5 Life Hacks For Caregivers
Being a caregiver means giving someone else’s needs and wants a hefty priority. While this is an important feature of the job, the best care giving happens when both caregiver and care receiver are happy. This means that while it may seem like an impossible task, maintaining a healthy, well balanced lifestyle is vital for success on and off the job. Consider these simple life hacks to help you maintain a sense of normalcy and stability in your life:
1) Let the digital world lend you a hand We live in a digital age which means everything has gone mobile. It may seem out of place, but there are a plethora of mobile apps out there that can make your life as a caregiver that much easier. These apps help with everything from tracking medication to organizing doctors notes and can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping all the little ‘housekeeping’ tasks and chores together in one simple, accessible space. Some of the trending ones right now include iBiomed, Balance, Unfrazzle and Caregiver’s Touch. Seriously, you’ve got the smart phone, go get these smart apps!
2) Make time for physical activity As a caregiver for home care it can be difficult to even consider the idea of physical activity. Often it is the case that even if you found the time, where would you find the energy? Caregiving is a fulltime job and can be absolutely exhausting, both mentally and physically. However, incorporating activity into the lifestyle is an integral part for maintaining good physical and mental health. Luckily, you don’t have to take a ten mile run every day to be physically active. Some great, more low-key alternatives include meditation, stretching, yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. These are all great activities that not only get you moving but additionally have incredible relaxation benefits. If you need more of a sweat, hop on a bike or hit the gym for 30 minutes. Anything and everything helps!
3) Give yourself some credit It is often a lot easier for you and others to notice what you are doing wrong over what you are doing right. In order to maintain confidence and a healthy sense of self-worth it is important to realize that everyone makes mistakes, but for the most part you are doing a wonderful job. Caregiving is not a simple task; rather it is extremely demanding and complex. Neither you nor your care receiver can expect you to be a super hero; you don’t have magical powers, even if you both think you should. For this, it is important to step back and grant yourself credit where credit is due. If not, you will become worn down and bitter, and that won’t help anybody!
4) Eat well. It seems obvious and easy. But when it comes down to it, when your schedule is full and you have a million things to think about, your awareness about the kinds of food and the amount you are eating can get lost in the chaos. However, food is fuel, energy, and substance. With a poor diet, everything else begins to fall apart. That’s why even though it may be difficult, it is vital for caregivers to maintain a healthy, well balanced diet. It will give you more energy to complete tasks and help you avoid sickness and fatigue. Basic tips for healthy eating including avoiding fast food and junk food and making sure you are neither forgetting to eat nor overeating from stress or carelessness.
5) Overall, take care of yourselfIf you’ve been at the job for a while, you have learned how to take care of another person. But when you really think about it, are you taking care of yourself? It is amazing how easy it is to completely neglect yourself when all of your focus is on the care of another person. But if you neglect yourself too much, you won’t be able to take care of that other person anyway. Often this is a difficult idea for caregivers to wrap their head around. It is like in the airplane when the flight attendants ask you to secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others. It is similar with caregiving; make sure you are healthy and happy before assisting others. Otherwise, everyone is in trouble. Taking care of yourself includes everything from eating right, getting sleep and rest, exercising, and finding time for yourself, whatever that means for you. While it may seem selfish at times, you need to continually be checking in with yourself to stay healthy and suited for the job!
