Caring for the Caregiver in All of Us Who takes care of me? Caring for the Caregiver in All of Us

Presented by Mary Migliaro, M.Ed. Mission Possible Consulting Woodstock, Georgia www.missionpossibleconsulting.com

SPECIAL BULLETIN: CDC Alert The Centers for Disease Control has issued a medical alert about a highly contagious, potentially dangerous virus that is transmitted orally, by hand, and even electronically. This virus is called: Weekly Overload Recreational Killer (WORK) If you receive WORK from your boss, colleagues or anyone else via any means whatsoever DO NOT TOUCH IT!!! This virus will wipe out your private life entirely. If you should encounter WORK, you should immediately leave the premises. Go to the nearest package store and purchase one or both of the following antidotes; Work Isolating Neutralizer Extract (WINE) or Bothersome Employer Elimination Re-booter (BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been eliminated from your system. You should immediately forward this medical alert to five friends. If you do not have five friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.

The “hurrieder” I go, the “behinder” I get.

Stress…A Necessary Evil Good stress allows us to get many things done in a short period of time, although multitasking does not really work effectively.

Reason to deal with stress

Are you last on your list? Social service providers tend to put themselves at the bottom of their priority list (if they put themselves on the list at all!) Doing so leaves you depleted and adds to the many side effects of too much stress.

“Adrenaline is the hormone of our times, and caffeine is our favorite drug.” Edward M Hallowell, M.D. CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap!

The Crazy/Busy “F-State” Frantic Frenzied Forgetful Frustrated Fragmented

What causes stress? Work Family Community Commitments Internalized Personal Stress Perceived Stress Lack of time-not enough hours in a day

The effects of stress https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZZlIKXcolo&t=0s&list=PLGzul7Pi7BG8qAeEY0CXnjChg5oP5H-Y5&index=3

Jot down the three things that cause you the most stress. What causes you stress? Jot down the three things that cause you the most stress.

What are the physical effects of stress? Sleep deprivation Lower immune system response Increase in heart rate and blood pressure Weight gain or weight loss Loss of hair, weak nails, etc. Increased stress hormones

Physical Effects of Stress https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-t1Z5-oPtU&list=PLGzul7Pi7BG8qAeEY0CXnjChg5oP5H-Y5&index=5&t=165s

What are your physical manifestations of stress? Jot down three areas where you notice your stress the most.

What are the psychological effects of stress? Depression Loss of relationships Lack of self esteem Social isolation Anger or resentment Hostility toward others Withdrawal

How stress effects your body and your mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDecu0ME1Zo&index=3&list=PLGzul7Pi7BG8qAeEY0CXnjChg5oP5H-Y5

How do you reduce your stress levels? Jot down three methods you use to reduce your stress.

Basic Stress Reduction Strategies Just say NO! Take control of your schedule or it will take control of you. Get away! Schedule “me time” and don’t feel guilty about it. Exercise –just walking 10-15 minutes a day can help. Eat better! Laugh! Laughing 5-10 minutes a day lowers blood pressure and burns calories!

Basic Stress Reduction Techniques Deep breathing Relaxation techniques Visualization exercises Sound therapy, aromatherapy, etc. Miscellaneous therapies

Deep Breathing Sit or lie down in a comfortable position Focus on your breathing Listen to the sound of your breath Breathe using your belly not just your chest Relax every part of your body as you continue to breathe

Breathe in through your nose to a count of four Breathe out through your mouth to a count of eight Repeat Focus on the sound of your breath Keep your mind clear of thoughts

Relaxation Techniques Breath focus Body scan Guided imagery Mindfulness meditation Yoga, tai chi, etc. Repetitive prayer or chant Miscellaneous techniques

Therapy techniques Retail therapy Massage therapy Music therapy Art therapy Video therapy Bibliotherapy Relaxation therapy

Picture this…

Imagine sitting near this…

Sit with nature…

Now…Let’s relax! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhqU531xSN0

What will you do when you get home this weekend? Select one stress maker that you will work on reducing. Select one stress reduction technique that you will try for a week or two. If it doesn’t work, try another one. Enlist help and support from a family member or a colleague in your efforts.

Wishing you less stress & happy relaxing!