Now
that the New Year is here, what are we, as caregivers going to do differently this
coming year? At the beginning of each year, we resolve to save more money, lose
weight, minimize bad habits, de-clutter and organize among other various life
improvements. As a caregiver, however,
the things that we might do to improve our situation may be much different than
the items mentioned above.
When
I teach "Powerful Tools for Caregivers", at the end of each weekly
session, participants are asked to prepare a plan of action to be completed in
one week and to talk about the outcome during the next session.
The
criteria for the action plan asks that the plan be:
1.
Something specific that will benefit you
2.
Something that can be done a number of times
3.
Something that can be achieved with a high degree of confidence
It
is important that the goals are not too general or too large to realistically
complete, such as "I'm going to get my life together". Though it is a goal with merit, it is too
broad and unattainable in the short term.
"I'm
going to get my life together" is a BIG goal with many vague facets. Perhaps taking a "baby step" toward
this big goal is a better choice. Breaking a large goal, such as this, into
more manageable segments with measurable outcome helps to achieve the goal with
better success. Setting smaller goals
within the big one will provide a better road map to achievement.
Do
things that will give you pleasure! The
example above may be something that you need to do, but is not necessarily
enjoyable and we need some enjoyment.
The
following are a compilation of activities that were presented in my Powerful
Tools classes as ideas that participants put forward to add a measure of fun
and satisfaction to their lives.
These
are "short term" activities to be accomplished within a week,
however, they can and do turn into long term activities if given the chance.
Read
"x" number of chapters in a favorite book.
Take
an "x" minute walk "x" days a week.
Take
an hour each day undisturbed (even 5 minutes will do for a start)
Go
to a movie
Call
or visit a friend
Get
together with a friend or relative for lunch
Reach
out to friends and relatives to give you a break by looking after your loved
one "x" hours
Take
a nap
Go
shopping for yourself
Just
sit in a coffee shop with a book and a hot coffee
Get
a pet, or just visit the SPCA
Volunteer
Join
a support group
Reach
out to another caregiver
Go
to the library
Get
some ice cream / candy / pizza / ......whatever
Join
a gym
Sign
up for Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes in your area (contact your county
senior services department to see if and when these classes are offered.
All
of these CAN be done, how often depends not necessarily on how much time you
have, rather it depends on your COMMITMENT to do it.
Recommended
Reading
This
is an excellent article covering caregiver care.
