By Angel Everett
We all lead very stressful lives, as caregivers especially. Many in-home caregivers juggle work, home, and caretaking, which leaves very little time to really relax. The holidays are now upon us and that creates more work with shopping and cooking, but it’s a perfect time to recognize our need for quiet times.
Do you take a few moments out of your day to reflect and de-stress? It’s important for our physical and mental health to have that time to unwind each day. So turn off the T.V. and the ringer on the phone. You give a lot during your day. It’s time to re-charge your battery!
Here are some tips:
- Find a place where you can be comfortable. It might be the easy chair in your bedroom or a stool by the fireplace. I think it’s also good to have an outside place where you can find some quiet time. Just a chair on the porch will do.
- Pick a time of the day when you’re less likely to be interrupted. Let your family know that you just need a few minutes alone.
- This is your time to pamper yourself. You may choose to just sit with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Try to concentrate on nothing! Breathe. Soft music may help or just the sounds of the birds outside can calm us down. Relax. Loosen up your neck by rotating your head a bit. Roll your shoulders and gently shake out your legs.
- Give yourself at least 10 to 15 minutes to really unwind. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.
- When you can spare a few more minutes, try jotting down some things you are grateful for, or just think about something nice that happened today. Think about the things that bring you joy. Do you love to watch the rain or a crackling fire in the hearth? Has someone you love done something nice lately? Push negative thoughts and problems aside. There will be time for those. Think happy thoughts. Recognize the things in your life that bring beauty and joy – a favorite childhood memory or a visit with a grandchild.
- This is also a good time to read poetry or open your Bible to a favorite passage. Read slowly and really think about the words and the meaning. Just a few pages or passages can give you a whole new outlook for the day. Think about how the words speak to you.
- Also choose to go outside every day. Even when it’s cold, bundle up and just go out on the porch for a few minutes. Feel the air and look up at the sky. Did you know that the simple act of looking up can help relieve tension and stress? Look for the beauty that is in your own yard.
- If you are having trouble getting your quiet time, you might find taking a bath will get you that alone time. Light a few candles and set out your favorite sleepwear. Put on some soothing music and post a “Do not Disturb” sign on the door.
- If possible, soak up some sun while you’re having your quiet time. Pick a spot by a sunny window. It’s important during the winter months to get enough sun.
- Make your quiet time a daily splurge. It’s only a few minutes. Encourage your loved ones to try it too.
My mother has always taught me the importance of quiet time. Her refuge is up in a sunny window of her bedroom. She says it makes her feel so much better. “I listen to beautiful classical music or read my Bible. Sometimes I’ll just work a puzzle in front of the window.”
I hope this encourages you to give yourself the simple gift of quiet time. We’d love to hear from you about how you relax and de-stress!