Remember No One Can Do It All

There are only so many hours in the day. Don’t think that you’re a failure if you can’t do it all in the time you have available. It doesn’t make you a failure.

Prioritize your tasks each day. Put the most important chores at the top of your list and focus your time and energy on those. Leave time for quality time with your mom and dad. Everything else can be completed if you have time. If not, leave them for another day.

Do the Best You Can

When a task seems harder than you’re able to do, give it your best attempt. If you don’t do something correctly, ask someone to help you. You may need to try something a few times before you do it correctly. You may not be able to complete it and need to bring in a professional. It’s okay to need help.

Laughter is the Best Therapy

On the toughest day, do something that gets yourself and others laughing. Laughter gives you the chance to start fresh and forget about the things that you were struggling with. You might want to put on a comedy and watch it with your mom and dad. You could simply put on a comedy sketch on a smart speaker.

You might simply start laughing and get your parents to join in. Laughter Yoga may seem weird, but it has helped many ease tension and reduce stress. You can find videos online to get you started.

Get Outside

Go outside and get some fresh air. A 30-minute walk is often all that’s needed to de-stress and clear your mind. If you cannot leave your parents alone, bring them with you on the walk if you have to. If they can’t handle a walk, sit them outside on a patio chair and walk around the yard while they’re within sight.

Arrange Professional Caregivers to Help Your Parents

What’s the best way to make sure you don’t become overwhelmed? Hire home care to help out. Instead of trying to help your mom and dad with every daily activity and care need, have caregivers take over. While your parents have caregivers helping out, take some time to yourself.

When you return to your role as a family caregiver, you’ll be refreshed and energized. Call a home care agency to learn more about services and prices.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care services in Lafayette, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

The post Tips for Making the Most of Situations That Seem Impossible appeared first on Golden Heart East Bay.

Change Your Diet

Dietary changes can help you feel better. In moderation, dark chocolate provides antioxidants that help with stress. You do need to watch sugar intake, so keep the dark chocolate consumption to the recommended limits.

Aim for foods that are high in B vitamins and vitamin C. When you’re stressed, your body uses these vitamins to help balance stress hormones. Make sure you’re increasing them. Omega-3 fatty acids also help regulate stress hormones.

Socialize

When you go weeks or months without talking to others, your mental health is affected. Take time to go out with friends. Seek social activities like book reading groups or cooking classes. Do whatever it takes to meet others, spend time with family and friends, and get away from your duties as a caregiver for a few hours a week or more.

Get Fresh Air

Take time each day to go outside and get fresh air. You want that time out of the home to clear your mind, get some natural light from the sun, and exercise. You could work out inside on a treadmill, but the fresh air and vitamin D from the sun will help a lot.

Sign Up for Tai Chi or Yoga Classes

Tai Chi is an Asian martial arts program. Yoga is a spiritual and physical discipline originating in India. Both tone muscle, stamina, and balance. The reason they’re recommended for reducing stress is that they also focus on finding your center and deep breathing to help you relax and calm your body and mind.

If you attend a class, you gain a level of socialization. Bring your parents and exercise together. There are at-home programs you can follow. Buy DVDs or access videos on YouTube or certain streaming channels.

Arrange Home Care Services and Take Breaks

The final way to de-stress when you’re a family caregiver is by taking breaks. Don’t try to help your parents with everything by yourself. Accept help from other family members and friends. Arrange elder care aides to take over while you go on a short vacation, run errands, or take care of other obligations. An elder care specialist can help you with caregiver prices and schedules.

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

The post Five Ways to Lower Your Stress in 2020 appeared first on Golden Heart East Bay.