Being someone’s caregiver can be a rewarding experience. This role can help you build a closer connection with your loved one and gain a renewed sense of personal fulfillment. However, this role isn’t always easy. It can be a source of long-term stress and even lead to physical, emotional and mental exhaustion — or “caregiver burnout.” The Lightfully team wants you to know that it’s just as important to care for yourself as it is for you to care for your loved one. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the things you can do to manage your well-being and how to identify the signs of caregiver burnout.
5 ways to combat caregiver stress
Self-care looks a little different for everyone. Some people find a little extra rejuvenation during midday walks, and others find professional mental health care essential. Here are five things you can do to help make being a caregiver feel a little less stressful:
1. Take care of your mental and physical health.
Some individuals pour so much time and energy into their loved one’s care that their own wellness seems to fall further and further down their to-do list. If this sounds familiar, try to prioritize yourself a little more. Be sure to attend your regular screenings, social engagements and other activities that promote good mental and physical health.Â
Other ways to reduce caregiver stress and support your well-being include:
- Getting enough rest — Getting enough sleep each night supports your body’s cardiovascular, metabolic and brain health (and much more).
- Eating a healthy diet — Nutrient-rich foods fuel your body throughout the day and help you stay healthy.
- Exercising regularly — Yoga and other exercises can help release tension and improve your physical wellness.
- Practicing meditation — Meditating can help you reduce stress, improve your focus and feel more relaxed.
- Writing in your journal — Organizing your thoughts and feelings on paper can help calm your mind, especially after particularly tough days.
2. Learn new caregiving skills.
If you, like many other caregivers, have fallen into your role by default, could you benefit from a little extra training? Learning new day-to-day strategies and practical skills can help you feel more empowered in your role and better able to navigate your caregiving journey. For example, some of the things you can learn include:
- Basic assistance techniques
- Fall prevention strategies
- Emergency preparedness
Look for workshops, webinars and other learning opportunities that can teach you how to take better care of your loved one. Whether you’re helping an adult child with disabilities or an aging parent, many hospitals and agencies offer classes and other vital resources.
3. Ask for and accept help from other people.
Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. Make a list of the ways other people can support your loved one, and reach out or accept help when it’s offered. Friends and family members can transport your loved one to appointments, cook a few meals or check in on them for a couple of hours in your absence.
4. Join a support group for caregivers.
A caregiver support group can be a valuable resource, whether you’re just starting out or have been taking care of someone for years. Your group can provide emotional support, help you find ways to manage caregiver stress and offer fresh perspectives on the unique challenges you face. They can even connect you with additional support options you might need in the future.
5. Take advantage of community caregiving resources.
If you can, take advantage of local respite care options. Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, ensuring that their loved one still gets the support they need when they can’t be there. You can schedule informal or professional respite care for a few hours, a day or even longer.
This can be a great way for friends and family members to help out, or you can have a professional caregiver provide in-home assistance. If you need someone to take care of your loved one for several days or more, adult day care centers and residential respite care centers are also available.Â
Recognize the signs of caregiver burnout
Research shows that more than 60% of caregivers experience the symptoms of burnout. This can happen if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your role and they’ve taken a toll on your overall wellness. Taking good care of yourself and recognizing when you really need a break can also help you become a more prepared, resilient caregiver in the long run.Â
Often mirroring the symptoms of stress and depression, the signs of caregiver burnout may include:
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Irritability, frustration or anger toward other people
- Emotional fatigue
- Physical exhaustion
- Social isolation
- Sleep-pattern changes
- Difficulty concentratingÂ
- Getting sick more often
- Appetite changes
If you’re struggling to take care of yourself, Lightfully is here to help you regain control of your mental health. We offer a Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP), also called our Day Treatment Program, via telehealth for California residents, which makes it easier to fit your own care into your busy schedule. Through our Precision Care Model (PCM), deeply compassionate experts provide evidence-based clinical treatment that’s dedicated to personalized, whole-person care.
Need flexibility without compromising support? Let’s talk about how Lightfully can build a customized virtual treatment plan that fits your life.
