Celebrate May Day!

Today is May Day which is usually celebrated on May 1st or the first Monday in May. The holiday dates back to Roman Republic times. Celebrations include dancing and singing. The most common modern celebration is dancing around the maypole. It is a holiday to celebrate the beginning of spring, but more recently has also become about labor. In the 19th century May Day was chosen as the day to celebrate international workers.

In the United States, May Day celebrations vary by region. They usually celebrate spring and labor during the festivities. In Minneapolis there is a May Day Parade and Festival that brings 50,000 people on the first Sunday in May. On May 1st in Minneapolis, local Morris Dance sides meet at the Mississippi River at dawn and dance for the rest of the day. In Hawaii, May Day is known as Lei Day and is a day to celebrate island life and culture. It was first celebrated in 1927 in Honolulu and celebrations include the traditional holiday song “May Day is Lei Day in Hawai’i”.

You can celebrate May Day too. One tradition that has not been as popular recently that we can bring back is giving May baskets. These are small baskets of candies and flowers left anonymously for others. Another tradition we can do is crowning the May Queen with a flower crown. You can give May baskets to your family and crown one person as the May Queen. We can all use some fun in quarantine, so celebrate May Day today.

Mental Health: Exercise and Movement is Possible for All

Exercise can be challenging during this time, especially for those with mobility or balance limitations. Luckily, there are options for free and low risk exercises to do at home. Please note to always consult with a doctor first before trying any new exercise routine, and stop immediately if you are feeling unwell.

Exercising can absolutely be tailored to meet your needs and cater to your abilities! This includes:

-Standing Chair Exercises
-Seated Cardio Workout
-Seated Stretching or Yoga
-In-bed Exercises (reduced risk of injury or fall)

When engaging in physical activity during social distancing, please err on the side of caution to prevent any injuries or accidents.

COVID-19 Mental Health Guidance From Private Home Care – Exercise and Movement

Take Care of Your Mind and Body Through Exercise and Movement

When you are staying home and social distancing, you may be less physically active than usual, especially for those who cannot leave the house at all due to being at a higher risk for COVID. We all know how important exercise is – it keeps your body strong and healthy, and also improves your mental health because when we exercise our brain releases ‘feel good’ chemicals that help us to manage stress and anxiety.

Please note to always consult with a doctor first before trying any new exercise routine, and stop immediately if you are feeling unwell.

Exercise tips:

-Walking
-Gentle yoga
-Stretching
-Following an exercise tape or video
-Make sure you are not sitting down for too long, stand or stretch your legs regularly.
-Playing upbeat music and putting on fitness clothes can help motivate you to move!
-Try to exercise or move at a time of day when you feel most energized.

Get creative when exercising from home!

Chair Yoga for Mental Health

Today we are going to focus on mental health – social isolation and the stress of COVID is not easy for anyone. Taking care of our mental health is especially important now, and chair yoga is a great way to alleviate stress and gently strengthen the body.

Remember, Private Home Care is here to help! We are happy to provide assistance in any way, no task is too large or too small. Call us at 781-639-8696 or email at aaaaa@verizon.net

Caring for Your Community

Life has definitely been a little hectic for everyone these past few weeks. By now, we all personally know at least one person who has been affected by the corona virus. This pandemic has taken a strain on communities all over the world. The most important thing is that it brought these communities together. We need to look out for each other and tend to those who need help more than ourselves, and while those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 need support, we cannot forget about those suffering with other illnesses during this time. People who are suffering with mental illness, cancer, and other medical conditions still need our help and it’s vital that we provide them with it.

While providing time and resources to corona virus patients and causes are extremely important, we cannot prioritize the well being of one sick person over another. Throughout this pandemic and continuing afterwards, we can reach out to those in our community that need our help. Reaching out into your community and offering help is a great way to support those in need, even something as small as posting on Facebook can go a long way. There are many ways to reach out. You can donate to local charities or reach out to people in your community directly to check in on them. Everyone can help in some way. If you cannot donate money you can donate your time by volunteering with service groups in your area.

Together we have the strength to overcome anything. Our power lies in our connections and our communications. It’s important for us to find solace in each other during these difficult times and it is even more important that we do not exclude anyone in need of help. Together, we have the strength to overcome almost any challenge that comes our way. We have to remember to take care of one another not only because it is the right thing to do, but because good things come to those who give.

Written by Alex Kapantais

It’s Time to Celebrate!

In times like these, it can often be difficult to find things to celebrate. But, just because you are stuck at home, that doesn’t mean you can’t find little accomplishments and events to celebrate. Whether you finished a puzzle or finally finished binge-watching that one show you never got around to finishing, it’s an opportunity to honor your accomplishments!

If it’s one of those days where it’s difficult to find something to commemorate, here are four things going on today to be happy about!

1. National Bulldog Day

That’s right, it’s national bulldog day! If you have one of these furry friends, today is the day to celebrate them! Dogs are man’s best friend and the best company to have during self-isolation.

2. National Kindergarten Day

After the past few weeks, many parents can now put “teacher” on their official resume. During times like these we must remember to celebrate the wonderful parents and teachers dedicating their time to helping the kids.

3. National Tea Day

Put the kettle on because it’s National Tea Day! Grab your favorite mug,  a cozy blanket, and your favorite herbal tea, sit back and relax. 

4. National Keep Off the Grass Day

This one is particularly easy to celebrate this year. Stay inside, stay safe, stay healthy, and – most importantly – stay off the grass!

Written by: Alex Kapantais