Giving yourself a mental break from caregiving
Now and again we all need a break from the mental and emotional strain of being a family caregiver. But when you can’t take a physical break, some of these smaller types of breaks can make a big difference.
Find Ways to Laugh
Laughing is a great way to get endorphins surging through your body and to signal to your brain and your body both that now is time to relax and to get comfortable. There are as many ways to laugh as there are people, so take the time to watch your favorite show or to engage in activities that help you to find the funny in life.
Take the Longer Way Home
When you’re out running errands and you know that your loved one is safe at home with other family members or even her elder care providers, you can safely take a route that you might travel less often. We become accustomed to taking particular routes home and to other locations, but sometimes shaking that up can help to give your brain new sights to focus on for a little bit.
Have a Conversation with a Friend
Has it been a while since you talked with your closest friend? It might be time to spend a few minutes catching up, then. Set aside some time every week to spend a few minutes talking to one or two of your friends. If you alternate through your contact list, you’ll be able to keep in touch much better than you thought that you would be able to.
Write a Letter
Letters are wonderful both to send and to receive, but so few of us send them anymore. When you need a break, take out some stationery you’ve been saving for a special occasion and write to a friend. You might just write a general “how are you” letter
or you might take the time to really let that person know why they’re special to you.
Go to Bed a Little Bit Earlier than Usual
Going to bed even a few minutes earlier than usual can help you to get a jump start on sleep for the next day. You’ll want to unwind as usual, of course, since you can’t just jump into bed and expect to fall asleep right away. You can also take this time to meditate or to practice breathing exercises.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a wonderful way to acknowledge and respect what you are most thankful for in your life. Practicing gratitude isn’t complicated, either. You can keep a journal or simply think about the things you’re grateful for at a specific time during your day. There’s no right or wrong way to practice gratitude.
Make a list of your favorite ways to take a mental break and keep it handy. Then, when you’re in need of a quick break, pick something you love off your list.
