As a family caregiver, taking care of an older adult can be stressful and overwhelming. You want to give them the best care possible, but you also need to take care of yourself. We all know the classic stress busters like exercise, meditation, and deep breathing, but here are 10 simple stress busters you probably never thought of:
Focus on You!
Get Creative
- Create a vision board: Take some time to visualize your goals and aspirations, and then create a physical representation of those goals in the form of a vision board. Use pictures, quotes, and other motivational materials to create a board that inspires and motivates you.
- Try an adult coloring book: Adult coloring books are a popular way to de-stress and unwind. These books have intricate designs that allow you to focus your mind on something other than your caregiving duties.
- Learn a new skill: Taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill can be a great way to take your mind off of your caregiving responsibilities. Consider taking an online course or joining a local group to learn something new.
Be Mindful
- Make a gratitude jar: Every day, write down something you’re grateful for on a small piece of paper and put it in a jar. Over time, you’ll have a collection of positive affirmations that you can read when you need a mood boost.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique that involves being fully present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. There are many apps and resources available to help you get started with mindfulness meditation.
- Take a digital detox: Unplugging from technology can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Consider taking a break from social media, email, and other digital distractions for a day or two each week.
- Try laughter yoga: Laughter yoga is a fun and unique way to relieve stress. This practice combines deep breathing with laughter to help you feel more relaxed and happy.
Focus on Self-Care
- Create a self-care kit: Put together a kit of items that help you relax and de-stress. This could include things like aromatherapy candles, a soft blanket, a stress ball, or your favorite book.
- Volunteer: Helping others can be a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Consider volunteering at a local organization or offering your caregiving services to someone in need.
- Take a mini vacation: You don’t have to go far to take a break from your caregiving duties. Consider taking a day trip to a nearby city or spending a night at a local hotel to recharge your batteries.
The possibilities are endless! Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to experiment with different things and find what works best for you. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to provide care for your loved one.
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Author: Liz Craven
Liz Craven, along with her husband Wes, owns Pro-Ad Media, publisher of Sage Aging ElderCare Guide, serving the local community for over 28 years. Liz lives in Lakeland and is very active in the local community, specifically in the area of aging. Liz serves on a number of local boards and committees including the Lakeland Vision and Age Friendly Lakeland.
