How to Prioritize Yourself - 5 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
According to the World Health Organization, Stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by difficult situations. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats. And everyone experiences stress to some degree.
As a caregiver, Stress Awareness Month is the perfect time to remind yourself when and how to take a step back, to take a closer look at your mental health. Self-care is not always easy, but it is essential - it guarantees that your mental, physical, and emotional health is in balance.
In 2022, the National Alliance for Caregiving estimated 65.7 million Americans (or 29 % of the adult U.S. adult population involving 31% of all U.S. households) served as family caregivers for an ill or disabled relative. Therefore, taking advantage of respite care options is essential for family caregivers. Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, enabling them to take a much-needed break from the demands of caregiving a sick, ageing, or disabled family member. To relax and recharge.
These five tips will help you cope with stress during Stress Awareness Month and beyond.
- Prioritize regular breaks and respite care opportunities.
Always set aside time each day just for yourself - times when you can relax and unwind without the demands of caregiving. Do not forget to take advantage of respite care to have some moments away from your responsibilities with the confidence of knowing your loved one is in safe hands.
- Create boundaries around your working hours.
Caregivers often struggle with anxiety and work overload. We recommend you create 'closed' times that allow you to disconnect from work and focus on family and leisurely activities. Regularly taking time off will enable you to come back with fresh ideas, better energy, and a clearer head that will come in handy when caring for your loved one.
- Create achievable timelines for all your tasks by setting realistic goals and targets.
Manage your workloads and targets by breaking them down into smaller chunks. Strive to meet daily goals while keeping around a few milestones or checkpoints. It will be easier to rectify delays and impediments without losing time or incurring additional expenses.
- Build a support network.
Talk to your friends and family about any worries or concerns. Remember to seek professional help if you are overwhelmed. You are more effective when you better understand your stress levels and learn coping skills tailored specifically to you.
- Practice mindfulness strategies like yoga or meditation.
Focus on self-care activities like exercise or reading a book. These daily practices can do wonders for you when managing your stress levels. Also, leverage technology like Fitbit to keep track of your steps, achieve fitness goals, track your sleeping patterns, and monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.
Right At Home Anne Arundel County provides reliable respite care to our clients - Contact Us.
