10 Ways to Manage Alzheimer’s Caregiver Stress
Caregiving can be a stressful job, whether you’re a professional or caring for a family member in their or your home. You need to develop techniques for relaxing and managing your stress so you don’t burn out. Perhaps you’ve found what works for you. Or you may be looking for some ideas.
Here are 10 suggestions:
- Read your favorite type of books…I love mysteries.
- Relax in the bath tub or hot tub.
- Take walks and enjoy the world around you.
- Practice yoga or some form or meditation.
- Cook…some find breadmaking relaxing.
- Find a favorite handcraft…possibly quilting, fabric art, painting, knitting, crocheting, rug braiding…something you can become passionate about so that it takes your mind off your problems.
- Scrapbooking and researching family history. Look for those ancestors your family member may mention when they’re living in their past. Thus you’re preserving a family legacy.
- Watch a DVD movie or TV series. Our family recently has been laughing along with Monk.
- Play music that you enjoy. This might be slow music or something rolicking that you dance by.
- Go out to lunch with a friend or family member. Make it a relaxing time.
How do you relax and relieve your stress? Share with us!
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Tags: Alzheimers, Alzheimers-disease, Caregiver stress, managing stress, quiltmaking, scrapbooking, yogaRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Caregivers, Inspiration-Encouragment, Personal Caregiving Experiences
3 opinions for 10 Ways to Manage Alzheimer’s Caregiver Stress
Tabitha
Jan 24, 2008 at 4:34 pm
What a fantastic list! I recently started doing yoga again. It’s so helpful when I’m stressed. I can just feel the stress leave my body.
Mary Emma Allen
Jan 24, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Thanks for visiting Alzheimer’s Notes, Tabitha, and for sharing how yoga is helping you manage stress. I’m pleased you found my list helpful.
Stress Free Holiday Time for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Nov 1, 2008 at 8:39 am
[…] For a start on managing your stress, take a look at this previous post I wrote, 10 Ways to Manage Alzheimer’s Caregiver Stress. […]
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