It seemed the world celebrated as 2020 ended and 2021 began.
Many people felt more full of hope and promise than they had in almost a year with the news of vaccinations and a possible return back to “normal.” You and your parent probably felt some of that hope reappearing in your lives, maybe with the joyful expectation of your parent getting to spend time with grandchildren again or perhaps with the upcoming resuming of cherished activities.
On the flip side for many, the hope they felt as they entered 2021 is beginning to wane as the steps to get back to normalcy are taking longer than many had thought. If your parent (or yourself as his caregiver) is struggling to remain positive in the waiting, practicing mindfulness of the world around you and positive elements in your life might just be what both of you need to take care of your mental health during this interim period.
1. Just breathe.
Breathing is one of the obvious indicators that you are still here, ready for a new day. When anxious thoughts invade your parent’s mind (or you as the caregiver), stop and breathe. Draw in a deep breath, and say to yourself “I am breathing in,” then exhale and think “I am breathing out.” Focusing on that action of breathing alone can quiet the racing thoughts or nervous feelings that are occurring. You and your parent can do this together or separately when you need to let go of the worries of the future and anchor yourselves back into the here and now.
2. Get into nature.
There is a natural healing element of being out in nature. The weather in some parts of the country may make this a little hard right now, but not impossible. Dress appropriately and head outside, even if it’s simply out into the backyard when your mind is racing with negative thoughts. Once outside, focus on what you hear, what you smell, and what you see around you to enjoy those little pleasures that are naturally around you. Have a nicely cleared area in the backyard for your parent to head outside anytime he starts to feel himself being overwhelmed.
3. Move around.
Making the time to move around and get exercise will help your brain calm itself as it focuses on whatever physical movement you’re participating in. Your parent can try simple exercises like walking around the neighborhood or chair yoga at home. Yoga is a great way to incorporate not only the body into the activity, but the mind and breathing as well. Perhaps you and your parent could practice yoga at home each morning to start the day.
4. Practice gratitude.
Purchase gratitude journals for you and your parent and then commit to recording 3-5 items to be grateful each and every day. You can start out your days that way or use your journal as a way to end a day, calming the brain down before going to bed. These grateful observations will carry over throughout the day and help dampen those anxious thoughts that may begin to pop back up.
As a caregiver, it’s important to acknowledge that you can struggle with the same issues as your parent does with anxiety, fear, and stress. Taking care of yourself with mindfulness, whether alone or with your parent, will provide one way to manage your mental health.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in San Mateo, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
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