Another timely, helpful post Rachelle! I would add to the exercise list “Hey Good Lookin'”. It works well for arm curls, little kicks, and a host of other movements.
Hi Rachelle, I am not a music therapist but I totally agree that music is so helpful as we all all move though the tasks of our day. I love to dance around my kitchen with the kids as we (ok well I) clean up. Thanks for some great suggestions!
Yes, as I’m sure happens in your profession, too, much of my job is helping people to remember things they already know about how to take care of themselves and others. Sometimes it just takes a nudge to get someone to dance around the kitchen and feel really great doing it, right? Thanks for your comment!
Ann Becker-Schutte (@DrBeckerSchutte)on May 6, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Rachelle,
One of the things I appreciate about this post (besides all of the fun song suggestions) was the way that your categories remind caregivers that it is okay to take time for each of these activities or stages. That you can savor the morning, enjoy moving, take time to laugh, create space for reflection, and relax–all important stuff to remember when you’ve got the overwhelming responsibilities of caregiving.
That’s a great observation, Ann! I love the word savor, and it’s definitely important to savor the good moments throughout the day. Sometimes music can provide the structure – or impetus – for those times of enjoyment.
Hi Rachelle,
You are helping me to understand more about music therapy. It’s very interesting. Music is a big part of our family life, tho we don’t all listen to the same stuff. When my son was a teen and going through hard times, he got into heavy metal in a big way. Friends would express concern, but his therapist and I understood that it was helping him express his anger.
I often find an old hymn going through my mind when I’m pulling myself together after a stressful day. It starts, “Come thou fount of every blessing,” and it reminds me that there are blessings.
Obviously, you’ve struck a chord with me!
Carolyn
Those are perfect examples, Carolyn! There is so much we do with music for self-care without really thinking about it – when we are even just a little more intentional about how we listen to music, it can make a HUGE difference!
Great list of songs! I need to add all of those!
Yes! Do it!
Another timely, helpful post Rachelle! I would add to the exercise list “Hey Good Lookin'”. It works well for arm curls, little kicks, and a host of other movements.
That’s a good one, too, JoAnn!
Hi Rachelle, I am not a music therapist but I totally agree that music is so helpful as we all all move though the tasks of our day. I love to dance around my kitchen with the kids as we (ok well I) clean up. Thanks for some great suggestions!
Hi Allison,
Yes, as I’m sure happens in your profession, too, much of my job is helping people to remember things they already know about how to take care of themselves and others. Sometimes it just takes a nudge to get someone to dance around the kitchen and feel really great doing it, right? Thanks for your comment!
Rachelle,
One of the things I appreciate about this post (besides all of the fun song suggestions) was the way that your categories remind caregivers that it is okay to take time for each of these activities or stages. That you can savor the morning, enjoy moving, take time to laugh, create space for reflection, and relax–all important stuff to remember when you’ve got the overwhelming responsibilities of caregiving.
Warmly,
Ann
That’s a great observation, Ann! I love the word savor, and it’s definitely important to savor the good moments throughout the day. Sometimes music can provide the structure – or impetus – for those times of enjoyment.
Hi Rachelle,
You are helping me to understand more about music therapy. It’s very interesting. Music is a big part of our family life, tho we don’t all listen to the same stuff. When my son was a teen and going through hard times, he got into heavy metal in a big way. Friends would express concern, but his therapist and I understood that it was helping him express his anger.
I often find an old hymn going through my mind when I’m pulling myself together after a stressful day. It starts, “Come thou fount of every blessing,” and it reminds me that there are blessings.
Obviously, you’ve struck a chord with me!
Carolyn
Those are perfect examples, Carolyn! There is so much we do with music for self-care without really thinking about it – when we are even just a little more intentional about how we listen to music, it can make a HUGE difference!