Creating Positive New Year Resolutions that Work!
As 2025 comes to an end, many people resolve to change something in their life. Often, it is a pledge, decision or desire to stop negative behaviors such as falling asleep on the couch or losing weight. But our brains respond much better to positive ideas rather than negative concepts. Telling yourself you will resolve to go bed earlier or eat healthier may bring results.
Providing support for someone living with a dementia may feel overwhelming. By practicing self-determination, self-care, and positive self-talk, your confidence level improves and helps you to believe in positive outcomes. Below are some tips to consider:
- Rather than trying to “stop” correcting or arguing with your loved one, perhaps resolve to “being more compassionate and patient.”
- Instead of “wishing” your family member wasn’t so restless, bored, or confused, consider engaging in an activity such as yoga, art, music, dance, sensory stimulation, or reminiscence of familiar stories. These activities address the whole body and can improve quality of life and improve well-being of both of you.
- Consider creating a “gratitude” journal together. Studies show that people who practice gratitude are happier than those who do not.
- Practice positive self-talk. It can boost self-confidence and helps us to believe that we can create successful outcomes.
- Be kinder to yourself. Avoid the trap of thinking about all the imperfections you may feel and validate all the positive things you do.
- Be intentional and write things down. Recognize the things you can’t control and tackle the things you can. This can help minimize stress.
- Spend time with your family members and friends that are supportive and let go of those who criticize you or never offers help.
- Continue to learn new strategies to address any changes in your family member.
- Assess all aspects of your life and focus on positive changes in each area. Resolve to do “mother and daughter outings” or ‘a husband and wife” activity, fostering those relationships.
- Seek out respite care, whether in-home or in a local community setting. A four hour or eight hours respite twice a week, or a weekend respite is vital for maintaining meaningful relationships. Use a home health agency, or perhaps one or two friends could stay home with your family member, giving you a break to do something for yourself.
- Join a support group. Belonging to a group that shares similar concerns helps with learning new coping strategies and promote overall well-being.
If you would like more information about our Memory Ministry, or our Monday morning Memory Cafe please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.