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Coping 101 - part one

© Sandra Nasser

Caring for a child with a disability can be overwhelming and exhausting physically and emotionally. It is imperative to keep your physical and mental health in the best form it can be. For some of us, it is felt this is impossible. Well, it doesn't have to be. Being responsible for yourself first will benefit your ability to care for your loved one. In this two- part article, simple solutions for coping with feelings of frustration and despair will be discussed that can help. Now we begin our crash course.

Whether it is 10 minutes or more, all of us need some time for a break. When we become overwhelmed in our responsibilities we lose sight of who we are. Superwoman or Superman we are not. We need to re-evaluate and take positive steps to encourage new motivation and discourage negative feelings.

(1) - Time to yourself. This is when the world should stop around you. It is only you, you and you. Start by setting aside 10 minutes a day of quiet time. No thinking time. Examples, lay down, close your eyes and listen to soft music. Really listen to the music not what is going on in your thoughts. Take a walk. While walking take deep breaths and give all your attention to nature. Look at the trees, watch the birds fly from tree to tree and keep your head high.

(2) - Keeping a journal. Or use any piece of scrap paper you can find. It is time to get in touch with your past and present feelings. Thinking time. Expressing feelings on paper for you to read and reread. Make a list of accomplishments you have made in your life. Or a list of accomplishments for that day. Accomplishments that were very rewarding to you. Yes, you will notice you have succeeded before and you will again.

(3) - Laughing. Hahahahaha!!!!! What a stress reliever! It is a fact, laughing is literally, extremely healthy for the body and soul. Enter a list in your journal, "Things that make me happy or bring an smile to my face." Examples of this could be a funny joke you heard, a comedy show you saw; or something funny your loved on said. We all have happy moments but when we get caught up we tend to forget these moments. Well, don't forget write them down.

(4) - Expressing positive communication with yourself. This is so important. A must to practice forever. Don't use negative words such as, "I can't", or "I won't". Instead, use positive words such as, "I can", and "I will". Believe me, you will!

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