As a caregiver in South Bend, you are probably more used to taking care of others rather than taking care of yourself. It's a paradoxical situation to be in because you do need to care for yourself first before you can care for others. This summer, as you accompany your senior on day trips or extended trips outside of Elkhart, make sure that you take care of yourself at the same time as you take care of them. Here are 10 practical self-care tips for caregivers which won't take much time but will result in an improvement in your health as well as an increase in your energy levels:
Essential Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
1. Drink Water
If you and your senior are going to be outdoors, you might both end up being dehydrated. So make sure you have water or juice at hand to keep rehydrating as necessary.
2. Eat More Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies are, of course, great for your health overall. Plus, they contain a lot of water which will help in hydration.
3. Get Some Sun
Nowadays, given the dangers of skin cancer, sunlight gets a bad rap. However, sunlight is good in small doses as it helps your body to produce Vitamin D in addition to upping your mood.
4. Use Sunblock
If you're going to be in the sun for extended periods of time, such as being on the beach, you may want to keep reapplying sunblock every hour or so. This will prevent sunburn and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
5. Wear Appropriate Clothing
It's a good idea to wear cotton or linen which will keep you cool in the Goshen summer. It's also a good idea to wear lighter colors which reflect more of the sun's rays rather than dark colors which absorb them.
6. Maintain a Work-Life Balance
This is something particularly applicable to caregivers because caregiving can be a tough job that takes a lot out of you, even though it is rewarding. Make sure you also schedule some me-time in-between long shifts of caregiving. Curl up with a good book or spend some time with loved ones so that you can unwind.
7. Get Enough Sleep
Most people function much better when they get a good night's sleep. It's best to try and get eight hours a night if you can. If this seems unattainable, then at least try going to bed half an hour early or take a short nap, if you can, during the day.
8. Exercise:
Did you know that the people who live the longest, such as the Okinawans, don't set aside chunks of time just for exercise? Instead, they just work movement and activity into their daily life with activities such as gardening, walking, cleaning up, etc. Try and do the same this summer and you'll see an increase in your energy levels.
9. Wellness:
Working some wellness into your routine can help create a sense of calm and relaxation. If you're looking to de-stress, just go to YouTube and try out one of many guided meditations/yoga routines.
10. Creativity:
Adding a little bit of creativity to your day can help you feel a little more enthusiastic which is always a plus. You don't need to be the next Picasso. Just do a little sketch or pen down a few thoughts. If you really want to do more, such as taking a ceramics or pottery class, that's also a great idea. Hobbies like this are de-stressing and give you a sense of satisfaction.
At Senior Helpers of South Bend, our caregivers enjoy flexible work hours to align with their lifestyles and schedules. For more information about the services Senior Helpers offers in Goshen, Elkhart, and Mishawaka areas, please visit the career section of our website.
Contact us to learn more about taking care of yourself this summer.