OUR SERVICESCaregiving is demanding – physically and emotionally. Here are 10 tips to help caregivers lower their stress levels.
- Keep realistic expectations. If you are working and are a caregiver you essentially have two full time jobs. Be reasonable about what you expect to accomplish each day.
- Get organized. Make a list, then prioritize. Ask your supervisor to help you set priorities at work. Talk to your family about splitting up caregiving responsibilities.
- Learn to say “no.” In both work and caregiving, take on only what you can handle.
- Accept changes as they occur. Rather than resist, try to welcome change when it comes into your life.
- Ask for help. Turn to supportive colleagues, family, friends and professionals.
- Acknowledge your feelings. Take note of when you are angry, worried or feeling stress, but then try not to “hold on” to the negative feelings for too long.
- Take care of your self: Care for your body, mind and spirit. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep will help you feel refreshed.
- Learn relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises and guided imagery are easy to learn. Click here for beginner’s relaxation exercises.
- Pay attention to feelings of guilt. Do you feel guilty if you lose your patience or need help from others? Try to let go of this “false guilt.”
- Rephrase negative thoughts. For example, “I’ve accomplished a lot” rather than “I can never get anything done.”