stressed out Archives -

The entire world seems snowed in and stressed out. Winter at its best takes a toll on family caregivers and homemakers as we strive to keep our families healthy and happy.

It is said, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Does it follow that when life gives you snow, make snow ice cream? Well, we are not making snow ice cream today; but I do want to challenge you to change your mindset in that direction. Here is how my morning went today; perhaps it will be an encouragement to you.

Between snow and ice covered ground, and weeks of the “stuff” that’s going around, I am hungering to be outside; to put my feet on solid ground, to smell fresh, dry air. Today it’s warmer; the weatherman promises our snow should all be gone by tonight. Before I even rejoiced, he continued, “tomorrow brace yourself for another cold front. We will have snow, sleet, and ice by nightfall, perhaps six inches or more.”

And my short-lived joy plummets. I cannot bear another snowed in day; my burdens are too heavy, my responsibilities too great. How can we care for others, keep a household going, and endure these winters. Now, I know some of you are buried under feet of snow and wonder why I’m complaining. Sometimes a tiny cloud can be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Determined stress will not win today; I close my eyes, sit up straight, breathe in through my nose to the count of five, stretching taller as I inhale. Counting slowly, I exhale to the count of ten. Relax. Repeat.

Regardless of how stressed or stretched you are, join me for this short exercise. First, sit up straight and breathe deeply as I did above. Now, hold your arms out to the side; count them. Yes, there are two! Now move your fingers and count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 on one hand; 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Thanks, Lord, for ten wiggling fingers! Relax

Sit comfortably in a chair. With legs stretched out in front of you, count … one leg, two legs. Thank you, Lord. One foot, two feet, thank you, Lord. 1, 2 3 … 10 little toes. Wow! Thank you Lord.
I can see the snow; thank you Lord for eyes to see the snow. Thank you Lord for ears to hear the birds singing.

Today, I will wrap my arms around my loved ones, those in my care and I will find more ways to rejoice. I will spend my time praying for the many who are in worse conditions than I.

Let’s vow to “make snow ice cream” again tomorrow when it comes down again.

Please let me hear from you; how are you weathering winter?

Hugs,

The photo is Kitty doing her stretches! Actually, I think she was begging to come inside. Who do you know that needs my newsletter? Have them sign up in the box at the top right hand of this page.

Where you can go now to get information and share information.

As we look at statistics about caregivers and who they are, think about your own situation or someone you know who is caring for someone on a regular basis. Where do you go for help? Who will understand? I want to share a great place to find some help and encouragement.

A few statistics about family caregivers.

Three out of four family caregivers who care for someone over the age of 18 either work now or have been working while providing care. Two thirds have had to either give up their jobs or have made adjustments to their work life. One in five family caregivers have had to take a leave of absence.

Family caregivers spend an average of twenty hours a week caring for their loved ones. Many provide 40 hours a week or more.

You are not alone in your situation.

We can easily see that we are not alone in our struggles to care for others and ourselves. Years ago, I felt like I was the only person who would understand my frustrations and yes, even my joys. I would have benefited much from someone who had walked the path before me.

Two lessons I learned when caring for Mother.

Often we get overloaded and stressed out when we are not aware of helps available. I have learned two great lessons through my caregiving years:

1. I cannot do everything myself either physically or mentally.

2. It is worth my time to learn what others are doing in my situation; to explore options.

Here is information about my favorite caregiving website.

I have found this website to be full of helpful ideas and solutions from those who have been in a similar situation and learned from it.

This on-line resource has undergone some upgrades recently; there are many free articles, videos and e-books available as well as items to purchase. There are even contests and games if you have time for a little diversion.

I was privileged to write a few articles for some of their gift book series. The website address for Caregiving.com is http://www.caregiving.com and I think you will find it helpful.

For most of us, finding a safe place to chat and share our hearts is all we need. Talking things out is often the best answer to our problems. Please do let me know if this is helpful to you.

Hugs,

Looking forward to hearing from you; you are an encouragement to me. Watch for great news coming soon; you’ll be the first to know!