Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
HABIT Healthy Action to Benefit Independence & Thinking™
Welcome to the HABIT page for people living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and program participants. The HABIT Program is for individuals with MCI and their loved ones to learn the best strategies for adapting, coping, and living their best lives with MCI.
Follow the HABIT page to receive updates and information about adjusting to MCI and combating dementia. Our goal is to connect you with others and provide you with information and support.
Wanting greater focus & wellbeing? Why not welcome in gratitude?!
Maintaining a calm focus in the busy and somewhat chaotic world in which we live can be a challenge for patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Often we see that increasing anxiety results in greater difficulties with memory and vice versa. Have you ever noticed that the more frustrated you feel the less likely you are to remember something? A great way to work around this is to practice gratitude.
Why gratitude?
Gratitude increases feelings of wellbeing and calm while decreasing stress levels. Decreased stress levels relates to improved ability to focus, and yes, to remember.
Gratitude journaling is a fantastic way to develop a regular practice of appreciating things you are grateful for, and as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. The act of writing something helps to retrain our brain towards that of thankfulness more than just creating a mental gratitude list. Specifically, when we use multiple avenues such as thinking, writing and sharing, we have the advantage of increasing the speed at which we train our brain towards appreciation.
Some helpful tips when starting:
Writers block? Consider these topic choices:
Beginning the day with a gratitude practice is a wonderful way to set a tone for the day. On the other hand, ending a day with journaling is an excellent way to reflect upon all of the wonderful things that came your way and reframe challenging situations. Either way, practicing gratitude journaling will train the brain to look for the good around you. And, focusing on gratitude breeds yet more gratitude.
Happy journaling!
@bonniep
This is the beginning of a new month. Time to start a daily gratitude journal on my notes section. Thank you. Bonnie
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor