Self-Care for the Caregiver (Yes, It’s Possible!)
Submitted by June Duncan, riseupforcaregivers.org
Caring for a beloved senior is a full-time labor of love. Between driving to doctor appointments and managing hygiene and nutrition, it can feel as though there is no time left in the day to focus on your own physical and mental health. It’s easy to say, “I’ll have plenty of time in the future to take care of myself,” but if you want to be a better caregiver to your aging loved one, you have to find little ways to take care of yourself now.
A new morning routine
Mornings are (usually) the only time of the day when we aren’t exhausted and the hustle and bustle has yet to begin. Sneak in a little self-care time by getting up 30 minutes before everyone else. This will give you the chance to grab a cup of coffee or hot tea and plan your day. Prevention magazine claims that rising with the sun also lessens your chances of triggering your internal alarm, which releases cortisol and adrenaline, so you won’t feel as on-edge when you do get going for the morning.
Canine companions
Your dog might just be the best therapy for the stress and anxiety that goes along with being a care provider. The connection between dogs and humans is primal, according to Rover.com, and one that provides unconditional love. Something as simple as the act of petting your dog can lower your heart rate and encourage you to stop, relax, and breathe. Spending quality time with your dog can also lower your chances of depression and ease anxiety.
One chapter at a time
Bookworms have long touted reading as a stress reliever. Science now proves it. Reading not only improves your overall intelligence, but also gives you the opportunity to clear your head and escape from the worries of the day. You can read to yourself while your loved one is napping or read to them. Either way, you reap the benefits of the written word.
Call for backup
One area as a caregiver you will likely fall short in is asking for help. It’s easy to believe that you can do it all—take care of your loved one, yourself, your home, and your family—all at once. And while this may be technically true, carrying such a heavy load can take its toll on your physical and mental health. There is no shame in seeking support from friends, family, or services specifically designed to offer caregiver respite. Most major cities now even offer online grocery shopping and delivery. This may not seem like much, but even reclaiming this hour out of your week can go a long way toward helping you feel your best.
Nutrition needs
You spend all day worrying about the health and wellness of another, but how much attention do you pay to your own nutritional needs? Everything we eat is fuel for the body and mind so that we can best get through whatever challenges lie ahead. Don’t forgo eating at least three nutritious meals and several nutrient-packed snacks throughout the day. A healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner will ensure you have the energy to complete the physical aspects of caring for an aging relative, such as lifting him or her into the shower, cooking, and cleaning.
While the way you care for yourself now won’t be the same as it always has—you may no longer have time to get a massage or manicure once a week—it remains just as important to your health. Not just for you, but for your family, too. By taking the time to focus on little things that make you feel like you, you can be more present in each moment with the ones you love. And when time is of the essence, quality truly matters.
Caring for a beloved senior is a full-time labor of love. Between driving to doctor appointments and managing hygiene and nutrition, it can feel as though there is no time left in the day to focus on your own physical and mental health. It’s easy to say, “I’ll have plenty of time in the future to take care of myself,” but if you want to be a better caregiver to your aging loved one, you have to find little ways to take care of yourself now.
A new morning routine
Mornings are (usually) the only time of the day when we aren’t exhausted and the hustle and bustle has yet to begin. Sneak in a little self-care time by getting up 30 minutes before everyone else. This will give you the chance to grab a cup of coffee or hot tea and plan your day. Prevention magazine claims that rising with the sun also lessens your chances of triggering your internal alarm, which releases cortisol and adrenaline, so you won’t feel as on-edge when you do get going for the morning.
Canine companions
Your dog might just be the best therapy for the stress and anxiety that goes along with being a care provider. The connection between dogs and humans is primal, according to Rover.com, and one that provides unconditional love. Something as simple as the act of petting your dog can lower your heart rate and encourage you to stop, relax, and breathe. Spending quality time with your dog can also lower your chances of depression and ease anxiety.
One chapter at a time
Bookworms have long touted reading as a stress reliever. Science now proves it. Reading not only improves your overall intelligence, but also gives you the opportunity to clear your head and escape from the worries of the day. You can read to yourself while your loved one is napping or read to them. Either way, you reap the benefits of the written word.
Call for backup
One area as a caregiver you will likely fall short in is asking for help. It’s easy to believe that you can do it all—take care of your loved one, yourself, your home, and your family—all at once. And while this may be technically true, carrying such a heavy load can take its toll on your physical and mental health. There is no shame in seeking support from friends, family, or services specifically designed to offer caregiver respite. Most major cities now even offer online grocery shopping and delivery. This may not seem like much, but even reclaiming this hour out of your week can go a long way toward helping you feel your best.
Nutrition needs
You spend all day worrying about the health and wellness of another, but how much attention do you pay to your own nutritional needs? Everything we eat is fuel for the body and mind so that we can best get through whatever challenges lie ahead. Don’t forgo eating at least three nutritious meals and several nutrient-packed snacks throughout the day. A healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner will ensure you have the energy to complete the physical aspects of caring for an aging relative, such as lifting him or her into the shower, cooking, and cleaning.While the way you care for yourself now won’t be the same as it always has—you may no longer have time to get a massage or manicure once a week—it remains just as important to your health. Not just for you, but for your family, too. By taking the time to focus on little things that make you feel like you, you can be more present in each moment with the ones you love. And when time is of the essence, quality truly matters.
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