Caregivers face all kinds of unique challenges. While learning new ways to overcome them can be rewarding, the time and effort it takes to care for an older adult with a chronic condition can be stressful. In fact, caregivers are such common victims of stress that their particular brand of it has been given a name – caregiver stress.

It’s a problem recognized by experts around the globe, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Caregiver stress can cause serious physical and emotional health problems when it is not dealt with, such as depression and a greater risk for developing chronic illnesses. There are many ways that caregivers can relieve stress, like these simple ideas.

Take a Yoga Class

Yoga is a great stress reliever because it involves slow, controlled movements combined with deep breathing. It requires caregivers to concentrate on their body and how they breathe, which focuses their mind and prevents it from wandering to whatever is worrying them. It’s also a great form of exercise that will keep your body healthier. There are yoga classes designed to target many different areas of life, such as weight loss and building strength. While any yoga class will be beneficial, it may be best to look for one tailored for stress relief.

Spend Time with Pets

Pets make us happy and they provide unconditional love. Spending some time stroking a pet’s soft fur can be relaxing. Playing with them and watching their silly antics can be an instant mood booster. In addition, walking a dog provides exercise which can burn away some of your nervous energy and lessen stress levels. Another nice thing about walking with a dog? People are more likely to smile at you or stop to chat, which can also boost your mood.

Use Deep Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing techniques are one of the simplest ways to relieve stress because they only take a few minutes and can be done anywhere. Just sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply through your nose so that your stomach rises and then slowly out through your mouth.

Say “Yes” to Help

One thing that could be causing your caregiver stress is having too much to do and too little time to do it. One way you can relieve stress caused by time constraints is to accept help when it is offered. If a friend or family member asks if there is something they can do for your aging relative, say yes! Ask them to perform simple tasks that eat up some of your time, like cooking meals or grocery shopping. You might even ask them to spend a few hours with the senior while you do something just for you.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Caregivers in Braselton, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources
Healthline.com
Webmd.com
Womenshealth.gov

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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