Sacred Heart Senior Living

RELAX Caregivers! (Some Fun and Creative Ways to QUICKLY Relieve Stress)

There are millions of articles telling you how to lower caregiver stress. Let's face it though, we've heard it all before and most of it is common sense. Here are some ideas that work quickly and are a little more fun than reading a book (who the heck has time to read?)

1. Chew Gum!

The advantages of chewing gum are endless!

-freshens breath

-reduces snacking

-bubbles!

In a 2008 study, participants who regularly chewed gum demonstrated lower levels of anxiety, increased alertness, reduced stress and improved multi-tasking skills.*Have a bubble blowing contest with the one you love!

2. Orange You Glad You Are Less Stressed? Drink Orange Juice!

People who have high levels of vitamin C in their diet show less physical and mental reaction to stress and are able to bounce back more quickly from a stressful situation. 2 glasses a day should do it!* Put it in a nice glass and add an umbrella (if you don't have time to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, you can at least pretend)

3. Blow Up Some Balloons!

When you are stressed your breathing becomes short and more shallow which adds to your stress since your body needs oxygen to relax. Blowing up a balloon will help lengthen and deepen your breathing. The action of blowing up a balloon forces you to use your diaphragm to draw in and release large amounts of air. *The person you are caring for will love you for it!

4. Swear a little

Holding it in doesn't seem to help, does it? Go to another room and RELEASE!!

5.Rub Your Ears

You've heard of reflexology haven't you? You've seen a cranky baby rub their ears, haven't you? Babies are smart little folk! Rubbing your ears will stimulate pressure points in your ears that help your entire body to relax.

6. Pet Therapy Is Good For You Too!

Dogs really are a man's best friend - they are women's best friends too, especially the little ones that fit in our purses and like to wear clothing. Studies show that canine companions can boost your mood.

Petting a dog, cat or alpaca can reduce your blood pressure.

Don't have room for a furry animal or have allergies? Get a fish! Just one or 10!They are low maintenance and you probably won't be allergic to them (ha). Watching of feeding a fish lowers your blood pressure too.

*All of these things keep the person in your care busy, happy and calm too so it's a win-win!

For more ideas about how to reduce stress, call Sacred Heart Senior Living 610-814-2700 to find out when we are having our next support group! We are full of great ideas!