The Power of Practice
Dear Caregivers,
You don’t have to be an avid basketball fan to appreciate the incredible skill, athleticism — and sheer poetry of the human body in motion — that was on display in the final rounds of the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament.
These are athletes who are at the heights of their talent, but they didn’t get to the Final Four by their innate gifts alone. They worked. And worked. And worked. The power of training is illustrated in the old joke about a lost tourist who stops a man on a street in New York City and asks him “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” His reply: “Practice! Practice! Practice!”
As a Caregiver, your innate skills of compassion and caring are put to the test every day. But it’s important to remember that, with practice, you can train your body and mind to be more resilient and have a greater impact on your loved one’s overall condition. Remember too that you have your own “coach” — your NAN Navigator — who is your dedicated partner in this journey. Here are some tips for helping to make every day a winner.
Boost your brain:
New research suggests that regular exercise, social interaction, and a healthy diet are crucial for increasing your brainpower. But so too is doing familiar things in unfamiliar ways, because disrupting routines can stimulate new nerve cells to create new brain activities. Cognitive exercise also enhances blood flow and increases the production of chemicals called neurotrophins that protect brain cells. Check out these Nine Simple Habits That Can Boost Your Brain Power.
Write your story:
Keeping a regular journal — writing down your thoughts daily — has shown to provide relief from grief and anger, reduce depression, improve self-care, and enhance relationships. Research also suggests that reflective writing on meaningful topics significantly improves physical and emotional well-being. In addition, a journal with dated entries can be used to foster remembering of what was experienced on past dates; as well as to exercise your brain. Learn more about how to Keep a Daily Journal.
Get moving:
It’s a scientific slam dunk that regular physical activity can improve your flexibility, increase your strength, and boost your cardiovascular health. But you don’t have to be in a gym to move — in fact, you don’t even have to be standing up! Click here to learn more about Chair Exercises for Fitness.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”
— Lao Tzu
