Our facial expressions expose so much to those around us, and if you are experiencing an abnormal quantity of stress, well-meaning family and friends will surely detect it, perhaps encouraging you to simply, “Cheer up, buttercup!” In reality, of course, it requires so much more than a couple of words to turn our mood around.
All the same, new research does support the idea of positive thinking as a method to minimize levels of anxiety and depression which can arise when we are overloaded with stress – something important for busy family caregivers to take to heart to lower the potential for burnout.
Judith Moskowitz, lead psychologist in the study who subsequently established a program to overcome the unpredictable manner of emotions so frequent in people providing care for a senior, explains, “We’re not saying don’t be sad or upset about what’s going on. But we know people can experience positive emotions alongside that negative emotion, and that positive emotion can help them cope better.”
The main techniques in her program include the following:
- Maintain a journal of things for which you’re grateful – including the small things.
- Identify at least one positive occurrence on a daily basis.
- Share about this event with your friends and family on social media.
- Identify one new milestone on a daily basis, and keep an eye on your progress in achieving it.
- Identify one of your strengths and think of how you’re utilizing that skill.
- Perform one daily small act of kindness for someone else.
- Think about a negative event, and then find a way to see it in a positive light.
- Engage in focused breathing and mindfulness to rebuild a sense of peace.
For the people providing care for a family member with dementia, the necessity to place emphasis on positives is usually even more imperative to overall wellbeing. Family caregivers who participated in a recent five-week study in which the effectiveness of these coping skills were examined documented a reduction in depression scores of 16%, and a reduction in anxiety of 14%.
In addition to the ideas above, it is crucial for family caregivers to make sure they’re caring for the caregiver: to stop isolating themselves and attempting to manage their caregiving duties solo, which can quickly bring on caregiver burnout along with other significant health risks. Working with an established in-home care agency, like Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, is the perfect strategy to gain a healthier life balance – both for family caregivers and the senior loved ones in their care.
Life is stressful; however, we are able to help! Make contact with the Hinsdale in-home care experts at https://www.independence4seniors.com/about-us/ for the trusted in-home care services that allow you time to focus on self-care and quality time with those you love.