Caregivers all too often focus on the person they are caring for more than they focus on themselves. However, as a caregiver, your health and well-being are important factors in their care. If you aren’t healthy, your focus can be off, your energy depleted, and your decision-making skills affected. The old saying is true; “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” This New Year, set these five personal goals that will improve your personal health and well-being.
Reduce Stress
When you’re caring for a loved one, the daily stress can be overwhelming. You may not even realize you are under pressure until it comes crashing in on you in the form of ulcers, fatigue, and other health problems.
Reduce the stress by attending a yoga class, commit to journaling your thoughts, or take up a new hobby. The goal is to find something that takes your mind and body away from your caregiving and helps you decompress.
Eat Right
It’s easy to grab an unhealthy quick bite here and there when you are caring for others. You often feel as though you don’t have time to sit down and eat. But neglecting a healthy diet affects you and your loved one.
Set aside time to have well-balanced meals. Ask for assistance so you can take a break to eat. If you are in a situation where you can’t get relief during lunch or dinner, make it a point to eat while your loved one is resting. Your body needs the proper fuel to do its job.
Sleep
Your body isn’t designed to go non-stop; it needs time to rejuvenate and regroup if you want to function properly. Your focus, energy level, and mood are dependent on getting enough sleep. Set a goal to get at least seven hours of sleep. Start a routine where you are in bed around the same time every night. Turn off the television and relax as you drift off. You will sleep better and feel more refreshed the next day.
Personal Time
If you put your entire life into being a caregiver, you may find yourself becoming depressed, isolated, fatigued, and more. You need personal time to engage in social life, to interact with others, or even just be alone. Ask for relief once or twice a week. If you don’t have family nearby, Assisted Homecare Aides can help lessen your load and assist with caregiving tasks when respite is needed.
Maintain Your Health
If you spend the majority of your time caring for other’s health and neglect your own, you can become sick and rundown. Set a personal goal to have regular physicals. Pay attention to your body. When you have a cold or feel sick, tend to it immediately. Not only are you protecting your loved one, but you are also ensuring that you will be there for them for the long term.
Let Assisted help you make this year a good one. To learn more about the services and care that we offer, call us today at 800-949-6555 or visit us online at www.AssistedCares.com.
Assisted Mail