Caregiver Well-Being is Key!
The BCDA Caregivers Program would like to share some helpful tips that was presented during the first Caregiver Support Network on Wednesday evening.
Jackie Tangires, LCSW of The Options Group, presented on the topic of caregiver stress and healthy strategies to care for oneself.
Stress can cause negative changes to the body, and worsen other health condition symptoms. Exhaustion, panic attacks, resentment, headaches, feeling overwhelmed, among others are common symptoms of stress.
To cope with the stress of everyday life and caregiving, one strategy Jackie introduced was guided imagery. Participants in the session were able to engage in a guided imagery exercise and found it to be very relaxing.
Using positive mental images to influence how you feel, guided imagery is intended to provide a grounding to one’s inner self, with the goal to release tension and promote relaxation.
Picture yourself in your happy place…at the beach, in the mountains, wherever it may be, and focus on all of the smells and sounds of that place. Focus on your breaths, controlling your breathing, releasing any tension in your body.
There are many guided imagery and relaxation apps and videos on the internet. What do you find helpful to relax or de-stress?
If you’re interested in attending the July 15 Caregiver Support Network session, please email caregivers@ baltimorecountymd.gov.