How to improve your quality of life

Published: 23/04/2024

How to improve your quality of life on the Isle of Wight?

With April being a month of giving up treats for lent, over-indulging in chocolate at Easter, trying to be mindful during Stress Awareness month, having health accessibility during World Health Day and changing habits to protect the planet during Earth Day. We are bombarded with things we should do for ourselves and the planet that we can be left overwhelmed and more stressed than ever.

It is innate in all of us to desire a good quality of life. While you cannot control all aspects of your life, find out what changes you can make to improve your day-to-day life.

We recognise that everyone measures their quality of life differently. Beyond creating personalised care plans for every one of our Clients, we are keen to support every member of Bembridge and the surrounding community to achieve a good quality of life.

You can apply our tips either on your own or with the help of a supportive Right at Home Caregiver based on the Isle of Wight.

What does a good quality of life look like?

Aside from societal factors such as education, housing, education, employment and so on, there are 5 factors that impact our quality of life. As outlined by psychologist Maslow, his hierarchy of needs explain that each factor needs to be met before moving on to the next need.

Psychological needs – Food, fluid, sleep, clothing, wellbeing
Safety- personal safety, health needs, resources, social ability
Love and belonging – friendship, relationships, a sense of community and connection
Esteem – confidence, a sense of belonging, self-esteem, recognition
Self- actualisation – acceptance, purpose, meaning, independence granted

Tips for improving you or your loved one's quality of life:

Follow a healthy lifestyle

A healthy sleep routine, eating well and exercising regularly can provide significant benefits for your wellbeing.

Did you know that a Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment and bone problems?

Try to get outside in the sunshine for 15-20 minutes for a vitamin D boost

Reduce Stress

Prolonged stress has known negative impacts on our physical and mental health. Find ways to reduce and cope with daily stressors in life, practices such as meditation, yoga, walking, reading and activities you enjoy can help.

If you care for a loved one and start to feel stressed, consider seeking some support. Reducing your own stress levels can indirectly improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones. You can get in touch with us regarding our respite care services: Contact Right at Home Isle of Wight | Right at Home

Nurture your relationships

Social contact is a key element in your quality of life. We are social beings and so benefit from making connections with other people. The digital age has been a revoluntionary way to maintain contact with love ones, however this does not replace to importance of the physical presence and its benefits. Try to plan seeing your family as often as possible. Going to local groups and activities can support creating new connections. See our ‘What’s on in Bembridge’ page. Alternatively, our Right at Home Isle of Wight CareGivers enjoy building relationships with their Clients and companionship calls are a great way to avoid isolation and reduce loneliness.

Make time for hobbies and activities

As mentioned above, doing the things you enjoy can reduce stress. It releases Dopamine which is the feel good chemical in our brain. Re-discovering previously loved hobbies or find new enjoyable ones can improve your quality of life. Even at home hobbies are enjoyable such as painting, baking, reading or gardening, these activities can benefit our mental wellbeing. Alternatively, taking part in community activities such as yoga classes, singing groups, walking groups or volunteering, these can create a sense of belonging and even better yet, make some changes in the wider community.