Self-care for caregivers
Feeling a little burned out? Here are four simple ways to recharge, stay healthy, and be there.
MOVE A LITTLE
WHY: You’ve heard it before: Physical activity helps your body and your mind.
HOW: Do what you like! In a new study, caregivers who got 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week improved their mood and heart health. Activities included brisk walking, dancing, stair climbing, and yoga. Can’t carve out that much time? Even 12-minute exercise “snacks” can have big benefits. Take a quick walk, or turn on some music and shimmy for a few minutes.
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
WHY: You may not be able to eliminate the negative, but a simple daily practice that helps you notice little joys can make a significant difference in the way you feel.
HOW: Keep a gratitude journal and practice small acts of kindness. When family caregivers for Alzheimer's patients learned these daily happiness skills over six sessions, they had less depression and lower rates of anxiety, according to a recent study.
GET CREATIVE
WHY: A landmark study at George Washington University found that older adults who engaged in any kind of art used fewer medications, experienced fewer falls, and had lower levels of depression.
HOW: Try a Zoom class to brush up on an old skill or learn a new one; your loved one may even enjoy tuning in with you. Check out programs with your local library or senior center, or find free classes at events.ibx.com/age-fearless/.
TURN TO TECHNOLOGY
WHY: Technology can streamline your tasks, from tracking and refilling prescriptions to making doctor’s appointments to learning about conditions and making medical decisions.
HOW: Consider smartphone apps like Caring Village, free for Apple and Android phones. The app is designed to help family caregivers coordinate their loved one’s care via secure messaging, a central calendar, and a place to list medications.
