If you are reading this article because you are a caregiver experiencing stress and need to learn how to get rid of it, you’ve come to the right place! As well as massage, there are some other things you can do as well to lower the stress levels in your life. Try some or all of the things on the following list:
- Get an elderly care provider to take care of your loved one a few days each week. You will be surprised at the relief this can bring to your stress levels. On your days off you can concentrate on your other family members, your job, your social life, and getting some time for you. Whatever you need and want to do on those days, you will really get a break from caregiving.
- Treat yourself to a professional massage twice a month or as often as you can afford. Massage is one of the best stress reducers you can imagine, along with regular exercise. Most people know stress builds up in caregivers pretty fast, and involves hormones and neurochemicals within the body. Stress is not a healthy situation and it shouldn’t be allowed to go out of control or grow to immense proportions. When people let stress build up and don’t do something to actively reduce it, they can end up overwhelmed or burned out. Your health is at stake and you are worth it. Go get a massage. You will love it so much you’ll be excited to go again next time.
- Get some regular exercise, and make sure it’s something you truly enjoy. You will be more likely to stick with your plan and keep it going on a regular basis if you actually enjoy the activity you’re doing for exercise. If yoga or aerobics just doesn’t excite you but you love the water, go swimming. To get the real benefit of exercise, you probably need to do fitness swimming such as doing laps rather than just playing in the pool during public swim time. You need to find something that feels like a decent workout.
- Keep your life organized. Make sure you stay on top of things and don’t get so far behind you feel like you’ll never catch up. Take the time each morning to do some meditating or take quiet time to organize and plan your day. When you do this it helps you to feel in control and know you will get everything accomplished.
- Take time for yourself. Read or watch a movie; engage in your favorite hobby. Don’t forget to nourish your social life. Time with friends is really important and will help you feel grounded and balanced.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Norwalk, CT or the surrounding areas, please contact SYNERGY HomeCare of Stamford, CT at (203) 340-0652.