To prevent caregiver burnout and keep up good mental and physical health, you need to practice strategies to manage caregiver stress.
Below are some tips on how to care for yourself as a caregiver.
- Set Boundaries: Many caregivers tend to feel guilty if they put their needs first. However, there is only so much you can do as a caregiver. Setting boundaries means avoiding feeling accountable for the feelings and needs of a loved one you care for.
- Stay Physically Active: Regular physical exercise can help relieve tension, strengthen your stress resilience, and alleviate anxiety and depression. Also, studies show that physical activity can significantly boost your sense of self-worth and confidence and improve your mood.
- Practice Mindfulness: Research shows that mindfulness meditation can be a powerful way to improve your focus and concentration, boost mood, increase optimism, and enhance your self-esteem. Regular mindfulness practice can rewire your brain, reducing the activity in the amygdala responsible for anxiety reactions and helping you stay calm in stressful situations.
- Seek Support: Caregiver support groups can be a great source of information, support, and compassion. Such groups can be a safe environment to vent out, share experiences, learn about precious caregiving tips, offer and receive support, and much more.