Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress

The Importance of Self-Care

MANAGING CAREGIVER STRESS

As caregiver, your job of keeping your loved one safe, happy, and healthy is a stressful one. But just like what flight attendants tell us in their safety demonstrations, you need to take care of yourself first before you can provide assistance to others. Easier said than done, right? Here are a few tips to help you take care of YOU.

When you are taking care of an aging parent or spouse, you may forget to focus on your own needs. Add in the demands of a job, children, or other family members, and suddenly you find yourself stressed out and exhausted at the bottom of the list of priorities.

The fact is that caregivers need to put themselves at the TOP of the list. You need to be in good shape physically and mentally to take care of those around you.

The Importance of Self-Care

More than likely, you already know that stress is an issue in your life. You may be experiencing some of these symptoms:

  • Reduced attention span and concentration
  • Constant irritability or dulled emotions
  • Withdrawal from regular activities
  • Stomach problems
  • Difficulty sleeping

Below are a few tips for managing stress. Even 15-20 minutes a couple times each day to concentrate on relaxation will make a world of difference.

  • EXERCISE WITH AN ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY. (walking, dancing, biking, swimming, etc.) for a minimum of 20 minutes three times per week. Yoga is a great stress buster!
  • MEDITATE. Sit still and breathe deeply with your mind as quiet as possible whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed. Even if you feel like you don’t have a minute, take one.
  • EAT PLENTY OF FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES, PROTEINS, NUTS, AND WHOLE GRAINS. Resist the urge to indulge in fast foods, caffeine, and sugar as substitutes for healthy eating.
  • TAKE UP FRIENDS ON THOSE OFFERS TO HELP. Treat yourself to a manicure, massage, dinner, or a movie. Take yourself away from a stressful situation and reward yourself for all that you do.
  • TAKE A BREAK. Whether it’s a few days per month or a few days each week, SarahCare can give you the break you need. You can relax knowing your loved one is being cared for in a warm, safe, and friendly environment by our caring staff of healthcare professionals.