Are you coping well with your care giving responsibilities – or are you just getting by?
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Highlights
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The beginning of a new year, is a good time to assess how well you are doing – not as a caregiver, but as an individual with needs of your own. Are you taking care of yourself? Let’s see.
Coping Methods to Avoid
The following 4 methods for coping may seem to work at first, but over the long term they actually lower your ability to deal with important issues in your life. They can also make you less healthy and lead to problems that interfere with your care giving and your own life.
- I smoke cigarettes or use tobacco several times a week.
- At least once or twice during an average week, I use medicines, alcohol, or other substances to help me sleep.
- At least once or twice during an average week I use medicines, alcohol, or other substances to reduce anxiety or help me calm down.
- I bring work home at least once or twice during an average week because worrying kept me from doing it at the office.
Take a moment to look at the statements below. They describe some regular habits that can keep caregivers healthy and balanced. The more of these habits you have, the better. If you don’t already have all 10, look for ways to add those that appeal to you. In short, you can never have too many coping skills.
How many of these statements describe you?
- I have a supportive family around me.
- I pursue a hobby or project for work, church, or my community.
- I take part in a social or activity group more than once a month.
- I am within 10 pounds of my ideal body weight.
- I use meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation 5 times a week.
- During an average week I exercise at least 5 times for 30 minutes or more.
- I eat a well-balanced meal 2 or 3 times a day that’s low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables.
- I do something enjoyable "just for me" at least once during an average week. (Click here to read our Caregiver Corner article in Issue 19 - “Take a vacation for 30 minutes.”)
- I have a place where I can go to relax or be by myself.
- I set priorities and manage my time every day - deciding what tasks are most important and how much I can and can't do.
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