We've all heard of many common forms of stress relief - meditation, nature walks, and promoting clear-cut communication. Sometimes, however, you need something unique to prevent yourself from burning out. This may be particularly the case for caregivers who struggle with the stressful situation of caring for an aging loved one, often times on a full times basis.
It's not that they don't want to care for their aging parents or another relative, it's just that it entails a heavy amount of focus and stress, especially when the one receiving care does not want to be cared for-- which may very well be the case.
Daily Caring offers some helpful techniques that may be able to help caregivers who are helping an aging loved one.
- The Countdown Technique. Daily Caring suggests a strategy that entails a caregiver recite the following list.
- Name 5 things you can see.
- Name 4 things you can feel.
- Name 3 things you can hear right now.
- Name 2 things you can smell right now.
- Name 1 good thing about yourself.
- Focus on an object. The point of this activity is to stop your mind from focusing on the stress at hand. It may seem like an odd concept, but if you look at something near you, whether it's a pen, a mug, or even your shoes, and describe it yourself as if you've never seen it before, you may experience peace and calm.
- Concentrate. Daily Caring suggests asking yourself questions that involves memory or concentrated thinking. Once again, this helps you from stressing about your current situation. Think about lighthearted things like the alphabet, list your favorite movies, and recite a poem or song you know by heart.
- Repeat a mantra. Develop a phrase or saying that will subconsciously help you de-stress. Things such as "I am safe. I am well." and "These feelings will pass and I will survive." Help you boost your self-esteem and go forward.
- Consider respite care. You need time to be yourself again. The best way to do this is to consider respite care, which is a temporary stay at a senior living community for your loved ones. They can stay there for any short period of time and enjoy the company of others their own age as well as dining options and activities. If they do not want to stay over night, senior day programs are also options.
For more information, check our Daily Caring