3 Practical Tips for Stress Relief
Caring for others can take a toll on our emotional and physical well-being. Juggling the responsibilities of caregiving and personal life can be overwhelming. In this blog we share different tips and ideas, some may work for you and others may not. Discovering the self-care practices that resonate with you requires some experimentation. Start small. A few minutes a day of self-care can make a big difference, once you feel that difference you will be motivated to do more. We hope this helps you find some relief!
1. Moments of Solitude
When was the last time you truly dedicated some time to yourself? We all have a never-ending list of things to do, so finding time for solitude can be a challenging task, especially when many of us have been taught to feel guilty about making time for our own needs.
We are able to serve those we love and our clients best when our own “cup is full”. This means giving ourselves some of the care that we regularly give to others. There’s nothing wrong with having some time to yourself. Here are some ideas to get you started.
💡Try these ideas out:
- Spend time in nature
- Read
- Listen to music
- Take yourself on a date
- Learn something new
2. Connect with your body
Mindfulness and Meditation: Tap into the power of mindful breathing as a tool to slow down and find moments of peace. This simple activity doesn't require much time, because even a few minutes of practice in the middle of a hectic day can help us feel more calm and centered. If you often feel overwhelmed and don't have much time to spare, this is the perfect activity to start with. Here’s how to get started:
💡Take a moment for yourself, this could be sitting down, standing up, inside, or outside, you can do this anywhere. The important thing is that it’s a place where you can peacefully take a moment for yourself. Once you’re there, take 3 deep breaths. As you breathe in deep and fill your belly with air, pay attention to how it feels to fill your lungs and chest with air. Hold for 3 seconds and breathe out nice and slow. Repeat as many times as you need.
Movement: There are plenty of ways to get moving and take care of your body. Start by exploring physical activities that you have enjoyed in the past or have always been curious about. Whether it's going for a walk, trying out some gentle stretching, tending to your garden, or even dancing to your favorite song, find something that makes you feel alive and energized. Even a few minutes can make a big difference. The key is to find an activity that allows you to move and connect with your body in a way that brings you joy.
💡Try this stretch out: Breathe in as you reach your arms up to the ceiling and lift your toes, extending your body as much as you can. When you’ve gone as far as you can, hold your position and your breath for just a few moments. When you're ready, release the stretch and breathe out slowly. Then shake it out! Shake and wiggle your whole body to release some tension. If you have time you can follow that with neck rolls, start going in one direction, roll for a good 30 seconds, and switch sides. How did that feel?!
3. Connect and Seek Support
Caregiving often takes place in the isolation of your clients’ homes, and it can be lonely work. If you ever find yourself feeling isolated, then it’s time to create connections with people who can truly empathize and relate to your experiences. There are many ways to connect with people, as you read through these suggestions, think of what you need.
- 💡 Support Group: Join a caregiver support group for understanding and comfort through shared experiences.
- 💡 Therapy: Speaking with a therapist can offer valuable support in navigating challenges and obstacles.
- 💡Reconnect: Reach out to existing connections and communities. You may already have great support available to you if you just reach out.
- 💡 Make new friends: Explore classes or events that align with your hobbies or interests to meet new people.
- 💡 Look for a new employer: Consider exploring home care companies that prioritize community and caregiver support, like Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA). We prioritize caregiver support by offering Peer Mentor support and having an open-door policy. Our open-door policy allows caregivers to visit our office at any time to speak to an office staff that may be able to offer support. As a CHCA Home Care worker, you also have access to benefits such as Paid Time Off, Leave of Absence, and 1199 Member Assistance Program
Our team at CHCA understands the importance of receiving support in caregiving, as we are caregivers ourselves. We take great pride in being member-owners of our esteemed home care business, where we prioritize creating a supportive environment that allows us to thrive in our careers. We are always available to assist you in any way we can and our doors are always open.
