The
Six Dimensions of Wellness for the Holiday Season
By
Kathy Hughes, ADC
With
the beginning of the "Back to School" programs,
the activities professional starts the "holiday
season" which will end with the champagne on New
Years! Four months of programs that include all the
traditions and pageantry of the various holidays and
celebrations that can tax even the heartiest soul. With
some searching on the Internet, you can find various
ways to assist you in keeping well and having a fun
time during the busiest time of the year.
The
six dimensions of wellness can be adapted for you and
your residents to make sure that everyone has a memorable
time. To incorporate these dimensions into your life
and the lives of your residents won't be as daunting
as it seems and many of you already have many of these
programs.
Physical
Regular exercise to reduce stress can be as easy as
walking around your building or parking in the furthest
parking space. Having an exercise program with your
residents that includes holiday music or some simple
"yoga type" stretching activities. Exercise
is not limited to your formal programs. How about a
"7th Bingo Stretch" where everyone at the
program does some simple stretching exercises and enjoys
a nice cold glass of water? Physical also includes good
nutrition. Take a page from a local fast food restaurant
and make up some yogurt parfaits with a crunchy granola
topping. Instead of a pizza party, try a salad party
with a variety of toppings and different dressings!
Fresh fruit carts or a turkey chili cart instead of
the usual ice cream cart for a welcomed change.
Emotional
Memories and reminiscing are a vital part of an activities
program. Don't be afraid of the emotional aspects of
the holiday season. It is time to remember all of those
people who have touched our lives and those new friends
with whom we can share our holidays. Inviting families
to come in and scrapbook with their loved ones one afternoon
or sharing family memories through a day of slide shows
will help residents cope with their memories of the
holidays. Remember that we as activity professionals
should also keep the holidays as simple as possible.
It's not a competition for us to "outdo" last
year's events. We all should make an effort to enjoy
the simple things about the holidays. Just like us many
of our residents just like looking at all the holiday
decorations. Keep the celebrations simple and meaningful.
Spiritual
A sense of spirituality is defined as a sense that life
is meaningful and has a purpose. Residents can have
a sense of their spirituality by doing something for
others. A simple card group can send holiday cards to
the VA hospital or send a care package to the troops.
With all that is done in the community for children
this time of year, don't forget those who served. Your
residents can enjoy their sense of community by having
a raffle to donate the proceeds to a local homeless
shelter. Your sense of spirituality is just as important
and a simple meditation or a stop at your local church
or temple of choice during the holiday season will allow
you to unwind and reflect. A quiet time in your office,
even for the briefest of moments will help you recharge
your battery. Remember that you are making memories
every single day, call a neighboring activity professional
and share them.
Intellectual
Continuous learning and creativity can be an integral
part of this season. Learning about various ethnic traditions
and celebrations can be a rewarding activity for all
of your residents. Having speakers from local groups
to come in and teach residents and staff about how they
celebrate the holidays can be a fun time for all. Have
a goal to learn something new each day. Interact with
the world around you. Have a fun fact board for each
day, it can be a fact about a resident or staff member
or it can be the plethora of information that you can
find on the Internet. Challenge yourself to take a craft
class or to take a moment and go to the library. Stimulate
brain cells with a lively educational program. Be creative
and have an art class where everyone paints something,
anything that has no boundaries or design, just paint
for paintings sake.
Environmental
Create a healthy environment within your activities
space. Often the facility "dries out" during
the fall and winter. Get a crock-pot and fill it with
water and cinnamon sticks. Getting moisture in our environment
and some familiar scents will assist with making the
area around us healthier. Offer plenty of clear fluids.
Keep in mind that we don't need all the fancy beverages
that are available, a crisp glass of water is one of
the simplest things you can do and many residents enjoy
it. Make the holiday environment of your facility one
that inspires and delights residents. Involve residents
in making their home a real home for the holidays.
Social
Encourage residents and staff to interact. We are all
social beings and we need the "family" of
the facility to be as social as possible. They don't
have to be big events, sometimes the simple getting
together as friends and family are the best. Invite
everyone to a potluck dinner and have residents cook
that day. Social programs are at their best when they
are simple and you can have time to socialize with others.
Don't forget your social needs as well. Take some time
to be with your family and friends. Leave work early
or plan a spa day for yourself and some friends. Give
your staff a surprise day off; tell them the minute
they show up for work that day that they have it off!
Plan ahead and it can help you and your staff to enjoy
the holiday season. Give the residents a day off! A
day filled with just hanging out in the activities area
and learning about each other.
Keeping
in mind the six dimensions of wellness your holiday
season can keep you and your residents in a less stressful
situation. Learn to incorporate various aspects of wellness
into your programming and into your life for a successful
holiday and a great New Year!
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