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MINDFULNESS AND SELF-CARE ARE VITAL FOR SENIOR CAREGIVERS

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Being an effective caregiver to a senior means being mindful of not only your
loved one’s health, but also your own well-being. The adage that you can’t take
care of anyone else unless you first take care of yourself should resonate with
anyone who assumes the caregiving role. Attending to another person’s needs,
especially a family member with all the emotions and issues that accompany that
relationship, is a lot of responsibility and, yes, stress. The extent to which
caregiving feels like a burden or a blessing is in direct proportion to the
self-care you do for yourself. If you don’t make time to ensure the health of
your own mind-body-soul, then you shouldn’t be surprised if your
mental-physical-emotional health suffers in the process of trying to be Superman
or Superwoman.


PROACTIVE MINDFULNESS HELPS WELL-BEING OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS

For some family caregivers, medical studies correlate an increased risk of
hypertension and other health problems such as depression and anxiety due to
caregiving. But those findings are tempered by the fact that you can take
proactive steps to promote and maintain your own good health, which will benefit
both you and the senior in your care. A healthy body and mindset go a long way
in making you feel better physically and emotionally. There is evidence that
being mindful of your own well-being will help you see caregiving as a pleasure
rather than a painful experience. With better health comes more energy and
alertness as well as a feeling of calm and positivity, which can only mean a
better experience for the senior in your charge.


POSITIVE FEEDBACK IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

Johns Hopkins researchers confirm that caregiving can lead to high blood
pressure in some cases and that the demands of family caregiving are undeniably
taxing in most instances. But they also found that repeatedly tending to others
may also extend your life span and curb the incidence of certain diseases.
Studies indicate that many caregivers report enhanced self-esteem, recognition
and gratitude from the positive feedback they get from their care recipients.
And who doesn’t like feeling appreciated?


ACTIVITIES THAT REDUCE STRESS

As a caregiver, it’s important that your self-care regimen includes breaks and
activities that induce serenity, contentment and joy. Exercise is a proven
stress-buster. Walking, running, swimming, weight training, tai chi, and yoga
are just some of the things you might do to stay fit, reduce stress and generate
serenity. Meditation and breathing exercises, listening to or playing music, and
being out in nature can also be calming activities. A pet companion can have the
same effect. Anything really that gets you out of your head and brings you bliss
is advised. The more you can freely engage in personal daily living and social
activities, rather than feeling restricted by your caregiver role, the better
your caregiver experience and health will likely be. To obtain that sense of
freedom may mean devising a schedule that accommodates those needs and arranging
for assistance from family, friends or professionals so you can get a break.

Eating your favorite foods, as long as you don’t overindulge, can be another
soothing thing to do. Bottom line: Don’t neglect eating well. Keep up with all
your meals and nutritional needs. But don’t make the mistake of coping with your
stress by eating a lot of junk food. The fix you get from high fat and sugar
intake or other negative coping strategies now will only come back to bite you
later.


TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Mindfulness and making time for things you enjoy are associated with reduced
blood pressure and depression. If you can find a way to integrate a healthy
balance in your personal life while doing the work of a caregiver, then you
won’t feel frustrated that you are missing out on life.

Make getting your recommended medical checkups and tests a priority as well.
When engaged in caring for others, it’s all too easy to ignore your own health,
which is exactly what some caregivers report doing, and not surprisingly, they
suffer the effects.


ENLISTING HELP

In order for you to not feel overwhelmed, it’s important that you ask for help
rather than try powering through and assuming the entire load alone. A local
community senior program or a professional in-home care aide may be just the
answer. Or perhaps a trusted family member or friend could provide the respite
care you need so you can get out and de-stress. A sure sign that you are
suffering from or on the verge of burnout is feeling trapped or hopeless or
resentful. Better to address your unease and distress immediately rather than
let it build up or fester.

When navigating something as all-consuming as caregiving, it’s critical to have
a support network to call on for advice, backup and encouragement. A sense of
isolation can contribute to negative thoughts that, in turn, can trigger or
heighten depression and anxiety.


YOUR ATTITUDE MATTERS

No one ever said caregiving is easy. It’s not. But taking on that role doesn’t
have to be a downer that adversely affects your mood and lifestyle or that
raises your blood pressure. Your attitude and actions make a big difference in
just what caregiving will mean to you and to your well-being. Making the best of
it doesn’t have to mean toughing it out either. You have at your disposal tools
and resources to make it a fulfilling experience for you and for the elder in
your life. Finding the right perspective, balance and relief is within your
grasp if you are intentional about it.


HOW RIGHT AT HOME CAN HELP

Right at Home’s respite care can be a wonderful resource. Our compassionate
caregivers are screened, trained and matched to the interests and personality of
your loved one. They can step in so you can step away and recharge, catch up
with a friend, grab a cup of coffee, or even take a well-needed and well-earned
nap. Whether you need just a few hours or respite care for the entire day, your
loved one will be in good hands. Contact your local Right at Home today and ask
for a FREE in-home consultation.

Caring Right at Home is a monthly email newsletter that provides information,
advice and support for older adults and family caregivers. Sign up to receive
this important resource.

Leo Adam Biga is a veteran freelance journalist and author who writes stories
about people, their passions and their magnificent obsessions. The Omaha native
and University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate is the author of “Alexander Payne:
His Journey in Film.” Follow his work at https://www.facebook.com/LeoAdamBiga.

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