When the Caregiver Cracks: Tips on Managing Stress
The bills are past due, the dishes are stacked in the sink, and mom has gotten into yet another face-palming squabble with her nurse that needs intervening. Being a caregiver is a full-time job on top of your literal full-time job, personal life, other family members you may be taking care of and all the other issues in between. All of these stressors can drive even the coolest cucumber into more of a prickly pickle.
Stress can have more than an emotional impact, but physically can make someone feel unbearably sick. It can cause debilitating headaches, difficulty sleeping, an upset stomach, fatigue, muscle tension, and even effect the sex drive, according to Mayo Clinic. It also can completely alter the way someone feels. Senior caregivers suffer from anxiety, depression, anger, and a hard time finding motivation during times of stress.
Allowing stress to consume the mind and body can cause some dangerous behavior as a reaction as well. Whether it be unhealthy eating,verbal outbursts, drinking, smoking, or not getting adequate exercise; a person can transform under the demands of looking after their senior.
Caregiver Stress Management
When stress happens, it hits like a ton of bricks. But, sometimes the reason why isn’t always clear. Many just let the situation take control of their lives, instead of taking the wheel and steering themselves into a better state-of-mind. Most don’t seem to think about the source of their anguish. Before life turns into a downward spiral, work through the parts of life that are waiting to destroy from the inside out.
How to Cope with Caregiver Stress
There is no one-size fits all when it comes to finding the right way to handle stress. Some people find that rescuing a dog and taking it for walks helps them feel better while others might prefer to recover their stress by spending more time around friends.
Exercise
Some will choose to do anything before lacing up their running shoes or hiring a trainer. Yet, others find exercise to be a wonderful way to relieve stress. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America says that in times of exercise the endorphins—or chemicals in the brain that naturally relieve pain—are able to help you sleep better. And in turn, this reduces stress. 14% of people use exercise to cope with stress. Here are a few ways you can use exercise a stress reliver for your caregiver duties:
- Taking the dog for a walk
- Joining a yoga class
- Parking further away
- Choose the stairs instead
- Dancing to music while doing chores
Talk it Out
18% of people say talking with friends and family is their choice method for reducing caregiver-related stress. Alternatively, some people find that seeking professional help is best for them. Here are some ways you can talk about your feelings as a caregiver:
- Setting up a weekly friend dinner
- Join coworkers for coffee or a drink after work
- Seek support groups from others with similar problems
- Consider hiring a therapist
Reward Yourself
Making time for the hobbies and enjoyment may seem like the last thing one has the time or energy for, but, it can do a lot toward fixing the feelings of overwhelming doom. Try:
- Engaging in new hobbies
- Buy concert tickets
- Plan a weekend getaway
- Take a bubble bath
- Go on a spa day
- Splurge on a luxury item
- Watch a funny movie
Keep Your Body Happy
A healthy person is a happy person, right? Exercise isn’t the only way to make us best version of ourselves.Try:
- Cutting out certain bad foods from a diet
- Eating less sugar or caffeine (especially at night)
- Self-medicate
- Get adequate sleep
How NOT to Cope with Caregiver Stress
Letting stress consume one’s life can make just about anyone wish they could go back to bed, even if they just got out of it. Don’t let the stress of looking after a senior result in unhealthy habits that can end up being more damaging in the long run. Here are a few ways not to cope with caregiver stress:
- Binge drinking
- Smoking
- Becoming a couch potato
- Oversleeping
- Taking it out on others
- Over-cramming your schedule to forget about it
- Procrastinating
Exerting energy taking care of an elderly or sick loved one can be exhausting both physically and mentally. But, it doesn’t have to overshadow all of life. And, it doesn’t have to last forever. Love yourself enough to reframe the situation and reform it.
