Dr. Eboni Green
May 18, 2021
As a caregiver, are you working a wellness program into your busy schedule? If you find squeezing self-care into your day is more like getting blood from a turnip, it’s time for a reevaluation. With these well-thought-out strategies from Caregiver Support Services, you can manage to tend your own needs as well as those of your senior loved one.
Caregiving is one of the toughest jobs in the world, and balancing it with your other obligations can feel like a circus act. Some statistics show that many caregivers are trying to do just that, balancing caregiving with a career, children, home, and many other obligations. Staying so busy can leave you vulnerable to stress, mentally and physically. It’s important to find ways to balance your life and maintain a wellness program. One of the toughest challenges for caregivers is finding opportunities to take care of themselves.
Are you getting frustrated? Are you chronically exhausted yet having trouble sleeping? Are your eating habits out of control, or are you self-medicating with alcohol? According to Penn Medicine, it’s possible you are struggling with caregiver burnout. Here are some of the warning signs you should watch for:
Ensure your lifestyle includes fitness, eating right, getting sufficient sleep, and time for recreation and relaxation. Neglecting any one of these components can lead to burnout and mental and physical exhaustion, especially if you are employed in addition to caregiving. Some experts feel you should prioritize taking daily breaks and connecting with other people, whether coworkers or friends. Also, add some chair yoga, chair Zumba, or meditation exercises into your work day. Just a 15-minute break here and there can work wonders for your mental and physical health while boosting your productivity.
If your work requires you to be on your feet, use your break periods to take a load off. Enjoy the opportunities to engage with friends. You can grab a bite together and play a board game, or play games online with friends who are offsite. When you’re taking your senior to appointments, bring a book along.
Reading a book you enjoy is a terrific outlet, allowing you an escape from stress and a chance to reset your outlook. It’s an opportunity to refresh from wherever you are. Getting outside is also a boon to your mental health. Spend time in nature, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. You’ll find taking a walk or hiking on trails is also a boon to your well-being.
Many of us who take on the role of senior caregiver don’t feel there is time left in the day for a self-care program. However, as Family Doctor points out, we tend to take on too much of the caregiving burden alone. Reach out to family and friends for relief. You can make a list of those you can call on, and when you’re hitting the breaking point, connect with them to take a task or time slot. Community services often offer programs that can help ease your burden as well. Transportation, meal delivery or in-home care can alleviate some of your duties. Inquire with your Area Agency on Aging to find out what services are available near you. In addition to finding respite services, consider also working with a wellness expert. Someone who specializes in health, nutrition and overall well-being can help point you in the right direction if you’re unsure of how to make beneficial “me time” happen.
Maintain wellness. Don’t become a victim of caregiver burnout. Take care of your mental and physical well-being with good time management strategies and a self-care routine. You’ll be better equipped for tending the needs of your senior loved one.
