Your Feet and Legs

Put your feet on the floor. Curl your toes down to tighten the muscles in your feet. Hold for a count of 10 then relax for a count of 20.

Lift your feet slightly off the floor and point your toes to tense the muscles on the back of your lower legs (calves). Hold for a count of 10 then relax for a count of 20. Repeat.

Put your feet back on the floor. Push your knees together to tense the muscles of your inner thighs. Hold for a count of 10 then relax for a count of 20. Repeat.

Tense your hips, buttocks and upper legs. Hold for a count of 10 then relax for a count of 20. Repeat.

How have your experiences with progressive muscle relaxation bee?

This is why role transitions can lead to depression as people struggle to define themselves in their new role.

Role Transitions and Relationships

Role transitions can lead to significant problems in relationships because new roles require a change in expectations. For example, when people have children, each person’s role in the relationship changes from “married” or “partner” to “parent.”

People often have difficulty defining themselves in that new role.. They have trouble changing their view of themselves from happy go lucky or workaholic to responsible parent. Others get into conflict in their relationship because they and their partner have different expectations of the role transition and what the new definitions of parent means. Remember: people get into disputes when they have different expectations in a relationship, and role transitions often create a situation in which people can have very different expectations about the new role. As a result, role transitions often result in relationship problems.

If one or more of your relationships has been affected by a role transition, you may find the rest of this session very helpful. If you don’t think you’re currently struggling with a role transition, you may still find the information in this session helpful for understanding other peoples’ struggles. At the very least, it will prepare you to cope with future role transitions.

It is helpful to remind ourselves from time to time of our proud moments. What are three of your proud accomplishments?

Sudden anger is unpleasant and scary. Members and family alike feel helpless for a little while, amazed (and maybe fearful) at what is happening, at how easy anger rises.  It can take a couple of weeks and maybe one memorable outburst to really alert you to stop and take an inventory of sorts.  As soon as you can, develop adequate strategies.  It may take a while to get everything right, but everyone has to begin somewhere. 

Remember your body and mind are going through many changes and it will take time for the adjustment. This is a positive change in lifestyle and being prepared for it is essential.

Samantha, Bilingual Health Educator