If you find yourself surprised by your own behavior – especially in a caregiving relationship – it is probably because an “old” button has been pushed.
All of us have these archaic behaviors that are just below our conscious mind. It can be so easy to just blow a gasket and see the “inner child” at its worse. Often we have given no forethought to what we say or do, it just happens without thinking of the consequences.
If you find your buttons being pushed, it means you might need a break from this person or situation. That means hiring help or finding an assisted living to take mom for a few weeks while you
gain control over your “buttons!”
Even in minor situations where your stress level has been tested, try the exercises below. These will help you to regain control and feel less stressed.
1) Take a deep breath with your eyes closed instead of reacting.
2) Think of a very special or happy time.
3) Call on your “higher power” with a “thank you”.
4) Find another place where you can express your angry feelings out loud and let them go – like you put them in a balloon and let it go to the heavens!
And, most of all, remember to forgive yourself – you are human!