Written By Katie Gilstrap
Q: With the holidays approaching, I am already wondering how I will get it all done. With work, family and caregiving responsibilities, I feel like my stress level is growing all the time. Do you have tips for managing stress?
A: In our fast-paced world, time is scarce for most people.
This is especially true for caregivers who may already be balancing work with the growing needs at home.
There is a lot to do, especially this time of year, and the truth is, you may never get it all done.
Try not to let this feel like a personal shortcoming. You are only human, and there isn’t an imaginary caregiver out there who can accomplish more than you can in a day. If you accept that you cannot do everything, then you can prioritize and focus on the things that are most important.
Clues that you may be experiencing too much stress and should seek professional help include:
• Muscle tension, sleep disorders, rapid heartbeat
• Frequent colds, flu, allergies
• Memory problems, anxious or racing thoughts
• Moodiness, agitation, restlessness, short temper, irritability, inability to relax
• Using alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and/or junk food for comfort
If you find yourself overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, these tips can help you cope:
• Recognize that you have choices. Caregivers often feel that they don’t have options when they actually do; they may just not like the alternatives they have. Recognizing the choices you make (e.g. deciding which agency to hire, whether to pursue a particular course of treatment) may give you a sense of control.
• Keep your sense of humor. Keep a list of things you like to do for fun, and try to include one every week. Laughter isn’t a luxury, it’s a remedy.
• Limit the time you worry. Keep fear and worry in check by setting aside a special time to concentrate on your concerns, and then keep them off limits so they don’t dominate your entire day. If you have a troubling thought, write it down and address it during this “worry time.” This will allow you to be more focused and productive.
Stress and anxiety thrive on uncertainty. Learn as much as you can about the situation that concerns you and consider talking with a professional for additional support.
For more information about managing stress, visit liftcaregiving.com.