Caregivers in Carmel, IN

The holiday season can be stressful, and when you add in the responsibilities of being a caregiver for your elderly loved ones, it can seem overwhelming. If you only focus on the needs of those around you during this time and forget to think about yourself, it is likely that you will ring in the New Year exhausted and worn out rather than bright, optimistic, and ready for the adventures and opportunities ahead. Taking the time to focus on your own needs occasionally ensures that you protect your mental and emotional health, which is not only critical to your well-being and your effectiveness as a caregiver, but is also an important part of keeping yourself physically strong and healthy. Stress, anxiety, and exhaustion can put tremendous wear and tear on your body, not only making you less capable of handling your daily tasks, but also making you more vulnerable to illness and infection. Focusing on relieving your stress and taking care of yourself helps you to ward off these problems and keep yourself at your best so that you can continue being the highest quality caregiver for your aging loved ones, as well as still meeting the needs and desires of everyone else around you.

January 8 is Bubble Bath Day, and there are few things as stress-relieving and relaxing as indulging in a warm, soothing bubble bath. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the bubble baths that are available on the market today are filled with synthetic ingredients including colors, fragrances, and other chemicals that can be extremely drying for your skin and even lead to increased risk for urinary tract infections. This does not mean that you have to forego the pleasure of sinking back into a tub full of bubbles, however. By making your own bubble bath you can not only protect your body from the potentially damaging effects of the chemicals in store bought bubble bath products, but you can also save money and protect the environment.

Try this simple base recipe for making your own bubble bath to enjoy on Bubble Bath Day and throughout the rest of the holiday season, and the year, when you need a little break for yourself:

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup pure liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Empty shampoo, conditioner, or body wash bottles

What to Do

• Rinse out your empty bottle and wash thoroughly to remove residue from the original product
• Allow the bottle to dry
• Pour all of the ingredients into the bottle and replace the top
• Shake the ingredients together
• Add 1/4 cup under warm running water to produce foaming bubbles

This simple, natural bubble bath has the warming, comforting fragrance of vanilla to help soothe you and guide you into relaxation, but you can also personalize your bubble bath with other fragrances to make the experience all your own. Try adding peppermint essential oil for an invigorating, festive fragrance, or chamomile and lavender for a relaxing, tranquil experience.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable help for family caregivers in Carmel, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.