Caregivers: your plates are full. With long hours focused on caring for others, it can drain the energy you need to take care of yourself. It’s important to remember that if you don’t make time for yourself and your own well-being, it can affect the quality of care you give to others. Care Provider Solutions offers advice for caregivers looking to add self-care to their regimine.
Mayo Clinic points out that exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Even if you can only fit in a walk or a few minutes of other exercises each day, it can make a difference in having enough energy to provide senior care or foster care for adults with disabilities. Eating healthy foods boosts your energy to help you get through your long day. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
When you’ve got a moment to yourself, there’s no difficulty taking it easy, but maybe some planned extensive downtime is what you really need. Book a massage or pamper yourself at home with a DIY spa day. You could also get away on a regular basis from your adult foster care community. Look for ways to make it affordable and convenient. If you love Disney, for example, you could become a DVC member and have some fun at the park.
The care you give others is really important, and it’s appreciated, but it may not always feel that way. Giving so much of yourself to others can really be draining, and it can be tempting to simply watch TV every night because it’s easy. Be sure to guard enough time to do the things you love, the things that make you feel the most like you.
Is there a conference or a show, a concert or an event that you’d really look forward to? Be more impulsive and buy a ticket with no regrets. Because if you’ve always got something to look forward to, the long days at the assisted living facility can be a little easier.
This also applies to not putting your career or educational goals on hold. With an online degree program, you can balance work, school, and caregiving. For example, maybe you have considered opening and operating adult foster care homes. A bachelor’s in business can prepare you for the future and help boost your earning potential. What’s more, by going the online route and considering different types of business degrees, you can easily plan your coursework to match your schedule.
There are several changes you can make to your home to improve your daily life. For instance, houseplants can lift spirits and add a feeling of vibrancy to the environment occupied by both you and your loved one. Verywell Mind notes that reducing household clutter can also improve your mental and emotional health by helping to clear your mind and elevate your mood.
Additionally, look for ways that you can reduce yard work and lawn care. For example, if you don’t have the energy at the end of the day to mow the grass, consider hiring a company to help you out. Taking this chore off the table can help free up time and energy for other things.
Power washing the exterior of the home gives it a bright look for a fraction of the cost of a new paint job. Likewise, getting the windows washed gives the home a sparkle and improves the natural light inside. It’ll help the home look more clean and more cheerful, too. Go online to look for a window cleaner near you. Make sure you read reviews and get any quotes in writing.
You may also consider downsizing. If you have more house than you really need, you can cut down on costs and maintenance by transitioning to something smaller, and you might even come out ahead. First, do a little research on the housing market to see what smaller homes are selling for.
Having a strong network of family and friends is so important for new caregivers and care planners. A support system can look different for everyone. Sometimes your friends will simply allow you to vent. Other times, they may be there to help you out in some practical matters. It’s also important to take time away from your caregiving duties to just have fun with people who make you laugh. Be sure to schedule some quality time with the people who are important to you.
Further, there’s no shame in seeking professional help if you are struggling to cope with your caregiving responsibilities. An online therapist or counselor can offer you support and guidance. You’ll be able to access a wide variety of licensed professionals while also saving costs on commuting to a physical location. Many therapists offer complimentary consultations to help you find the right professional for you. Plus, insurance often covers costs, so check with your provider to see what your policy includes.
Taking care of yourself is vital if you want to be a successful caregiver, whether it’s finding time to relax, going after a goal you’ve been putting off like going back to school, hiring someone to mow the yard, or finding social support. So, find the time to take care of you.
Care Provider Solutions partners with AFC operators to reduce their stress by teaching simple systems so they can succeed at providing compassionate care for their residents and making a living for themselves. Schedule a consultation today with our adult foster care system specialist. (248) 342-2698
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