Caring for an elderly parent, friend, or loved one can be a wonderful, rewarding experience at best. And when we are tired and losing patience, it can be very overwhelming. Our experiences of caring for an elderly loved one can differ depending on your particular loved one’s condition, but all caregiving experiences one thing is common. The caregiver always need to take time out for themselves. Taking breaks will keep you more strong and patient.
There are many ways that you can take time out for you.
- Get Together with Friends – Remembering who you were before you took on the all-consuming role of caretaker can be a refreshing change. You will be more likely to have a positive outlook when you take time out with friends.
- Be sure to take time for exercise, eating right, and getting the proper amount of rest – This can be difficult if you are taking care of your loved one by yourself. We’ll discuss that issue later. Take time out to take care of you.
- Be aware of your mental health – like your physical health, it is important to be aware of your mental health in order to head off things like depression. It’s easy to get depressed when you are “putting out more than you are putting in”. When we expend more energy than we have to give and don’t rest enough, we can get run down to the point that we begin to experience depression. Take time to love yourself.
- Deal with your deep feelings – In addition to being aware of your mental health, it is important to work through the issues that plague you. Talk to a counselor if you are having trouble processing the hardships in your life. It’s always nice to have someone unbiased to express yourself to. Take time out for your mental health.
- Be realistic, Just Say No– This can be difficult for the kind of people who tend to be the caregivers. It’s just a characteristic of a caregiver to want to help people, so when people ask, they find it difficult to say no. Check your calendar. If the time just isn’t there, be honest with yourself and say that you cannot help this time.
- Plan Ahead to Stay Ahead – Life as a caregiver can tend to pile up quickly around you. Taking time for you to plan ahead will help keep you organized and your life in order.
- Take a Fun Day! Go get a manicure, a pedicure, a massage, visit a museum or a state park. Do something that you find fun. You deserve it!
- Lastly, after reading all these ways that you can take time for yourself, you may be wondering how in the world you can take the time away from the loved one you are caring for and that’s where places like Boca Home Care Services come in. Home Care services will come to your house, or the residence of the loved one you are caring for, and take over for you while you take time out for yourself. Call them today!
