For many informal caregivers anxiety is a constant companion. But over time persistent anxiety can cause health problems like stomach pain, headaches and fatigue- all of which may interfere with a caregiver’s ability to perform their duties. Most people look at anxiety as something they’d like to prevent, but there are also ways to harness that negative energy and turn it into a positive. If you’re a family caregiver who’s currently dealing with anxiety, here’s how to use it to your advantage.

Warning Signs of Caregiver Anxiety

Anxiety is the body’s natural way of responding to stress. As a caregiver look for these anxiety warning signs:

  • Pounding heart or rapid heart rate
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Stomach pain, nausea or digestive trouble
  • Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
  • Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
  • Trembling or shaking

Left unaddressed, chronic stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your relationships and self-esteem- ultimately placing you at risk for more serious health problems.

How to Turn Anxiety Around

There are several ways to transform anxiety into productivity, including these:

Repackage that anxiety

Because everybody is exposed to stress at one time or another, anxiety is inevitable. Because anxiety and excitement are both emotional states characterized by enhanced mental and physical arousal, rather than trying to remain calm repackage your anxiety as excitement.

When you’re nervous because it’s time to feed a loved one with dementia, rather than thinking “I’m so nervous” turn those negative thoughts around by saying something out loud like “I can do this”. Instead of focusing on a potential threat- like your loved one getting agitated- focus on the benefits that your feeding assistance provides.

Tap into the adrenaline

Anxiety causes your body to release adrenaline, and that’s why many sports coaches prefer their athletes to be a little anxious rather than relaxed before a big game. When your body releases stress hormones it can ultimately enhance performance and productivity- which may come in handy when you’re trying to load your senior in the car or help them up the stairs.

Find your anxiety “sweet spot”

Researchers have found that most people have an anxiety “sweet spot” where they are just anxious enough to feel alert, but not enough to be incapacitated. When you are in this perfect state anxiety can be a powerful motivator.

For example, if you’re worried about your loved one falling in their home that anxiety may motivate you just enough to make some safety modifications. In general, anxiety has the potential to keep you more focused, alert and productive- all of which can be used to your advantage when you’re a caregiver.

Productive anxiety is good

Anxiety can be either productive or nonproductive. When you constantly worry about something that’s out of your control- like your elderly father’s cancer getting worse- that’s not helping the situation.

On the other hand, productive anxiety comes from worrying about things that you have the power to change. If you’re worried about dad find ways to make him happy and more comfortable, like preparing his favorite meal or taking him fishing.

Confront your fears

Anxiety oftentimes comes from fear. Try to come to terms with your anxiety by asking yourself what it is that you’re truly afraid of. Are you fearful that mom is going to lose her house because you’re not doing enough? Realistically what are the odds of that happening?

When you come to terms with the fact that even the worst outcome isn’t as bad as it might seem your anxiety level should start to diminish.

Reliable In-Home Respite Care for Seniors in Alabama

Although it’s a labor of love, caring for an aging in place loved one can be stressful and exhausting. When you need a break contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured home care agency our compassionate caregivers will provide your senior with the care that they deserve so they can continue living right where they want to be. In addition to respite care, our full menu of in-home services includes companionship care, personal care, household duties, dementia care, and even live-in and 24-hour care.

Our agency’s goal is lifting the spirits of both the elderly and family caregivers we serve by offering them flexible, dependable and affordable home care options. To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare now, or to schedule a FREE consultation for a senior in Huntsville or Tuscaloosa, AL, today, please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com!