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CarolMarak
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Jan 26, 2011, 12:00 PM
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How to Care for Self When Caring for Family
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Raising a family and working a full time job poses hard issues for adults caring for aging parents or relatives. One must be well organized, rested, mentally balanced, and in good health to accomplish and complete the tasks required to be a good parent and employee. Add the caring of elderly parents or relatives to the mix of daily tasks; most likely you are experiencing what is known as caregiver stress.
You may notice a change in your sleep habits and/or feelings of anger and irritation. Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches may also suggest you are suffering from the stress of taking care of others instead of yourself.
Things you can do for yourself to combat stress: - Take frequent breaks – go outside for a 5 minute break. Breathe in the fresh air and try to stop your thoughts. Instead, focus on the breath.
- Exercise – If you cannot make it to the gym, take 20 minute walks outside. Do this two to three times daily.
- Praise yourself for the gestures extended to others. Think of one good thing you did today; offered encouragement to your son or daughter, the loving smile you sent your spouse, said kind words to a stranger, ran to the drugstore to pick up medication scripts for Mom.
- Find an hour (at least) each week to care for self. Do what you love doing: take a bath, read a favorite book, have lunch with an upbeat friend or take a yoga class.
- Brighten your home and office with flowers.
- Send a “Thank you” card to you.
- Enjoy your meals with family. Make a pact with self to slow down and enjoy the meal.
- Express your feeling. Bottling feelings and keeping them inside only add to the stress. Both positive and negative feelings are part of life, accept them. Don’t judge one over the other.
- Wear soft and loose fitting clothing. This will add to an increase of comfort.
- Sleep. There is nothing more healing than a good night’s rest.
Carol Marak is founder of Carebuzz – Helping family caregivers find quality care for aging relatives locally.
(This post was edited by CarolMarak on Jan 26, 2011, 12:01 PM)
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