Five Ways to Lower Your Stress in 2020

Everyone deals with stress during their life. It’s the body and mind’s way of handling difficulties. There’s the stress you feel taking exams or hearing a strange noise in your car while driving in a remote area. There’s also the stress you encounter doing hard work. Caregiver stress is manageable if you use these five techniques for keeping stress to a minimum.

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.