Saturday, November 3, 2018

Smelly Cats & Self-Care


There’s a lot of buzz (and research) these days about preventing caregiver burn-out. Whether you’re taking care of a family member or serving others as an eldercare paid professional, here are some simple home remedies I use to bolster my enthusiasm and prevent burn-out:

I exercise my (laugh) muscles on a regular basis, plus, I buy Epsom salts and lavender oil in bulk. Large doses of humor and frequent tub baths are a sure cure for me when I’m feeling low (this is not a cure all, see your doctor if symptoms persist). 

Laughter truly is good medicine! If you’re a fan of NBC’s hit sitcom Friends, you might remember Phoebe Buffay’s silly song about the plight of a poor, misunderstood, smelly cat (see below for the link). “Smelly cat, smel- ly cat, what are they feeding you? Smelly cat, smel-ly cat, it’s not your fault…” Yeah, the merits of laugh therapy are well founded and lots cheaper than a membership to the gym. Laughing-out-loud makes your physiological AND psychological heart stronger, and who among us can't use a little of that?

There’s also a practical care giving lesson hidden in those silly lyrics - cause and effect. When grandpa’s leaving an unusually potent cloud of methane gas behind him, maybe you should think of Phoebe’s song, and find out, “What have they been feeding you?” And while you’re at it, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that “It’s not your (his) fault…”  

Maybe the cure for burn-out isn’t all that complex. Indulging in simple pleasures like leisurely walks, luxurious baths, listening to music, or watching (and re-watching) silly sitcoms could prove to be your minimum daily requirement for good health and well-being. And let’s not forget the long term benefits of preventing unnecessary gastric upsets (wink, wink). 
    
Here’s the link to Smelly Cat – I hope you enjoy it!  
   
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92vTUFqy3gU

Photo Credit: 316817_230872830306990_891548831_n smelly cat

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