"Here Comes Summer" by Elan Slavin

Here Comes Summer
by Elan Slavin

I can always count on the poet, Shel Silverstein to find the most empathetic, funny, thoughtful way of communicating universal truths.  And the truth is:  Summer is here and if we don’t take a few moments to enjoy it, it will pass as all seasons do.

“Here Comes”

Here comes summer,
Here comes summer,
Chirping robin, budding rose,
Here comes summer
Here comes summer,
Gentle showers, summer clothes
Here comes summer,
Here comes summer-
Whoosh-shiver-there it goes.

Summer can be fun AND summer can be tough for families and kids as everyone’s routines are interrupted.  Kids are on break from school, the weather changes and often times it makes it difficult to play outside and participate in activities that you normally do. Friends and built-in support systems are no longer as “built-in” and available,  and feelings of boredom and isolation become very common.

Here are a few summer time/anytime activities that just might break up the boredom and encourage some summertime fun!
-          Plan a Disney movie marathon
-          Gather a few well- worn items of clothing and TYE-DYE them!
-          Build a fort in your living room!
-          Have breakfast for dinner
-          Star Gaze, of course with a mug of hot chocolate
-          Paint rocks
-          Plan a family Karaoke night
-          Go “camping” in your own backyard
-          On Fridays, eat dessert FIRST for dinner
-          Plant a tree
-          Cook a favorite family recipe together

Summer can be fun for some and rough for others.  It’s always a good reminder to “Put Something In”

Draw a crazy picture,

Write a nutty poem,

Sing a mumble-gumble song.

Whistle through your comb.

Do a loony-goony dance

‘Cross the kitchen floor.

Put something silly in the world

That ain’t been there before.

-Shel  Silverstein

May is Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month by Elan Slavin, MSW

May is here and change is all around us.  The weather is beginning to feel more like Spring, the wild flowers are bold and bright and the school year for some is beginning to wind down.  May is also Mental Health Awareness month.  This month (and hopefully year ‘round) we can continue to increase awareness about all of our mental health needs as individuals and as a country.

The following three websites are resources for various kinds of important information and help when it comes to our own mental health and those we love.  Please note: as always, if you are concerned about yourself or someone you love, please reach out to your doctor or a mental health clinician.

www.thenationalcouncil.org
www.nami.org
www.adaa.org

May is here and change is all around us.  I think the poet, Mary Oliver expresses a depth of gratitude for change and new beginnings in a most elegant way.

Why I Wake Early, by Mary Oliver

 

Hello, sun in my face

Hello, you who make the morning.

And spread it over the fields

And into the faces of the tulips

And the nodding morning glories,

And into the windows of, even, the

Miserable and crotchety-

 

Best preacher that ever was-

Dear star, that just happens

To be where you are in the universe

To keep us from ever-darkness,

To ease us with warm touching,

To hold us in the great hands of light-

Good morning, good morning, good morning

 

Watch, now, how I start the day

In happiness, in kindness

Taking a moment to acknowledge your need for help is the ultimate act of kindness we can give to ourselves.

Self-Care Kit

Self-Care Kit

When you’re going through a stressful time, it can be helpful to have care and comfort items at the ready, so you don’t have to go far to find some relief. Here are some suggestions for what might go into a self-care kit for yourself or someone you love:

Tissues

Mop up some tears or keep your germs to yourself – it’s the worst to need a tissue and not have one handy. Bonus: sharing with someone else who really needs one.

Hand Sanitizer

Especially during cold-and-flu season, it’s a must to have hand sanitizer available. If you’re immune-compromised, the last thing you need is to be exposed to other people’s germs. And if you’re sick, you don’t want to spread them around.

Lotion

Lots of hand washing, wintry weather, and even many medicines can leave your skin dry. Keep a small bottle of lotion handy (get it? Handy?) for when you need it.

 Snacks

Sometimes things feel overwhelming when you really just need a little food. Keep healthy, non-perishable snacks close by, such as almonds, crackers, or a peanut butter packet. Maybe keep a tea bag or some instant hot chocolate, too, for when you need something warm and soothing.

Inspirational Quotes

Keep some wise words handy, or ask your friends to write you some love notes to read when you’re feeling down.

Stuffed Animal or Comfort Item

It doesn’t matter how old you are, sometimes something soft and cuddly can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a soft blanket, or your favorite hoodie – reaching for a familiar comfort can help you get through a tough moment.

Headphones

Music is one of the most therapeutic things out there, because you can find the groove that best fits your mood. Keep a pair of headphones handy for when you need to tune out the outside world.

A Notebook

Expressing your thoughts and feelings on paper can be a huge relief! Or, it can be very helpful to write things down so you don’t forget – what the doctor said, your next appointment, or even your shopping list.

Coloring Book

Adult coloring books are all the rage, and we remember why we loved to color as kids! If you haven’t tried it lately, we highly recommend it.

Manicure Kit

Need some down time? Take a few minutes to paint your finger or toenails. Not only will you feel a little prettier, but it’ll be a good distraction and excuse to chill out while you wait for the polish to dry.

Fuzzy Socks

Pick up some cute socks to wear instead of the ugly ones they give you at the hospital. Why not add some fun flair to your outfit?

Favorite Movies

If you don’t know where to start for some good pick-me-up screen time, ask around. Chances are, your friends can recommend a movie or TV series that will get you smiling.

Pictures

Keep your favorite people and places close at hand with some of your favorite photos! Tip: If you can keep them in your phone’s photo library, you won’t have to worry about a wifi connection to see your favorite faces.

What's in your comfort kit?

5 Tips for Supporting the Caregiver in your Life

“5 Tips for Supporting the Caregiver in your Life”
by Sona Mehring, the founder of CaringBridge

1 Stronger Together; Build a Support Team. Well-meaning friends and relatives may say: “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” But that doesn’t mean you have to handle it alone. Caregiving can be relentless, exhausting and overwhelming. For family caregivers like myself, there can be a sense of loneliness and isolation, which can affect your overall health and well-being. As a friend of a family caregiver, take the first step of building a short list of close family or friends who are able to help in anyway. 

2. Let It Go. How can you encourage caregivers to pace themselves to remain emotionally and physically strong? What helped me “let go” was a family member who took that short list from Step 1 and divvyed up daily tasks and errands by creating a schedule. Loved ones consistently delivered meals, purchased groceries, helped with yard and house work, attended doctor’s appointments, and much more. I found it helpful to ask friends and to use some of the many resources available online to help navigate the complexities of insurance, social services, medication and financial management.

3. Step Away and Find Humor. Regardless of how strong and positive caregivers try to be, daily life involves sadness and suffering. Friends would encourage me to step away and find the humor in life’s struggles. Whether it was time spent with a group of friends or watching a funny TV show or movie. Laughter can truly be the best medicine. Laughter can also help: reduce pain, drop levels of stress hormones, and release endorphins which can bring positive changes to your mindset.

4. Take Focus Off the Physical. Remind the caregiver to focus on more than just physical care. A typical day is focused on physical needs and limitations, which can be degrading and frustrating for both the loved one and caregiver. I connected with my mother (the patient) by making our time together as enjoyable as possible. This could be anything from sharing stories, trying a new hobby or finding a new favorite TV show to watch. Caring for my mother was one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life, but it was also the hardest.

5. Share with Those Who Care. Encourage caregivers to openly share and communicate hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, and everything in between. Putting words around the things you’re experiencing and feeling will not be easy, but it will be cathartic. Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, take a little time each week to record your feelings in a journal or through a CaringBridge website. I started my mother’s CaringBridge website when she was first diagnosed in 1998 and again in 2001 when she was stricken with liver cancer. The advantage to capturing your story in this way is the ability to garner strength and support from those who love you and want to help. I also have a permanent record of my time with my mother that captured my thoughts and feelings, but also the love people had for my her.

Self-Care: Questions to Ask Before Giving Up

November is National Family Caregivers Month! Don't forget to take care of YOURSELF, too!