If you're looking for a good workout, try out one of the waterfit classes that are offered through local rec centres... this is a wonderful workout for your core as well as all your other body parts! I also have found that waterfit can be a very social experience, where you can meet people and strike up new friendships.
08 June 2009
Go swimming
If you're looking for a good workout, try out one of the waterfit classes that are offered through local rec centres... this is a wonderful workout for your core as well as all your other body parts! I also have found that waterfit can be a very social experience, where you can meet people and strike up new friendships.
01 June 2009
Moments and Memories: The Spirit of Caregiving - Annual General Meeting
Moments and Memories: The Spirit of Caregiving - Annual General Meeting
Join us for a conversation on one of life’s most powerful and life-changing journeys - caregiving. Our presenters will begin the conversation by sharing their own “aha!” moments, special memories and the experiences that have touched them the most. Come and simply listen or join the conversation and share your own caregiving moments and memories.
Light refreshments will be served.
Facilitator: FCNS
June 16, 2009, 6:00 pm - June 16, 2009, 8:00 pm
Salvation Army Citadel, Multipurpose Room, 4030 Douglas Street (McKenzie & Pat Bay Highway)
$0.00 for FCNS members $10.00 for non-members
Please RSVP to (250) 384-0408 by June 10th to reserve your seat.
28 May 2009
Have a cup of tea
25 May 2009
5-4-3-2-1 Relaxation technique
If pain or discomfort, or anxiety symptoms are present, allow these to be one sensation you notice, but invite yourself to begin noticing other, more subtle, sensations as well.
This technique can be safely done anywhere and at anytime, except while driving or biking, as it often narrows peripheral vision. It is most helpful when done aloud, but can be silently as well.
- Begin by finding a relatively comfortable position for your body, and something pleasant to focus your eyes on. Keep you head relatively still. Your eyes can remain open throughout the exercise, unless you have a pleasant urge to close them, or are using the technique to fall asleep.
- Begin naming aloud 5 sights, 5 sounds, and 5 physical sensations you are aware of. Repeating an item seen, heard or felt is perfectly okay. Count on your fingers if this is helpful.
- Proceed to 4 sights, 4 sounds, and 4 physical sensations. If you lose count, simply begin again where you think you were... then 3 things, then 2 things... continue counting down and naming until you reach 1 of each category.
When you reach 1 sight, 1 sound, and 1 physical sensation, you can choose whether to repeat the whole exercise again to deepen the effect.
When you feel finished, take a minute to reorient yourself to the present by counting yourself up through five breaths, becoming increasingly alert at each breath.
*Technique shared by Michele Butot, MSW, Psychosocial Course of the Dying and Bereaved, 2008
14 May 2009
Reflections on simplicity in caregiving
Often in my own role as a caregiver, I let my perception of what caregiving "should" look like cloud what could be. I've come up with endless reasons why a task has to be done a certain way, carried unrealistic expectations with me about a variety of things, and in particular, have allowed my sense of responsibility and modelling to guide my interactions. I have never simply just been myself in this role and have often wondered why that seems so impossible for me. Is it because of my view of this role? Or possibly because I don't believe that my true self will be seen by those I'm caring for, even if I showed myself? Or is it because when you're caring for someone whom you share love, it's too personal, too close? I have no idea what the answers are.
I wonder how much of myself would organically shine through if I simplified everything. For Mother's Day last weekend, I planned a tea for my mom and then arranged for us to paint clay mugs at a local art store. For as much time and effort that went into the tea, it wasn't necessary or even all that enjoyable. It was the painting where both my mom and I were able to let more of our true selves shine through together than has in years - and if I'd simplified everything in my planning, removed expectations and allowed simplicity to be enough, I would have seen that. There are so many other interactions I have with my parents in this role where I know the same would be true.
This is all just my own personal reflections and food for thought. I wonder how much time and energy we all would save ourselves if we invited more simplicity into our caregiving role. I wonder how many tasks would become easier, and our interactions more genuine and fun. This is something I plan to experiment with more.
07 May 2009
Talk to your neighbours
16 April 2009
Make use of your benefits
I've had access to a benefits package from my work for nearly a year but the only one I've taken advantage of is a couple of dental visits. There are so many other great benefits included in my package that I have not even thought use ... such as acupuncture, massage therapy, visits to natural paths, etc. Why haven't I been caring for myself in this way all along?! After yet another somewhat grueling meditation session a few weeks ago I booked a visit to see a massage therapist and am already noticing a huge difference. I'm happy to report that today's meditation was pain free. Keeping my body happy seems to have a direct relationship to my inner peace and happiness. I think we can all agree that experiencing pain can be one of the fastest ways to put you in a bad mood, and blow regular life stresses out of proportion. Often pain and stress is experienced at that low, nearly unnoticeable level, but it is always with us unless we tend to it.
If you have a benefits package, I highly recommend that you start treating yourself to one (or all!) of them. It is one of the easiest and affordable ways that we can care for ourselves.