There are several parts of this "care giver stress cure": alone time, reflection, positive thinking and stress relief techniques. I know what you are thinking, "Who has time for all of that?"
Since discovering the benefits of this simple little method, I have found a way to incorporate this into my everyday life. The first step is to allow yourself to reclaim your alone time. It will give you a sense of freedom and control over your life.
I have become selfish about my alone time. I get up in the early hours of the morning, before everyone else. It is quiet, calm and peaceful. If it is warm outside, I sneak out to the garden to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. When it is cold, I bundle up with blankets and a hot cup of tea and I start my morning just enjoying the silence.
Solitude and silence has taught me to learn to live in the moment. In those stolen precious moments, I have learned that to worry about the future and think about the past is not productive. It was and still is something that I struggle with everyday.
It is difficult for me to depend on others for help. People, even family members, disappoint and frustrate when they do not meet my expectations. Positive thinking has helped me get through these moments of anger and rage. I have learned that I must change my expectations and how I respond. It was a hard and difficult lesson for me.
I have a positive affirmation, a mantra, if you will. "For every problem I encounter, there is a solution and I WILL find it." All care givers that provide eldercare for the aging senior in their life will have periods of being stressed out. Overcome the stress and feel energized and rejuvenated. Reclaim some alone time everyday and allow yourself to experience the power of positive thinking.
I have come to realize that I have no control over anybody or anything that occurs in my life. The only thing that I have control over is how I respond to the problems and issues that present themselves to me.
Solitude and reflection in those early morning hours has led me to the power of positive thinking. Did you know that positive or negative attitudes are contagious? Well, they are!
It is often said that your thoughts will become your reality, so make them good and positive thoughts.
As a care giver, many become resentful that their time is not their own. Everyone has expectations that you will do something for them. Many care givers begin to feel frustrated and angry with everyone around them. I understand that feeling.
So as I sit in the still of the morning, I reclaim my life and those moments as my alone time. I am alone with my thoughts. It has given me a new perspective on how I handle things. I will only allow myself to think positive thoughts. I choose to take time and see how I can turn every situation into a positive. Trust me, when you are dealing with a crisis situation it is a challenge.
With those moments of positive thinking, I find that there is a lot to be grateful for in my life. Just when you think that your situation is terrible and overwhelming, give a thought to those that have it so much worse than you could ever imagine. Yes, I have learned that even in the darkest hours of life, there are things for which we can be grateful.
In those moments of solitude and silence, I have discovered many things about myself. Some of it is positive. I have also found that I am human and have many shortcomings. In spite of myself, I have come to realize that I cannot do it all. I need others to help me get through some of the rough times.
Author: Diane Carbo
About the author:
Diane Carbo RN Please visit Diane's web site and learn more about my solutions for releaving my stress. Sign up for "The Caring Advocate" her free newlsetter and take advantage of a complimentary e-course Advocating For Yourself and Others"
Article source: Free Family Articles.
