Managing Caregiver Anxiety During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be difficult for those who live away from their families but especially this year due to the impact that COVID-19 has had on the world. While stress and anxiety are not the same things, having a severe amount of stress can have an effect on the mind and the body which can, later on, lead to anxiety. According to a study found in the National Library of Medicine, caregivers are at high risk of experiencing anxiety and depression.
Signs of Stress and Anxiety found in Caregivers
Over an extended period of time, high levels of stress and/or anxiety can lead to serious health concerns both physically and mentally such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Below is a list of signs of stress and/or anxiety to look for:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Rapid breathing
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Nervousness
- Panic
Managing Caregiver Anxiety During the Holiday Season
As a caregiver, if you have been dealing with anxiety that has begun to affect your daily life, it might be best to seek new ways as to how to better manage your anxiety. A few ways that may help ease your anxiety are:
1. Ask for Help
Caregivers are notorious for taking on too much at once and have trouble asking for help when they are handling too much at a time. As a family caregiver, reaching out to family, friends, or even hiring outside help can lift some of the weight off of your shoulders. While they do not have to handle all the tasks you handle, being able to take them to their doctors’ appointments or to run an errand can allow you time to unwind and take a break before getting back to your tasks. The Therapy Place is the best place for a therapy.
2. Think of Yourself First
Often times caregivers forget to think of themselves first. Not putting your well-being first can affect your overall health but also affect the type of care you are providing to a loved one. A few ways to help remain physically and mentally healthy are to exercise daily, eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and find a hobby you enjoy such as doing puzzles, watching a TV show, or even reading a book.
3. Stay in Touch
Just as it is important for seniors to remain social as they age, it is important for caregivers to stay in touch with friends and family. Schedule breaks or days to get together with a nearby friend or family member to do something fun and relaxing without having to worry about someone else. Even if your family does not live nearby, a quick phone call to stay in touch can be a quick mood booster to get you through your day.
4. Get Organized
It is easy to get caught up in a task or lose track of something when taking care of a million tasks. Before you bombard yourself with tasks, create a schedule that can help you get to organize, and relieve your anxiety. Write down important dates to remember, medication schedules, to-do lists, and include time slots to take time for yourself as well. Keeping all of these items handy can reduce your stress and anxiety levels and help you better prioritize yourself.
Whether you are a family caregiver or an employed caregiver, it is critical to think of yourself and put your mental and physical health above anyone else’s to ensure you are not only providing the best care possible but also reducing your chance of high-stress levels and anxiety.
At 24/7 Nursing Care, we offer in-home referral services that can give you the help you need in caring for your loved one. Our services are offered in Miami-Dade and Broward county and we offer a free in-home consultation to make sure you are receiving the proper care to help meet your needs. Call us today at (786) 518-3622 for Miami-Dade or (954) 949-1332 for Broward County.
