Being a family caregiver can be a challenging task, so it is a good time to pick up beneficial habits that can enhance your overall wellbeing and capability. It takes roughly three weeks to develop a habit, but if you keep doing something repeatedly, it becomes easier to do it in the long run. The professional caregivers at Coast Care San Diego discuss seven healthy habits for family caregivers.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Sugary and caffeinated beverages can cause weight gain, diabetes, and other health conditions that slow you down. Being dehydrated is dangerous because it makes your brain foggy, so you should try to drink 64 ounces of water each day.
2. Make Time for Friends
Caregivers who are socially isolated are far more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and caregiver burnout. Your friends can be a valuable support system, so you should try to regularly schedule book clubs, brunches, and coffee dates with them.
3. Get Some Exercise
Do not neglect your physical health just because you are busy with your caregiving duties. Consider taking small walks or doing gentle strength training exercises at least a few times each week. Physical exercise can be a great way to relieve stress and keep the heart healthy.
4. Eat Healthy Meals
Many caregivers resort to snacking on junk food and stress-eating when faced with a rigorous schedule. Even though it is time consuming, you should still try to make the effort to eat home-cooked meals with plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you get into the habit of cooking big batches and freezing them, you can prepare healthy meals ahead of time.
5. Spend Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors can be helpful because regular exposure to the sun ensures you get enough vitamin D. Being outside is a natural mood booster that can lower your risk of depression or insomnia.
6. Go to Bed on Time
Sleep is an essential part of staying healthy, but many caregivers end up deprived of sleep. To make sure you get enough sleep, always go to bed at least eight hours before you need to wake up. Regularly going to bed at the same time makes it easier to fall asleep.
7. Meditate
Meditation can be an excellent way to reduce overall stress levels and manage stress-related health conditions like high blood pressure. All you need to do is take a few minutes to sit and focus on your breathing. Just five minutes of meditation a day can make a big difference, so it is easy to work into a busy caregiving schedule.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to take a break from your caregiving duties to focus on your own health and wellbeing. When it comes to high-quality home care, San Diego families trust Coast Care Partners. We are a leading caregiver agency with several years of experience in the senior home care industry. Our caregivers can help your senior loved one enjoy a high quality of life while aging in the comfort of home. To create a customized in-home care plan for your elderly relative, give us a call at 619-354-2544 today.
