Acting as a caregiver can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be time-consuming.
Providing those under your supervision with the best care possible can be a full-time job, taking up most of your day. And though it may be rewarding, it can lead to caregiver burnout. Simply put, caregiver burnout is a state of exhaustion, leading to decreased wellness. It can affect your mood, your physical state, and leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
This condition is something that many caregivers have experienced. According to the American Psychological Association, two-thirds of unpaid caregivers reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral symptom in the prior month and nearly one-third reported behavioral conditions such as anxiety or depression due to burnout.
Still, such conditions are not inevitable. By learning various techniques, it is possible to prevent burnout and make sure that your loved one continues to receive the best-possible care. Keep reading to find out some ways to combat caregiver burnout.
Take a Break
Sometimes, you just need some time off.
When you take time off, you’re able to focus on yourself, and you’re able to do the things that you need to do in order to achieve a better state of wellness. Whether it be a vacation, a night at dinner, or just a day off resting, it’s always important to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself and being the best that you can be. When you’re the best version of yourself, you’re able to provide the best-possible care.
Therefore, when you take time off, do the things that you want to do. Go shopping. Go hiking. Go to the beach or go to the fancy dinner you’ve been craving. Perhaps you can also do something active and relaxing – something that can get you recentered and ready to take on the next challenge.
Connect at a Support Group
It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
And sometimes, the best people to ask are the ones who are going through the same things that you are, the ones who are living the same day-to-day experiences as you. That’s why support groups can be so helpful for caregivers – you can be in a place where someone understands your unique needs, concerns and questions.
Asking for help in this setting can lead to personalized answers from those who have the wisdom and confidence needed to provide solutions to even the most complex situations.
Ask your local Sagora Senior Living community if they host a caregiver support group!
Eat Well and Sleep Well
The best way to make sure that you’re able to provide the best care possible is to be the best version of yourself. And in order to do that, you’ll need to maximize your wellness by giving your body the support it needs. The easiest way to do this is to make sure you get a good night’s sleep and follow a balanced diet, giving your body the nourishment it needs each day.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential because it ensures that you have the energy you need to complete your daily tasks. While each individual requires a different amount of rest, you should get no less than seven hours of sleep each night, though an amount greater than eight hours is ideal.
As a caregiver, you’re constantly on your feet and doing labor-intensive tasks. With the proper amount of rest, you’ll be able to make sure soreness is minimized.
Another way to do this is through a proper diet. Many caregivers admit to using food and drink to deal with the stress of caregiving, but this is something that can be detrimental to overall health. A proper, balanced diet is much more beneficial, as it provides energy and helps the body recover.
Sagora Senior Living boasts top-notch Assisted Living and Memory Care programs that provide skilled, compassionate care to those that need it, ensuring they live their best possible lives. Talk to your local Sagora Senior Living community to see the Sagora difference!