Suggestions for Parents on Coping with Stress
NFCA: Ten Tips for Caregivers 
Fifteen Tips to Relieve Stress 

Suggestions for Parents on Coping with Stress
     -from the members of the FAPG 4/98

1. Allow yourself to get away on a short day trip, or overnight if possible.
2. Talk about it with others who are willing to listen.
3. Remember that when our kids are feeling down it isn't always just the FA- they are pre-teens, teenagers, young adults, or adults who are dealing with other things in life too.
4. Consider that our children may be coming down with a virus or other illness
that could be affecting them or their ataxia.
5. Find someone for your child to talk to.
6. Take a bubble bath with candles!
7. Pray to your higher power for help.
8. Purchase and read a book of daily meditations like "Simple Abundance", to provide a positive outlook on life.
9. "Let go .... and let God." Sometimes there is just nothing more that we can do.
10. Pray for other families with FA.
11. Remember you are not alone, others on the list can relate to what you are experiencing.
12. Take care of yourself and your needs.
13. "Smile and bit the bullet - or just smile and close your eyes and think of something pleasant - somewhere and somehow there is a bright spot - even if it is only a sliver of light, there is hope."
14. "Go into the bedroom, shut the door and let it all out." Never under estimate a good cry.
15. "...know that we love you, and care about you, and will always listen."   Others on the list care and will always listen anytime of the day or night.
16.  Help someone else. Service to others helps one forget their own troubles.

** Your additional suggestions are always invited.

• Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You're doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time, just for you.
• Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting professional help when you need it.
• When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
• Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information is empowering.
• There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
• Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the right direction.
• Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
• Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
• Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
  

FIFTEEN TIPS TO RELIEVE STRESS from www. mayohealth.org

Simplify your life. Cut out some activities or delegate tasks. Use the extra time to relax through such exercises as controlling your breathing, clearing your mind and relaxing your muscles.

View negative situations as positive and a chance to improve your life. Use humor to reduce or relieve tension.

Exercise. It relieves tension and provides a "time out" from stressful situations.

Go to bed earlier. More sleep makes you stronger and more able to handle day-to-day life.

Reduce or eliminate caffeine consumption. Caffeine is a stimulant.

Get a massage.

Keep a stress journal. Track what "sets you off" and learn to prioritize tasks. Do what is most important first.

Enjoy yourself. Read a good book or see an uplifting movie.

Take a hot bath.

Call a friend and strengthen or establish a support network. Make the most of friends and family.

Set aside personal time. Limit time spent with "negative" people.

Hug your family and friends.

Do volunteer work or start a hobby.

Pray or meditate.

Take a vacation. Take a day or longer to rejuvenate yourself.