Here’s a concerning statistic. Almost 60 percent of unpaid caregivers do not believe their health is very good or excellent, increasing 7 percent from 2015’s AARP survey. Stress plays a factor in this. Family caregivers who feel their family pushed them into their role report high emotional and financial stress levels. How do you reduce stress and feel uplifted when you’re a family caregiver? You can’t refuse to help your parents, but you can better manage stress using these tips and seek help from in-home care providers.
Manage Stress by Using These Tips
Eat Healthy Foods
In-Home Care Manhattan NY – Ways to Reduce Stress and Feel Uplifted
Stop relying on fast food and takeout after a busy day at your parents’ house. Cook nutritious foods that replenish the vitamins and minerals your body uses up when you’re stressed. Fresh berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and fish are all excellent choices.
Read a Book
Put on a movie to keep your parents entertained. While they watch the movie, you should read a book. If you can sit on the patio in the sun and read, the sun will help improve your mood.
Have a Spa Day
Book a day at the spa. Arrange to get your haircut, have a massage, and finish the afternoon with a skin treatment. If you look great, you’ll feel better about yourself. Sometimes, a mood booster is all it takes to improve your outlook.
Take a Yoga Class
Yoga is one of the leading fitness programs when it comes to stress relief. The deep breathing skills you use while stretching the muscles help you relax. If you don’t love Yoga, try Tai Chi or Pilates.
Learn to Say No
It’s hard to tell your parents no, but it’s also necessary. If you have children at home, a spouse who wants a night out, or work demands that you cannot ignore, you need to prioritize those over your parents. Let a sibling, family friend, or neighbor help out for a day.
Hire In-Home Care Services for Your Parents
How much time do you spend caring for your parents versus caring for yourself? Do you devote all of your free time to helping your parents clean their house, do the laundry, get meals ready, or run errands? You have to focus on your own needs, too.
One of the easiest ways to have time for self-care is by arranging in-home care services. Caregivers can help your parents while you do things for yourself. Take an afternoon off to visit friends or go shopping. Sleep in and let a caregiver get your mom’s breakfast and help her with personal care.
In-home care allows you to be the best you can be by giving you time for self-care. Call our specialist to discuss prices and schedule in-home care aides as often as your family needs.
Sources: https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2020/05/full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.001.pdf
