Dear Caregivers,
August is National Wellness Month. It’s a good time to reflect on your own health and to explore new ways of living a healthier life. This is especially important for those of you caring for a loved one struggling with dementia. You need to keep your own health operating on all cylinders in order to cope with the many daily challenges you and your loved one encounter.
There are many dimensions of wellness. Take a moment to read about them and consider them in context with your health and how they may impact your daily life.
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Emotional Wellness: How you cope with your own feelings can have a direct impact on your emotional frame of mind. If you find yourself feeling stressed with persistent negative thoughts, you may want to consider peer counseling and stress management classes to help you better cope. Caregivers should seek out support groups in your area.
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Intellectual and Cognitive Wellness: When was the last time you played a game of cards or a board game, such as chess? Engaging in stimulating activities helps keep our brains sharp and our outlook intellectually active. These games can be helpful to those with mild cognitive impairment, helping to retain brain pathways to keep memories intact for as long as possible.
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Physical Wellness: We all know how important regular physical activity is to our overall wellness. Why is it so hard to get up and get moving? You don’t have to run a marathon to experience the benefits of physical activity. Try walking or consider a light, daily workout. Encourage the person you are caring for to join in, even if they join you in their chair. Try to substitute healthy foods for processed foods and high sugar desserts. Limit your alcohol intake and, if you smoke, consider making the commitment to stop. Follow some common sense guidelines and you’ll look better and feel better!
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Social Wellness: Few things can do more damage to our well-being than social isolation. Maintaining ties with family and friends is so important, especially as we age. For individuals with dementia, those relationships take on new meaning, helping them connect with their earlier lives and keep the brain active and engaged. Make sure you regularly participate in activities that bring you in contact with others. If you have a loved one with dementia, try arranging visits from young family members and friends. Intergenerational activities are particularly beneficial to wellness.
While August is National Wellness Month, it’s important to regard the tenants of wellness as more than just a once-a-year concept. Look at ways you can make your day to day living situation healthier. Wellness can become an integral part of your life with a little thought and practice. You’ll feel better, happier, and more connected to all the things that matter!
