Weekly Newsletter

July 12, 2023

Quote of the Week:

“Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.”

– Mario Fernández

In Search of Well-Being

Well-being (noun):

The state of being comfortable, healthy, or “happy”.

– Oxford English Dictionary

Well-being is a positive outcome that is meaningful for people and many sectors of society, because it tells us that people perceive that their lives are going well.

It is referred to as a good or satisfactory condition of existence, characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity. Well-being encompasses many different elements, including positive emotions such as happiness, joy, contentment, excitement, wonder, and calmness.

In addition, good physical health, positive, and meaningful social relationships and connections also serve to enhance and foster overall well-being. It has been defined as the combination of feeling good and functioning well, with a key element being grounded in an acceptance of one’s self that is based on self-compassion.

Kathi Cameron, MA, RCC, Registered Clinical Counselor with a background in exercise science and psychology specializing in chronic pain/injury management and eating disorders, suggests an overall sense of well-being requires having a balance of

15 key elements to consider:

Physical activity: Thirty minutes of dedicated walking is ideal, but physical activity is cumulative, 10 minutes three times a day, or 15 minutes twice a day is just as good.
Gratitude: Robert Emmons, and his colleagues at the University of California, Davis, examined the results of daily record keeping of gratitude produced higher levels of overall positive affect with feeling optimistic about the future.
Writing: Writing down our thoughts can help us untangle how we may be feeling; it will increase self-awareness, help with problem solving, and alleviate or manage stress.
Meditation: Benefits may be seen in a mere 5 minutes. It is suggested that one focuses on one’s breathing and allow ourselves to calm our minds. Practice is key.
Creativity: Coloring books and a pack of colored pencils has resulted in improvements both in mental and physical health, including decreased levels of depression and anxiety while increasing the body’s immune system function.
Animals: People who own pets enjoy a lower level of depression, anxiety, and stress while enjoying a higher rate of pleasure hormones like serotonin and dopamine that help us relax.
Social connection: The body of research that supports a positive link between social support and health is large. One study found that women who had a large support group measuredly reduced stress with increased quality of life.
Laughter: The trick with laughter is that it can’t be forced, but when it comes organically, it can diffuse anger, depression, and other negative emotions. Additionally, laughter can increase the good hormones and decrease the bad, as well as increasing the strength of the immune system.
Spending more time outside: Studies have suggested being outdoors enhances both physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, through exposure to sunlight (vitamin D) and fresh air, will enhance cognitive benefits.
Quality sleep: Getting deep restful sleep will brighten up anyone’s perspective and provide more energy and feelings of well-being than any other strategy. A change in evening habits, such as scheduling bedtime an hour earlier, turning off the tv, and various electronic devices 30-45 minutes before bedtime might prove to be a good habit to adopt. Writing a “to do” list of concerns and being willing to consult the list in the morning can serve to release anxious thought processes that might otherwise create restlessness during the night.
Nutrition: Consuming less processed foods, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, while lowering sugar intake may be one way to feel more energetic and enjoy a higher quality of life. Being mindful of maintaining a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can enhance positive results.
Stop stressing about health: Although the message of balance and moderation isn’t that sexy….it can be applied to every new health and fitness announcement and promotion; past, present and future.
Grab a friend: One of the most important factors in increased health and quality of life is the human need for social connection. Working towards establishing connections with others can be challenging, but doing so will enhance overall health and well-being. Feeling part of the community and enjoying social connectedness can offer the same benefits to mental and physical health as would a brisk run around the block.
Take time in nature: Research has suggested that it takes only 20 minutes of outdoor activity to increase energy levels, mental well-being, and strengthen physical resiliency to help reduce illnesses. A little eco-therapy can go a long way.
Shift the attitude: It is not uncommon to focus more on the negative thoughts than the positive ones. We tend to ruminate on the “what’s wrong” aspects of our lives. A shift in attitude can go a long way in changing perception, emotions, and even the course of the day. Positive psychologists suggest it doesn’t take much to make a difference. By listing two or three things we are grateful for can shift our perspective to a more positive one. Additionally, replacing a negative thought (what’s going wrong) with a positive one (what’s going right) can counterbalance the tendency for a downward spiral.

In summary, well-being can greatly be enhanced and encouraged by beginning to replace a “bad habit” with a “good” one.

After all, it’s an inside job; well worth the effort!

“TRY MORE OF WHAT WORKS, LESS OF WHAT DOESN’T,

AND TRY NEW THINGS."

– Karen Kelleher, MA

DayBreak Caregiver Support Coordinator

Digital Inclusion in Alameda County

and the State of California

The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the barriers to digital inclusion faced by older adults and people with disabilities. Many resources and applications for benefits and housing have moved online and people are increasingly asked to use telehealth to access medical care.

The Alameda County Age-Friendly Council’s Digital Inclusion Workgroup was established to understand growing concerns about inequitable access to digital resources, and to identify best practices and approaches to address gaps.

Below are two surveys to assist in understanding how organizations are utilizing the internet for service delivery and how individuals make use of the internet in accessing services and any barriers they may encounter. Your feedback is vital to understanding barriers to internet access, affordability, and adoption to help close the digital divide and to create an equitable internet for all.

Survey for Organizations: Digital Equity Ecosystem Map (DEEM)

To gain further understanding of how organizations are providing service delivery and to help close the digital divide, please complete the following brief survey from The California Department of Technology (CDT) to assist in informing and developing our state’s Digital Equity Plan, which when completed will help inform how the state funds programs to get Californians the access and training they need.

https://broadbandforall.civilspace.io/en/projects/california-department-of-technology-broadband-digital-equity-survey/engagements/digital-equity-ecosystem-mapping-deem/sections/1

Survey for Individuals: California State Digital Equity Plan

The State of California is designing solutions to ensure that all California residents have access to high quality and affordable internet service, devices, skills training and digital support. This 10-minute Digital Equity Survey will gather information about your current experiences using the internet and should be completed by one individual per household.

https://broadbandforall.civilspace.io/en/projects/california-department-of-technology-broadband-digital-equity-survey/engagements/california-state-digital-equity-plan-public-survey-10-15-minutes/sections/1

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/EVENTS

MAKE A DONATION

DONATE >>

By donating, you will brighten the day of people,

helping them to meet the challenges of aging with more joy and better health.

DayBreak is here to assist seniors and caregivers in need.

If you know a senior who might benefit from our care and coordination services, or a caregiver in need of support, please have them contact us at

510-834-8314