10 Ways to Stay Motivated As a Caregiver
Feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver?
You are not alone. In fact, a report by the National Poll on Healthy Aging from the University of Michigan reveals over half of adults in the US today act as caregivers for an older adult. From laborious tasks to prolonged work hours, a caregiver’s job can easily lead to burnout. How can this country of caregivers maintain the vital motivation to keep pushing ahead? Try these ten tips to avoid burnout.
1. Exercise:
Physical exercise reduces stress while boosting your mood. Whether you hit the gym to clear your head or walk around the neighborhood, try to build daily exercise into your routine.
2. Be proactive:
Motivation can stem from going outside your routine and seeking new approaches to an issue. So try devising a new approach to resolve an issue when addressing patients instead of feeling discouraged. The more proactive you are, the more motivated you will feel.
3. Create a routine:
Developing a routine helps to start your day on a positive note. Before taking on the task of patient care, ensure your morning routine allows self-care first. These moments can create all the difference in your overall motivation for the day.
4. Refresh yourself:
Breaks are necessary. They help you stay motivated, refreshed and focused. If you start to feel overwhelmed, try taking a deep breath and focusing on positive memories for a moment or two.
5. Get enough rest:
A good night’s rest is key to increased productivity and, more importantly, your overall well-being. Prioritizing your own sleep also helps you to maintain a consistent routine, which, in turn, builds motivation.
6. Connect with others:
It is important to stay connected to loved ones, family members or friends who can help you stay motivated, or inspire you when you are low. Reach out to friends who haven’t heard from in a while and try taking the first step to rebuild connections.
7. Setting goals:
This is a great way to stay motivated as a caregiver. Big or small, setting goals helps you to hold yourself accountable. It is also important to reward yourself once your goals are achieved to boost motivation and confidence.
8. Practice breathing techniques:
Knowing how to react to stressors increases motivation in caregivers. When feeling flustered or tired, take a deep breath to help release stressors and re-enter a calm state of mind.
Brainstorm new things to do with your loved one or patient: When feeling discouraged, think of creative activities. Brainstorming itself is a great way to build motivation when faced with a challenge.
9. Remembering your whys:
A great way to keep motivated is by remembering your reasons for being a caregiver. In difficult times, revisiting your reasons can help you find joy in it again. So jot down your whys and stay motivated.
Though there are challenges in the caring profession, learning new approaches to staying motivated will contribute to your success as a caregiver. Are you considering caring for a friend or family at home? You might be eligible for a monthly payment. Apply now or give us a call at 508-880-8889.