Something tells me that when you read the title of this blog many of you said…”Yeah right”. Though there are people on this planet that do lead a stress-free life daily, I am fully aware that it is not the easiest thing to do. Especially as a family caregiver.
It’s not always easy to get out of the spin cycle of your life, so putting things into place to help you is paramount. Stress plays a heavy toll on your body so finding a way to release and fill up your tank becomes one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
My favorite way to reduce stress is connecting with Mother Nature. It is simple, easy and right outside your front door. Spring is the perfect time to do so with so much coming in to bloom. Take time to get out for a walk and let yourself breathe in the fresh air and let your senses inhale the beauty. It’s enough to shift your focus off of your caregiving long enough to help fill up your tank again. Trust me on this; it will help. It won’t ‘fix’ it, but it will help.
I’d love to see you out us on our Saturday walks if you are in the Bay Area of California. Easy and a wonderful way to connect with others going through similar circumstances. Visit the Breathing Spaces website for more information and to register.
Another great thing to do is starting a Gratitude Journal. There is something potent about shifting your focus from your day to day concerns, angst/worry to giving power to things that you re grateful for. It helps shift your perspective/focus and studies have shown that by putting your energy into things you are grateful for can produce even more, and a lighter heart. This article; Gratitude Journal: 67 Templates, Ideas, and Apps gives great ideas on how to start one. I’m doing it right now and it’s already making a difference. Try it…..you just might like it.
“With every act of self-care your authentic self gets stronger, and the critical, fearful mind gets weaker. Every act of self-care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side, I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.” -Susan Weiss Berry
Be well….
Hugs,
Cyndi