Better Sleep
Worrying about getting enough sleep can actually keep you up at night. It’s a myth that everyone needs eight hours of sleep every night. But we are all hoping to feel rested and ready to meet each day, so it is common to worry when we hit a patch of insomnia.
Before considering medication, which has limitations and can have unwanted side effects, experts recommend trying a few new habits or strategies. Here is what they suggest.
Set a reasonable bedtime, and stick to it. If you find you are tossing and turning after about 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing before getting into bed again. Even when you have had a late night, get up at the same time each day. Going for a leisurely walk is better for you than napping in the daytime.
Eating within three hours of your bedtime and consuming caffeine in the evening can keep you awake. Alcohol relaxes at first, but then it disturbs sleep. To calm your mind and body before sleep try some mindful meditation or other relaxation techniques. Reading in low light before bedtime is tried and true. Tightening and releasing muscles one at a time from toe to head relieves tension (PMR). So does the 4-7-8 breathing exercise. Or try distracting your busy mind by choosing a theme and thinking of a word for each letter of the alphabet relating to the topic. i.e. A – antelope, B – beaver, C – camel, D – dingo, etc.
One or more of these tips for better sleep may be just the help you need. Sweet dreams.
In the Holiday Spirit
The spirit of the festive season grows step by step at Islington 2000. It starts when our ever-helpful superintendents hang the lights and wreaths outdoors. Then a group of talented and energetic volunteers decorate the indoor spaces with Christmas trees, decorations, red poinsettias and twinkling lights everywhere. This weekend the social committee organized a wonderful party impressing everyone once again at how efficiently they put together a special evening of fun and food. Our party room is in almost constant use in December with resident’s private events. Residents gathered to sing carols and songs and children gathered to make Christmas crafts. Everywhere is evidence of the joyful spirit of goodwill. Thank you to the many volunteers who step up to make our shared home a place of fellowship and good cheer. Joy and peace to all!
AutumnFest 2025 at Islington
Last weekend the Social Committee gave us another amazing event, so inviting and well organized. Autumnfest was indoors this year again since it was a little too chilly to be outdoors for our barbecue. The caterers outdid themselves again with a enough variety in main and side choices to satisfy all tastes. The music was once again provided by Roy and the dancers danced. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers. You are the best!
Around the world Lunch
On Tuesday Ron Warner presented the photos from a recent trip which took him and Tom cruising the Pacific Ocean and then touring Thailand with a private tour guide.
As you may imagine this was a very popular choice for a Lunch & Learn afternoon, and the event was well attended. The organizers provided a light lunch, and the first hour devoted to lunching, filled the card room with friendly chat. After the lights went down Ron’s photos and commentary nurtured some wanderlust, and we were keen for advice about planning memorable trips. This was all followed by coffee and dessert in the party room.
It is always a little more special when our guest presenter is also a neighbour. Thank you so much to Ron for sharing.
