Coping with Stress as a Family Caregiver
Caregiver in Comstock Park MI
As a primary family caregiver, some days will be better than others. Having a social network and support group in place goes a long way in raising your emotional barometer. On those days when 
you feel it registering “high stress”, consider these tips that can help you return to “relaxed.”
Change Your Perspective
View your days as if from an outsider’s point of view by mentally placing your daily life and activities with your parent into a crystal ball. How do you and your parent’s life look from this perspective? See if you can pinpoint what time of day may feel a little overwhelming or what activity you find the most demanding. Once you acknowledge what areas need some additional support, contact your support team to get the help you need. If family and friends are busy, an in-home care provider can help fill in the gaps. If you find dinner time a little stressful, consider requesting they in-home care provider prepares some meals in advance. If the beginning of the week finds you a little scattered, consider obtaining the in-home care provider’s services for a few days, giving you some time to refresh and reenergize.
Mindfulness
If you find particular moments when you’re feeling a little irritated or overwhelmed, consider stopping and performing a brief mindfulness exercise. These exercises are designed to promote a moment of peace and bring you back to center.
- Visualizations—Psychologists will tell you that the subconscious mind does not know the difference between real and imagined. Take a moment to close your eyes and envision your ideal peaceful environment. This could be a summer’s day on a white sand beach or a grassy mountain meadow. The trick is to evoke all five senses. Feel the sand beneath you; see the crystal blue waters; hear the waves breaking against the shore; smell the salt air; taste a tropical fruit such as pineapple or guava. As you focus on this scene, breathe deeply. Each in-breath brings peace, each out-breath releases stress.
- Take a walk—This is another method that, in addition to releasing endorphins, can provide a much needed outlet. Take ten minutes for a short walk in which you release any thoughts and focus entirely on the sights and sounds that surround you. Each time you find your thoughts running amok, bring your mind back to your surroundings. By the time you get back to the house, your sense of peace will be resorted.
In-Home Care Provider
If stress is taking its toll, consider obtaining the services of an in-home care provider. Let these professionals take over for a few days, a week, a month, while you recharge and replenish.
If you or someone you know needs help with caregiver services in Comstock Park, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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