http://www.lisamadsencoaching.com/

Lisa Madsen Coaching, Lakewood, CO (2026)

11/20/2025

Today, we’re honored to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month.

There’s a strong correlation between caregiving and an increase in mental distress, particularly with higher levels of depression and anxiety. Caregivers' needs are often pushed to the bottom of the list, causing increased mental distress.

At SonderMind, we’re providing the clinical backbone connecting caregivers with evidence-based therapy and measurable outcomes that transform lives. Because mental health care for caregivers isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Click this link to join our network of caregivers: https://lnkd.in/g6ePyh2W

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06/03/2025

Be Curious and Open to Surprise

Caregiving can be exhausting, lonely, and incredibly hard. But sometimes, if you’re watching, something small and beautiful peeks through.

✨ A 92-year-old with Alzheimer’s thinks she’s 62 and laughs when she hears otherwise.
✨ Another mom with Alzheimer's finds a fancy dessert in the fridge and leaves her daughter a thank-you note (the first one in months!), asking how much she owes.
✨ Another defends herself to the HOA: “I’m giving the squirrels walnuts—not peanuts!”

Moments like these don’t erase the burden, but they can soften it. They remind us that even in the hardest times, light breaks through.

A meditation teacher once said: “Every cloud that appears, eventually passes.”

If you're feeling overwhelmed in your caregiving role, know you're not alone. Reach out if you want support or just someone to talk to. I offer complimentary consultations and a listening ear.

04/01/2025

Ways to Cope With Anxiety – Yours & Those You Care For

Last week, I wrote about recognizing anxiety. Today, let’s talk about how to manage it. Here are some proven strategies:

✔️ Deep Breathing – Try inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for 5+. A longer exhale calms the nervous system.
✔️ Mindfulness – When stress takes over, use the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method to stay present.
✔️ Exercise – Even small amounts of movement can relieve anxiety.
✔️ Quality Sleep – Lack of sleep affects mood, performance, and overall health.

And what about fear? Many of my clients ask, What if things get worse? Fear can’t hurt you if you face it. It’s just a sensation—tightness in the chest, a pit in your stomach. Science shows that if you acknowledge it instead of suppressing it, the sensation fades in about 90 seconds.

If you need support processing emotions and reducing anxiety, reach out. You don’t have to navigate this alone. 💙

03/25/2025

How to Lower Anxiety – For You or a Loved One

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress—whether it’s work pressures, financial struggles, or life’s many uncertainties. It can show up as rapid breathing, sweaty palms, or racing thoughts. Caregivers especially know how stress and anxiety go hand in hand.

The good news? Anxiety is manageable. Learning to recognize how it shows up in your body can help you take back control. Next week, I’ll share specific tips to help lower anxiety for yourself and those you care for.

Let’s support each other—how do you recognize anxiety in yourself? Drop a comment below! ⬇️

02/11/2025

💜 Anticipatory Grief & Alzheimer’s: Coping with Loss Before the Loss 💜

A new client wanted to talk about this topic this week so I thought I would share. Also anticipatory grief is not just pertinent to Alzheimer's, it can be applied to any chronic illness.

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, grief begins long before they pass. As the disease progresses, you may mourn many losses—their personality, shared memories, and the relationship you once had.

This is called anticipatory grief, and it’s completely normal. It’s okay to feel sadness, anxiety, or even anger. Give yourself grace, seek support, and remember—you are not alone.

💬 If you're navigating this journey, share your thoughts or experiences below. Let's support each other. 💜

01/22/2025

Just attended an incredible AARP webinar on Alzheimer’s and dementia with the inspiring JJ Jordan. She’s on a mission to end Alzheimer’s and shared so much valuable info! Highlights:

• 57M diagnosed worldwide—but it’s underreported.
• 45% of dementia risk is preventable (exercise, diet, sleep, hearing/sight care).
• Alzheimer’s isn’t a normal part of aging—early diagnosis matters.
• Caregivers: Self-care and regular respite are crucial.
• Future is bright—advancements in research and treatments are giving hope.

Let’s take care of our brains and support loved ones. Feel free to share this post to spread awareness!

12/17/2024

🌟 The holidays are here, and it’s time to connect with family. But what happens when the conversation turns political? 🗣️Here are three tips for handling political discussions with older relatives while keeping the love alive:

1️⃣ Seek to Understand, Not to Be Understood: Listen with empathy and aim to appreciate their perspective, even if it differs from yours.

2️⃣ Restate Their Opinion in the Strongest Terms: Acknowledge the good intentions behind their views to foster understanding.

3️⃣ Agree to Disagree: Focus on shared values and cherished memories instead of trying to "win" the argument.

This holiday season, let’s prioritize love and respect over differences. 💙For more insights, check out our blog! https://lisamadsencoaching.com

11/25/2024

💡 Did you know you can CHOOSE how you see your loved one? 💡

As caregivers, we all have tough mornings—exhausted, frustrated, and maybe even resentful. It’s human. But here’s the thing: we don’t have to stay stuck in those feelings.

👉 When we intentionally choose different thoughts, everything changes—our feelings, actions, and outcomes.

Instead of thinking, “This is too much,” try asking:
🌟 How can I be of service today?
🌟 What would I need if I were in their position?
🌟 What small step can I take to show up intentionally?

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being aware. You get to choose your mindset every day—and when you do, you can truly show up with compassion and purpose.

You’re not alone in this. Let’s take it one step at a time. 💙

11/19/2024

Caregivers, you deserve support and time to rest! 🙏 Caring for a loved one is tough, and it’s okay to need a break. Watch for signs of stress and fatigue—don’t wait for burnout to strike. Plan for respite options, lean on your friends, and remember: asking for help isn’t weakness.

Some resources that can help:

ARCH National Respite Network

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Veterans Administration (for up to 30 days/year)

Hilarity for Charity (dementia support)

You’re doing amazing, and taking care of you helps you keep going.

11/12/2024

Caregivers, this one’s for you: it’s okay to aim for “B-” caregiving! 💙

I know this might sound strange—especially in a world where we’re trained to get A’s and gold stars. But caregiving is a 24/7 role. It’s exhausting, and it’s not sustainable to give 100% every day. Sometimes, a B- effort is exactly what you need.

One of my clients, caring for a spouse with Parkinson’s, used to feel pressure to prepare multi course meals every night. Together, we explored some B- options, like takeout, Meals on Wheels, and even a frozen meal here and there. That simple change gave her more time to breathe and renewed her energy.

If you and your loved one are safe and sound, you’re doing amazing work. Give yourself permission to do “B- caregiving” without guilt. Let go of the unrealistic expectations—it only leads to burnout.

💬 Where can you try B- caregiving in your routine? Reach out for a free consult if you want to discuss ways to bring more balance into your caregiving life. I’m here to help!

11/05/2024

Caregivers—What expectations are you carrying today?

This morning, I woke up feeling overwhelmed, with a list of “have-to-dos” on my mind. But when I sat down to really reflect, I asked myself, why am I piling all of this onto my shoulders? I reminded myself that I get to choose what to do with my day. We all get to choose.

If you’re a caregiver, I’m sure you have your own list that feels like it’s never-ending. But maybe today, you don’t “have” to do everything on it. Try breaking it down: what you could do, what you want to do, and what you’re choosing not to do today. Yes, some things are essential, but not everything.

And please, don’t forget to carve out a few minutes for yourself. Even five minutes. If you raised kids, you remember those stolen moments for a quick shower or cup of tea. Same rules apply if you’re caring for an adult.

If you managed to keep your loved one safe today, you’re already winning. 😊💪

What will your 5 minutes of “you time” look like today? Let’s support each other and share some inspiration below.

10/02/2024

🌿 Why do we make things so hard? 🌿

I was watering my plants the other day, holding a heavy gallon jug, and suddenly thought—why am I burdening my wrists? 💡 Setting it down while it fills was such an easy fix! 🤯

Our brains LOVE staying busy, and sometimes we complicate things more than necessary. As caregivers, we do this all the time, but here’s the good news: Life can be simpler! ✨

Here are some tips to help: 💧 Stop trying to control everything. 💧 Say no more often. 💧 Focus on one thing at a time (multitasking is overrated!). 💧 Trust your instincts.

Want to simplify your caregiving routine? Let’s chat! Schedule your free 20-minute consultation today! 💬 Link in bio!

Lisa Madsen Coaching

11/20/2025

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