We are kicking off April Stress Awareness Month with self-care stressbuster hacks for caregivers and the Sandwich Generation. As I write in my ME TIME MONDAY book, brain health and longevity are based on working out your 5 senses. And, when it comes to self-care caregivers have very little free time so 7 minutes is all it takes to feel a senses of self-care success.
For April, we took our 5 senses and applied them to different observances this month that help mental health and give you some Sandwich Generation self-care stressbusters:
April 1 – National Walking Day
Take a 7-minute walk and forget your feet – walk with your eyes – what do you SEE? How many of these things can you remember when you get home? Studies show 7 minutes walking in nature is the equivalent of 20 minutes walking on a treadmill indoors to alleviate stress and decrease oxidative stress that leads to inflammation.
National Humor Month
Flex your social wellness muscle and get a good belly laugh in with a friend. Laughter is part of our ancient bonding rituals and if done in person, it releases the happiness hormone oxytocin which is our love, trust, bonding hormone. The Harvard Adult Development Study has observed what makes people live healthier, happier and longer over the last 85 years has found the quality (not quantity) of your relationships is No.1.
National Healthy Home Month
The color green initiates pleasure in the brain as it relates to a reliable food source and the ability to thrive. It is also the most optimistic color for older adults and the longest-lasting color that aging eyes can see. Since we are told to eat more berries – try out the avocado – yes, it’s a berry – keep them in a bowl for “eye candy” and mash some up for a little guacamole Rx. Research shows avocados are as good or even better than carrots for eye health. They block the blue light that attacks your eye cells from overuse of digital devices.
April 26 – National Get Organized Day
This is the day designated for a little spring cleaning. It also means you are clearing the clutter in your living and office space that creates a stress response in your brain you may not be aware of. Our brains fear danger if areas in your environment cannot be seen clearly. Calm your stress response with decluttering the chaos in your living and working environment.
April 30 – National Sense of Smell Day
NASA and other researchers have conducted studies that show air care in the home can be improved with 5 green houseplants. The best for helping to remove the 40 pounds of dust and toxins we accumulate every year: Areca Palm, Aloe, Bamboo, English Ivy, Spider.
Me Time Monday – Where Nature and Neuroscience Come Together for Self-Care and Brain Health
Check out more in my Me Time Monday book or webinars/workshops for employer groups. Finding balance is the key to health, happiness and longevity for caregivers and the Sandwich Generation and Me Time Monday helps them get there in 7 minute wellness hacks.
You can also find additional video content on our YouTube channel (subscribe to get all the “Self-Care in 7 Minutes” videos, Newscasts and more: https://www.youtube.com/@caregivingclub. Below are three “Self Care in 7 Minutes” videos that relate to the April themes above to relieve stress.
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