The Longest Day!
Dear Caregivers,
June 20th marks the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the astronomical event where the earth’s axis of rotation tilts closest to the sun, resulting in our longest day and shortest night of the year.
In our modern world the Summer Solstice doesn’t get all that much attention, but in ancient times it was a major event, research suggests, helping to align the ancient agrarians’ calendars for planting and harvesting crops. The most famous celebration occurred at the 5,000-year-old-site known as Stonehenge, which is aligned to mark the rising of the sun on the solstice, and was (and still is, nowadays) the site of a big festival every year.
For caregivers and their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, the phrase “longest day” has another meaning, of course. For caregivers, every day can seem to be incredibly long, filled with tasks and duties that can appear to be never-ending.
These demands by necessity make every caregiver a time-management and logistics expert. Keys to success in this realm include being able to set priorities, practice patience and flexibility, delegate to prevent being overwhelmed and, when possible, using technology to help. And, of course, making sure you take the time to manage your own self-care, including exercise, eating well, and practicing stress reduction techniques such as meditation.
Ask your NAN Navigator for advice on time management that are tailored to your particular needs. It may be the “longest day,” but with the right approach, you can make it rewarding and fulfilling.
Here are some more resources on managing your time:
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.
Time Management for Caregivers:
While there isn’t a way to create more time in the day, there are methods that can help you get the most out of every minute. Here are some strategies to help manage time effectively and free up time for yourself.
Setting Boundaries as a Caregiver:
As a caregiver, it is essential that you remain committed to your personal boundaries, making sure that you give yourself time and space to address your personal needs for rest, relaxation, and fulfillment. This foundation for positive self-care is vital in improving your well-being. Here’s how to do it.
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
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”
— Leo Tolstoy
