From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs
Keeping It Positive!
As unlikely as it might sound, consciously changing the words and tone of your inner voice can create dramatic changes in your brain and body. Researchers using brain scans found that people who engaged in positive self-talk had certain areas of their brains light up with activity — areas that were associated with better decision-making and calmness.
Seeing Stress In a New Light
Changing your attitude towards stress can make a big difference in how you react to it, and the effects it has on your mind and body.
Let’s Get Physical!
Scores of studies and decades of research has shown that physical activity is one of the best “medicines” for overall wellbeing that is available. Here’s how to start.
Coping With Global Crisis
Here are some strategies to help you reduce stress and maintain emotional well-being while experiencing a world of trouble.
Managing Anger
All of us, at some time, will experience and express anger at our loved one. You are, after all, human, and feeling angry is part of the human experience. The recognition that this very human trait occurs in all of us is the cornerstone of how you can cope with it.
Seeing the Light
As a caregiver, it’s often hard to actively seek out the flashes of pleasure and joy that come from your everyday efforts. However, if you are able to relax and open yourself to opportunities, those wonderful moments will come to you.
You Year. New You!
It’s a tradition in the new year that many people make resolutions, but I’d like to recommend that you try something new this year: Try to start several “micro-habits.”
Finding the Joy
In my many years of working with caregivers, I have seen first-hand how agonizing your day-to-day struggles can sometimes be. You may at times feel overwhelmed, overcome with stress, or experience a profound sense of grief for all that is lost to this disease. So my words of advice today may seem counter-intuitive: Find time to seek out joy. As challenging as our lives may be at times, being a caregiver for your loved one can give a life purpose, meaning — and even joy.