HOW MUSIC CAN HEAL YOUR CAREGIVING SOUL
Singing A Happy Song Can Improve Your Health
Who doesn’t love music? I certainly do. But it’s not just about humming along with your radio or listening to your favorite CD, according to medical and scientific research, studies have shown that music has healing properties.
Whether you’re feeling up or down, happy or sad or somewhere in between, there’s a tune that will fit your mood If you like to sing in the shower or listen to your favorite artist at a concert, research has proven music to be more than a source of enjoyment in our daily lives, and has a positive impact on the young and old.
As a matter of fact, over the past few years’ music programs have become more and more popular, with benefits being seen in all areas in life from newborns to the elderly, and across all ranges of illness and disease from those experiencing terminal end of life issues and everything in between
Singing Is In My Genes - How About You?
SING AND BE HAPPY - how do I know - I do karaoke on a weekly basis at a local senior center with a variety of ages and from disabled to the elderly and they enjoy group singing and fellowship and it’s been proven music helps prevent cognitive decline. Notice I didn't say I was a good singer, There’s a standing joke among my family and friends who call me the “creative songstress” because they know if I can’t remember the words or the tune –I just make it up as I go.
5 Simple Caregiver Tips To Sing Stress Away
Just because the person you’re caring for is ill, it doesn’t mean that you and/or your loved one shouldn’t take a trip down memory every once and while. I took a tip from the canned or elevator music we used to have at my job.
Make a list of songs your loved one likes
Try different types of music - if their toes start tapping –“ Voila” you’ve got a match
Try humming while you work – it can be soothing to you and your loved one
Chose your music according to the caregiving activity and time of day
At bath or nap time choose soft, relaxing instrumental music.
How Music Helped Me With Caregiving
Maybe you’ve been so busy providing care, you’ve missed a chance to croon a tune that can lift your spirits. Frankly, you don't have to have a Phd in music - all you have to do is open your mouth and sing.
I considered myself lucky because my mom was a songstress extraordinaire and she wasn’t shy about it. Of course, it helped that she had a beautiful voice, and was often a lead vocalist for our local church choir. Many times I'd ask her to sing a certain song and we would often make it a duet and it was a win/win for both of us.
Over the years, because of her illness, she lost many of her capabilities, but never her love of singing. And even as her illness progressed, she could still command an audience with her favorite songs and they enjoyed listening to her - and most importantly, it made her happy.
As caregivers we often encounter increased stress in the daily routine of caring for a loved one. In my opinion, a little music can ease your loved one’s anxiety, improve their communication and bring some happy moments of precious memories.
Be Well - Stay Well - Because Caregivers Need Care Too!!
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Coach Gloria
Life Strategies/Wellness Coach & Patient Advocate
Owner: GJ Brown & Associates
Blog: Glo’s Caregiver Wellness Connection
Email: gbrown1gjba@gmail.com
Website: http://gbrown1gjba.wix.com/caregiverwellness