For Caregivers Taking Care Of Yourself While Taking Care Of Others

As a caregiver, you work long hours and are often "on call" twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. While you may feel that it is your duty and an honor to take care of a loved one (whether it is a spouse, parent or child), the position you fill can become quite confining. It can be quite easy to always put the needs of others first and not take care of your own. This can lead not only to poor mental and physical health for you, but also eventual guilt and resentment.

It is very important that you look after yourself both mentally and physically. What happens when the caregiver needs a caregiver? A good diet, exercise, sleep and outside interests are important to maintaining your health and sanity. Here are a few ways to make that happen:

1. Make a conscious effort to exercise or participate in some type of physical activity or sport three to four times a week. Thirty to forty-five minutes is optimal. Ask a friend or neighbor to sit with your ill loved one during this time.

2. When you cannot leave the premises for your exercise, try to fit it into your normal routine. Exercise to a DVD in the living room, pull weeds in the garden or stretch and do lifts while cooking. Exercise is great for getting a good night's sleep as well as loosen up any stress. It also brings mental clarity and energy, something you need when dealing with a loved one's illness.

3. Take care with your diet. Eat a balanced meal with plenty of fruits and vegetables and of course, drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. It can be quite easy to neglect your own needs when caring for someone else's.

4. Schedule your own medical physicals and refill your own medications. It is important that you take care of yourself first; otherwise you will not be able to take care of anyone else.

5. Do not rely on chemical crutches like alcohol, caffeine or nicotine to get you through the day. Find an alternative to help you cope in times of stress.

6. Learn how to ask for help. You should not have to shoulder the burden of caregiving on your own. If other family is not close, ask a friend for help. Talk with your local parish or support group. There are plenty of community resources that can step in and assist you when times are tough. Meals on Wheels are one such group.

7. Escape the confines of your caregiving role for a little while but having lunch with a friend, going to a movie, getting your hair styled or even indulging in a massage. Talking with friends, going to the library or even puttering in the garden are all great escapes.

8. When leaving the premises is not an option at the moment, you can "escape" without leaving by taking a hot bubble bath and soaking amidst the bubbles, giving yourself a pedicure, reading or even popping in a comedy in the DVD player.

The key to a successful escape, whether it is inside or outside the home is the person you ask to help you. You must feel confident in their abilities to care for your loved one in order to enjoy yourself without worrying what is happening at home.

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