Stress Management or Stress Elimination?
By Jo Cavanaugh
Are you stressed? How do you know? And is it good stress or "bad? stress? Without stress or some type of motivation, I would spend the entire day in bed and probably do a great imitation of a slug so I find that a healthy dose of stress helps me be what I want and need to be. So how do you know when you have too much stress or if you are vulnerable to stress? Here is a handy test that is provided by Awakenings for Living
Stress Test
One way that I keep my level of stress manageable is with daily meditations or contemplations.
Take care of yourself the best you can
Caregivers - I am a shining light. My body is a miracle. The bodies of the people I care for are also miracles. Our bodies know how to handle emergencies, and they know how to rest and replenish themselves. We are learning to listen to our bodies and to give our bodies what they need. Sometimes caring for others is an overwhelming job. It is more than we had anticipated. Learn to ask for help. Whether you are a caregiver or a care-receiver, loving yourself is one of the most important things you can do. When you truly love and accept yourself exactly as you are, it's as though you shift gears on some level. Suddenly, you can relax and know, deep in your heat, that All is Well.
The excerpt is taken from the book, Meditations to Heal Your Life, by Louise L. Hay. It is published by Hay House, Inc.
Words of Encouragement
Magic Carpet Ride
Picture a magical, flying carpet floating in front of you. Notice its color, texture, size, and shape. Climb aboard and allow the threads of your heart's desires to transport you to a place of your dreams.
Escape it all for a minute.
Soar with your heart's desires.
From Meditation Express, Stress Relief in 60 Seconds Flat, By Nancy L. Butler-Ross and Michael Suib, Contemporary Books, 2001.
Book Award
Bonnie from St. Cloud, Minnesota will receive February's book,Quiet Moments for Caregivers,by Betty Free. Enjoy!
Self Care Tip
Caregiver Finds New Solution to Old Problem: Embarrassment
- By Robin Lenart
When I cared for my mom at home I dreaded the day I'd be called in to help with her shower. I felt it would be rather embarrassing for both of us. Mom was a very dignified lady, and I wanted to respect her privacy. How could I invade such an intimate boundary as her personal care? How would she feel, being exposed and naked?
Thankfully, my frustration gave way to inspiration in the nick of time. I designed a "wear in the shower? garment for my mom that allowed her to stay covered and still receive the bathing help she needed. It has three flap-panels, which cover the lower torso while offering easy access to the caregiver. A companion bib-like panel for women modestly covers the chest. I made it with a water-resistant nylon and lined it with a sport mesh just like surfers wear, so it wouldn't cling when wet. I also designed a companion towel-like garment that enabled mom to stay covered when removing her wet garment and dressing into dry clothes. I found that my new garments also kept her covered while using a bedside commode or during clothing changes.
My mom and I never again had to fear or dread shower time. Mom kept her dignity and I felt more dignified giving her the honor she so deserved. I named mom's new garment the Honor Guard, and started a new company to make it available for other caregivers like me. To purchase or learn more about the Honor Guard visit Personal Care Wear's website at http://www.personalcarewear.com.
If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito. -- Author Unknown
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