Resources to Help Us Create Relaxing Moments
Our caregiving stress makes it difficult to relax. These resources can help.
Welcome to our third issue of our newsletter which helps libraries share resources for those who care for a family member.
This month, we focus on helping family caregivers relax which can feel like such an impossible task. We think, worry and do at a 60 mph speed. How do we go from 60 to 0 so we can relax?
You are welcome to copy and paste any or all of the content of this newsletter on your library website. Please also feel free to share this newsletter with colleagues and friends who may benefit. (Note: We refer to individuals who care for a family member as family caregivers. We refer to the individual receiving care as caree.)
Our curated list of resources takes into account what individuals need to relax: activities, comfort and moments.
Apps
Aura personalizes the support you need for better sleep.
MyLife Meditation: Mindfulness “believes that taking a few minutes each day to take care of how you feel and relaxing is as important as regular exercise.”
Ten Percent Happier Meditations offers guided meditations and “bite-size stories, wisdom, and inspiration that you can listen to while on the go - for those moments when you’re not feeling like meditation but want some mindfulness.”
Books
Color Relax Coloring Book can go with the family caregiver and offer relaxing moments while waiting in the doctor’s office or during a few down moments at lunch.
In Hear Yourself: How to Find Peace in a Noisy World, Prem Rawat “teaches us how to turn down the noise to hear ourselves—to listen to the subtle song of peace that sings inside each of us.”
Nothing Much Happens: Cozy and Calming Stories to Soothe Your Mind and Help You Sleep features “soothing stories to help you fall and stay asleep, based on the popular podcast” from author Kathryn Nicolai.
Events
When you care for a family member, you may find it difficult to get a break. You may struggle to find and hire help. You may need to be close by because of a caree's complex care needs. You may not have family members who can help.
When you can't leave, we'll help you get a break right where you are. We'll help you create a Respite In Place plan so you can create a space to call your own in your home, your yard and your community. Join us on the second Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET.
Strategies
How to Relax: Tips for Chilling Out from Heathline
40 Ways to Relax in Five Minutes or Less from Greatist
Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief from HelpGuide
Support
Caring Our Way, our community on Mighty Networks, features an area to post questions for Certified Caregiving Consultants (CCCs). The CCCs completed professional training and have personal caregiving experiences which means they understand the stress of caregiving. It’s free to join and to post questions. CCCs also are available for a free 30-minute consultation and can be hired to become personal consultant for a family caregiver. Join Caring Our Way and then click through to our groups called “Ask a CCC”.
Share Your Resources
Please feel free to add any additional resources to help create relaxing moments in our comments section.
If we can help, please reach out to me.
Thanks so much for all you to support those who care in your community.
(Image by Melk Hagelslag from Pixabay)