Everyone gets a little stressed from time to time. Those who work as caregivers tend to experience more stress and at higher levels. In fact, a recent survey by the American Psychological Association reports that caregivers of the elderly tend to be more chronically ill and report feeling more stress than average. These extreme levels of stress can lead to poorer health and aggravate chronic health conditions.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to lower stress. As a caregiver, it is important to give de-stressing the time it deserves. After all, it is much more challenging to take care of another person when you are not taking adequate care of yourself.
At Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers, we care about the caregivers.
Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers is a great place to take your loved when you need a little alone time to de-stress. Our centers are located in the Las Vegas valley and we are open every weekday. Taking your loved one to an adult daycare facility, like Nevada Adult Day Healthcare, will give you the time you need to de-stress and relax, so you won’t have to focus on being a caregiver 24/7.
So what are the best ways to de-stress?
Four Ways to De-stress as a Caregiver
1. Meditation – Even a short meditation session can lower anxiety. Meditating is a great way to step back from the daily grind and focus on the present moment. It helps balance breath, increase sleep and decrease agitation. If possible, try to take 5-10 minutes a day to meditate alone.
2. Exercise – Physical activity is known to be good for both body and mind. If you are not the type of person who can sit down to meditate for 10 minutes, getting in some exercise is a great alternative form of meditation. Exercise also helps lower stress and anxiety. Plus, it’s been proven to improve mood through a natural release of endorphins to the brain.
3. Seek Support – Caregiving can be a difficult job, and it’s important to seek the support you need. Social support is just as important as setting aside alone time. It gives you the chance to open up and talk about your feelings and challenges you face as a caregiver, which probably many other caregivers face as well.
4. Prevention – This one many seem like the least helpful of all suggestions listed. But, in fact, it is the most important to practice. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Many caregivers are so focused on their loved ones; they forget to take care of themselves. Practicing basic healthy habits, like getting enough sleep, maintaining a proper diet, and taking time for yourself, will go a long way. Actively prevent stress and it will be easier to manage it in the long run.
Caregiving is both a rewarding a difficult job. Many family caregivers do not have a choice when their loved ones require more attention. Practice de-stressing habits and remember that Nevada Adult Day Healthcare, and other adult care facilities, are here to help you out and show your loved one a good time while you get a chance to get away. You don’t have to do it alone! Find the social and community support YOU need to keep caregiving for your loved one.
