The old adage of “never let them see you sweat” just got some scientific credence to back it up. Research shows that people can actually pick up on someone else’s stress level by the sweat they give off. This is all done without even knowing it’s happening.

There is something in sweat that changes the brain activity in another person. So when you’re around someone stressed out and sweating, you can become more alert and heightened just by inhaling the scent of the sweat.
Lest you think this all has to do with pheromones, think again. Scientists have …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com
Marijke Durning, blogger at Help My Hurt  wrote about quilts and how making and quilting them seems to ease her pain, Pamper Yourself and Maybe Ease the Pain.  She discovered that when she’s too busy to do her quilting, her pain seemed worse. 
 One thing I noticed is that since I’ve slacked off on my quilting and began to work more, my pain level has increased. Whether it’s the relaxation of quilting (I hand quilt), the creativity that goes into the design, or the fun of choosing the colors and all that, I don’t know. But, maybe the message is, it’s …read more

 AlzheimersNotes.com
  Reading an article at Everyday Health about the possibility of daytime naps improving memory and recall of facts, reminded me of trying to keep Mother from too many naps, especially close to bedtime,  when she lived with us.  Napping seemed to increase her nighttime wandering….and didn’t improve her memory. 
Because I wasn’t able to nap when Mother did, I then was kept awake with her nightly activities as she decided to explore the house, try the door to the outside, empty the refrigerator so her cat could have a feast, clean the cupboards, or get dressed and groomed, then call “When are we going?” if …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com
  Caregiving can be a stressful job, whether you’re a professional or caring for a family member in their or your home.  You need to develop techniques for relaxing and managing your stress so you don’t burn out.  Perhaps you’ve found what works for you.  Or you may be looking for some ideas. 
Here are 10 suggestions:

Read your favorite type of books…I love mysteries.
Relax in the bath tub or hot tub.
Take walks and enjoy the world around you.
Practice yoga or some form or meditation.
Cook…some find breadmaking relaxing.
Find a favorite handcraft…possibly quilting, fabric art, painting, knitting, crocheting, rug braiding…something you can become …read more