December 2018 Lunch and Learn: Caregiver Burnout - Managing Stress
Caregiving Can Become Quite Stressful if Precautions are Not Taken to Alleviate It
Stress is defined as the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response, also known as “fight or flight”. It can be positive or negative and it is experienced from the environment, our bodies and/or thought patterns.
Prolonged stress results in physical reactions such as:
- Irregular heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disruption
- Weight gain/loss
Mental reactions can include:
- An inability to focus (called “brain fog”)
- Dizziness
- Headaches
And let’s not forget emotional reactions such as:
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Thoughts of harming oneself or others
So, it is imperative for one’s well-being to reduce stress!
Some tips for doing so are:
- Exercise
- Healthy diet
- Getting enough rest and setting limits for yourself
Another important one is realizing and accepting things that are out of our control. Caregivers need to make time for hobbies, interests away from caregiving, and friends/family. Of course, seek professional help as needed. Being a caregiver can be very demanding and time-consuming so enlisting some help from Right at Home can certainly relieve stress too!
If you or someone you know is in need of respite care, contact us today.