Keeping in the spirit of focusing on you, we turn to an activity of being mindful. So, what does that mean? Being mindful means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environments including sounds and smells. Being able to tune in with everything around you and immersing yourself to become one with the environment. Awareness can be a very powerful thing. It’s being able to observe without judgment and being in a neutral state. As a caregiver of a loved one, it’s always important to take care of yourself. Remember, doing so does not make you a selfish person but rather a responsible one. In order to care for another person, you have to be in a healthy state both physically and mentally.
HOW TO REDUCE STRESS & FOCUS ON YOU
A really easy way to start reducing stress and create a focus on oneself is to just slow down or stop for a moment. All you need to do is simply look, listen, smell, taste, and touch. It will allow you to see things that you may have not seen before. It will be like seeing the world and the people in it through a new set of lenses. The world will seem livelier and more interesting. As we practice being aware, we become more alive ourselves.
ENJOY NATURE IN THE ROCKFORD AREA
Try going on a nature walk. If you’re in the Rockford, Illinois area a great place to visit is the Anderson Japanese Gardens. There are hidden treasures all over the property that will take your breath away. Make sure to soak in the sounds of the birds chirping, the wind blowing the trees and maybe you’ll hear other hikers nearby or the snap of a camera, the cars passing on the roads or even your own breathing ever so slightly.
Maybe you smell the summer heat, the leaves on the trees surrounding you, the flower aromas or even the moisture in the air. You might feel the warmth while breathing in the summer heat or the wind pushing the air up into your nasal passage. Your body may become warm to touch as your skin is being touched by the sun’s rays. While you’re in the moment you may feel a slight grin or smile because you don’t have a care in the world at that moment or because you’re enjoying the breathtaking scene on your walk.
REMINDERS TO HELP WITH CAREGIVER RELIEF
Research shows that just 10 minutes of walking can lift your spirits and improve your sleep. For a caregiver these are very important reminders that taking time to yourself is not a luxury but required if they want to be able to be the support for those they care for.
Remember, caregiving can be stressful and taxing on a person. That is why we highly encourage caregivers to take time for themselves, to focus on themselves even if it is only for 10 minutes and seek support if needed.
HOW ASSISTING HANDS ROCKFORD CAN HELP
This article is intended to offer caregiver relief. Caregivers have one of the hardest jobs. Especially those taking care of their loved ones because it impacts them the most. They feel as though they are the ones carrying all the weight for the family. Therefore, please keep in mind that those caregivers need respite.
At Assisting Hands Rockford we offer respite care for families who are caring for their loved ones. Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. It can be arranged for 4 hours, several days or even months. Respite care is a great option to allow the caregiver to focus on themselves.
Respite Care and In Home Care Services Include:
- In-Home Personal Care & Grooming
- Bathing
- Oral Care
- In-Home Meal Preparation
- Feeding, Grocery Shopping & Errands for Seniors
- Light Housekeeping for Seniors
- Medication Reminders
- Walking and Transferring Assistance
- Toileting & Incontinence
- In-Home Companionship for Seniors
- Home Safety & Fall Prevention
- Alzheimer’s Care
- Transitional Care
- Orthopedic Care
- Dementia Care
- Parkinson’s Care
- Veteran Care
- Hospice Support
- Stroke Care
