April 30, 2018

Tips From EveryStep: Five Ways to De-Stress

Managing unhealthy habits are key to change

Daily stress – whether from driving to work, a heavy workload, or juggling home, family and work – can have real, physical effects on your body. It has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including mood, sleep, and appetite problems. Stress can also lead to detrimental behaviors like eating unhealthy food, exercising less, smoking, or drinking too much alcohol.

Caregiving can have many rewards. However, providing care and support for loved one who needs help with the activities of daily living can also cause stress. Shifting roles and responsibilities can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, exhaustion, isolation or sadness.

Home care or hospice care providers can address these challenges and ease the burden of family caregivers by offering in-home care services to those with chronic or life-changing health care issues.

Breaking the stress connection requires both learning to deal with stress and managing unhealthy habits. These five simple tips can help you do just that.

  1. Meditate. This practice of inward-focused thought and deep breathing has been shown to reduce risk factors such as high blood pressure. Yoga, qigong, and prayer can also relax the mind and body.
  2. Exercise. Your body releases mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins every time you are physically active, whether you take a walk, bicycle or play tennis. Exercising not only melts away stress, it also promotes better health by lowering your blood pressure, strengthening your heart muscle, and helping you maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Unplug. Take time each day – even if it's for just 10 or 15 minutes – to escape from the world. It's impossible to escape stress when it follows you everywhere. Put down your phone or tablet, turn off the TV, and go “screen-free” for a few minutes.
  4. Find ways to take the edge off your stress. Simple things, like a warm bath, listening to music, or spending time on a favorite hobby, can give you a much-needed break from the stressors in your life.
  5. Care Services at a Glance. Click here for information about our in-home services. 

Need help for yourself or someone in your care? For more information, call us at (855) 867-4692.

EveryStep provides care and support to patients, family members and their caregivers through chronic or serious illness, recovery or rehabilitation. Our experienced and compassionate staff can assist family caregivers in understanding the importance of nutrition, exercise, social ties, mental and spiritual health, and how all these things can contribute to wellbeing for individuals of all ages