best, and now is a great time to start!
