Help fight stress, loneliness, boredom with music therapy.

Caregivers, consider how long a day confined at home; alone for extended periods of time would feel. You may sit in the same chair for hours. You hear others talking though not necessarily to you. What will occupy your mind?

How about your personal life. Find yourself stressed? Troubled? Stewing over things you cannot control?

Music can play a huge part in helping you care for others.

Our minds are busy all the time. With no diversion, we are prone to dwell on the struggles we have; the mistakes we have made; the what-ifs of life’s journey. Our troubles swell up inside us and we are agitated or “down in the dumps” before we realize what is happening.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

1. Keep music playing softly in the background to provide a peaceful atmosphere. Music soothes the soul.
2. Consider the preferences of those in your care. If elderly, find some music from their generation; an oldies radio station; or slow paced instrumentals.
3. Play gospel music for a lively change of pace. My elderly mother would sit straight up in her chair and lean toward the television set when Gaither’s Videos were playing. Her eyes would brighten, her smile return, and she was peaceful.
4. Encourage others to sing with you or hum some favorite songs. I’ll be the first to say, “I do not sing”. However, when Mother was up to it, we “sang” together and laughed. After all, the Bible says ” … make a joyful NOISE … ” and that we did!
5. Make sure the music is happy music; stay away from melodies that sound lonely or scary. This may sound a little over-simplified but I have walked into homes and wondered how you could sit there for a long period of time without screaming! The music should help you relax and focus on the positive side of life.

Music has a healing effect on even the most difficult patient.

It is known that music can greatly help those with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease cope with daily activities. (Note: next week I will cover some amazing results in more detail.)

Here is the thing: you work hard to keep your home in order, food prepared, schedules met. Spend a little time this week thinking about your “air quality”; could you use a little music perk-up?

Hugs,

Click here to check out my online article on   5 Tips To Ease Stress in The Home