Easy Ways to Reduce Stress and Increase your Resilience as an Eldercare Professional

By: Misha Jacobs, CTRS

More than ever, reducing stress and increasing resilience are essential to our health as eldercare professionals. These last 2+ years have stretched our abilities in every possible way. Now is an excellent time to evaluate what that experience has taught us—allowing us to better cope and move forward utilizing wisdom, compassion, and renewed passion. Addressing your own Seven Domains of Wellness is just as important as doing so for the people you serve. With help from the ideas listed below, my wish is that you find renewed curiosity, self-love, and peace in your path ahead.

Physical

Be mindful of how often you exercise and adapt what you need for your personal health and wellness. It is recommended that everyone exercise every day, so mix up your routine and keep it fun!

Try something that helps keep you motivated and accountable. Be open to a private spiritual experience or socializing while exercising around others.
Gardening and building projects can allow you to be physical in a unique and creative way!
Dance is another great option for physical exercise—as is a relaxing walk. Add in your favorite music or try exercising in a new environment.
Enhance the experience and consider bringing along a tasty snack as your reward at the end!

Intellectual

Nurturing your mind can be just as important as exercising your body. Explore and see if you enjoy challenging yourself with an exciting task—or just relaxing while learning something new.

Classes and thought-provoking conversations can be great forms of intellectual stimulation. See if incorporating a social element enhances your experience.
Puzzles, trivia, and other brain games can provide great mental exercise from the comfort of home. Try these in a variety of environments as well!
What have you always been curious to learn about? Ever tried learning an instrument, a new art form, or meeting people in a fun new way? Not sure? Try and see!

Emotional

Think of satisfying and creative ways to express your emotions. This can be in ways as passive or active as you need.

Consider what emotions you experience most often. How can you best express those emotions in a way that serves you?
Explore painting or doodling when you are feeling overwhelmed. Or engage in a physical activity like tai chi or yoga to promote mindfulness and peace.
What practice or mindset recharges and sustains you? Perhaps a spiritual practice, acts of service, or nurturing activities are worth trying.

Spiritual

People in general need connection and seek peace. Prioritizing time for a spiritual practice can also help you become more self-aware. Supporting our own spiritual needs first allows us to better support others.

By slowing down and connecting with yourself—via gratitude, mindfulness, or whatever beliefs you hold in your heart—you can take care of your spirit in a deeply personal way.
Think about past experiences that have been particularly meaningful to you and consider revisiting them.
Is there a special place that speaks to you the most?
Does listening to music, crafting something, observing nature, or drinking a cup of tea bring you a feeling of peace? If so, continue to explore those senses.

Environmental

Places can inspire and provide us with new insights and perspectives. This is a deeply personal and unique experience for each individual. Sometimes, a change of scenery can benefit our wellness immensely.

Think of where you feel most peaceful or alive. What environments sustain or soothe you as nothing else can?
What memories and emotions do different places evoke in you, and how can you enjoy that experience even more? Perhaps photography, journaling, crafting, or even just walking through an environment is a joyful experience to try.
Consider if you prefer to explore new places or return to old familiar favorites.
Try to set aside time in your calendar and seek out the environments you crave, then interact with them in a way that honors you.

Creative

Creative outlets are as vast as the human imagination. Therefore, they can often feel intimidating or out of reach. If you do not consider yourself “a creative person,” just ask yourself what brings you joy.

Consider taking in art appreciatively or try creating it yourself! Allow yourself to explore as privately or publicly as you are comfortable with.
Be open to new music, new places, and new styles of self-expression. Try new forms of self-expression and see how it affects you.
If you are a long-time artist, consider trying something familiar in a different way!

Vocational

People need a purpose. By finding satisfying ways to contribute to the world around you—whether it be in your home, workplace, or community—you can share your gifts in a way that is meaningful to you.

Consider creating a project or idea proposal for work.
Try volunteering for a cause you are passionate about.
Think about improving your home in a meaningful way.
Think of a way you can add to the world around you, especially in a way that enhances your quality of life.

Michelle Jacobs, BS, CTRS

Activity Specialist
BS Recreation Administration with a focus on Therapeutic Recreation, California State University Chico

Michelle’s (aka Misha) dedication to improving the quality of life of those around her began in her early days. She grew up helping in her mother’s special education classroom on her days off from school. Misha has always been passionate about working with people with different abilities, animals, and being outdoors. Her patience, creativity, empathy, and genuine spirit help her to connect with the clients she serves. Misha does not believe in “dis”abilities, but rather “different” abilities.”