Get Organized and Reduce Stress - A Guide to Preventing Caregiver Burnout

What is causing your stress?

Stress is a normal part of life. In healthy amounts, it can help us grow and achieve our goals.

On the flip side, chronic stress – that is, consistent stress that occurs over a long period of time, can have a negative impact on our health.

For many caregivers, stress has become part of daily life. Between working, raising a family and caring for an aging loved one, caregivers have a lot on their plates.

Common causes of stress include:

• Not having enough time to do things you want or need to do.
• An undesirable situation at work.
• Not having enough money.
• Feeling torn between too many responsibilities.

Take some time to think about your stress. Is it related to one of the causes above?

Understanding the cause of your stress is the first step in addressing it. Let’s explore some actionable steps you can take to reduce your stress once you have identified the cause.

How to Get Organized, Reduce Stress and Prevent Caregiver Burnout

Organization Hacks to Reduce Stress

Whether it’s time, priorities, physical space or something else, organizing can help reduce stress.

• Create a storage system for items you regularly use. For example, install a key hook by your door so you always know where to find your keys. This eliminates the stress of not being able to find them.
• Use a weekly planner to carve out specific times for relaxation. When you’re caught up in all your responsibilities, it’s easy to forget to take time for yourself. Using a planner gives you the chance to be intentional?about finding time to relax.
• Create a list of all your commitments, no matter how large or small. Then rank them in order of importance. This will help you identify tasks you might be able to let go of or delegate to someone else to give yourself more time to focus on your priorities.

With a bit of intention, you can make small changes to your daily routine that will add up and make a big difference for your stress.

Relaxation Techniques to Try When You’re Stressed

Once you’re more intentional about finding time to relax, it’s up to you to decide how to fill that time in a way that will help you rest.

Here are a few techniques you can try:

• Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a peaceful place. Maybe it’s on a warm beach or a quiet forest. Hold this image for five or ten minutes so you can become fully immersed.
• Breathe deeply through your nose until you feel your stomach expand. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this three or four times.
• Think of a positive statement such as “I am relaxed and level-headed.” Repeat this statement to yourself for five to fifteen minutes.

Some of these may sound cliché but taking just a few minutes to focus on yourself can be rejuvenating.

Self-Care Tips to Reduce Stress

When you’re so busy working and caring for an aging loved one, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. Here are some reminders to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

• Eat regular meals and get plenty of rest.?Being tired and hungry can make stress worse. If cooking is difficult, take some time over the weekend to create a meal plan for the coming week.
• Get regular exercise. Shoot for thirty minutes a day, but any amount is better than none! Exercise isn’t just a healthy habit; it’s also a great stress reduction technique.
• What do you like to do for fun? Do something once a week for the sake of enjoying it. Make sure you’re getting some quiet time too.
• Avoid unhealthy consumption of alcohol. It may feel like it helps reduce stress, but it will only cause more problems in the long run.

When it comes to caregiving, you can’t provide your best care if you aren’t caring for yourself! Help yourself and your loved one by practicing self-care!

Stress is a Fact of Life

As we said earlier, stress is a normal part of life. If you notice yourself beginning to feel worn down by constant stress, talk it over with a friend, family member or a doctor.

There is no such thing as too much communication. If you are feeling torn in too many directions, be open with your family about it. They may be able to help in ways you might not have guessed.

Aging & In-Home Services has a Family Caregiver Program?that offers information and assistance, respite care, support groups and more all with the goal of reducing caregiver burnout. If you or someone you know is experiencing stress related to caregiving, Just Call Us!