7 Energy Boosters for Burned Out Caregivers
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- Published on Wednesday, 21 January 2015 14:18
According to the Caregiver Action Network, more than 65 million Americans devote an average of 20 hours each week (13 percent of whom provide 40 or more hours) to providing free primary care for an adult relative or loved one.
Unfortunately, these selfless acts of caring for others can come at a high price, with 40 to 70 percent of family caregivers showing “significant symptoms of depression” and between 25 and 50 percent meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression. That doesn’t even include the physical toll caring for another adult takes on the body as well.
Turn Up Your Energy Levels
The bottom line is that caring for others does take a toll. Luckily, these seven energy boosters can help you revitalize your energy so that you can be the caretaker of your loved one that you want to be.
1) Pay Attention to Your Diet. The foods you eat fuel your body. Whether you’re working full time and caring for another person, or caring for that person is your full time responsibility, you need the right kind of fuel to keep your body running in tip-top shape – not to mention having the energy just to get through the demands of your day.
Good foods that boost energy include:
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Fresh Fruit
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Nuts
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Dark Chocolate
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Oatmeal
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Asparagus
Try adding these foods into your diet along with low-glycemic foods, lean proteins, and water-rich produce (watermelon, cucumbers, etc.) for improved energy and a renewed spark.
2) Exercise. Even something as simple as walking 15 to 30 minutes a day can do a great deal to boost your energy. You may think you don’t have time to fit a workout into your day. If this is the case, consider investing in a treadmill to keep in the home of the person you’re caring for and work some treadmill time in while that person is dozing off or engrossed in something on the television.
3) Consider Respite Care for Your Loved One. You deserve an occasional break. It isn’t letting your loved one down to leave them in capable hands for a respite stay. In fact, it’s doing both of you a world of good. You’re able to get away for a weekend or a week so you can take care of yourself while your loved one still gets quality care as well as the ability to socialize with other seniors in a controlled environment. If you are in the greater Boston area and would like to find out more about respite care, please call us at (508) 679-6172.
4) Harness the Power of Power Napping. It’s amazing what a 15 to 20 minute nap can do for your energy and mood. It might seem important to take care of various details while the person you are caring for is taking a nap, but making use of this time to recharge your own batteries can be more valuable. Don’t overdo it, though. Going beyond the 20 minute mark could land you in a deeper sleep that will have you waking groggy and unfulfilled.
5) Learn to Ask for and Accept Help. This is one of the most difficult things for many caregivers to do. By nature, you’re the one always ready to offer help. You feel it’s your responsibility and your role to play. Asking for help frees up some of your time to devote to things like meal preparation, exercising, and caring for yourself. It also gives other family members an opportunity to experience the rewards of caring for your loved one too.
6) Safeguard Your Own Health. From flu shots to regular doctor’s visits, it’s vital to take care of yourself when you are the caregiver for someone else. According to the CDC, 67 percent of caregivers do not go to the doctor because they’re putting the needs of their families above their own and 57 percent because they are putting the needs of the person they are caring for above their own. If you’re unhealthy, you’ll be unable to provide the quality of care you prefer to offer.
7) Do Something for Yourself Daily. It doesn’t have to be something major. Even a 15-minute soak in a bubble bath or twenty minutes to read a book from your favorite author will do. Just take small moments for yourself daily in order to renew your joy.
These seven energy boosters will help you keep your energy up so that you can avoid the burnout that plagues so many caregivers. Try them for yourself today!
Have you ever experienced burnout as a caregiver? What energy boosters gave you a lift? Please share in the comments below!
