Five Essential Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
Becoming a primary caregiver of an ill or disabled loved one is a noble calling. However, taking care of someone else can take a huge toll on your own health and wellness. Where Are You Counseling explains that one of the most important things you can do for your loved one is to establish a quality self-care routine.
1. Get Plenty of Rest
You make a ton of sacrifices when you commit to caregiving, but you still have non-negotiable commitments. You may have a full-time job, minor children to raise, animals to care for and a household to maintain. You’re busy from sunrise to sunset and you barely have a moment to yourself. It’s a fact that many of us rely on caffeine, whether it’s coffee or another form of the substance, to help us through times when we're sleep deprived. Caffeine in moderation is okay, but don't fall into the trap of becoming overly dependent on it. You can click here to learn more about caffeine and the lifestyle surrounding the espresso and coffee culture.
Trying to manage it all is exhausting, but you don’t have time to rest, and, as Everyday Health notes, you’re headed for an intense bout of burnout. If you want to be an effective caregiver, parent, and employee, it is important to follow a routine that allows for adequate sleep and breaks throughout the day.
2. Exercise Daily
To be everything you need to be for yourself and someone else, you need a strong mind and body. Regular physical exercise has many benefits including:
• Mood enhancement
• Increased energy
• Quality sleep support
• Weight management
• Better muscle strength and flexibility
When you have so much on your plate each day, it can be hard to justify taking time for yourself to hit the gym. However, it is important to remember that caring for yourself makes you capable of caring for others. If your time is limited, try your best to fit in physical activity wherever you can, whether it’s climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator or using your lunch break to take a long walk.
3. Practice Minimalism
When you take on a caregiving role, your environment is key to your success. A messy or cluttered home not only creates physically hazardous conditions but also contributes to mental stress for you and your loved ones. Minimalism promotes a clean and organized space that makes your dwelling a place where you can feel calm, focused, and worry-free. Start decluttering your house and yard by getting rid of possessions that serve no purpose, stop subscribing to retail therapy, and only go shopping for necessities.
4. Treat Yourself
As a caregiver, you work extremely hard, and you deserve a reward for your time and effort. Others may not always recognize or show appreciation for your contributions, but LifeHack points out that you shouldn’t feel guilty for treating yourself on occasion. Order takeout from your favorite restaurant one night a week or buy that piece of jewelry that makes you feel confident. Setting aside time to pursue your own hobbies and interests lets you keep a hold of your own identity while caring for someone else.
5. Let Others Help
When you are solely responsible for the well-being of someone else, you can fall into a strict routine, and it can become difficult to trust others with your job. You may feel as if accepting assistance makes you look weak or incapable, but that’s simply not true. Allowing family members, friends, or caregiver services to come in and give you a break is healthy for you and your patient. Letting go of shame and letting others in is a great way to support your own mental and emotional stability during your caregiving experience.
If common, everyday tasks are too much to handle, it may also be time to check into your area’s nursing homes. Fortunately, there are nearly 50 such facilities in Philadelphia alone.
Caregiving is a tough and often thankless job. You make sacrifices every day for others while neglecting many of your own needs. With these caregiving tips, you can make yourself a priority again.
Written by Where You Are Counseling Blogger Vivek Mukherjee
Where Are You Counseling offers a unique online platform that allows anyone who wants to seek help the ease and convenience of support that fits your schedule, without the need to travel to an appointment. Give us a call today at (973) 512-3689 to learn more!