all together, Canada
First annual All Together, Canada at 1 pm today. Here are some of the fountain deck crew who were joined by those on the pool deck setting up for our party. Happy Canada Day!
Spring?
While we shiver and complain, signs of spring are evident here at Islington 2000/2010. Put on a winter jacket and get out to admire the blossoms and greenery.
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!
