3 Simple Tips to Reduce Caregiver Stress

3 Simple Tips to Reduce Caregiver Stress

December 1, 2020 0 Comment Category: Recuperative Care

 

The American Psychological Association reports that high levels of stress are a very common problem among caregivers of chronically ill patients and seniors. Feeling stressed continuously can lead to poor health in caregivers and may lead to other consequences like a weak immune system, lowered focus and concentration, inferior mental and physical well-being, etc. All of that can translate to low-quality or inappropriate caregiving services, which is why caregivers need to take care of themselves as well to ensure proper care of their patients. Our skilled staff at Horizon Recuperative Care are trained to ensure that they are always ready to provide only the best care possible to our residents. 

Thankfully, caregiver stress can be lowered significantly by maintaining an effective self-care routine. Below are some simple tips that will help you to reduce stress and ensure that you enjoy a better quality of life. 

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is one of the easiest ways to rejuvenate your body and mind. You do not have to follow a strenuous workout routine; simple exercises like jogging, walking, swimming, or weight training can be very effective to help boost your energy levels and drive protective effects on your brain’s stress response. Additionally, regular physical activity helps to release natural endorphins in the brain, which can work to improve mood and lower pain.

Meditate Every Day

Meditation can have several benefits on your overall health. Even when you practice meditation for a short session every day, it can help to lower agitation and anxiety and train your brain to cope with a stressful situation more positively. Meditating daily can also help you to take more creative decisions and increase your memory skills. It is also seen to promote compassion, which is a key ingredient to deliver effective care services. 

Seek Respite Care

According to the Mayo Clinic, respite care is “one of the best things you do for yourself — as well as the person you’re caring for”. Seeking respite care at an adult day care, community center, or short-term respite care facility can help a lot to reduce caregiver stress and allow you to run your other errands. You can also reach out to your friends or family members to take care of your loved one for a couple of hours or a day so that you can take a break to rewind.

Apart from these, you should also take adequate preventative steps to lower stress, such as maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and taking some time out for yourself. Likewise, it is also important not to be too hard on yourself as you take care of a chronically ill or senior person so that you do not feel overly stressed about little things but can ensure effective caregiving services.

Contact Horizon Recuperative Care if you think your loved one can benefit from our post-hospitalization recuperative services.