Managing stress is a big part of being a caregiver. If you weren’t already an expert, you’re going to become one over time.
Take a Moment and Breathe
You can take a second and check your breathing no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Just stop a minute and focus on your breathing. If you can leave the room and close your eyes, that’s even better. But if you can’t, just focus on keeping your breathing slow and even. In a few minutes, you’ll feel better able to cope.
Go Walk or Run it Off
If you can, go for a quick walk or run. This helps you to burn off the excess energy that anxiety likes to dump into your system. You can even find that your brain starts to clear a little bit. Part of this is because you’re getting your blood flowing a little bit better, but part of it has to do with chemicals. Your brain and your body release endorphins and other happy chemicals into your bloodstream when you move, so it helps more than you realize.
Eat Something Nutritious and Tasty
When did you eat last and what was it? If you can’t remember what you ate or you know that you ate something that was low in nutritive value, it’s time to change that. Go eat something that’s at least a little bit nutritious and that’s tasty. You want it to be delicious so that you’ll keep eating it and you want nutritive value so you’re giving your body what it really needs.
Reach out to Friends or Family
Take a quick second and reach out to friends and family. Let them know you’re having a bad day, even if you’re not comfortable fully sharing why or what’s going on. They may be able to offer you more comfort than you realize, just because you took the time to reach out. This doesn’t have to take long, either. A quick text message can help.
Line up Home Care Services Now
You’re stressed right now and you probably realize that you need more help. Stop what you’re doing and go line up help from home care services now, while you’re thinking about it. You might forget to do it later, but taking this step when you’re in need helps ensure it gets done.
Put together a toolbox you can dip into when you feel stress rising. You don’t have to make it complicated, but the solutions inside should be helpful for you.
