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6 uw ° =z = Ss = IFP -Halton Hills | Thursday, August 4, 2022 | ? GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO DETACH FROM WORK, WRITES MELANIE MCGREGOR MELANIE MCGREGOR Column Last summer, I was de- termined to make the most of a relaxing camping trip by catching up on reading. I had a bunch of books about mental health and spent a couple of days on one before noticing some- thing —I didn't feel all that relaxed. My mind was on work and I hadn't taken that deep, soothing sigh that usually comes when I get into. vacation mode. wanted to clear my mind: and recharge, maybe more of a break from my day-to-day life was in order. A switch to another bool rirmet ; I felt much pr likeI _ real- ly on vacation. It got me thinking about the idea of unplugging. fe likely associate it with ditching the actual sisting the urge to check emails, etc. Even if we say we'll "just le Mm from our focus on relax- 8 ation. : We may figure if we're follow itter. TRUE RELAXATION MEANS FULLY ‘UNPLUGGING’ thinking about work any- wi before we a Xt Neal time off is anythin; m addition Ot the devic- re should also think about | the other plugs that connect us to things from which we need a break. Part of thoroughly un- plugging is identifying onal plugs that may keep us ‘irom fully relaxing. _For many of us, it starts and take time for our- selves. Think 09 about Phted mental plugs — ughts, ‘worries ande con. cerns that nag at you. Ifyou fin ing in, nine Sonrselt that not ev- urgent and oe get back to them. Write them down or vi- sualize them being put into a box that you'll close for now and open later. Do a meditation or some deep breathing, jaueh with a friend, go for a walk — whatever helps you clear your mind. When your p phone bat- tery is runni low, you plug it in. But people aren't electronics, times fully mange is just what we need. Melanie McGregor is the communications and advancement specialist at the Canadiai Health “Association Halton Region Branch, which provides mental health/ addiction community sup- nd education. Visit poi halton. cnn ca for more information and @cmhahalton on Tw TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT THEIFPCA ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 70 community publications across Ontario. member of the National NewsMedia w Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2, Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca nnc ocna NewresaiaCounet newsroom@theifp.ca ‘Be WORLD OF PERSONAL FINANCE SPINNING QUICKLY THESE DAYS Recently, the Bank of Canada made a significant increase in interest rates. The reason was its s attempt to control inflatio: After digesting higher interest rates, the attention shifted to the effect this e real estate market. People purchase a house based on affordabili- ty, and a large part of that depends on mortgage in- terest rates. ition is the culprit. Interest rates are just the solution to try to get it un- der control. This recent in- terest rate increase was based on an inflation rate of 7.7 per cent. Now, the challenge of in- flation keeps on growing. The recently released in- flation rate, as of June, is 8.1 per cent over the previ- ous year. PETER WATSON Column The financial planning strategy for many house- holds is shifting to defensive strategies. How can you make ends meet when inter- est rate costs keep rising? Adding fuel to the fire is the underlying effect that inflation has on everyday spending. Things cost more. Add in higher inter- est rates and at some point, tally different economic environment. Managing household finances ismore challenging, and should be well planned out. Peter Watson is regis- tered with Angra Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI) to provide investment advice. Tnvestment products are provided by ACPI. ACPI is member of the Invest- ment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. The opini d are @IFP_11 WHO WE ARE VP, Regional Publisher Kelly Montague Regional General Manager Jason Pehora Director of Content Lee Ann Waterman Deputy Director of Content Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Director rr Distribution Directors of Adverti Cindi Campbell and Graeme Macintosh Director Creative Services Katherine Porcheron CONTACT US The Independent & Free Pres: 901 Guelph Line Burlington, ON L7R 3N8 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and those of the author and not necessarily those of ACPI. 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