| When it comes to acting as a caregiver to the | | | | -Avoid stimulants like caffeine in the afternoon |
| elderly, it can be easy to neglect your own needs. | | | | and evening. |
| While you're busy fixing meals, helping with | | | | -Establish a bedtime routine, such as nighttime |
| activities of daily living, and tending to the house all | | | | shower and relaxing music that you listen to |
| at the same time, you can't help but long for a | | | | before going to sleep. |
| moment to take care of yourself. Caregivers to | | | | 3. Try to get as organized as possible. Developing |
| the elderly deal with a plethora of challenging | | | | an organized system will help you do things quickly |
| situations. At the end of the day, caring for | | | | and efficiently. A lot of people work a job full-time |
| yourself is the last on your to do list. However, | | | | and then take on the roll of a full-time caregiver |
| practicing self-care for yourself as a caregiver is | | | | outside of their career. Assign household chores |
| essential to your own health and wellness. | | | | and shopping to other family members. Schedule |
| 1. Eat foods that give you energy. Eat foods that | | | | relaxation time with your family. Talk about your |
| give you energy and meet your nutritional needs | | | | schedule and responsibilities. You will find that |
| at the same time. If you're in a hurry, grab a | | | | family is a great support network. |
| piece of fruit, a yogurt or a handful of nuts. | | | | 4. Take time for social activities. It's easy to lose |
| Getting the nutrients that you need will keep both | | | | sight of activities you once enjoyed when you |
| your energy and your spirits up. | | | | take care of someone full-time. Be sure to carve |
| 2. Get plenty of rest. As a caregiver, you are | | | | out some time for you, to relax and unwind. |
| constantly on the go. Many people find | | | | During this time, avoid the urge to take on |
| themselves worrying at night, and have trouble | | | | household chores, such as vacuuming and doing |
| sleeping. You may begin worrying about things | | | | the dishes. |
| over which you have no control. As your mind | | | | 5. Get support. Join a caregiver support group. |
| races at turbo speed, sleep falls by the wayside. | | | | People within a support group may be able to |
| To remedy this, try the following natural | | | | offer advice on how to deal with caregiver stress. |
| techniques | | | | Get a list of names together of people you can |
| -Get a guided meditation or relaxation CD at night | | | | call and ask questions so that you feel supported. |
| before going to sleep. | | | | Look into other care options for your loved one. |
| -Exercise every day. | | | | Residential care homes offer 24-hour care for |
| -Don't read or watch TV in bed | | | | your loved one with trained care aids. If caring for |
| -Try to go to bed and get up at the same time | | | | your loved one has been come overwhelming, it |
| every day. | | | | may be time to look into a options outside of |
| -Don't nap during the day. | | | | your home. |