Self-Care through Communications, Journaling, and Creative Arts
In celebration of National Self-Care Day and National Wellness Month, this episode highlights innovative platforms and creative approaches to self-care for aging adults and those who care for them – all practical and powerful tools to foster well-being, reduce social isolation, and promote creative engagement.
We learned about a dynamic platform that offers accessible entertainment, communication, and wellness activities for older adults and their caregivers, whether it’s participating in group nutrition classes or practicing breathing exercises at home, as well as the power of art in self-care, and how engaging with art (whether actively creating or passively consuming) stimulates the creative brain and leads to improved mind-body awareness and a meditative effect.
We also discussed an Alexa-based app designed to combat loneliness, and found to significantly support caregiver well-being. Through daily rotating questions, users gain insights into their self-care routines while receiving personalized tips and activities.
We dug deep about the importance of the sensory aspects of self-care, including taste, smell as well as creative journaling, and using art, music, and dance to harness the therapeutic power of creativity in self-care and wellness – and we explored valuable resources from a wide range of self-care topics relevant to caregivers and aging adults via a regular podcast.
Recorded on July 20, 2023, this episode is part of our Fitness and Wellness Series. Speakers are listed in their order of appearance.
Ms. Ryan Reid, Founder and CEO, Bream
Dianne Sayegh Niklaus, Creative Wellness Coach, Creative Mind Body Home; Director of Marketing and Communications, Greenwich Historical Society; Community Guest Speaker, Professional Artist and caregiver
Caroline Laurenson, Creator, Kindspace app on Alexa; Managing Director, TL Tech – Smart Home Solutions
Deborah Harlow, Founder, The Joyful Leader
Nicole Will, Founder, willGather; Co-Founder “Gather Darlings” podcast, launched in 2024 with Carrie Alberts
Clara Berta, Award-winning International Contemporary Artist, claraberta.com
Debbie Howard’s summary of this show.
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Hosted by: Linda Sherman, Debbie Howard, Steve Ewell and Michael Phillips. Further info on them is in the sidebar, fifth item with a microphone symbol.
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Music: Solemnity written and performed by Richard Sherman
