Tip of the Day- Visit Someone in the Hospital

by Alison Palmer | More from this Blogger

07 Feb 2007 09:32 AM

Its' a sure-fire cure for whatever ails you. Spend some time with someone who needs you. Go visit a hospital, or a nursing home.

It doesn't matter if you know someone in the hospital or not. Call your friends, or your clergy, ask them if they know someone you could visit or help. If that fails, just pick up and go. If you feel a little awkward, take a small gift with you: some daisies, a balloon, or a stuffed animal your kids don't use anymore. Even better, take a friend. When you get to where you're going, stop at the information desk, or nurse's station, and ask permission. Get their suggestions on a good place to start.

Take your time, wander a bit, and absorb the environment. It won't all be pleasant, but it all has a purpose. Stop when you feel you've reached your destination.

Need to be needed. Find a hand to hold, open your ears to listen, share a hug. We all have worries and concerns. Some of us carry bags that seem too much to bear. Put them down for one day, and help someone else carry theirs.

Today is about appreciation and help. Appreciate your life, your health (however good or poor it may be), appreciate your family, appreciate your home and loved ones.

Don't try and change a thing except your perspective.

In my years as a nurse I've seen a lot of good, and a lot of bad. There are days that build me, and days that try their best to tear me down. What I'm most grateful for is perspective. I'm grateful I get to see the good and the bad. I appreciate the good more that way. It is very easy to dwell upon our own needs and desires. These can sometimes be overwhelming, but when we take the time to reach out, we find we can make it a little further than we first thought we could.

One of the most powerful things we can do for our health has nothing to do with what we do or do not eat. It has to do with how we think. Happiness and positive thinking impact our health for the good. Negativity and dwelling on our illnesses or weaknesses isn't good for us. Plus, when we're happy with ourselves, we tend to be nicer to ourselves and that's also good for our health.

Visit someone in need and let your own needs slip away.

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Learn more about Alison Palmer

Writing is Alison's favorite past time, but you can also frequently find her reading, playing piano, cooking, taking long walks, sewing, or playing with her family.

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