{"id":1659,"date":"2022-05-17T12:10:26","date_gmt":"2022-05-17T12:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/100\/?p=1659"},"modified":"2022-05-24T12:14:08","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T12:14:08","slug":"mindful-may-focusing-on-caregiver-relief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/100\/illinois\/rockford\/blog\/mindful-may-focusing-on-caregiver-relief\/","title":{"rendered":"Mindful May, Focusing on Caregiver Relief"},"content":{"rendered":"

Keeping in the spirit of focusing on you, we turn to an activity of being mindful.\u00a0 So, what does that mean?\u00a0 Being mindful means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environments including sounds and smells.\u00a0 Being able to tune in with everything around you and immersing yourself to become one with the environment.\u00a0 Awareness can be a very powerful thing.\u00a0 It\u2019s being able to observe without judgment and being in a neutral state. As a caregiver of a loved one, it\u2019s always important to take care of yourself.\u00a0 Remember, doing so does not make you a selfish person but rather a responsible one.\u00a0 In order to care for another person, you have to be in a healthy state both physically and mentally.<\/p>\n

HOW TO REDUCE STRESS & FOCUS ON YOU<\/strong><\/h5>\n

A really easy way to start reducing stress and create a focus on oneself is to just slow down or stop for a moment.\u00a0 All you need to do is simply look, listen, smell, taste, and touch.\u00a0 It will allow you to see things that you may have not seen before.\u00a0 It will be like seeing the world and the people in it through a new set of lenses.\u00a0 The world will seem livelier and more interesting.\u00a0 As we practice being aware, we become more alive ourselves.<\/p>\n

ENJOY NATURE IN THE ROCKFORD AREA<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Try going on a nature walk.\u00a0 If you\u2019re in the Rockford, Illinois area a great place to visit is the Anderson Japanese Gardens<\/a>.\u00a0 There are hidden treasures all over the property that will take your breath away.\u00a0 Make sure to soak in the sounds of the birds chirping, the wind blowing the trees and maybe you\u2019ll hear other hikers nearby or the snap of a camera, the cars passing on the roads or even your own breathing ever so slightly.<\/p>\n

Maybe you smell the summer heat, the leaves on the trees surrounding you, the flower aromas or even the moisture in the air.\u00a0 You might feel the warmth while breathing in the summer heat or the wind pushing the air up into your nasal passage.\u00a0 Your body may become warm to touch as your skin is being touched by the sun\u2019s rays.\u00a0 While you\u2019re in the moment you may feel a slight grin or smile because you don\u2019t have a care in the world at that moment or because you\u2019re enjoying the breathtaking scene on your walk.<\/p>\n

REMINDERS TO HELP WITH CAREGIVER RELIEF<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Research shows that just 10 minutes of walking can lift your spirits and improve your sleep.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Remember, caregiving can be stressful and taxing on a person.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

HOW ASSISTING HANDS ROCKFORD CAN HELP<\/strong><\/h5>\n

This article is intended to offer caregiver relief.\u00a0 Caregivers have one of the hardest jobs.\u00a0 Especially those taking care of their loved ones because it impacts them the most.\u00a0 They feel as though they are the ones carrying all the weight for the family.\u00a0 Therefore, please keep in mind that those caregivers need respite.<\/p>\n

At Assisting Hands Rockford<\/a> we offer respite care for families who are caring for their loved ones.\u00a0 Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers.\u00a0 It can be arranged for 4 hours, several days or even months.\u00a0 Respite care is a great option to allow the caregiver to focus on themselves.<\/p>\n

Respite Care and In Home Care Services Include:<\/p>\n