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Advice on mental stimulation
Hi guys,
since Covid I’ve started working from home, it was busy at work and it was nice having more time to myself. However, now I see less people because friendships have fallen apart and my last family member passed away, so I dont have anyone to speak my second language with anymore. I just see my partner on the weekends and I occasionally go to the grocery store twice a week. My point is I’ve noticed a big decline in my memory – I can’t think of words anymore and can’t even pronounce them when I do think of them, I guess it’s because I don’t talk to anyone during the week. I used to crochet and play piano and just try new things so I can stay stimulated, but I’ve become so complacent in my routine, it’s mostly filled with just social media and hanging out with my cats. So you have any advice on what I can do? It’s getting to a point where I’m forgetting things and not being thorough in what I do..
thank you
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1 Reply
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Hey ,
I’m so sorry to hear this! Do you feel this is the result of being more alone? Or are you also worried there might be an underlying health condition?
I feel you like to change something, but are struggling to do so because something about this routine feels good. In those cases with my clients, before I make any plans, I like to have a good conversation about what keeps them in their routine. The most important questions to answer first in my opinion are related to the choices you are currently making and the behaviour you would like to change.
Then the second step is to build a plan from those answers.
These are the questions I usually ask my clients. The more detailed, the better:
• What are the downsides of continuing your current lifestyle choices? (I think you’ve answered this question, but if you like to add something, feel free to do so)
• What are the benefits of your current choices?
This question is important because if there is something you are getting out of the behaviour you like to change, it’s more likely you will get back to your old lifestyle choices.
• What are the benefits of the change you’re seeking?
• And what might be the downside of change?
Let me give an example: if you are a person that likes to have a lot of time alone, it might be difficult to build a plan that is based on social appointments.If you feel the root cause of your memory problems might be related to your physical health let us know and we can steer you in the right direction as well. If your curious, we’ve got a handout that you might find interesting.
Just click here to find it!
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