When working as a caregiver, it is normal to experience stress despite it being a rewarding job. Occasional stress is a sign that your body is properly functioning. Our bodies produce hormones like adrenaline or cortisol when we encounter danger or problems.
When you overwork yourself, you will start having some problems like headaches, depression, irritability, etc. These conditions will affect your work, and you won’t be focused. That’s why you need to contact TrueBlue of Sugarland to provide house care services when the tasks become too much.
Otherwise, you need to know how to relieve the stress. In this article, we will share eight practical stress relief techniques you can consider:
1. Do Exercises
Doing exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. When exercising, your body releases stress-relieving chemicals like endorphins (hormones that help in naturally improving your mood) in your brain.
There are different types of exercises, including:
- Jogging
- Running
- Walking
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Swimming
- Cycling and many more
It would help if you chose a proper form of exercise that makes you happy and is safe for your health. Know that doing regular workouts is a good choice for stress management
In addition, do you know that sleep is also a great form of exercise? Due to unavoidable circumstances like work, many caregivers and their seniors fail to sleep the recommended 8 hours. This makes your body fatigued and stressed. Always ensure that you get enough sleep to stay healthy, stress-free, and active.
2. Take Deep Breaths
When feeling stressed, you should take deep breaths. Doing this increases the amount of oxygen in your blood making you feel relaxed. You only need to relax, then breathe in slowly until you feel your belly coming outwards. Hold the breath for a few seconds and then breathe out. Repeat this several times- at least three times.
When you are doing the breathing exercise, avoid thinking about the stressful issues. Instead, think of some good memories. For example, try imagining being in a place you love – it could be a beach or any other nice place. This is proven to relieve stress because you will feel happy when you think about it.
3. Listen to music
Who doesn’t feel good when listening to music?
At times, you may feel as if you are not in the mood to do anything. It is okay to experience that; we all do. When in such a situation, listening to the music you love may be a great solution. Music distracts your mind from stress. It can even be more fun when you dance to the tune.
4. Speak out
Do not let stress overwhelm you while you have your caring family and friends around you. Your loved ones give you a sense of belonging. Their support, especially when you are stressed, will make you feel valued. Try as much as you can to spend time with your loved ones talking and laughing.
You can also join support groups in your area. The good thing about the groups is that different people meet, express themselves and help each other. This helps you overcome your stress.
5. Spend time with pets
This may seem odd, but it is very effective. Spending some time with your pet is very vital. When you are busy playing with your pet, your mind is active and distracted from stressful issues.
6. Take a warm shower
When you get a chance for a break, you may take a hot shower. A hot shower releases tension and makes your body calm down. However, if you don’t have time to shower, you can wash your face with hot or warm water, and you will feel relieved.
7. Go for a massage
A massage is a great thing to do if you are stressed. The therapies will help you feel relaxed. However, if you can’t afford the spa massage, you can opt for the self-massage to fight your stress. Use your thumb to massage your face, especially each side of your forehead, slowly. It is not intense, but it helps a bit.
8. Write
Have you ever noticed that your body reacts with your writing words when writing something like a letter? For example, when writing about something good, you smile. Writing down your thoughts can help you get stress out of your head and gives you a clear perspective of what’s bothering you.
A helpful approach is to divide a piece of paper into two. On one piece, write all the things you can change, while on the other, write things that are beyond your control.
Focus on what you can change because things beyond your control will only hurt you more.
The thing is, you can’t avoid stress. But you can learn how to control chronic stress with the above tips. So if you work in home care Myrtle Beach SC please take care of yourself so you can take care of others.