Taking care of a loved one can become an overwhelming task that may lead to high levels of stress. While your job as a caregiver is important, too much stress can be harmful to both you and your loved one.
Common symptoms of caregiver stress include social withdrawal from friends, anxiety, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability and lack of concentration. Too much stress can be a threat to your health, and it’s important to take necessary measures to reduce stress where possible. In a recent blog post, Alzheimer’s Association lists some tips to manage caregiver stress, including:
- Know what community resources are available, like adult day programs, in-home assistance or meal delivery services that can help manage daily tasks
- Get help and find support through online communities, counselors or local support groups
- Engage in some form of physical activity every day, like gardening or going for a walk
- Use relaxation techniques that help relieve stress, like meditation, breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation
Through the ups and downs of caregiving, it’s important to always find time to take care of yourself. Small steps like eating healthy and getting enough rest will help your body recover and be able to manage stress properly. By making your own health a priority and taking care of yourself, you can become the best caregiver you can be.
