On top of that, you may be holding a full-time job and managing your own familys needs.
By the end of the day, you fall into bed completely drained and deflated.
Simply put, caregiving itself can increase your risk forchronic stressand burnout.
Verywell Mind / Getty Images
As a caregiver, caring for yourself is a form of caring for your loved one.
They do better when you feel betterand youll do better in the long run.
But its not just for your own good to prioritize self-care.
They do better when you feel betterand youll do better in the long run.
But how do we exercise self-care, and where do we find the time, as caregivers?
We tapped into some experts to get their recommendations.
Having a respite plan in place is imperative for all caregivers.
Engaging instress-reducing activitiesis essential.
Plus, a little goes a long way.
In addition, add healthy movement to your day.
This doesnt have to be a lot!
Butlack of sleepcan only exacerbate our stress levels and can lead to other health complications, Dr. Aziz says.
He encourages caregivers to create a simplebedtime routineto ensure youre getting adequate rest.
This is particularly important for over-achievers who feel they need to do it all themselves, says Dr. Small.
Learn to say no to additional responsibilities that drain your energy, Dr Aziz recommends.
Organizations like theAlzheimers Associationoffer both local and virtual caregiver support groups, he shares.
Take Advantage Of Resources
Local and state resources can be extremely helpful for Alzheimers caregivers.
Part of this has to do with guilt.
Why should we take care of ourselves when our loved one needs so much of our energy and care?
But its important to remember that caring for ourselvesiscaring for our loved ones.
Being there for our loved one means being there for ourselves.
Just doing one small thing for yourself each day can make a huge difference.
Start today, one step at a time.
Norton MC, Smith KR, stbye T, et al.Greater risk of dementia when spouse has dementia?
The Cache County study[published correction appears inJ Am Geriatr Soc.
2012;60(5):1000] [published correction appears inJ Am Geriatr Soc.
2013;61(9):1642].J Am Geriatr Soc.
American Psychological Association.Caregiver Family Therapy (CFT).
