Seasons of Care ™ Wellness for Caregivers self-care for the family caregiver Presented by: Andrea Sherman, PhD & Marsha Weiner, MA For: Family Caregiver Alliance All content Transitional Keys©

Objectives Strengthen resilience Express and release feelings through creative expression Increase ease, comfort and happiness through meditation Decrease stress that produces burnout

© 2011 Family Caregiver Alliance The Caregiver’s Journey “Caregiving does not unfold in an orderly fashion. It evades easy answers. We would like to wrap it up in neat bundles of conclusions we can rely on, but it refuses to be tidy. It is sometimes gratifying, often frustrating, always a mystery.” Caregiver’s Tao Te Ching

Brain Connectivity The power to create new circuits…

Caregiver’s Tools Seasons of Care ™ Contemplative Arts –Focus attention inside yourself –Rekindle inner resources –Discover sources of resiliency –Connect with something greater than oneself Expressive Arts –Release energy outward –Color, Dance, Sing, Declare –Enhance well-being –Uplift your spirits!

Benefits of Meditation Increases ability to relax Decreases psychological symptoms Reduces pain levels Increases ability to cope with chronic pain

Benefits of Meditation Encourages greater enthusiasm for life Improves self-esteem Increases ability to cope more effectively with stressful situations that are beyond one’s control Stress Reduction Clinic, University of Mass. Medical Center

Catch Your Breath

Benefits of Expressive Arts Enhances coping skills Helps manage stress Strengthens sense of self Enhances quality of life Allows for communication when words just aren’t enough

A Sherman ©TransitionalKeys

Landscape of the Forgiven M.B.Weiner

Your Favorite Color- What was it yesterday? How about now?!? © 2011 Family Caregiver Alliance

Your Landscape Here

Writing: Integrative Self-reflective technique Promotes meaningful engagement of self

The Rules of Writing: Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones 1.Keep your hand moving. 2.Don’t cross out. 3.Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation grammar. 4.Lose control. 5.Don’t think. Don’t get logical. 6.Go for the jugular. (“If something comes up that is scary or naked, dive right into it. It probably has lots of energy.”)

Getting Started “Just as a good rain clears the air, a good writing day clears the psyche.” ― Julia Cameron, The Right to Write: An Invitation and Initiation into the Writing Life Get started ! After this webinar ! Fill in the blanks: As the ____ comes and goes, I _____.

Contemplative & Expressive Arts Merge in Ritual Including everyday, simple rituals

© 2011 Family Caregiver Alliance Ritual Provides: Order and Clarity in times of change Relief and Comfort in times of anxiety Integration & Healing in times of loss Continuity & Community in times of celebration and reflection

Affirmation is an Element of Ritual

Benefits of Affirmation Increases immune response Increases empathy and compassion Mitigates stress Lessens irritability Increases happiness

The Challenge for All Caregivers As we continue on The Caregiver’s Journey …

Self-Care as Practice with Contemplative & Expressive Arts Care for your body, mind and spirit Create a “sanctuary,” an “inner-home” Practice resilience and renewal throughout the day

MaintainHappiness Bank Account

Awaken and Embrace …

And, don’t forget the MUSIC !!! Reduces stress Lowers blood pressure Reduces pain Releases emotions Increases mood & positive feelings Has healing effects American Music Therapy Association,

Cleansing © 2011 Family Caregiver Alliance

Resources 1.The Caregiver’s Tao Te Ching, William& Nancy Martin, New World Library, Seasons of Care™ Meditations, Transitional Keys, Full Catastrophe Living, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Delacorte Press, 1990

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FCA established the National Center on Caregiving (NCC), to advance the development of high-quality, cost effective programs and policies for caregivers in every state in the country. The NCC sponsors the Family Care Navigator to help caregivers locate support services in their communities.National Center on Caregiving Family Care Navigator FCA also operates the Bay Area Caregiver Resource Center in the six-county San Francisco Bay Area. The staff of family counselors works closely with families caring for ill or elderly loved ones. Our services, education programs and publications are developed to offer these families direct support, vital information, and effective tools to manage the complex and demanding tasks of caregiving.Bay Area Caregiver Resource Center Family Caregiver Alliance is a public voice for caregivers, illuminating the daily challenges they face, offering them the assistance they so desperately need and deserve, and championing their cause through education, services, research and advocacy.educationservicesresearchadvocacy Phone numbers: (800) (415) Address: 785 Market Street, Suite 750, San Francisco, CA Web address: Social Media Channels: FacebookFacebook (Family Caregiver Alliance) TwitterTwitter YelpYelp (seeking your reviews!) YouTubeYouTube (“CAREGIVERdotORG”) This presentation by Transitional Keys is sponsored by Family Caregiver Alliance. ©2012 Family Caregiver Alliance. All rights Reserved.