Do you find it difficult to relax? If so, you’re actually contributing to your own stress levels. It’s important to learn how to relax, no matter what your situation is.
Learn to Let Go of the Need for Control
All too often, family caregivers feel that they have to be in control of every single aspect of their loved one’s life, health, and care. What this does, though, is make you as the family caregiver more responsible than you really are for everything. You can’t control every aspect of your loved one’s care like you’d want to, so you have to learn to let go of that need for constant control. When you do, you can start to learn to relax.
Stop Thinking about “What If” Situations
Family caregivers have really good imaginations. The second that they step outside the front door, a million different scenarios can run through their heads. If you’re someone who cannot stop worrying about your elderly loved one, that’s something that you should get a handle on. Otherwise, it’s going to eat away at you and you won’t be able to leave the house ever.
Remember You Deserve to Have Fun
You may feel guilty when you do anything that doesn’t immediately relate to caring for your elderly loved one. While that is normal, it isn’t all that healthy for you. You deserve to be able to take a break and to have fun without feeling guilty about it. When you keep yourself “on call” all day, every day, you’ll become resentful.
Ask for Help and Keep Asking
Some caregivers find it difficult to ask for help from others when they need it. That problem becomes worse when that request for help is denied. If you stop asking for help when that request is turned down, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Sometimes other family members can’t help right then, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t ever help. Keep that person on your list and ask again on another occasion.
When You’re Out, Be Out
When you are able to leave your caregiving duties for a little while, whether that’s because other family members are taking over or you’ve hired home care providers, enjoy that time. Cherish the experience of being on your own for a little while and don’t worry about what’s going on at home until you are officially back on the clock again.
You absolutely deserve to relax sometimes and to live your life. Your elderly loved one doesn’t want to take that away from you and you shouldn’t want that, either.
For home care in Turnersville, NJ and the surrounding areas, call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.
