Here are some great tips to help relieve caregiver stress.
- Recognize
the signs of caregiver stress: sleeping or eating problems, anxiety,
headaches, depression, guilt, and muscle fatigue or tension are just a
few.
- Ask
for help from friends and family: some would–be helpers hesitate to offer
because they don’t know your needs.
- Stay
connected: it is important to maintain relationships with others and not
just the loved one in your care.
- Keep a
journal: talk or write about your feelings, whether they are good or bad.
A regular record of events and emotions will help you recognize stress
before it becomes a problem.
- Learn
all you can about the illness: what can you expect and what new issues
might arise.
- One
thing at a time: break a challenge into smaller parts.
- Take
time away: it may be difficult, but try to find time for yourself. Don’t
completely isolate yourself in the caregiving role. Take time for your
hobbies, they will help take your mind off the situation and
responsibilities even if it is just for an hour or so a day.
- Talk
to others: look for support groups. It often helps to speak to others who
are in a similar situation and can share your frustrations, feelings and
concerns.
- Celebrate
your successes: allow yourself to feel good about your efforts. This is
not a role that demands absolute perfection, take pride in what you are
doing for someone else, it really is a big deal.
- Breathe:
take a deep breath, gain perspective. You are giving the best part of
yourself to help someone you love. One day you will be able to look back
and know what you contributed.
- Humor:
stay in touch with your sense of humor. Sometimes laughter really is the
best medicine.
No comments:
Post a Comment