 |
 As
we say in The Compassionate Caregiver's
Guide to Caring for Someone with Cancer,
the Number One Rule of Caregiving is this: "Maintain
an even balance between the patient’s
concerns and your personal concerns." In
other words, you have to take care of yourself,
too.
Remembering to do that
may be one of the hardest parts of caregiving,
but because it’s so important block off
some time on the calendar. Make a date with
yourself to enjoy something that will rejuvenate
you and stick to it.
Some have the desire and
ability to let others pamper them in a place
away from home. If that’s for you, see
our Spas listing. Others of us want to relax,
pamper ourselves and release stress in the comfort
of our homes. If that’s for you, read
our tried and true methods. Try one or try them
all!
|
| |
| Helping
you relax: |
| |
- Explore
your creative side. You may find solace in painting,
drawing, quilting, or other hobbies. Pull out
that sketch pad and sit on your bed or other
comfortable spot and lose yourself in your art.
- Stretch
and exercise. These repetitive movements can
help tone, strengthen, and work tension away
from the body. They can also promote healing
and calmness. You can do these at home with
a towel and hand weights if you have them.
- Enjoy
a mini-massage. Take the time to use soothing
oils or lotions on your hands, feet, or other
body parts.
- Curl up
with a good book. For suggestions, go to our
Bookshelf.
|
|
|
| Helping
you pamper yourself: |
| |
- Light scented
candles and just enjoy the fragrance. Daydream
with it. For example, if the fragrance is apples,
think about a warm apple pie baked by your grandmother
or think about a trip to the apple orchard when
you were a child.
- Wear socks or
slippers around the house instead of walking
in your bare feet. The extra cushion will feel
good on those tired tootsies.
- Listen to your
favorite music. With headphones or behind a
closed door, you can usually enjoy it to the
volume you prefer as well.
- Draw a bath
or use a sauna. Add salts, bubbles or oils to
the bathwater to treat aching muscles. Watch
the temperature of the water or the steam room
to avoid being burned.
|
| |
| Helping
you release stress: |
| |
- Laugh.
With laughter therapy, some swear that you are
able to find energy when you’re spent,
find motivation when you’re down, or find
resolution to a problem that’s been bothering
you. A good comedy show on TV, a joke book,
book page or a funny web site could distract
your thinking for a while.
- Spend
time with your pet. Warm and fuzzy creatures
can bring great comfort and enjoyment. Plus,
they can be great listeners.
- Practice
t’ai chi. This ancient Chinese method
of slow, rhythmic movements is said to relax
both mind and body, while helping to improve
circulation and posture. To learn the moves,
you can surf the internet, look at a DVD, or
work with a T’ai Chi instructor.
- Take advantage
of respite care. Each state government has an
Office on Aging that can provide suggestions
on respite care for caregivers. What respite
means is that a trained caregiver can help the
patient for a while to give you a break from
caregiving. Contact your state department for
more information or try these two organizations
who hire out assistants to manage the patient’s
personal care: AmeriCare
Alliance, www.americarealliance.com, 800-610-2029
/ Visiting Angels,
www.visitingangels.com, 800-365-4189.
- Try yoga
– Yoga poses, movements, and meditation
appeal to all age groups at all levels of fitness.
The majority of these poses are non-stressors
and some suggest that these exercises help with
pain management as well. There are a wide variety
of yoga tapes or DVDs to practice at home.
|
|
| These
should give you a good start as you find ways that
work for you and fit into your schedule. Don’t
stand yourself up. Try one or try them all! As always,
if you have other great ideas for stress release
and pampering, email it to us at bonnie@compassionatecaregiveronline.com |
|
| |
|
|
|
