Your overall frame of mind can impact your health. Studies find that a positive outlook can improve your health. A negative outlook raises your risk for chronic stress. Chronic stress is linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and lowered immunities.
Chronic stress also impacts brain chemicals that help you feel upbeat and happy. Hormone levels may shift and also lead to health issues. Stanford University did a Forgiveness Project that found forgiving others reduced hurt feelings, anger, and stomach upset. It also helped lower blood pressure.
When you’re a family caregiver, stress and negative thinking often go hand in hand. Don’t let the stress of caring for an elderly parent impact your overall health. Here are some things you can do to improve your frame of mind.
Improving Your Frame of Mind.
What can you do to improve your frame of mind? In a world where news and attitudes always seem so negative, it can be hard to stay positive. When your parent struggles to do tasks or develops a chronic condition, it’s really difficult to be positive. What do you do?
Keep a journal.
Journaling is a good way to get out your angst. Once you’ve done that, sit down, read it over, and create a list of the things that have brought you joy that day. A baby’s laughter, your dog’s faithful companionship, or the feel of the sun on your face while you took a walk. Make sure you get out your stress but end it with a list of the good things that you experienced.
Make sure you laugh.
If you’re having a hard day, put on a funny show or movie. Join a Laughter Yoga class. The class may seem strange at first, but you’ll soon be laughing with your classmates. As you participate, you’ll learn deep breathing exercises and pair it with laughter.
A positive frame of mind can help with overall health, but it cannot replace regular checkups and health screenings. You need to see a doctor regularly. If you’re a family caregiver, respite care services help free your schedule to go for checkups.
Your parent also needs to see his or her doctor once a year. If they don’t drive, they can still get there on time. Many caregivers provide transportation as part of an elder care plan.
If you or an aging loved one needs elder care in Davis, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources:
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-thoughts-and-emotions-affect-health
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