Whether it’s releasing pent up emotions by hitting a pillow, yelling out the back door, or finding a quiet spot to meditate for a few minutes, finding an action that gives you solace midday or any time things are getting too intense can be such a lifesaver. My life gets stressful at times and if I don’t find a way, maybe multiple ways, to relieve that stress I am going to take it out on my husband or my poor cat. Neither of them deserve it!

I was reminded of this today with an email I get every day from a program called DailyCaring. Today’s brief listed 14 ways to relieve caregiver stress. I won’t go into all of them but a couple really hit home with me. The first I connected with was number 3 on their list, do a mini-self massage. They suggested simply massaging the palm of one hand with the thumb of the other. I gave it a try and found it to be amazingly calming. I closed my eyes and added their number one suggestion of deep breathing before switching to the other hand. Within just a couple of minutes I had regained my sense of calm and was ready to face my day again. Quick and easy, simple things that should actually work in my day.

There were a lot of other ideas from listening to music, relaxing in a hot shower or taking a walk, all things that I do when I have the time. They also suggested writing, something I obviously agree with. The other one that really caught my eye was to make myself a mantra. I actually have several things that I say to myself throughout the day, positive affirmations that help me survive. A couple of my favorites are “I can do this” and “it’s all okay”. Because even when things look the worst, I know that I am strong enough to get through whatever we are facing and it truly is all okay.

You can sign up for daily tips for caregivers and much more at the website DailyCaring.com.