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Consider some positives in your life
If you find yourself constantly dwelling on the bad things that have happened to you, try keeping a daily note of all the amazing things that have happened. When problems begin to loom in your life, try to find the small moments of happiness in it, like a cool breeze, some sunshine, or a good night’s sleep.
Say kind words to yourself
The Mayo Clinic suggests in an article about positive thinking, “do not say anything to yourself that you would not say to another person.” One of the most effective ways to foster positivity is to silence the critical inner monologue. For instance, you can tell yourself, “I’ll try again, but in a different way,” as opposed to, “there is no way this will ever work.”
Lean on your optimistic friends
It helps to be among positive individuals, such as friends and family, while you’re trying to maintain a positive outlook on life. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, said the late businessman, author, and motivational speaker Jim Rohn. Get together with them frequently, either in person or online, to maintain your connection with them. A supportive online community is something you should consider joining.
Discover joy through improving your health
A person’s mood and general health can be greatly enhanced by eating well and exercising frequently. Stress may be reduced, energy levels can be increased, and healthy sleeping habits can be fostered with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Live-in caregivers must prioritize eating well and maintaining a fit lifestyle.
Find the warning signs of exhaustion
Finding your current state of being is one of the most important phases in developing into a conscious caregiver, according to Linda Abbit in her book “The Conscious Caregiver.” She offers a series of questions that, when you respond to them, will enable you to determine whether or not you are at risk of burnout. Some of them are as follows:
- Have you noticed any changes in your sleeping habits?
- Do you notice that your anxiety is increasing?
- Do you notice that you become upset easily? With the individual you are caring for, are you getting angrier and angrier?
- Have you become more introverted or less extroverted recently?
- Have you recently raised existing unhealthy habits?
- Do you spend most of the day feeling exhausted?
- Do you notice that you are getting colds, headaches, or stomach problems frequently?
- Have you been experiencing soreness that just won’t go away?
Keep in mind that you are trying your very best
Be kind to yourself and keep a positive outlook. None of the amazing things you’ve done for an older loved one should be forgotten even if you absolutely lose it in front of them. Let go of the guilt, which is a normal component of the caregiving process, and if you’re struggling to feel angry about your role as a caregiver, find healthy outlets for your feelings. Giving care is a typical aspect of the procedure. Always remember that just by being present every day, you are making a contribution.
Have a good laugh!
Laughter not only makes you feel good in the moment, but its positive effects last long after you’ve stopped laughing. Laughter has been shown to boost mood, relax muscles, and calm anxiety as well as lower levels of stress hormones in the body.
Simplify your routine
When things get too much, simplifying your routine by focusing on the fundamentals, such as meals, dishes, and laundry. Pick one task to finish, and focus only on finishing that one task.
Spend some time on your own
Maintaining your physical and mental welfare requires taking a break from your caregiving duties and investing some time to your own self-care. This break could be as straightforward as a lunch date with a friend or a stroll around the neighbourhood. In order to recharge your batteries and maintain a positive attitude, you should request a few hours of alone time.
Embrace your spiritual side
It has been proven that engaging in spiritual practices can enhance both one’s physical and emotional well-being. Find time during the day for spiritual pursuits. These activities can include singing or listening to music with a spiritual theme, reading or sharing prayers with an older loved one.
Consider respite care
Although giving care can be rewarding, no caregiver ever completes their journey without feeling some degree of despair and hopelessness. If you use some techniques to maintain happiness and a positive outlook, you may be able to transform your perspective to one of optimism and appreciation for even the smallest things in life.
Consider the benefits of obtaining specialized respite care. You can take a break from the strains of being a caretaker with this form of care, which enables you to focus more on the positive aspects of your life.
Want to learn more?
ConsidraCare’s live-in caregivers are trained to offer professional support and companionship to seniors. Please reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.
