Can you remember the last time that you didn’t feel overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious as a family caregiver?
For some of you, it may be difficult. I completely understand because I've been there. Juggling work, caregiving duties, and family responsibilities can be exhausting.
But I've discovered 3 Pillars of Stress Mastery that have made a world of difference in my life. You don’t have to continue feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.
Read on to find out how you can decrease your stress and start feeling more balanced and in control.
Stress Mastery Pillar 1: Self-Care is Non-Negotiable
As caregivers, we often put the needs of our loved ones before our own. This is noble, but it’s not sustainable in the long run. We need to prioritize self-care in order to be able to effectively care for others.
It’s just as flight attendants state, you have to put your own oxygen mask on before you can help those around you. Self-care is the same thing.
This means taking the time to unwind, relax, and recharge. Whether it’s going for a walk, taking a hot bath, sharing a laugh with someone you care about or simply sitting in silence for a few minutes, find what brings you peace and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
An easy way to do this is to schedule time for self-care on your calendar as you would any other important appointment. You could even set an alert on your phone to make sure that you don’t forget.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself first.
Stress Mastery Pillar 2: Seek Support and Delegate
None of us can do it all alone, and we shouldn’t have to. It’s important to seek support from family members, friends, professional caregivers or even a support group if needed. Many cities and towns have respite care which is designed to give family caregivers a short break from their everyday caregiving related duties.
It may be hard, but delegating tasks is another way for you to get the help and support that you need. An easy way to do this is to write out all of the tasks or errands that you need assistance with or help with. That way if friends or family ask “what can I do to help?” you’ll be ready.
Being a caregiver doesn’t mean you have to carry the entire burden on your own. Remember, it takes a village, and there’s no shame in reaching out for support.
Calling all stressed-out caregivers! It’s time to prioritize your self-care and seek support. Find out how to decrease your stress and become a more effective caregiver with Stress Mastery Coaching. Click the link and start your journey to a more balanced life now.
Stress Mastery Pillar 3: Mindfulness and Positive Thinking
It’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts and feelings of overwhelm. But practicing mindfulness and positive thinking can work wonders in reducing your stress.
You can do this in a lot of ways: deep breathing exercises, meditation, gratitude or by simply focusing on the present moment. Try challenging negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations (talking that positive self-talk). You’ll be amazed at how shifting your mindset can lead to a more peaceful and balanced state of being so that you have less stress.
Calling all stressed-out caregivers! It’s time to prioritize your self-care and seek support. Find out how to decrease your stress and become a more effective caregiver with Stress Mastery Coaching. Click the link and start your journey to a more balanced life now.
As family caregivers, we have a tendency to put our own needs on the backburner in order to care for others. But in doing so, we risk burning out and becoming ineffective in our caregiving roles.
By implementing the 3 Pillars of Stress Mastery, you can decrease our stress, avoid feelings of being overwhelmed, and ultimately become better caregivers for your loved ones.
You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to take care of your well-being. Prioritize your own well-being to effectively care for others. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always hope for a brighter, more balanced future. It's all about Making Time.
Let’s talk, which pillar of stress mastery are you going to tackle first? Let me know in the comments section.
Cassandra Martin-Himmons, LMSW is a stress management coach and content creator who believes in empowering her clients to help them manage their stress and increase their self-care. In her spare time she enjoys papercrafting, hand embroidery and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or YouTube.
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