Caregivers often look after their loved ones before they look after themselves. Stress builds up without warning. Are you at risk?
This article is going to focus on the little things that can help you to relieve and, perhaps prevent, stress. Depending on your schedule, you may not be able to do some of the things listed. If you would like to share how you relieve stress, please start or join in on a discussion below. I will be breaking this up into 2 sections: Women and Men.
WOMEN
Depending on your schedule, these activities may be done during the day or in the evening. If you have more than 30 minutes to spare, try to combine activities to really pamper yourself.
1. At night when your loved one is asleep, take a nice long bubble bath. Fill that tub with warm water and lay back and relax. Light some candles, lie back, clothes your eyes, and wipe from your mind all the days doings. This may also be a great time to try aromatherapy, but be sure to get the right scent for your mood. In the United States, look in Bath & Body Works. They have a wonderful selection of products to use. In Canada, my favorite shop is Lush. When I need to relieve stress, I use bath bombs.
2. Give yourself a manicure and/or pedicure. Soak your feet in a foot bath massager for 30 minutes. Paint your nails with a bright, happy color and use a quick dry top coat, so you won't have to wait 5 hours to go to bed! Or, you can get one or both done in a salon.
3. Read your favorite novel or magazine. I have found that reading the Bible when I am feeling down has helped tremendously. Read what interests you, as we are all of different religions and ethnic backgrounds.
4. Rent your favorite movie. Comedies are great because laughing is great for the soul. My personal favorites are animals movies, such as Babe or Otis and Milo.
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