Crystals, lucky charms, or any spiritual tool of your choice
Animals
Playtime and leisure
Take a bath
Get outside
There are many other ways you can de-stress such as yoga, tai chi, fun with friends/family, dancing, art, writing, reading, gardening, vacations, and so on.
*Visit my self-care page for more articles and helpful tips
*Get out the popcorn and watch some great movies about quality of life.
Samantha Bitter ADC, CDP, CMDCP
Director of Activities at Hampton Ridge in Tom’s River
I have spent 28 years today in the Activities Field in healthcare, which means I’ve mastered the fine art of planning fun while expecting the unexpected. Over nearly three decades, I’ve learned that no matter how organized your schedule is, someone will always move the furniture, the CD will disappear, and the activity everyone loved yesterday is suddenly “boring.”
In 2004, I became a Director, officially earning the title that confirmed I could handle chaos with a smile and a clipboard. By that point, I had already survived countless theme days, spontaneous karaoke, and residents who reminded me (daily) that they were much busier than I was. I quickly learned that being a Director meant leading by example, solving problems on the fly, and perfecting the phrase, “Let’s go with Plan B… again.”
Activities in healthcare: where ‘plan A’ is just the warm-up for ‘plan B,’ ‘plan C,’ and ‘Oh, I hope we have enough snacks.’”
Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats: activity planner, therapist, IT, and occasional detective (because supplies don’t just walk away… or do they?)
I’ve learned that laughter is just as important as any scheduled program and that a good sense of humor can rescue even the most challenging day.
But despite all the drama, Bingo remains the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s the game that proves:
1) People love yelling "Bingo!"
2) There’s always someone who’s convinced they’re being cheated (because “that was definitely a B-12” when we all know it wasn’t), and
3) Even after 28 years, I still can’t help but giggle when I hand out the prize—because, let’s face it, a bag of potato chips or toothbrush/toothpaste never gets old.
After 28 years, I can honestly say this field has kept me on my toes, young at heart, and extremely skilled at improvisation. It’s been a journey full of joy, surprises, and stories that definitely can’t all be written down, but I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it.
Here’s to another 28.
I'm here to offer stimulation and tune in your emotion.
You are the reason that I am here. Reminisce, Stimulate, Socialize, Dance, Re-create, Sing
Activity Professionals Week Tool-Kit50% OFF
$12.50 (Reg $24.95)
Looking for great ways to promote and celebrate National Activity Professionals' Week? Well, this Tool-Kit comes with 25+ downloadable activities, promotional materials, forms, icebreakers and more. For just $12.50 you can have a fantastic Activity Professionals' Week designed not only to honor Activity Professionals, but also to educate others about the Activity Profession and the types of services we offer. The majority of the items in this Tool-Kit may also be used throughout the year to promote and educate others about activities.
I have spent 28 years today in the Activities Field in healthcare, which means I’ve mastered the fine art of planning fun while expecting the unexpected. Over nearly three decades, I’ve learned that no matter how organized your schedule is, someone will always move the furniture, the CD will disappear, and the activity everyone loved yesterday is suddenly “boring.”
