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6 Tips for Caregiver Self-Care

1. Watch Out for Stress: If you notice yourself snapping at loved ones unintentionally or forgetting everyday task, it could be a sign of stress. Create a plan of action to improve or resolve the stressors you can control, and try to forget the rest.
2. Be Aware of the Signs of Depression: If you are experiencing consistent physical or mental weakness, lack of ambition, excessive or difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, increased frustration or irritability, difficulty concentrating on task and feel that you may be experiencing depression, please contact your doctor or seek help from a licensed provider.
3. Take a Vacation: You might not have the time or funds to plan an outrageous vacation to the Bahamas right now, but try to find little ways to escape and treat yourself closer to home. Have a movie day on your couch, make mud mask in the bathroom with your friends, lay outside in the sun with your headphones in, or take a long walk through your neighborhood park.
4. Continue to Improve Your Communication Skills: The more effectively you communicate your needs to others, the more likely they are to be able to help you meet those needs. Prevent further stress by enlisting the help of others when necessary, and don’t be afraid to ask for help meeting your needs, as it is better to ask sooner than later.
5. Sleep, Diet and Exercise: Amongst all your caregiving duties, it may seem impossible to get 6-8 of sleep, walk at least 30 minutes a day, and eat healthy balanced meals, but this can often make or break the integrity of your physical health. Taking good care of your physically body will better ensure your defense against illnesses you may encounter while you are a caregiver.
6. Don’t Go It Alone: Make sure you have a solid support system for the times you are feeling physically or mentally strapped. Simply planning a dinner once a week with a close friend can greatly boost your mood and improve your outlook on your situation.