Caregiver Stress: Warning Signs & 10 Ways to Manage It
As a family caregiver, you probably have already realized that your day-to-day responsibilities can be very stressful and can even become overwhelming, often leaving you feeling exhausted, depressed, and even a little resentful.
If you are feeling this way, you need to realize that this is unhealthy and cannot continue or you will be putting yourself at risk of developing caregiver burnout. The warning signs of caregiver burnout include fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbance, chronic headaches, weight gain/loss, sadness or constant worrying, loss of interest in activities, and even increased alcohol or drug use.
Avoid Burnout by Managing Caregiver Stress
According to a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 family caregivers admit that they have “fair” or “subpar health” due to caregiver stress.
Being under constant stress and neglecting your own needs for too long can weaken your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness.
For many family caregivers, their personal self-care is the first thing to take a back seat. That’s where the dedicated caregivers at Visiting Angels Southbridge can help by sharing or even offloading some of the enormous caregiving responsibilities from your shoulders, which will help reduce the amount of stress you are under.
Remember, you will be of no help to your elderly loved one if you need a caregiver of your own!
To help you manage your stress levels and avoid burnout, we put together 10 practical tips that we hope you will take to heart:
- Eat Nutritious Foods
Eating regular, healthy, nutritious meals is a great way to support your overall health. Save time with weekly meal prep, allowing you to cook meals in bulk that can be reheated throughout the week. Also, be sure to take advantage of the many healthy convenience options, such as pre-packaged salads, rotisserie chicken, and healthy snacks.
- Exercise!
Taking the time to exercise for 30 minutes each day can help improve both your mood and your sleep. Brisk walking, jogging, or yoga are terrific options to improve your health and mental clarity.
- Wisely Manage Finances
Managing both your loved one’s and your own finances can be double stressful; rely on apps to track spending, keep tabs on account balances, and make paying bills more manageable.
- Accept Help
Make it a habit of accepting a helping hand whenever you can. When friends, neighbors, and family members offer to help, go ahead and accept. Even if it is just bringing over dinner or grabbing you a few items from the store, the more you learn to accept help, the more likely more will be offered.
- Talk About It
If you are feeling overwhelmed or resentful, make it a point to talk about it with a trusted friend, counselor, or social worker.
- Hire an In-Home Caregiver
Visiting Angels Southbridge can create a personalized home care plan for your loved one, such as assistance with bathing and dressing, meal planning and prep, and even light housekeeping. Even a few hours of respite care can help reduce stress.
- Take Breaks
Professional respite care can help you get away and take that break that you need! Whether you plan to be away for a few hours, a few days, or to take a much-needed vacation, you will enjoy it more knowing that your loved one is in good hands and that their needs are being met while you are gone.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health
Set aside a few minutes each day to enjoy a cup of coffee, read, do yoga, or simply meditate.
- Get Social
Feelings of isolation are common among caregivers, which is why it is so important to maintain a healthy social life. Pick up the phone and call a friend or attend a support group in person or online; make it a point to connect with others!
- Get More (and Better) Rest
Being sleep-deprived can impact your mood, memory, and judgment as well as contribute to health challenges like obesity and high blood pressure. Consider respite or in-home care to help you and your senior get better sleep.
Visiting Angels Southbridge Can Help Reduce Family Caregiver Stress
The dedicated caregivers at Visiting Angels Southbridge are here to provide the professional assistance family caregivers need so they can prioritize their own health, which in turn will benefit their loved ones. Give us a call today at (508) 764-6700 or Contact Us online to request a free in-home consultation.
You are not alone—let us provide the support and assistance you and your loved one deserve!