One of your main jobs as a caregiver is to keep everything running. But did you know that taking care of yourself allows you to do that even more effectively?
Eat Right and Exercise
What are you eating? If you’re skipping meals more often than not or you’re choosing badly when it comes to what you eat, that’s a problem. Likewise, if you’re not moving as much as you could be, your body will start to let you know. It’s really important as a caregiver that you have a plan for keeping yourself healthy with the right diet and the right exercise levels.
Get to Your Doctor
Understanding what the right diet and exercise plans are for you might start with a trip to your doctor. If you haven’t been to your own doctor in while, it’s time for you to make an appointment. You need to make sure you’re not avoiding anything regarding your own health. If there’s a symptom you’d send your lvoed one to her doctor about, then you definitely need to make an appointment for yourself.
Track Your Stress
What are you doing to make sure you’re dealing with your stress levels? The very first thing to do is to make sure you recognize when you’re stressed and that you’re aware of how you’re feeling. There are a variety of ways you can keep track of all of this, but it’s more important that you do it than how you do it.
Keep Your Social Connections Connected
Lots of caregivers find themselves in a situation where they never talk to the people they care about because they’re just too busy. When you let that happen for too long, you wind up gradually isolating yourself. That’s not a good feeling and it can lead to you isolating yourself even more. If you’re feeling like it’s too difficult or too much, start out slowly with reconnecting to the people you love.
Work Your Brain
Brains need workouts just like muscles do. You work your brain a lot when you’re solving caregiving issues and concerns, but your brain needs some variety, too. Try to give your brain challenges that you enjoy, like puzzles or games that you find fun. That kind of stuff allows your brain to work still, but in different ways.
Taking care of yourself allows you to be a better, stronger caregiver. There might be other ways that you can take care of yourself that match up with your individual needs. Develop a plan that works for you and for your situation.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Surprise, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources at (602) 443-4700
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