Utilizing Mindfulness with Caregivers to Promote Self-Care
"What you do...You become
What you feel...You attract
What you imagine...You create”.
-Buddha
Caregivers often feel as though they have little time to care for themselves. The day to day routine, multiple appointments, and various responsibilities can seem impossible to balance. This can often result in feeling guilty or inadequate which is both harmful to the caregiver and their family.
Mindfulness is the focus on the present moment. Those who practice mindfulness are able to reduce their level of anxiety and stress increasing emotional control. Caregivers that regulate their emotional state create a safe atmosphere for their child to flourish.
Mindfulness Strategies
Grounding is a technique that helps keep someone in the present. They help reorient a person to the here-and-now and in reality. Grounding skills can be helpful in managing overwhelming feelings or intense anxiety. They help someone to regain their mental focus from an often intensely emotional state.
Grounding skills occur within two specific approaches: Sensory Awareness and Cognitive Awareness
Square Breathing is a type of breathwork that can shift your energy, connect you more deeply with your body, calm your nervous system, and decrease stress in your body.
Mindful Meditation is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
It is important for caregivers to take time for themselves in order to be more fully prepared to support their children at home, in school, and in extracurricular activities. Even just 5-10 minutes a day, with consistency, can make a significant impact in your own mental health and state of mind. Should you have questions in regards to mental health concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Amy M. at amym@collaborativecorner.org.
Resources
How Mindfulness Can Help Caregivers
Calm App for Meditation And Sleep Stories
Amy Moncion, MSW, LCSW
Panelist, Mental Health Qualified Supervisor
amym@collaborativecorner.org