As rewarding as it can be, taking care of someone else can take its toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are just beginning your caregiving journey, remember this: It’s essential to prioritize your own health and well-being along the way. Failing to practice self-care will eventually leave you burned out, which isn’t what’s best for you or your loved one.
By checking in with yourself and fostering physical, mental, and spiritual wellness each day, you will better be able to handle the pressure, stay strong for your loved one, and lead a fulfilling life. Rooted On The Vine presents some simple ways to do just that:
Get Help Around the House
You have plenty of responsibilities on your shoulders, which means that it can be hard to get household tasks done. But you don’t want to live in a home in disrepair. If the prospect of cleaning your home and making repairs is overwhelming, consider bringing professionals on board to help. Finding a handyman in Chicago is as easy as doing a simple internet search.
However, make sure you read plenty of customer reviews to help ensure that the contractor you’re considering is the right person for the job.
Practice the Three Pillars
When it comes to practicing self-care, it’s essential to include diet, exercise, and sleep in your routine. These have been called the three pillars because they form the foundation for any healthy lifestyle.
If you already eat a healthy, balanced diet, great! If there is room for improvement, however, now could be a great time to start. Rather than dive into a strict fad diet, just try to eat more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and it will do wonders for your health and well-being. And if you do purchase a snack or two at the grocery store, make sure you keep them in the back of the pantry to prevent you from reaching for them first!
There are many different types of physical activities that can get your blood pumping and endorphins flowing. A lot of caregivers enjoy doing yoga or HIIT. You can find a lot of classes and plans online that will allow you to get in a quick and effective workout each day.
Along with eating more nutritiously and prioritizing physical activity, try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Find relaxing activities that will help your mind and body wind down and prepare for deep rest. Along with boosting your overall health and well-being, forming good sleep habits will make you more productive and effective in your caregiving role.
Keep a Journal
Another simple but effective self-care practice is to write in a journal. You can find a variety of journals as elaborate or as basic as you want. The important thing is that you actually write in it regularly! Consider waking up fifteen minutes earlier and writing down your thoughts as you drink your morning coffee. Or, carve out some time before you go to bed each night.
Journaling can provide a great outlet for expressing your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. You can use it to recount your experiences of the day, talk about certain situations you are worried about, and jot down things you are grateful for. You can even keep a journal to track your self-care progress!
To be the caregiver you want to be, you must foster your own health and well-being. By hiring professionals to help with household tasks, incorporating the three pillars into your daily routine, and writing regularly in a journal, you can get off to a strong start toward your self-care goals. In no time, you will feel less stress and be better able to deal with the pressures that come with caring for a loved one.
Image via Pexels
Written by Beverly Nelson. Beverly created StandUpForCaregivers.org, which aims to protect and advocate for the health and well-being of adult caregivers.
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