How Can the Word “STOP” Help With Stress and Anxiety?
As a family caregiver, you may feel stressed. Your parents may feel just as much stress and anxiety as you do. Stress is normal, but excessive stress can impact your life. Before it gets out of control, you and your parents need to learn how to manage the stress and anxiety you experience.
The word “STOP” is a useful tool for becoming more mindful when it comes to stress and anxiety. It’s one of the best tools to help you manage stress before it takes a toll on your health. Here’s how “STOP” helps.
S – Stop
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, stop everything. Take a break and go outside for fresh air if you can. You may want to go find a quiet spot to sit down, close your eyes, take some deep cleansing breaths, and recharge.
Family caregivers often feel that they can’t stop what they’re doing. If that sounds like your situation, look into in-home care services. An in-home care aide can step in and help out while you take the break you need.
T – Take a Breath
As part of the “S” (Stop) step, you need to breathe. Deep breathing helps boost the hormones in your body that help with stress reduction and mood. If you’ve ever taken a Yoga or Tai Chi class, you’ll know how to do the deep breathing that’s needed.
If you haven’t, put your right hand over your belly. Put your left hand on your chest. Take a deep breath in through your nose. You want the air you take in to extend your belly and make the right hand move up. If the left hand (chest) is the one rising, you’re breathing is too shallow. Focus on making that right hand rise.
Once you have that part down, hold the breath for a count of five. Slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this until you’re feeling calmer and have passed through the feelings of being panicked and out of control.
O – Observe Your Surroundings
You can also force your mind to focus on something else by observing your surroundings. Sit down and force your mind to look at the things around you.
Sit outside on the patio or deck and observe the birds that are singing their songs. Look for flowers and see if you can smell them from where you are. See if there are clouds or a clear blue sky. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face or a cooling breeze that reaches you every now and then.
P – Proceed With Your Activities
After doing the prior three steps, slowly return to the things you were doing. If you’re finding yourself continually stressed, it’s a good time to hire part-time in-home care services so that you’re taking more breaks.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering In-Home Care Services in Eastman GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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