Caregiving is an inarguably stressful career. Spending most of your time and energy dedicated to someone else’s wellbeing is noble, but it’s not always easy. So, shake off the stress of caregiving in Brooklyn Heights and give yourself the gift of these simple, mindful spiritual practices to soothe caregiver stress.
Stress tends to build, unnoticed, so remember to unwind and take a few moments for yourself. Even if your next day off seems miles away, there are plenty of recommended practices to soothe caregiver stress.
Mindful Practices for Caregivers
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Meditation
Meditation doesn’t require a babbling brook, incense, or a soft pillow. Those things are nice, but they’re props to help you get to a better mental state. Meditation is simply a way to ground yourself. It’s a way to become more aware of your mood, your thoughts, and even your body. As few as ten minutes of meditating can help you focus and refresh.
Start or end your day with a meditation session to set your frame of mind and end the day with another session to sweep out the day’s worries. AARP has some introductory information to help guide you. There are also several phone apps to help you get in the right frame of mind. You may prefer to find something on YouTube like Headspace, a meditation system, or just some calm meditative music like Music for Body and Spirit.
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Yoga
Yoga often conjures images of dimly lit studios and wind chimes, but again, those specifics are just externals. With little more than a series of stretches, poses, and breathing techniques, yoga can change your state of mind. It gets your blood flowing relatively quickly and easily which can reset your entire body. A five-minute stretch break using yoga to re-center yourself, can work wonders on how you cope with stress both physically and mentally. It is a great way to connect your mind, body, and spirit.
Here too, a studio is not necessary. An “emergency” click to YouTube in times of stress can do the trick. There are so many gurus online that it should be easy to find one that speaks to you. Here are some suggestions: Yoga with Adriene, Boho Beautiful Yoga, and Essential Yoga for those over 50.
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Deep Breathing
While caregivers spend a lot of time on their feet, a deep breathing can do a lot to overcome stress. Deep breathing is a wonderful way to immediately, almost seamlessly, relieve stress. It is a portable anytime/anywhere skill that can revolutionize the way you deal with stress. There are some simple steps to follow as you get more in touch with your body’s inhales and exhales and your overall flow. It calms the body and mind and is a perfect adjunct to the meditation and yoga practices above.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Can Help Seniors in Brooklyn Heights
For more tips and exercises to soothe caregiver stress in Brooklyn Heights, NY, be sure to explore David York Agency’s blog.
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Brooklyn Heights that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.