Ways to Beat Stress This Summer

Caregiver in Putnam NY

School may be out, but for family caregivers, stress can still be “in”.  As children all over the country are beginning their summer break, you may be feeling like you need a break, too.  If you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one and have children of your own, the summer can be a very overwhelming time.  You may be concerned about how you can complete all of the necessary tasks you have each day as a caregiver, while also taking care of children who are now home all day.  Even if you remind yourself that this situation is temporary, it can still be a source of a lot of stress and too much stress can be harmful to you health and wellbeing.  This summer, make it a goal to beat stress and set aside time to take breaks and relax.  Even if you have a busy schedule, taking time for yourself is very important.  Even small, short, regular breaks can help you to keep your attitude positive and your energy up.  Here are a few ways you can try to beat stress this summer.

Let the Kids Help

If you have children who are older, encourage them to help you with your responsibilities.  Older children may enjoy helping with meal preparation or doing some outdoor chores.  When the children help you with your caregiving duties, they will be take some of the pressure off of you and they will be spending quality time with their grandparent.

Spend Time Outdoors

Being outdoors is known to help people to relax and let go of stress and summer is the perfect season to spend some time outside.  Even if you can only take a short break, make sure to step outside, feel the sun on your face, and enjoy the summer breeze.  Don’t forget your sunscreen, though!

Try Outdoor Exercise

Both being outdoors and exercising can help calm the mind.  Why not do both at the same time this summer by taking some time to do some outdoor exercise.  Walk on a trail, ride your bike, play tennis with a friend, or swim a few laps outside, and feel your stress melt away.

Get Out of the House

Summer is the perfect time to go out on outings with your elderly loved one.  If being cooped up in the house is giving everyone the blues, plan a day trip to a local zoo, botanical garden, flea market, or farmer’s market to add some variety to your days.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Putnam, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899.  Call today!

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Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA

Director of Client Services at Star One Home Care

Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA is Director of Client Services & Director of Phoenix Nurse Aide Training Center. Before assuming the post in 2012, Patricia was the Director or Nursing & Service Delivery at WRC for 3 years where she was the strategic lead for nursing and services to members.

Patricia started her nursing career 19 years ago at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and research institution in New York City, and since then has gained experience in Adult Intensive Care Units (ICU) , Pediatric Care (PICU ), Operating Room (OR) , mental health and community settings. She later moved into director of nursing roles, where she obtained extensive experience in leading and developing the nursing profession. She also pioneered good partnership working with other health care organizations, as well as social services, and the wider community.

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