Welcome to Spring
Last month the whole of Victoria went into another COVID lock-down. This has undoubtedly taken its toll on many, some are calling it ‘Pandemic Fatigue’ because they are struggling with so many emotional issues, and are exhausted in trying to keep themselves going, the social isolation is tough, plans you make are suddenly tossed out the window, some struggle to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
If you or someone you know is struggling please make contact with support services, they are a phone call away.
Benefits of music
Body Music can produce biological changes which reduce heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone.
Mind Music therapy can reduce depression, anxiety and chronic pain.
Spirit Music can improve an individual’s mental health. Music in a group helps connect people, and social connection can lift the spirits. Choosing music to support health and wellbeing.
Music for relaxation or concentration • Relaxation is assisted when the mind does not get caught up with words which trigger thoughts and memories. • Use music without words if you want to concentrate on a task like writing, otherwise one verbal task will interfere with the other. Music to rev you up! • To energize and motivate yourself, play music with a strong beat and lively pace. • This is also ideal for exercise music.
Music for memory and enjoyment • Whatever works for you! An individual choice, dependent on your age and history.
Music for the soul
Music can have a very powerful effect on the human soul. Music can: • uplift us • change our mood • transport us to another time and place • express our feelings and/or thoughts • provide respite from our pain/situation • be a form of relaxation or meditation • help us remember someone who has died or is no longer with us • bring a sense of balance, peace and harmony, even if only for a moment.
Music and grief
People have known for centuries that music touches the human soul. We know intuitively that music affects us in profound and healing ways, both emotionally and physically, and present-day research demonstrates this to be true. When we are struggling with grief, music can lift us up and take us out of our current mood, and transport us to another time and place.
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Carer Gateway will refer you to the support you need – 1800 422 737
Tandem Carer Support & Referral line – 1800 314 325
Head to Help – to access support – 1800 595 212
Carers Victoria – 1800 242 636
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Mensline Australia – 1300 789 978
Women’s Support line – 1300 134 130
Head to Help – 1800 595 212
Lifeline – 13 11 14
E Headspace – 1800 650 890 (12 – 25 yr old’s)
Helen Carr, Education Services, Carers Victoria presented an online Music and Self Care Workshop on Tuesday, 14th September. Participants enjoyed connecting and sharing our memories when hearing different songs. Thank you Helen.
Communities of Practice for Support Group Facilitators
I have joined in this Community of Practice for Carer Support Group facilitators that meet five times throughout the year. These sessions focus on sharing experience, skills and knowledge.
Group membership;
Ways to get the money you need;
Building relationships and Facilitation Skills;
Managing logistics;
Succession Planning & Leadership Skills.
I enjoy sharing and connecting with other facilitators.
SPRING ONION PANCAKES:
What you need:
2 spring onions, 2 cups of water
2 cups of flour, ½ cup of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of salt
What tot do:
Wash, clean and chop spring onions Into a bowl mix salt, flour and warm water and some spring onion to make dough. Knead and let sit for ½ hr. in bowl covered with a cloth. Part into equal portions, roll into Balls, thenclatten with rolling pin into thickish circles. Brush with oil and lightly press some spring onions on top. Fry and flip until golden brown. ENJOY!
“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” –Napoleon Hill
