If you’re a caregiver, you know how easily days can be dominated by tasks and challenges. What if we could intentionally weave in moments of joy and connection? Welcome to “365 Ways to Say I Care,” a new series designed to do just that. We’ll share simple, novel activities to help you and your loved one create a more positive environment, one small gesture at a time.
Science shows that new experiences can literally rewire our brains for happiness and strengthen memory. For caregivers, seeking out these moments of “novelty” becomes a powerful tool to shift the narrative from tragedy to shared joy.
Let’s begin with a simple but profound first step.
Way #1: The Shared Soundtrack
Music is a direct path to emotion and memory. For your first “way,” create a short, shared playlist.
The Action: Pick 3-4 songs from your loved one’s youth or a genre they might find intriguing—like classical or smooth jazz. Play it during a quiet moment, perhaps while having tea or watching the sunset. Don’t force conversation; just be present together. Observe.
The Journaling Prompt:
- Afterward, grab your journal and reflect for just five minutes.
- Did a certain song spark a toe-tap, a smile, or a hum?
- What did you notice about their energy?
- How did sharing this musical space make you feel?
This simple act of creating and observing is the first step in building a new, positive narrative together.
We’ll be back soon with Way #2. Until then, let the music play.
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Blog Co-Author:
Zulekha Ali (“Zuley”) is a freelance writer with a commitment to delivering informative and impactful content to enrich readers’ understanding and empower them to make informed decisions.
Blog Co-Author:
Susan Troyer, MS, BA, is author and curator of ABeautifulVoice.org
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