The Diary of An Alzheimer's Caregiver

Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy, and deal with the rest!

  • Home
  • About T.D.A.C.
  • Blog
    • CAREGIVING
      • AWARENESS
      • RESOURCES
      • STORIES
      • TIPS
    • ALZHEIMER’S
      • AWARENESS
      • RESOURCES
      • STORIES
      • TIPS
    • OUR LIFE
      • MOM’S STORIES
      • MY STORIES
      • RA
      • SOCIAL AWARENESS ISSUES
    • YOUR STORIES
      • GUEST BLOGGERS
    • PRODUCTS & REVIEWS
      • BOOKS
      • PRODUCTS
      • SERVICES
  • Contact
  • Resource Library
Home » Blog » CAREGIVING » 5 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

September 23, 2019 By Rena McDaniel 18 Comments

5 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

Caregivers often suppress their emotions to be available for those they care for. Though generous, it can lead to burnout, stress, and declining health, making the exhaustive task of caregiving all the more difficult. Regardless of whether you are a professional caregiver or are taking care of a family member, self-care needs to be a priority. You can only provide care from a place of health. Here are five essential tips to ensure your own well-being in the process of caregiving.   

  

Practice Mind-Body Medicine     

Mind-body medicine involves helping the mind and body relax. Some of the well-researched methods that allow you to de-stress as a caregiver include yoga, mindfulness, and tai-chi. Deep breathing is also a well-known technique where slow and regulated breathing eliminates negative thoughts.      

By regularly practicing at least one of the mind-body techniques, caregivers can effectively calm their minds and think more clearly which translates into avoiding burnout.   

  

Take Breaks     

When caring for someone long-term, especially terminally-ill patients, it is natural for caregivers to feel that they must be at the person’s side every single second of the day. If it is a close family member you are caring for, the need to always be present is underlined by a feeling of guilt. What if something terrible happens when I am not around? This question is common when someone suggests a caregiver to take a break.      

Know that by not taking breaks, you are wearing yourself down which only makes you inefficient in your caregiving duties. Instead, consider taking short breaks throughout the day and even short vacations when possible. Ask someone reliable (a friend or a professional) to step into your shoes as a caregiver temporarily while you are away. Professional respite services have been researched for their efficiency in reducing the burdened feeling in caregivers.     

Eat Well    

Although nutrition is essential for a healthy body and mind, unsurprisingly, many caregivers ignore their meals. This is especially true when caring for someone with specific dietary requirements. Studies have shown that a caregiver’s diet changes drastically over the course of caregiving. While performing caregiving duties, it is crucial to eat balanced meals with whole and nutrition-dense foods to give your body that extra boost and avoid fatigue.      

Stress due to pressing responsibilities can also lead to inflammation, which can be combated by sticking to a healthy diet, exercising and resting more. Stick to simple, healthy recipes so that cooking is not a drain on your time and exercise in small, do-able 15-minute increments. 

De-Stress with Natural Aids     

The importance of de-stressing can never be overstated. While meditation, a good night’s rest, and deep breathing can help you reduce daily stress, there could be days when your patients need extra attention which can leave you with no time to practice these techniques or even get adequate sleep. On such occasions, turning to natural supplements could work wonders in helping yourself cope.      

You could use aromatherapy by applying essential oils such as lavender into your surroundings or you can try natural supplements such as magnesium, valerian root, and CBD oil, all of which are known for their soothing properties that reduce anxiety.     

Join Support Groups 

Giving care could be so taxing that your social life may go out of the window. You may feel that you have no time for friends, but by isolating yourself, you are further neglecting your personal self-care.      

Having said that, caregivers often feel that friends and family who do not have such responsibilities fail to understand and accommodate them, leading to further bottled-up feelings. If you feel that way, there are support groups specially meant for caregivers. These groups are offered by various hospitals and welfare organizations. Join such a community to remain connected with people who understand. Studies have shown that community support goes a long way for people who take care of terminally ill patients.      

Acknowledge Imperfection     

Caring for someone is a noble and uplifting task, but do not forget that caregivers are also humans and need care too. you are well, the person you are caring for will be better off. Take time for yourself, practice relaxation techniques, and never hesitate to ask for help.

This post was written by Erika Long.

Erika Long loves corgis, curry and comedy. Always searching for the next great snuggle, flavor or laugh, she inspires people to live their best life now. When not writing, Erika can be found at her local brewery dominating Harry Potter trivia night.

2Shares

Related

Filed Under: AWARENESS, CAREGIVING, GUEST BLOGGERS, Help Me Now, RESOURCES, TIPS Tagged With: Caregiver, Caregiver awareness, caregiver health, Caregiver resources, Caregiver tips, Caregiver tools, caregivers, caregiving, Caregiving awareness, Caregiving resources, caregiving tips, Erika Long

About Rena McDaniel

I'm a recovering Alzheimer's Caregiver, a former loving daughter, a current wife, mom, and grandma who remembers all too clearly what it is like on the front lines of Alz Caregiving. I provide real advice, pro tips, or excellent tools from my own experiences and other experts I find along the way. A community of caregivers supporting each other!

« How to Get Involved in Your Loved One’s Life_ Tips for Caregivers
Caregivers Save Time & Money On Your Holiday Cards »

Comments

  1. GiGi Eats says

    September 24, 2019 at 12:48 pm

    Eating well and exercise, I always stand by these two things!!

    Reply
  2. Melissa Chapman says

    September 24, 2019 at 1:34 pm

    Interesting thoughts that can be applied to anyone in a stressful situation. Mind and body care is so important including nutrtion and getting enough rest and to take breaks.

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    September 24, 2019 at 1:38 pm

    When I was caring for my dad when he had cancer, I didn’t eat well or get enough sleep so those are two things that I always tell caregivers to do for themselves.

    Reply
  4. Amber Myers says

    September 24, 2019 at 1:51 pm

    Such a great list. My mom was a caregiver to my Nana Jo, and I know it was tough on her. I would remind her to relax.

    Reply
  5. Tasheena says

    September 24, 2019 at 2:00 pm

    I really enjoyed reading this post. These are really helpful tips. Self-care is so important. Especially, as a care-giver.

    Reply
  6. Alli Smith says

    September 24, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    My mom was a caregiver to my aunt after she suffered a stroke. All of these tips are right on!

    Reply
  7. Jeanette says

    September 24, 2019 at 3:37 pm

    These are all great tips! It’s kind of a reminder to myself that I need to take care of myself if I want my family to be taken care of properly.

    Reply
  8. Sarah Bailey says

    September 24, 2019 at 4:17 pm

    These sound like some great tips for anyone who is giving care to another, it can be so hard to remember to care for yourself.

    Reply
  9. Emily says

    September 24, 2019 at 4:58 pm

    This is all so important! My Mom is currently taking care of my Grandma that is suffering from Dementia and I know my Mom devotes so much time and attention to my Grandma that she definitely ignores her own needs a lot of time. I will be sure to encourage her to do this more.

    Reply
  10. Emma says

    September 24, 2019 at 5:48 pm

    Wonderful tips! When I first started caring for my mom, I had a hard time taking care of myself. Finally, my husband booked a respite caregiver for my mom and a week away for us, and it was incredible the difference that break made. We’ve had the same caregiver (we love Comfort Keepers!) care for my mom a few times now and it’s always great for me to get a break and come back more recharged and able to focus on taking the best care of her.

    Reply
  11. Terri Steffes says

    September 24, 2019 at 10:01 pm

    My husband was my caregiver when I had cancer. He did a lot of these tips and he tells me that his group helped him tremendously.

    Reply
  12. Ruth I says

    September 25, 2019 at 4:55 am

    I can imagine how difficult being a care giver can be. It’s full of stress and challenges I suppose. Having a break is the greatest key here.

    Reply
  13. Gervin Khan says

    September 25, 2019 at 8:42 am

    These are definitely a great tips. I know how difficult it is to become a caregiver and how hard their work are and I agree that they should need to take a break to take care of themselves too.

    Reply
  14. Lisa Favre says

    September 25, 2019 at 8:52 am

    Taking breaks is so important – I couldn’t agree more. It’s important for hardworking caregivers to give themselves down time to relax and unwind.

    Reply
  15. Denay DeGuzman says

    September 25, 2019 at 11:50 am

    I’m sharing these great tips with a friend of mine who is now caring for elderly parents. She could really use a big dose of self-care and days off. It’s such a hard situation.

    Reply
  16. Tami Qualls says

    September 25, 2019 at 1:16 pm

    My mom could use a little self-care. She has taken care of so many other loved ones that she has neglected her health, both physical and mental.

    Reply
  17. Beth says

    September 25, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    When my dad was in hospice, I learned so much from the hospice team. It was really nice because they even had a volunteer to sit with my dad once a week so I could take my stepmother on errands. Although my time as a caregiver was relatively short (5 weeks), I can see how valuable these tips are, especially for a long term caregiver.

    Reply
  18. Marysa says

    September 25, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    I was a caregiver for my mom, and it was definitely a stressful experience. As much as you love someone, it is a lot of work and can be hard to juggle so much at once. These are great tips.

    Reply

Have a question? Just want to talk? I love comments! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Are You Looking For Something Specific

We’re Thrilled To Have Been Awarded As One Of The Top Alzheimer’s Blogs of 2020!

Best Alzheimer's and Dementia Blog Award, 2020 by eMediHealth

☆☆☆☆☆ By eMediHealth ☆☆☆☆☆

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Find me there!

Healing & Condolence Gift Package From A HEALING SPIRIT.ORG!

Tags

Alzheimer's Alzheimer's Awareness Alzheimer's Characteristics Alzheimer's progress Alzheimer's research Alzheimer's resources Alzheimer's statistics Alzheimer's Stories Alzheimer's tips book review Caregiver Caregiver awareness caregiver fails caregiver health Caregiver resources caregivers Caregiver survival Caregiver tips Caregiver tools Caregiver traits caregiving Caregiving awareness Caregiving resources caregiving tips dementia dementia tips Erica Silva Family guest posts holidays life lessons Lydia Chan midlife Midlife Women my stories our life product review RA relationships Sally Phillips senior abuse Senioradvice.com seniors service review sponsored post

Contributor to:

Some posts on this website may include affiliate links.

These links will be signaled by the presence of (*) before or immediately. What this means is that you buy the product or service that denotes the (*) I will earn a small commission which helps keep TDAC up and running. The commission will in no way affect your pricing.

Information on this website may be copied for personal use only. No part of this website may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the author. Requests to the author and publisher for permission should be addressed to the following email: Rena@theblogging@911.com

wanderingwebdesigner

"All who wander are not lost" We're exploring this great country one campsite/hotel at a time! Our bags are always packed & ready!

Rena McDaniel
#wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travel #wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travelholic #travelgram #travelinggram
#nationalparks #nps #instatravel #explore #vanlife
#travelphotography #exploring #explorer #wanderlust #doyoutravel #goexplore #travelmore
#lovetotravel #wonderfulplaces #roamtheplanet #travellifestyle #traveladdict
#wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travel #wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travelholic #travelgram #travelinggram
#nationalparks #nps #instatravel #explore #vanlife
#travelphotography #exploring #explorer #wanderlust #doyoutravel #goexplore #travelmore
#lovetotravel #wonderfulplaces #roamtheplanet #travellifestyle #traveladdict
#wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travel #wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travelholic #travelgram #travelinggram
#nationalparks #nps #instatravel #explore #vanlife
#travelphotography #exploring #explorer #wanderlust #doyoutravel #goexplore #travelmore
#lovetotravel #wonderfulplaces #roamtheplanet #travellifestyle #traveladdict
#wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travel #wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travelholic #travelgram #travelinggram
#nationalparks #nps #instatravel #explore #vanlife
#travelphotography #exploring #explorer #wanderlust #doyoutravel #goexplore #travelmore
#lovetotravel #wonderfulplaces #roamtheplanet #travellifestyle #traveladdict
#wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travel #wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travelholic #travelgram #travelinggram
#nationalparks #nps #instatravel #explore #vanlife
#travelphotography #exploring #explorer #wanderlust #doyoutravel #goexplore #travelmore
#lovetotravel #wonderfulplaces #roamtheplanet #travellifestyle #traveladdict
#wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travel #wanderer #traveling #travelers #travelbug #travelholic #travelgram #travelinggram
#nationalparks #nps #instatravel #explore #vanlife
#travelphotography #exploring #explorer #wanderlust #doyoutravel #goexplore #travelmore
#lovetotravel #wonderfulplaces #roamtheplanet #travellifestyle #traveladdict
Load More... Follow on Instagram
© 2021 The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver / Designed & Maintained by TECHNOLOGY-THERAPIST
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you okay with it.OkNoRead more