Caring for your loved one is immensely meaningful and rewarding, but it can also feel like a full-time job. Many family caregivers we know describe feeling stretched thin. In fact, two thirds of family caregivers report at least one mental health symptom.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to do it all by yourself. There are many resources and activities in McHenry County to help family caregivers unwind, care for themselves and get support.
How Family Caregivers Can Manage Stress in McHenry County
McHenry County is full of resources to help you manage stress. Many of them are even free or discounted for seniors, making it easy for your loved one to take advantage of them as well.
Try Breathing Exercises
Not sure where to start with stress management? Try breathing exercises. They’re a proven way to reduce tension and clear your mind. And they’re also convenient: You can do them anywhere, and most of them only take a few minutes.
One of the best breathing exercises for all-around stress relief is 4-7-8 breathing, which takes just one to three minutes. Try it right now:
- Sit up with a straight back, or lie face-up on the floor.
- Using your diaphragm, breathe in through your nose and count to four. (Your belly should expand slightly as you inhale.)
- Hold your breath and count to seven.
- Breathe out through your mouth and count to eight. Make your breath forceful and audible.
- Repeat 3-5 times.
If you want to take it a step further, try a yoga or meditation class that incorporates deep breathing like Restorative Yin Yoga at Bliss Yoga.
Get Outdoors
Spending time under the open sky doesn’t just feel good: Going outside can actually improve your mental health. And McHenry County has no shortage of options.
Veterans Acres Park is the perfect place to go for a picnic, play sports or just wander and explore. On top of pavilions and a variety of fields and courts, this 140-acre park also has well-maintained hiking trails that will take you through natural areas like Sterne’s Woods and Wingate Prairie.
If your loved one is into camping, the Illinois State Park Senior Pass makes it easy for them. This pass gives seniors free and discounted rentals on campsites—even if they bring an RV.
Spark Creativity
Engaging the creative side of your brain can help you recharge. In fact, art therapy is gaining recognition as a tool to reduce stress and process emotions. Just a few hours of creative time a week, no matter your skill level or what it is, can help you unwind and build resilience.
Try signing up for a class at Creative Arts Inc., where professional artists will teach you to paint and draw in a variety of styles and techniques. If neither of those strikes your interest, stay tuned, as they’re adding a series of pottery lessons to their list of offerings.
Spend Time With a Friend
Humans are social creatures, and spending time with each other is key to maintaining our mental health. In fact, people who spend at least six hours a day socializing are 12 times as likely to say they’re happy.
For a relaxed spot to hang out, there’s nowhere better than Aroma Coffee and Wine. Stop in for a latte, a drink or a pastry and spend some time catching up with a friend.
Plan for the Future
The best way to manage stress is often to take care of yourself, but sometimes it helps to address your concerns head-on. By building a concrete plan for the future, you can make sure you’ll be ready for the unexpected. There are many professionals in McHenry County available to help.
Did you know that 70% of caregivers say care coordination is stressful? If you’re one of them, a Senior Care Manager can help. Experts like those at The Kare Group can help you navigate every aspect of your loved one’s care, ensuring everything goes smoothly and all their needs are met.
Estate planning can be difficult to approach, so it’s important to find a lawyer who’s both knowledgeable and compassionate. We highly recommend Wick Elder Law, a firm specializing in legal matters relating to seniors—including helping your loved one plan their estate.
Reach Out for Support
When you need time to care for yourself, FirstLight Home Care of McHenry County is here to help. Our professional caregivers will give your loved one the same loving, compassionate care that you would, so you can get the peace of mind you need to unwind. Whether they need ongoing assistance or temporary respite care, we’re dedicated to making every day their best day.
Whether you need help caring for your loved one or yourself, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to offer help with home care or provide referrals to other services—whatever is best for you and your family.