I have a neighbor who has a teenage daughter. She is a beautiful and talented young lady. Just a couple months ago, she was the star of the musical at the local high school. She is tall and very thin. In fact, she’s too thin. I found out recently that she is suffering from an eating disorder. It is tragic. And I found myself pondering about body image and the strange ways our brains will sometimes become deceived. For my neighbor, I can’t imagine how she looks in the mirror and sees anything other than skin and bones. Yet I know enough about eating disorders to know that she sees something entirely different. But what about those of us confined to life in a wheelchair? What about our body image? Do we struggle to look in the mirror and see reality? Or do we perhaps let our disability deceive our minds. I know that at times I fall into the trap of feeling like certain things are beyond my capabilities when the truth is I’m using my wheelchair as an excuse.

Let’s face it, one of the challenging issues of needing a wheelchair is the time it takes to get places. Whether you’re traveling around the neighborhood just in your chair or scooter or you’re taking the time in a blistering hot parking lot to load and unload your chair.

So do any of you have ideas for how to stay cool while riding in your power wheelchair? Do you carry a water bottle? Have any of you used an umbrella for shade? Do any of you have attachments for your chair that provide shade—I’m not familiar with such a chair—does such a chair exist?

For me, I use loads of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. I might look a little funny, but what’s new about that?

Also, I try to get my errands done early in the morning when it’s cooler. If a store doesn’t open until 10 a.m., I’ll often just try to make my purchase online and pay for delivery rather than be out in the heat of the day.

As the weather gets warmer, it’s easy to start feeling that familiar tickle: the urge to get out a bit more, the need to get moving, be more active, or just use your brain and body a bit more than you do during the cold winter months.

A hobby can be a great way to spend your time this spring, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor pastime. Being in the middle of a project you enjoy working on is a pleasing and motivating feeling. In fact, recent studies have shown that:

* Participating in a regular hobby can improve your state of mind and mental health.
* Older adults who stay busy by being mentally and physically active live longer, happier and healthier lives.
* Older adults with hobbies that exercise their brains are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease than adults who do not have a hobby.

But what hobbies are appropriate for individuals who may suffer from limited mobility? See below for just a few suggestions.

Create art with your camera

Photography is a satisfying pastime that can be done indoors or out, taking action shots, nature studies, or portraits, black and white or color. Many people who take up photography as a hobby find that they benefit from classes, although there are a number of self-taught photographers as well. Take up this hobby and you may find yourself appointed as the group photographer at every gathering or special occasion!

To get more information about photography, you can contact a local community college or recreation center. There are also many sites that can help beginning photographers. See below for just a few.

Grow herbs, plant a flower garden, or create a beautiful container garden

A great way to get outside this spring is to take up gardening. With so many different types of gardening to choose from, you’re bound to find something that suits you. Grow a small herb garden on your kitchen windowsill, or, if you have sufficient mobility in your hands and arms, create a container garden on your deck or patio. Container gardening is a great solution for individuals who cannot stand or walk to enjoy gardening from a seated position.

Your local home improvement store is a great place to get information about gardening tips and classes. More information about container gardening, herb gardens and more can also be found online. See below for some examples.

Get crafty,­ start a scrapbook, make scented soap right in your home, or take up painting

For those with an artistic side, a crafty hobby is the perfect way to spend your time. Scrapbooking allows you to revisit and relive cherished memories, while creating a beautiful piece of art. It’s also a great way to make friends ­ many scrapbookers enjoy throwing parties where their friends can all scrapbook together. Making scented soap is also rewarding ­ once you’ve created it, you get the enjoyment of using it or giving it as gifts.

Visit a craft store in your area to ask about crafting supplies, classes, or parties, or look online for more information. Some suggested sites can be found below.

Become a volunteer

There are thousands of ways you can volunteer your time, and volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community. Contact your local hospital to see what opportunities are available, such as greeting patients and guests, comforting newborn babies, or visiting sick children. Call your local library to find out if there are literacy programs you might become involved in. Your local church may also be a good resource to find the perfect volunteer position.

The United Way in your area can also provide you with you information on many volunteer opportunities. See below for more resources you can find online.

The benefits of hobbies are far-reaching and numerous ­ find the hobby that’s right for you and go for it! Your physical and mental health will improve and you’re likely to make new friends as well as discover talents you didn’t know you had!