Whether
you’re caring for a loved one or you’re a paid caregiver, the job of taking care of somebody on a regular
basis can be taxing, both
physically and mentally. While it’s important that you give your all when
caring for another person, it’s equally important that you take the time to
care for yourself.
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Taking
care of your own health and making sure you’re leading a balanced life isn’t
just good for you, either. It may also give you the ability to provide better
care to others when they really need it the most.
Eat Right All the Time
As
a caregiver you probably spend a substantial amount of time preparing healthy
meals. However, that doesn’t mean that you always eat healthy meals yourself.
In
fact, many caregivers tend to eat quick meals and rely on fast food,
microwaveable meals, or packaged foods for their own dietary needs.
Unfortunately, this can lead to weight gain and decreased health over time.
If
you can’t find the time for three healthy meals a day at the family table, take the time to prepare nutritious food
you can take with you. Salads, healthy sandwiches and even snacks like raw
nuts or fruit are convenient and good for your body, and preparing them won’t
take much time at all.
At
the very least, plan one meal per day where you can sit, relax, and eat
something freshly prepared to nourish your body.
In
addition to eating right, getting at
least 45 minutes of exercise each day is ideal.
Seek Support When You Need It
Caring
for somebody in need is often very difficult emotionally. When you feel
like you're in over your head, remember to express your feelings constructively and vent instead
of bottling up everything. Not talking about your concerns may result in
depression, as well as being too overwhelmed to function properly.
Seeking
professional support may be necessary for some, but for others, simply reaching
out to a trusted friend or loved one can be helpful. Speaking to somebody who has been through the same situation
may also provide perspective on the issue.
Find Time for Hobbies and Relaxation
When
you’re caring for somebody that needs a great deal of attention, you may find
yourself falling into a pattern common to caregivers: spending every minute
worrying about their health and happiness. While you might think that’s making
you a better caregiver, the truth is that it could be negatively impacting your
life and your ability to effectively care for somebody that relies on you.
To
prevent this, devote at least a little time each and every day to things that
you enjoy. The hobby that you choose is up to you. Simple things like reading a
book, playing an instrument or simply listening to music can be genuinely helpful.
Look for hobbies and activities that are
calming, not agitating. That may
mean turning off the nightly news and putting on some soothing music instead.
Being
a caregiver is a noble task, but rarely an easy one. If you’re feeling the
pressure of the job or become too depressed, your doctor may have a few
suggestions to get you back on track.
Tara Heath is a freelance writer in Southern California. She has spent time caring
for her grandmother, and knows how demanding the job of a caregiver can be. She
contributes health content to the Presidio Home Care blog.
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