Archive for April, 2009
Empty Nest Syndrome can occur in a parent or guardian when a child they have cared for leaves home or is married. The stronger the bond with the child, the more likely this is to occur.
Empty nest syndrome is seen more often in women but can effect men as well. If the child was a focal point in the person’s life, and the focal point is no longer there, it can lead to different types of behavior. Empty nest syndrome can be very traumatic for those experiencing it.
Empty nest syndrome is described as a general feeling of loneliness, lack of direction and depression. A person feels unfocused and may attempt to re-establish their focal point by calling or dropping in on the child excessively. Other symptoms may include a feeling of uselessness, pointlessness in continuing of old patterns and traditions. In more severe cases, it can turn into full-blown depression where the individual is unable to function properly.
A few days ago I wrote about the return of the urban wildlife in the form of Canada geese that have made their nest on a strip of land close to the building where I work. In the past, other than the one time when the goslings were moved, we managed to share space and get along. Unfortunately, this year was to be a different story.
I mentioned in my previous piece that the Canada goose is an arrogant creature who knows no fear, particularly when it comes to protecting their young. However, for the most part if given some space, and the nest or goslings not approached, they left folks alone. This year this was not to be the case.
There has been much speculation as to why the situation changed. Many felt that possibly the gander was a different one than had made up the pair in the past. This would be highly unusual, as one of their highly admirable traits is that Canada geese mate for life. Theirs, of course is a more simplified existence in that respect, as at one time, was also true of us. They meet a basic need where the female produces offspring and the male lends her his protection, which ensures the survival of the species.
Little Zachary was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried everything…tutors, mentors, flash cards, special learning centers. In short, everything they could think of to help his math.
Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down and enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face. He didn’t even kiss his mother hello.
Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying. Books and papers were spread out all over the room and little Zachary was hard at work. His mother was amazed. She called him down to dinner. To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back to his room without a word, and in no time, he was back hitting the books as hard as before.
This went on for some time, day after day, while the mother tried to understand what made all the difference. Finally, little Zachary brought home his report card. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and hit the books. With great trepidation, His Mom looked at it and to her great surprise, Little Zachary got an ‘A’ in math.
You’ve seen them floating through your inbox for years. They’ve given you a chuckle and a smile to brighten your day. Now find them all together in one spot where you can pull them out and chuckle at will when a dose of humor is just what the doctor ordered.
According to R. Morgan Griffin in his article, “Give Your Body A Boost – With Laughter”, a good belly laugh has many health benefits for us all. I know it certainly gives me a good chuckle when a well-written joke arrives in my inbox and of course we all feel compelled to pass it on and share the humor with others.
Laughter can give us a mini workout and even burn off some of those unwanted calories, although, it would take a fair amount of it to make an impact so don’t haul out the chocolate just yet.
Everyone knows the old line, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” It doesn’t exactly do a whole lot for Jill’s personality either.
Taking a break from working constantly is essential not only to one’s personality, but also to one’s health according to a study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, particularly for those of us who are middle aged. The study, which focuses on those between the ages of 35 and 55, shows that there is a marked lowering of cognitive function in those that work an average of 55 hours per week when compared to those that work an average of 40 hours per week. The study also shows a marked increase in many health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, impaired sleep patterns, depression and even an elevated risk of later life dementia. It would seem that those who invented the line, “all work and no play,” hit on a basic human reality, even if they may not have known it at the time.
Taking time out for leisure or hobbies or just stopping once in a while to smell the roses is good for us and for those around us. How we choose to spend our “play” time is only relevant in that is needs to be a time that is enjoyable and where the brain gets a break from the routine of work.
