Caregiver Stress Reduction Techniques
from Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Hosted by Alzheimer's Caregivers
A caregiver's journey is not an easy one. There's stress, frustration, sadness, even anger. There are many ways to cope with these feelings, some good, some not so good. Learning mindfulness from my guest helped me tremendously. Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Tune in to learn how mindfulness can help you with your caregiver stress reduction.
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What this episode covers
Stress reduction is a critical component of self-care when we caregiving. Personally, I tried to dismiss negative feelings as unhelpful until I talked to my guest Scott Lavitt. Scott is helping his mother care for his Dad who is in the mid-stages of Alzheimer's. Scott taught me simple mindfulness techniques that surprised me by how easily they worked. Facing a situation for which I had no control I embraced the anger that I was feeling. By embracing that feeling I became aware of why I felt that way. That awareness gave me some peace. Additionally, that feeling of peace allowed me to realize that I am doing my best in a really difficult situation. I wish that I could say this awareness and peace made making a tough decision easier, it did not. What I did gain was the self-understanding that I was handling things as well as they could be handled. Everyone needs to learn how to be kinder to themselves, but it's especially important for those of us caring for a loved one with memory loss. Scott Lavitt's Facebook page, full of great videos Giving a Caregiver Help Join Fading Memories On Social Media! By all means, share this podcast with other caregivers! You can find us on social media at the following links. Facebook Instagram Twitter I share more about my journey with Mom, stuff that's going on in my own life and most importantly, cute dog photos and videos. Also, check out our new YouTube channel where you can see us in action!
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