How to Find Outside Activities that You Enjoy
June 17, 2016Home Care in New York NY
If you’re a stressed-out family caregiver, you’ve probably heard more than once that you should get out there and find some other activities that call to you. But if you’re always busy, it can be pretty difficult to do that with the time and the energy that you have available.
Take Some Classes
Look through the course offerings at local community centers or community colleges. If you’re not sure yet where to go or you have serious scheduling issues, consider even taking courses online. Try a variety of different subjects to try to find new interests. Ask friends and family members if they have suggestions for courses that you might enjoy taking.
Get Involved
While being a family caregiver involves volunteering your time as it is, sometimes stepping out and helping others can help you to feel more at peace. Try looking for organizations that need extra help that are related to causes that you believe in. For example, local animal shelters may need help socializing puppies and kittens or a soup kitchen might need help preparing meals. Giving can help you to let go of your stress.
Join Social Groups
You have your friends and family, but maybe it’s time to branch out a little bit. Try joining different social groups to meet new people. This could be a support group that meets just for fun activities or it could be something not involving caregiving at all. Look for new social groups at community centers, community colleges, and even online.
Spend More Time with Friends and Family
If you haven’t been taking advantage of the relationships that you have with your friends and family, now’s the time to bump that up the priority list. Pick a different friend or family member each week and make it a point to spend time with that person. Maybe try an activity that person really enjoys or pick something new to try together. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time and you might just find something you want to enjoy together more often.
Be gentle with yourself as you find outside activities that you enjoy. And don’t let yourself make the excuse that your loved one needs you there all the time. Hire experienced home care providers that you can trust and go expand your horizons.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in New York, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899. Call today!
Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA
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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