Take 5 for You: 5 Ways Caregivers Can De-stress

Authors:
  • author name Debbie Schrodi, DPT, CLT-LANA, MBA
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Are you one of 53 million Americans caring for a loved one, often placing their needs before your own? The National Alliance for Caregiving 2020 report estimates that 24 percent of caregivers are caring for more than one person, and 61 percent are working either full or part time.

5 Things You Can Do in 5 Minutes 

Being a caregiver can take a toll—both physically and emotionally. Use the ideas below to relieve stress and balance care for yourself with care for your loved one.

Breathe Deeply

Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. Sit up straight, eyes closed, with a hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling your breath fill up your abdomen and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat. Deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering the blood pressure, and has a relaxing effect on the body and mind.

Reach Out

Your family and friends can be an important source of support and it is important to stay connected (which isn’t always easy). Take 5 minutes to call someone who cares and share your experience. Talking with others can reduce stress and increase our sense of well-being.

Laugh a Little...Or A Lot!

Not only does it feel good to laugh, but laughter also lowers the stress hormone cortisol and boosts endorphins which help support a positive mood. Take 5 minutes to recall and retell a funny story that makes you laugh, read the comics, or watch a re-run of an old sit-com.

Be Grateful

Keep a gratitude journal and make it a practice to write down three things you are thankful for in your life each day. Counting your blessings promotes health, happiness and positive social relationships and can be an important counterbalance to the negative thoughts and worries that are often experienced by caregivers.

Keep Moving

All forms of movement and exercise, including walking and yoga can ease depression and anxiety by helping the brain release endorphins and giving the body a chance to practice dealing with and releasing stress. Go for a quick walk around the block; take the stairs up and down a few flights, or do some stretching, like head rolls and shoulder shrugs.

author name

Debbie Schrodi, DPT, CLT-LANA, MBA

Debbie Schrodi DPT, MBA, CLT-LANA is the Rehab Supervisor for Women’s Health and Oncology at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. She received a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University, a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College.

Call: 717-544-3270

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The LG Health Hub features breaking medical news and straightforward advice to help individuals of all ages make healthy choices and reach their wellness goals. The blog puts articles by trusted Lancaster General Health clinical experts, good 'n healthy recipes, videos, patient stories, and health risk assessments at your fingertips.

 

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