Get Cozy!
Dear Caregivers,
Brrr! It seems to be cold everywhere these days. Florida is predicted to be in for the coldest weather in more than a decade.
When cold weather strikes, the first thing you need to pay attention to is your physical health: Make sure you and your loved one have warm clothes, adequate heating, and foot protection against icy walkways.
But there is another aspect of dealing with the cold that is just as important, and that is keeping your mental health strong. And for that, I recommend that we all follow the lead of Scandinavians: After all, the people of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden know something about cold weather!
There is a Scandinavian cultural practice known as hygge, which comes from a Danish word related to the English word “hug.” And giving yourself an emotional “hug” through cozy comforts is what hygge is all about.
The dictionary defines hygge as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” But you can feel free to extend that idea for you and your loved one in any way that fits your idea of “cozy.”
That might be creating a calm, warming environment of soft light and familiar smells in a corner of your home, or taking time to make the most of a routine such as sipping a hot mug of tea or cocoa, or putting on some gentle music—or doing all of those things together! Give your brain a hug as well through warming emotional activities such as looking through a photo album of family and friends, holding a beloved pet, or watching a favorite sentimental movie.
The secret that the Scandinavians have learned over the years is not to treat the onset of cold as a crisis that needs to be fought—and thereby raising your stress levels—but rather to embrace the inclement weather as an opportunity to hunker down, relax, and let the hygge cover you like a warm blanket.
Here are some more resources for self-care:
How To Do Relaxation Breathing:
If you're feeling anxious, the first step to take is to break your body's stress response cycle. Relaxation breathing is a powerful technique to achieve this.
Joyful Noise: Music to Soothe the Soul:
Music is one of the most ancient forms of human communication and entertainment, and also has clinical benefits. Here’s how to do music therapy with your loved one at home.
The Benefits of a Daily Routine:
A consistent daily routine provides structure and comfort for people suffering from dementia and their caregivers. Plan to continually explore, experiment, and adjust the activities based on the mood and the abilities of your loved one with dementia. Here’s an overview and sample daily schedule.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."
— Anne Lamott
