Let’s face the fact that caregiving is stressful. Stressed people usually have little time for self care. It sounds great but who has the time to do it? Personally, I know the stress I faced as a caregiver caused me to put my own health at risk. You are most likely doing the same.
When I carved out the time to do water aerobics, it was a tremendous stress reliever and benefited me physically and mentally. It was something I enjoy. Actually it has been found that simple excercises such as swimming, walking or running are the best at reducing stress. You don’t have to be an athlete or in great shape to benefit from stress management. Choose an activity that you enjoy. It can be stair climbing, gardening, dancing or whatever you choose. Walking the dog doesn’t require a gym membership. Your life is compliacated. Keep exercise simple.
Movement is very important for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other aging dementias. Today I am sharing a link you can do at home.
Sometimes you deal with behavior issues because the person is bored. These and other excercises can be fun for both of you. Think about things you can do to keep moving based on the mobility of the one you care for. Get outdoors to exercise when it is possible. Fresh air and vitamin D from the sun are good for both of you.
When thinking of ideas for exercise for someone with dementia, reflect on what they enjoyed in the past. If they were a bowler, consider gets a child’s bowling set that can be used in a hall. If they were a programmer, give them an old keyboard. My husband is a programmer and he asked if that is what I intend to do if he should get dementia. That started some gears turning in my mind. This man gardens, hunts, fishes, likes to pan for gold, plays guitar, forages, metal detects, does woodworking and is a beekeeper. I supposed I could suit him up and sit him in front of the beehives or hand him sandpaper and a block. While these sound amusing, they would work.
God designed our body to handle stress with endorphines and dopamine. Endorphins can relieve pain, produce feelings of pleasure, reduce stress and increase relaxation. One way to stimulate the release of endorphins is through exercise. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in your brain. It plays a role in memory, movement, mood and attention to name a few.
Exercise kickstarts these hormones. So it is time to move it!
Seriously, I am writing this after coming in from the pool. I feel refreshed and clear headed. Am I an athlete? No way! Am I skinny and fit? Absolutely not. Am I becoming more aware of how important it is to take better care of my body? Yes, I am! I best take care of my hubby too so I don’t have to use any of my above ideas. Together we can stay active and healthy. Share your ideas in a comment. I would love to hear from you.
Word for Today
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
Psalm 19:9-11
Song for Today A Reminder that God moves!
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Thank you for always being on the move in our lives. Let this remind us that as we move to keep our bodies healthy, you want us to be on the move seeking you in our lives. We need you to ease our fears and anxiety when time contraints and demands keep us from stepping away to exercise. Give us strength and hope to serve as a caregiver each day.
Amen
Walking Them Home 