Taking care of a loved one is something many people are doing or will do at some point in their lives. If you are currently in the role of caregiver you know how stressful it can be. It’s imperative to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. There are several things you can do to prevent caregiver burnout.
1. Seek Social Connections
Socializing with friends is a great way to reduce the stress of care giving. Going out to dinner or indulging in a hobby together can relieve the tension in both your body and mind. According to AARP, socialization can help caregivers withstand a greater amount of adversity. Even getting away for a short amount of time just to take a brief walk and chat can make all the difference.
2. Engage in Simple Activities
Everything from prayer to taking a long, relaxing shower can help ease tensions. Relieving your mind of stress and negative thoughts can go a long way toward calming your stress and feeling recharged. It’s also a good idea to engage in simple, mindless activities. Reading a book or watching a movie are excellent ways to unwind.
3. Exercise Regularly
Stretching your muscles and raising your heart rate for a short amount of time is a good way to relieve stress and improve your overall health. Even moderate exercise can relieve stress. The Mayo Clinic reports that exercise is great for stress relief because it releases your body’s “feel good” neurotransmitters known as endorphins. Physical therapy can also relieve stress in your body and mind. A trained physical therapist can guide you through a variety of stress-relieving exercises.
4. Switch Your Routine
Taking care of a loved one normally means sticking to a prescribed routine. Even though you may not be able to change the routine of the individual you’re caring for you can make changes in your own. Make positive lifestyle changes by improving the way you eat or taking the scenic route when running errands. The American Physical Therapy Association stresses lifestyle changes and how this can affect health.
Whether it involves new social connections and activities, switching your routine, or engaging in exercise, it’s necessary to find productive methods of relieving stress. A physical therapist can provide exercises during a physical therapy appointment that can help ease tension and stress in your body. It’s imperative to take steps to prevent caregiver burnout so you can stay healthy as well as provide the best care possible for your loved one. Call More Than Words Therapy today and speak with our experts.
Tags: Exercise, Physical Therapist, Stress Free, Health, Mayo Clinic, Physicla Therapy, Reduce Tension, Socialize, Switch Your Routine
