Taking care of someone else can be frustrating and overwhelming. It's normal to feel stressed but too much can lead to mental and physical fatigue. The good news is that you can easily manage your stress with these tips.
Find support. You are not the only one feeling the stress of caregiving. Reach out to friends, family members and co-workers in similar situations as an outlet to share your feelings. You can also join support groups online or in your community for additional advice and encouragement.
Educate yourself. It's important to understand the issues affecting your loved one. Knowing as much as you can about the problem will make you more effective in your caregiving, and you’ll feel better if you know you’re making the best choices.
Learn to say no. Piling on more obligations will only increase your stress. Know your limits and don’t be afraid to decline taking something on if it's more than you can handle.
Take care of your body. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and find time to exercise. You need to keep up with your own physical needs before you can worry about taking on those of someone else.
Plan a vacation. You deserve some time for yourself. Assisted living facilities and adult day care centers can provide care for your loved one while you take a few days, or a few weeks, to rest and relax.
Acknowledge your feelings. Allow yourself to feel angry, frustrated or stressed. Bottling up your feelings can be harmful emotionally and physically. Once you accept what you’re feeling, you can move past it.
Relax. Taking a break from overwhelming responsibilities allows you to regain your momentum. Go to a yoga class, read a book or listen to music. Focusing on something you love will recharge you, giving you new energy to take on other obligations.
Laugh. Let yourself forget about the stresses of your situation through a funny movie or lighthearted book. Laughter is the best medicine, after all.
Ask for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Recruit friends and family members to take on certain tasks. Geriatric care managers and home health aides can also assist you in organizing and managing care.
For more helpful tips on caregiving, click here to access The Essential Caregiver Toolkit today for free!