Caregiver's Fog - 10 Tips to Beat It!

Caregivers are far too familiar with depression. It pretty much just comes along with the package. That's not to say that every caregiver is depressed, but I think everyone battles with it at some point or another. There are a lot of emotions that go along with the losses caregivers have to process. 

Honestly, I never thought it would be one of my biggest battles. But as people disappeared and the life I had known slowly faded away in life's rearview mirror, it seemed to swallow me whole. 

I didn't recognize it at first. Survival has a way of blinding us to much of what is going on around us as we struggle just to breathe one more breath. I don't care how many scriptures we quote or prayers we pray, at some point the caregiver's fog will try to overcome us and suck the life that's left right out of us.

One day, I woke up and realized I'd been depressed. I was about to lose all that I had worked to build job-wise. I sat on the side of the bed and told myself, You better figure this out. And somehow I did. But it still took a while to recognize the pattern of depression. Contrary to popular belief, it's not easy to see at its beginning stages. But, once I finally recognized some of the thought patterns that were trying to hog tie me and drag me into the muck and mire like an old sow, I knew I had to learn how to act, and act fast!

It can be very different for everyone, and there's no sure pattern or solution. But for me, I found that as soon as I saw the fog start to move in, if I could act quickly, I could at least lessen its effect. Many times, that was all I needed to be able to outrun it at least until another day.

It's simple. Do something different. That's it. It's not profound, but it's effective. Giving the mind something else to focus on, and making it think about something entirely different, can break up the pattern and strip depression of its grip. I found that as soon as I see that dark pattern start to emerge, if I stop, change course, and do something else, it can prevent the sticky decline. It's worked a lot for me, even though there are still times... you know! 

How do you do something different? That can be especially difficult for caregivers becasue even though they are hectic, the days are the same. The first time I realized it, I had a treadmill and I dropped everything I was doing and hopped on the treadmill for a short run. That was literally all it took. Other times it took a run, cooking something new, and watching a crazy movie. The main thing is to break the pattern and give your mind something else to do.

Here are a few tips of things I've tried. Most of them have worked at one time or another and all of them have failed from time to time. The key is to find something that will interest you and break the downward suck... lol.

10 Ideas to Break Caregivers' Fog

1. Journaling. I suggest using an old-school journal and a pen! It gives your body and your mind lots to do. Today, I have a stack of journals ready for my next rants and tons of pens because I've developed favorites. Yes, it's a thing! Plus, there's something about the physical act of writing that is therapeutic. And for the final benefit - it gives you a place to put your emotions and walk away.
2. Movies. I suggest stopping and watching a movie, but it can't be any old movie. If you like love stories, watch those. (I do not. lol) If you like inspirational stories or sports stories or movies where the underdog wins, go for it. But it has to be something that will grab your attention. Remember, you're trying to find a place to put your emotions and thoughts instead of letting them run around in your head robbing you blind.
3. Nature. We don't always have the liberty to go out for a nature walk or get out of the house at all very much. Just try to get outside for at least 10-15 minutes, even if you're just sitting on the front porch. Fresh air and sunshine are good for the soul. Sunshine encourages your body to make vitamin D, which gives your immune system a boost. It's also good for helping boost your mood. Funny that God made it that way, huh?
4. Art. You'll never see any of my artwork, LOL. But I have stacks of it. I've played with several things. Acrylic painting is inexpensive and fun to experiment with. Pastels and watercolor are great options, too. Lately, I've delved into neurographic art, which brings me a lot of much-needed stress relief. There are plenty of videos on YouTube about it. It's fun, and I now have a whole sketch book of artwork I don't know what to do with. Lol.
5. Reading. If you like to read, a good book can take your mind on vacation! Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors and it seems all of her books take me on an instant mind trip. I get lost in the characters and storyline. She mostly writes Christian historical fiction. But I read to learn, too. I am usually working on several different books from various genres at one time. But it gives my mind something to do rather than rag on me!
6. Puzzles. Working puzzles can be fun and rewarding. The good thing is that you can work on it for a few minutes or seconds at a time, as there is no hurry to get it done. Placing the pieces together to form a beautiful picture is good for the brain! Checking each piece or looking for a specific piece with a little red looking curly thingy on it will literally relax your brain and get it focused on something else - and that's the point!
7. Workout. Getting your body to move differently can be mentally engaging too. I would suggest that you do a workout that will challenge you just a little, but start where you are. A nice walk is good, too. Try some body weight workouts or go to the gym if possible. Find a YouTube video or free workout app that has your skill level and go for it. Exercising can help you release the tension that's trying to kill you. Literally.
8. Cooking. If you enjoy cooking, save up a few new recipes to try. Those days when you feel a little down are great times to try out new recipes. Sorting and storing recipes can give your mind a great trail to follow and get it off the present.
9. Classes. Try learning something new. There are tons of free classes available online, and some charge only a small fee. Learning something new, even something that's not too challenging, can refresh your mind and give it something to "study" other than your circumstances. Take a free writing course, cooking class, or watch YouTube videos about something you are interested in.
10. Music. Listening to music and/or dancing to music can be a great way to alleviate stress. I have a mother/son playlist that I use to "dance" with my son. It makes him stand a while, and I get to gently move to the music. It can free your mind up! If you play an instrument, play it! It's mentally stimulating and can bring emotional release.

_____________________________________________

Affirmations for Caregivers

I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. I also have videos on YouTube that coincide with each day's affirmation.

Now available on Apple Books!!! Affirmations for Caregivers