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

- from the members of the FAPG 4/98

• Allow yourself to get away on a short day trip, or overnight if possible.
• Talk about it with others who are willing to listen.
• 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.
• Consider that our children may be coming down with a virus or other illness that could be affecting them or their ataxia.
• Find someone for your child to talk to.
• Take a bubble bath with candles!
• Pray to your higher power for help.
• Purchase and read a book of daily meditations like "Simple Abundance", to provide a positive outlook on life.
• "Let go .... and let God." Sometimes there is just nothing more that we can do.
• Pray for other families with FA.
• Remember you are not alone, others on the list can relate to what you are experiencing.
• Take care of yourself and your needs.
• "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."
• "Go into the bedroom, shut the door and let it all out." Never under estimate a good cry.
• "...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. 
• Help someone else. Service to others helps one forget their own troubles.

- from https://caregiveraction.org/

• 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. 
  

- from www.mayoclinic.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.



** your additional suggestions are always invited