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Thank you, University of Michigan School of Nursing for the opportunity to be part of and contribute for the research to understand the experience of home care workers. Our caregivers enjoyed the interviews.
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Celebrate National Be Kind to Humankind Week with Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Care Services!
A simple, friendly gesture has many lasting impacts. We all have the power to brighten the day of those around us through compassionate actions. Celebrated at the end of August, National Be Kind to Humankind Week encourages people of all ages to be nicer to one another and themselves. There is no better time for our Seniors Helping Seniors® community to spread kindness and experience the joy it brings. Read on to discover the benefits of being nice!
Spark A Spirit of Kindness
Simple yet heartfelt good deeds are at the foundation of the week’s celebrations. Start by offering warm smiles to those you encounter. You’ll give off an approachable impression that’ll boost your self-esteem.
You can also perform little gestures as an easy way to brighten someone’s day. Try the following:
- Hold doors open for strangers.
- Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line.
- Volunteer in the community
- Tell your friends, family members, or a caregiver you appreciate them.
- Write a heartfelt thank-you note to someone who has made a difference in your life.
Don’t neglect to show yourself some love too! Whether that’s going to your favorite bakery or taking a relaxing bubble bath – make time for self-care and find ways to spark joy. Remember, even the most minor acts of kindness can have a significant and lasting impact on others and yourself.
The Science of Being Nice
Did you know, engaging in altruistic acts positively impacts mental well-being and overall happiness? It’s true! Friendly gestures trigger the release of feel-good neurochemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. An uptick in these leads to an enhanced sense of contentment and satisfaction.
Make A Better Connection
Feelings of loneliness and isolation – common challenges for many of the seniors we serve – can be decreased through good deeds as well. Showing kindness can foster a sense of belonging and help you connect with those around you.
Handle Challenges More Effectively
Additionally, being friendly and helping others is known to reduce stress and anxiety. Being nice not only feels good but also enables you to cope better with life’s ups and downs. You’ll be able to approach difficult situations with a more positive outlook, which improves your ability to respond to life’s challenges.
Become A Better Companion
Finally, being nice promotes a sense of empathy and understanding. By helping others, seniors can develop stronger social connections and support systems, like those made through our in-home senior care services. Through the practice of kindness, Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers and clients cultivate emotional strength, compassion, and an enduring sense of fulfillment in one another’s lives.
The bottom line? National Be Kind to Humankind Week enables seniors to embrace the power of kindness! By participating in this uplifting week, you can positively impact the world around you. You might also find a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in your own life. The journey doesn’t need to conclude at the end of the week either. Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services encourage you to keep the spirit of National Be Kind to Humankind Week with you and find little ways to spark joy and generosity every day!
Summer Sponge Cake
Grab a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver and tickle your tastebuds with this Sweet Summer Sponge Cake!
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 1/3 cup of Greek Yogurt
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 tsp. of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup. & 1 tbsp. of flour
- 1/2 tsp. of baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. of sugar
Directions
- In a medium bowl, mix in your Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla extract and 2 egg whites.
- In another bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, sugar, & salt.
- Then combine the two bowls and whisk until evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, mix your crushed pistachios and the melted butter. Once evenly coated, add buttered pistachios to your mixture.
- To a pan over medium heat, add around a 1/4 cup of your pancake batter and cook till bubbles start appearing through the top of the pancake (approx. 1-2 mins each side), then flip.
- Plate your pancakes and drizzle with maple syrup and left over pistachios for a little extra crunch!