The emotional side of caregiving can be difficult for some, leading to resentment, anger, depression, lack of energy, and burnout. It’s important for caregivers to protect their health to remain in good physical and mental shape. Here are some of the ways family caregivers can boost their own wellbeing.
Maintain Healthy Relationships
Becoming a caregiver doesn’t mean you have to give up your social life. It’s true you’ll need to devote a lot of your free time to caring for your elderly parent, but you’ll need to make time for socialization as well. Fostering healthy relationships can give you people to vent to about your caregiving experiences, both positive and negative. These are the people who will provide you with the emotional support you need, especially when caregiving becomes overwhelming. Make every effort you can to maintain these healthy relationships, even if you only meet up with your friends a few hours each week.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is home care services. Columbia families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Exercise
Staying physically active can have a positive effect on emotional wellbeing, lowering the risk of chronic stress. The best way to keep your body active is to exercise. Exercising allows the body to release positive endorphins that can boost mood almost instantly. Try to increase the amount of outdoor exercise and activities you do each week, including walking, gardening, hiking, and swimming. When caregivers stay active, they often feel happier, healthier, and more confident, and simply being in nature can have a positive impact on overall wellbeing.
A professional caregiver can assist with your loved one’s care so you can have the time to exercise and take care of your own health. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Follow a Well-Balanced Diet
Eating healthy could help you maintain a healthy weight and better physical health, and it could also have a significant impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing. A diet that includes plenty of water and vegetables instead of foods that are high in sugar and sodium may make you feel more energized and joyful. Healthy fats can provide more mental clarity, making it easier to handle the stress that comes with being a caregiver. Having clarity allows caregivers to see things more objectively.
The best foods for caregivers to eat include:
- Oily fish
- Poultry
- Nuts
- Green leafy vegetables
- Avocados
- Low-fat cheese and dairy products
- Olive oil
- Sunflower seeds
Create a Safe Place in the Home
A safe place is a private area of your home or your loved one’s residence where you can go to relax, regroup, and recharge. While you’re in this room, turn off your electronic devices and try to catch up on rest. You can also meditate in this safe place. Decorate the room with fresh flowers and soothing colors to give it a more relaxing and appealing feel. A person’s environment can contribute to stress, but having a safe place could boost your wellbeing and make you feel more comfortable.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide Home Care. Columbia families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. Call us today at 443-233-1245 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.
