Coloring therapy for adults has been a popular trend for a while, yet many caregivers frequently complain they don’t have the time to sit down with a pack of colored pencils. However, coloring is an activity that can be stopped and started as often as time permits. Caregivers who are looking for an alternative to traditional relaxation strategies such as meditation may want to pull out coloring books and crayons to relieve stress. Here are a few ways coloring therapy can alleviate caregiver stress.
Enjoy the Freedom of Play
Caregiving is often full of rigid routines that must be followed to keep seniors comfortable. Many caregivers feel anxiety about doing something wrong or failing to remember critical parts of their loved ones’ routines. With coloring, it’s possible to just let go and express creativity without worrying about adhering to specific rules. In fact, the only real worry while coloring is staying in the lines, and even doing that isn’t necessary, since blending colors creates interesting effects.
If you’re a family caregiver and need help with your caregiving duties, consider hiring a professional caregiver. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide at-home care. Portland families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer high-quality home care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Relive a Positive Childhood Experience
Coloring is one of the first art activities many children participate in. Sit down with a box of crayons for a few minutes, and positive childhood memories may begin to surface. When providing care to an aging parent, coloring is a wonderful way to bond, since seniors can also join in on the fun. Sitting at the table and coloring gives seniors a way to relax as well, and doing this activity with a loved one fosters beautiful family memories.
Hiring a professional caregiver can also help you relax and de-stress. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior care, Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to helping seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Take a Fun Mental Break
Mindful meditation can be helpful for relieving stress, but sometimes caregivers just need to take a break from their duties. Coloring is a type of meditation that encourages the mind to wander, and it also provides a simple task that can be used to regain focus.
For caregivers, coloring doesn’t have to be a long activity. It can be enjoyed during brief pauses throughout the day, or it can be a way to relieve stress to make sleeping easier after a long day of providing care to an aging loved one.
Enjoy a Hobby that’s Easy to Bring Along
The good thing about coloring is that it takes virtually no effort or money to start. Coloring pages can be printed off the internet, or you can find inexpensive coloring books at most local grocery stores and bookstores. Caregivers can choose from crayons, markers, and colored pencils, depending on their preference.
Coloring materials can also be tucked easily into a senior care bag, or they can be added to a relaxation-themed gift basket to give caregivers a quick go-to activity when they need a mental break. Since it can be easily put away, coloring is a great way to spend time unwinding in a doctor’s office waiting room or even while a senior takes a brief nap in the afternoon.
Simple activities like coloring can relieve the stress of caregiving, a duty that becomes more stressful if your loved one has a dementia-related condition such as Alzheimer’s. If your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s and needs help managing daily tasks, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Greater Portland Assisting Hands Home Care provides reliable caregivers around the clock to help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Call one of our Care Managers at 503-664-7934 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.
