Prescription for Dying Should be for Living

I'm nearing the end of a training course in hospice palliative care.  With an increasing number of requests to provide hypnosis to people in palliative care, I thought it would be a good idea to get some training in the fundamentals first.  

During a discussion on the psychological aspects of dying, we reviewed a list of coping strategies to help the patient manage stress.  Ironically, and as I pointed out to the teacher, the list of coping strategies for dying is actually a fantastic recipe for living a good life.  And if more of  us followed such a recipe for living, we might well find ourselves living happier, more fulfilled lives.  My classmates agreed.  So I thought I would share this list in its entirety.  I just couldn't find one bullet point that wasn't worth including.  So here it is... your prescription for good living.  Definitely proactive.  Certainly easy to implement and, wonderfully, this prescription won't cost you a dime! 

SELF-ASSESSMENT:  Go through the list as a self-assessment and check off how many of these suggestions you already incorporate into your life.  Are you missing several points in one of the categories?  If so, this is an area that might need some attention to bring some balance into your life. 

What I like in particular about this list is the underlying themes of simplicity and acceptance but also of taking charge of one's life.   

Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are.  When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.  ~Lao Tzu

(From:  "The Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care" by the Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultation Program of Southwestern Ontario)

1.  Diversion

• Spend time alone. See a movie. Daydream. 
• Write.  Paint.  Create something.  Try scrapbooking.
• Take a class. Read.  Join a club.
• Play an instrument.  Sing.  Listen to music.
• Play a game.  Go out with friends.
• Tackle a new project.  Keep busy.  Volunteer.

2.  Family

• Balance time at work and home.  Accept the good with the bad. 
• Look for win/win solutions.
• Build good family feelings.  Focus on strengths.  Take on new family roles.  Stay open to change.
• Develop friendships with other families.  Make use of community resources.
• Take time to be together.  Build family traditions.  Express affection.

 3.   Interpersonal

• Believe in yourself.  Trust others.  Give compliments.
• State your needs and wants.  Say "no" respectfully. 
• Make new friends.  Really listen to others.  Touch if appropriate.
• Show feelings. Share feelings.
• Accept others' boundaries.  Drop some involvements.
• Share problems with others. Ask for support from others.

4.  Mental

• Look for the humour.  Anticipate the future.  
• Set clear goals.  Plan for the future.
• Take charge.  Make order.  Don't let things pile up.
• Solve it yourself.  Seek outside help.  Tackle problems head-on.
• Change perspective.  Look for the good in a bad situation.
• Focus on top priorities.  Work smarter, not harder.

5.  Physical

• Listen to your body.  Know your physical limitations.
• Pursue physical fitness.  Jog.  Swim.  Dance.  Walk.
• Take short stretch breaks throughout your day.
• Eat for health.  Limit use of alcohol.
• Tense and relax each muscle.  Take a warm bath.  Breathe deeply.
• Energize your work and play.  Strive for self-improvement. 

6.   Spiritual

• Take up a worthy cause.  Invest yourself meaningfully.
• Find purpose and meaning. Share beliefs with others.
• Confess.  Ask for forgiveness.  Pray for others.  Give thanks.
• Let go of problems.  Learn to live with the situation.
• Set priorities.  Be consistent.  Spend time and energy wisely.