Caregiver Stress: 5 Ways to Reduce it and Provide Better Care
Did you know that 77% of people experience physical symptoms caused by stress? Caregiver stress is real, but, there are ways to reduce it.
Stress is a challenge that most of us face during the course of our week. Many of us have some form of stress to deal with. That stress may be related to work, school, home, financial or any other variable that is challenging your everyday life. 77% of people experience a physical symptom caused by stress. The same study found the 48% of people in the United States feel their stress has increased in the last 5 years. Excessive stress can cause a plethora of health risks and conditions including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, headaches, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. How you deal with stress today could have a substantial impact on your quality of life in the future. The good news is there are activities that you can partake in today to relieve stress. In today’s post, we will look at 5 activities that can substantially reduce your stress and give you energy during the week.
Believe it or not: 33% of people in the US believe they are living with extreme stress. For family caregivers, stress is even more common.
Caregiver Stress Relieve Tip: Practice Yoga to Reduce Stress
Practicing yoga has been shown to substantially reduce stress. Studies have shown that yoga also lowers heart and blood pressure, relieves anxiety, fights depression and improves quality of life. Over 90% of individuals practicing yoga do so for the wellness benefits. 56% practice specifically to reduce stress. Another benefit of practicing yoga is the ability to perform the act anywhere that you are. 43% of people who practice yoga do so in the comfort of their own home. There are not many exercises that can be done so conveniently, without spending money. For caregivers with limited time, Yoga makes a lot of sense.
Caregiver Stress Relieve Tip: Try Breathing Exercises and Mindful Meditation
I know firsthand the power of breathing exercises and how mindful meditation can reduce stress. I use the technique regularly as the techniques are provided by my 9-5. Every month we all partake in a mindful meditation exercise where we learn new techniques to clear our mind and regain focus. Taking the time to clear your mind and just focus on breathing can be very beneficial. Meditation is still a trend in its infancy. Only 8% of US adults practice meditation as part of their daily routine. Breathing exercises are an easy way to instantly reduce your stress. A great way to get started is to go to a distraction-free room and count your inhales and exhales. Focus only on the act of breathing.
Caregiver Stress Relieve Tip: Hit the Gym
One of the most popular, and with good reason, ways to reduce stress is by working out on a regular basis. Working out can keep your body healthy and reduce stress at the same time. Working out can fight depression too. 40% of people say they are happier after they work out and 32% say regular exercise reduces their stress substantially. Working out also offers additional health benefits including reduced risk of obesity, better sleep, increased energy, increased strength and flexibility, and improved memory. Just to name a few. It is easy to see why working out is the top go-to choice for reducing stress. The average gym membership costs between $40 and $50 a month. A small price to pay for a lot of benefits.
Caregiver Stress Relieve Tip: Listen to Music
Listening to your favorite music is a great way to reduce stress and have fun at the same time. It is true that music can soothe the soul. Music has also been shown to improve mood, enhance performance, and provide motivation to achieve goals. Listening to music can help an individual to overcome obstacles and make peace with emotions. A recent study found that listening to music has a similar effect on anxiety as a massage. This is the permission you need to jam on!
Caregiver Stress Relieve Tip: Organize Your Priorities, Your Possessions, and Your Life
One of the most obvious ways to reduce your stress is to eliminate stressors from your life. Obviously, all stress-inducing variables cannot be eliminated but I guarantee that some can. Take some time to access your personal situation and see if you can reexamine your priorities and organize your life to be less stressful. If you are dealing with financial stress it may be time to let go of some possessions to put towards the debt in an effort to reduce stress. If you are in a relationship that is leading to stress it may be time to examine the longevity of the relationship and if it is worth the emotional challenges you are facing. If it is job-related stress it may be time to talk to your boss or consider a less stressful career field. I know that making sacrifices is hard, but what is your mental and physical health really worth? You tell me.
Takeaways
Stress has unfortunately become a part of life that most of us have to deal with on a daily basis. Many of us live very busy lives that tug us and our time in all directions. The problem with stress is it can cause negative side effects on our health. Put yourself first and protect your health by reducing stress. Your body will thank you one day.
Interested in learning more about how respite care can help reduce stress? Give us a call today at (651) 796-2540
