

When you’re already feeling pressed for time and you know you need to relax, doing so as quickly as possible is probably your best bet as a family caregiver. Try one or more of these ideas throughout the day to help you relieve tension and sneak in a little bit of self-care.
Do a Self-massage
Self-massage is often overlooked as a relaxation technique because people think that they need to have special skills to do it properly. Really all you need to do is to rub the muscles that you can reach in a relaxing manner. If you have a lot of muscle tightness in your shoulders and back, consider an acupressure mat that you can lie down on.
Take a Brisk Walk
You might think that taking a brisk walk is not a relaxing thing to do at all, but it absolutely can be. Walking briskly gets some extra movement into your day and it helps to get your blood flowing quickly. This also moves more oxygen through your body, which you need to keep your brain working the way you need it to work.
Meditate
Meditation can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. For a busy family caregiver, simple is best. Sit somewhere quiet and slowly deepen your breathing. If you’re having a hard time clearing your mind, focus on your breathing and count each breath. Set a timer for five minutes and you’ll be amazed how much benefit you’ll receive.
Breathe
Even if you don’t want to meditate, the breathing techniques that meditation can teach you are beneficial. Any time that you’re feeling stressed or upset, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Concentrate on filling your lungs as much as you can when you breathe in and then emptying them fully when you exhale.
Stretch
When you’re feeling anything but relaxed, your muscles are most likely knotted and tense. Take a minute or two to simply stretch out all your major muscle groups. Even if you don’t do yoga, take a pose or two that you enjoy and use those to stretch.
Quick relaxation activities are always welcome, but don’t forget to take longer breaks, too. Hire elder care providers or talk with other family members about pitching in and then go for a longer break. Take a full yoga class or get a professional massage.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in Redington Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.