Take Time to Celebrate!
Dear Caregivers,
In our book Take Your Oxygen First, my co-author Leeza Gibbons reminds us that “You have sole custody of your life, so step up and own it.” By this she means that caregivers must learn to reinvent themselves continually, and adapt the challenges facing them on a daily basis.
But there is another important part of “owning” your life: You have to take the time, and make the effort, to celebrate the small accomplishments that occur for you and your loved one daily.
Celebrating even the smallest things can boost your mood and sense of confidence. That’s because this action releases the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain, which is responsible for enhanced feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.
Alzheimer’s is a heartless illness that robs our loved ones of the memories of precious moments in their lives. But what Alzheimer’s does not take are the moments themselves, which can truly be enjoyed by you and your loved one. If your loved one appears happy and content, it’s because they are! Live for those moments and celebrate them, because while memories may fade, love still remains.
Here are some tips for how to celebrate the precious moments of life.
Common Caregiving Challenges in Alzheimer’s & Dementia
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease affect both the patient and those who interact with them ― especially caregivers. As Alzheimer’s alters the ability of the patient to think and function, those changes can impact others. Here are common challenges you may face and the strategies we’ve found that can help overcome them to produce small daily victories.
Keep a Daily Journal
Journaling has shown to provide relief from grief and anger, reduce depression, improve self-care, and enhance relationships. It can also be a place where you can “practice gratitude” for the accomplishments of the day. Here’s how to start.
Finding the Joy as a Family Caregiver:
The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is.
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
“Tiny victories are like gems scattered on your journey, notice them.”
— Emma Xu
