We may not understand how our loved one can change from being sweet as pie one minute to being a real meanie the next. What we can do is change our attitude toward the frustration we feel.
How?
Here are 6 ways to reduce frustration
Accept That You’re Feeling Frustrated
I get frustrated when I need to change my mom’s diaper and she’s fighting me. I want to fight back… frustration has a hold of me. When I accept that I’m frustrated at this moment, I can begin to deal with it. When I own it… I can control it! How can I get rid of the frustration I feel. Maybe I just need to leave mom alone and try again a few minutes later.
Drop The Perfectionism BS
Too often, frustration comes from trying to measure up to impossible standards. Ask yourself if the root of your frustration comes from an unreasonable expectation. Is this something you can let go? Is what you’ve done already ‘good enough’? You’re doing the best that you know how.
Check the Self Talk
Are you going to extremes or becoming overly dramatic in your thinking? If you find yourself feeling like a failure and that means the end of the world as we know it, it’s time to take a breath and step back… ok. The world is not going to end because mom has on 2 different socks. Most things that frustrate us as caregivers on a daily basis, don’t have life or death consequences. Ask yourself what’s the worst that can happen then plan to handle the situation. What’s the worst that can happen if someone stops by to visit and mom has on 2 different socks, or the same gray pants she had on yesterday. Most of the time, the consequences aren’t as dire as we think.
Laugh
While humor might be the furthest thing from your mind, it’s been proven that laughing releases tension and sends a surge of endorphins to your brain, shifting your mood entirely. If you’re frustrated, look for something to laugh at – even if it’s yourself.
Practice Gratitude
If you remember what you’re grateful for, it helps to shift the dynamic of a situation. You might feel frustrated about being a caregiver, but you can still be thankful at the same time. Look for the good, instead of focusing on what’s causing you stress.
Look for Moments of Joy
Children laughing, a sunny day, a puppy’s warm tongue—there are many things to make you smile in a day. Focus on these small things as they occur. Frustration has a hard time standing up to moments of joy. (I like that!)
Your attitude is the biggest tool you have in the arsenal to fight frustration. Because changing the way you react to frustration is key.
Putting your best self forward will enable you to smile in the face of stress. While you may not smile everyday… the idea is to get through those frustrating moments. Because you will have them!
Now it’s your turn. Tell me about a time you were frustrated and how you got through it.
Let’s share!