Five Tips for Caregivers: How to Make Time for Yourself
If you’re caring for an ill or aging loved one, you may be struggling to find a balance between providing for him or her and taking care of your and your family’s needs. You may also be missing the non-caregiver relationship you once had because you’re now the responsible one.
We know caring for a loved one can take a toll, and it just seems selfish to want some alone time. However, taking time for yourself is a vital part of being a great caregiver. It will help you prevent burnout and exhaustion while ensuring your family member gets the best possible care. It can even remind you to spend quality time with him or her as a companion, rather than simply checking tasks off the list to meet his or her needs.
Here are a few simple tips to help you set aside time each day to focus on you.
Schedule “me” time.
It’s easy to let “me” time fall by the wayside, especially when you feel obligated to always place your loved one’s wellness (and your family’s) above your own. However, it’s important to treat these moments for yourself like any other appointment. Set a date and time to do something just for you each day.
Some activities that may help you unwind include:
- Reading a chapter of a book
- Taking a short walk
- Fitting in a 20-minute workout
- Running a quick errand
- Watching an episode of your favorite show
Pencil the activity into your schedule or set a reminder on your phone to ensure you don’t forget. When the time comes to rest, be sure to take it seriously. You wouldn’t break an appointment with a loved one, so don’t miss a date with yourself.
Try meditation, prayer, tai chi, or yoga.
Mind-body practices can boost physical health with stretching and strength building, and they’re incredible for easing tension. For example, yoga has proven to be especially effective at reducing stress in caregivers, particularly in families of those with Alzheimer’s or cancer.
Practicing mind-body awareness, and meditating or praying about the day ahead, will help you focus on what’s important to you and increase your overall wellness.
Prioritize your physical health.
You can’t take care of those around you if you don’t take care of yourself. When you’re busy and working hard to provide for others, you need a strong foundation. Keeping your body healthy is a great way to boost your physical and mental wellness, and it almost forces you to set aside dedicated time for your wellbeing.
There are a few ways to focus on your physical wellness:
- Exercise regularly. Try to work out daily, even if it’s simply going for a walk. Joining a class can help you stay motivated.
- Get enough sleep. Most adults need around 8 hours of sleep each night, so aim for this. Also, take 15- to 30-minute naps when necessary.
- Eat healthy foods. Base your diet on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other unprocessed foods to keep up your energy and mood.
Find support with friends, family, or a caregiving group.
When you start to feel overwhelmed, you shouldn’t feel like you have to keep it to yourself. Instead, take time to reach out to friends or family members, even if it’s just to vent. Sometimes, as a caregiver, you don’t want help caring for a loved one—you just need someone to talk through frustrations. Either way, it’s a great idea to surround yourself with those who will listen.
Talking with others who are “in your shoes” can help relieve the stress you’re under as well. Check your area for groups of people going through a similar experience such as cancer or Alzheimer’s support. You may even be able to find a group online! No matter how you seek support, you don’t have to do anything alone.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a little extra help.
More than anything else, your loved one wants you to be happy and healthy—and probably feels a little guilty that you’re having to care for them. While asking for emotional help is a major step, asking for assistance with the daily tasks of caregiving is the biggest way you can help yourself. You may feel as if it’s all your responsibility, but it’s important (and okay) to have someone else take over a few jobs, so you can have some “me” time. You will be better for taking the time off.
An expert, friend, or family member can provide companionship, transportation, assistance with errands, housekeeping, meal prep, medication reminders, personal care, and more for your loved one while you take the time you need to rest and recharge.
As a caregiver, taking time for yourself can help you stay balanced, healthy, and happy. It’s necessary to prioritize your own physical and emotional wellbeing so you can continue to be a great caregiver and companion.
Caring for someone can be more than you expected. Sometimes, to provide the best care for a loved one, you simply need to ask for help from a family member or a professional caregiver. With a little assistance, you can ensure your loved one is getting excellent care while you take time to recharge and be your best, healthiest self.
Safe-T Home Care is an in-home care agency in Monticello, Indiana. We provide services such as transportation, personal care, and companionship to your loved ones so they can remain safely at home and maintain as much independence as possible. For more information, please visit our website or like us on Facebook.