Two months ago, we ran an article with a Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire. In taking the Self-Assessment, we learned that stress could cause havoc in the life of a caregiver. As a caregiver, you must be kinder to yourself and incorporate small things daily to help yourself get back on an even keel. The following are a few suggestions to reduce stress.
Journaling – Often, a caregiver may feel they have no one to talk to about their life’s challenges, disappointments, and stress. They can talk to themselves! Just writing out what is happening in our lives can help boost your well-being. It may even help you see the situation from another perspective or help you process both good and bad emotions.
Gratitudes – Many people find it helpful to write out what they are grateful for daily. Even on a difficult day, there are many things for which you can be thankful. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology states that people who kept a gratitude journal for two weeks experienced more gratitude, positive moods, and optimism about their future. Try writing five gratitudes daily for two weeks to see if it helps.
Meditation – We are not talking about rumination! Meditation is a mind-body medicine practice that helps you quiet your mind and intentionally focus on a single reference point, such as breathing. Meditation can give you peace by reducing your thoughts about the past, present, and future. One terrific way to start meditation is to get on YouTube and search for meditation for self-love and compassion. There are even guided meditations that can help you get to sleep.
Yoga – Breathing and stretching can provide more energy, brighter moods, and refreshing feelings. Yoga can also help with sleeping and managing stress. You don’t have to join a yoga studio. You can stream many free yoga classes on your TV. Look on YouTube or run a search on your favorite streaming app. In fact, you can download apps from the app store that will allow you to do a yoga class. Start with an easy class that teaches you the different poses. Then, move up to classes that challenge you.
Click to revisit the Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire.
