Elder caregivers provide much-needed services to those living with long-term care needs. Not only is senior caregiving a mental, emotional, and even physical job, but Valentine's season can present its own set of challenges for caregivers.
Whether you're a family member or a professional caregiver for seniors, this holiday can be more stressful than it should be. To better cope with the challenge of being an elder caregiver, not only during Valentine's season but also throughout the year, it is essential to take the time out for self-care activities that support both body and mind health. Here are some tips from Senior Helpers Madison!
Why Is Taking the Time Out for Self-care Important?
Providing elderly care can be emotionally and physically draining. Although self-care may not always seem like a top priority, the importance of taking some time out for yourself, particularly during this special holiday, cannot be overstated. Self-care activities can help you stay connected with your own well-being. It can allow your mental health and physical body to feel renewed so that you are better prepared and equipped with the tools needed to successfully provide senior care on a daily basis.
Ideas for Self-care Activities
Self-care activities can include anything from a spa day or pampering yourself to signing up for weekly yoga classes, soaking in the bath, taking a walk outdoors, reading a good book, and so much more. Taking a time out does not have to be expensive, and you don't need any special skills either. Any activity that makes you feel happy, refreshed, and content is worth including in your regular self-care routine. Here are some great ideas for self-care!
Meditation
Finding calm within can be beneficial for elder caregivers. Here, we recommend guided meditation and sequence breathing as popular methods to achieve a quiet place within one's mind, spirit, and body. Meditation helps bring the focus back to your center. It can also give you the time you need to let go of any negative thoughts that may have crept into your day or relationships with senior care recipients. Setting aside 20-30 minutes twice a week or even once a month can do wonders towards allowing yourself moments of clarity while focusing on all that is present.
Exercise
Regular exercise is an important part of healthy living, especially if you're going to spend long hours caring for someone else. Because physical exercise helps release endorphins—the chemicals released by the brain when we are happy—it can help you better cope with some of the difficult aspects of being a care provider as well as have more energy throughout the day.
Relaxation
Finally, taking some time out for your own relaxation is one of the most important self-care activities you can do, especially if you are an elder caregiver. Relaxation includes a myriad of helpful practices such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy and nutrient-dense foods, and exercising. Taking weekend getaways or simply committing to regular in-home yoga sessions can all contribute when it comes to finding restorative relaxation methods tailored just for you.
Senior Helpers Supports Seniors and Their Caregivers
Valentine's season may feel like a challenge to elder caregivers, but with successful self-care activities, the anxiety and stress associated with this season can be lessened. Make sure you're taking enough time for yourself by being mindful of your mental health and physical well-being as much as possible throughout the day.
For more information about taking care of your mental health as a caregiver, contact Senior Helpers Madison today. We offer senior care services to adults in the Union, Westfield, Morristown, Madison, Maplewood, Randolph, and Morris County areas.