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Top 10 Relaxation Tips for Entrepreneur-Caregivers

According to a MetLife study, the three most difficult issues for caregivers are finding time for oneself, balancing work and family responsibilities, and balancing physical and emotional stress. If you are a small business or self-employed entrepreneur who is also caring for an elderly or sick parent, then you have the perfect setup for your own illness, unless you also take adequate time to care for yourself.

As a wellness consultant and employer-caregiver, the following are my top 10 tips for relaxation that also work across the board for anyone involved in caregiving activities. Choose at least three that you can incorporate into your life on a regular basis.

1. BE GRATEFUL EVERY DAY.

Watch the news and you know that life is not promised to us. Just waking up knowing that the day is literally the beginning of the rest of our lives should give us pause and be glad to be alive. There’s something to be said for an “attitude of gratitude,” even in the midst of your caring duties.

2. STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES.

Often when I find myself in a hectic pace, I just stop and remind myself that there is no need to get nervous about whatever it is that I am trying to accomplish. Sometimes quiet is better than running around like a headless chicken. The sun and the moon will always rise, at their own pace.

3. A GOOD NIGHT’S REST.

For most people, seven to eight hours of sleep is ideal. Of course, some people can function just fine with fewer hours depending on their makeup. The key is knowing when you’re clearly not getting enough and making adjustments. Sleep is the time our body uses to rejuvenate itself. It’s hard to feel relaxed when we’re exhausted from lack of sleep. Adequate sleep is CRITICAL for the caregiver.

4. THE ART OF THE BATHROOM.

A good bath has given way to a quick shower for many people. But nothing beats a long hot bath for the ultimate in calm, reflection and relaxation. Light some candles, diffuse some essential oils, put on soothing music, and just say “ahhhhh.”

5. FOOD FOR FUEL.

You are what you eat. Trash in. Trash out. Load up on nutrient-rich junk food and it’s hard to feel 100%, let alone relaxed and refreshed. There are dozens of books on proper nutrition. Pick an approach that works for you and stick with it. Intensive care is not the time to give in to junk food.

6. GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER.

Feng Shui is the art and science of investing. The basic premise is that our home is a mirror, a metaphor for our lives. If you have a messy house, it actually weighs on your subconscious, making it hard for you to really feel relaxed.

7. CH’I ENHANCER.

Surround yourself with ch’i enhancers. Ch’i means vital energy in Chinese. Ch’i enhancers are those things that make us feel relaxed, happy, and at peace. Wind chimes, water fountains, soft music, and fragrances are wonderful examples of enhancers. Pets represent one of the greatest ch’i enhancers of all time and do wonders for both the keeper and the person they care for. With their innocent faces and happy hearts, pets can cheer us up when everything else goes haywire.

8. CH’I LEADERS.

Ch’i leaders are our own cheerleaders. Surround yourself with positive people who support you and give you energy. Toxic people will only drain your energy, making it difficult for you to live life feeling relaxed. Learn how not to give away your personal power to harmful people.

9. EXERCISE.

Get the blood flowing. Volumes have been written on the benefits of exercise. The net of this is that we actually increase our ability to perform our daily tasks by exercising and therefore feel less stressed. When we have completed our tasks in a timely and appropriate manner, it is much easier to feel relaxed. With care there are always many things to do!

10. MEDITATE AND PRAY.

Silence is indeed golden. Sometimes we get emotional about a problem simply because we haven’t taken the time to be quiet and still. It’s amazing the responses I get when I stop and turn off the internal chatter. And no matter what your religious belief, praying to a higher power can certainly take the stress out of a situation and make us breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it will turn out for the best in the end. Reflexology, massage, and healing touch are great ways to go into deep meditation. As a caregiver, you simply MUST find some quiet time for yourself.

© 2007 Paula Quick.

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