Ways to Relieve Caregiving Stress

Caregiving is a tough job, and if you are a family caregiver to an aging loved one, you might find yourself feeling stressed and anxious at times. This is completely normal, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many things that you can do to relieve stress, and many of them involve simply giving yourself permission to put yourself first for even just a few minutes a day.

Here are a few ways to relieve the stresses that come with being a caregiver. Feel free to try at least one of these once a day – it could go a long way toward helping you keep your sanity!

Meditation

Meditation is a simple but very effective way to relieve stress, and to better enable your body to handle more stress in the future. Meditating for even just five minutes a day can help you to restore your sense of calm and relaxation. Simply sit or lie down in a room by yourself, and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply and slowly, then let the breath out, just as slowly, until your lungs have emptied themselves. Focus only on your breathing, and if any other thoughts pop into your mind at this time, just give yourself permission to deal with them later, and bring your focus back to your breath and the nice, calm feeling it gives you.

Exercise

Regular exercise is just as important for you as it is for your aging loved one. Exercising helps to keep you in shape, and to keep your body running properly. Regular exercise makes your body feel better, which makes you feel less stressed, and better about yourself and your appearance. Try doing some cardio or taking a nice walk every day, or at least a few times a week to stay healthy, fit, and relaxed.

Hobbies

Being a caregiver usually means that you put your aging loved one’s needs first. This is understandable, but you can’t forget to pursue your own interests as well! Find a hobby that interests you, maybe something creative or artistic like painting, building something, or gardening, or consider taking a class at the local library on something you always wanted to learn. The possibilities are endless – the only thing that matters is that it is something that interests you and makes you feel engaged and excited. Having this hobby can be a haven, something you can think about when you are stressed about other things, and something you can look forward to doing at the end of a long day.

No matter what you do to relieve the stresses that come with caregiving, it is important to stick with it. Caregiving is stressful, and you won’t be any use to anyone if you let your own physical and mental health fall by the wayside! Give yourself permission to put yourself first once in awhile, and you will surely feel much more content, calm, and happy. You deserve that, just ask anyone!

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Okemos, MI, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Lansing. Call today: 517-332-9953.