How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle As An At Home Caregiver
At-home caregivers tend to a person’s daily needs. Their tasks usually include cooking meals, monitoring, grooming, light housekeeping, and dispensing medication. Depending on the necessary level of care, caregiving can be a physically demanding job. In any case, taking care of a person requires lots of time, energy, and attention. Caregivers trying to give their best to the person receiving care would greatly benefit from maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Caregivers can maintain a healthy lifestyle in several ways:
- Eat Healthier — As a caregiver, staying energetic, alert and attentive to your client’s/loved one’s needs is very important, and certain nutrient-dense foods can help. Focusing on fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins and whole grains can be a great start and an excellent example for the person receiving care.
- Exercise Regularly and Stay Active — A few stretches, squats, or push-ups daily don’t take much time but can do a lot for your body. Jogging or running a couple of times a week, even just around the block, can help your heart and lungs stay in shape. Try taking regular movement breaks throughout the day if you can’t find the time to do it all at once.
- Stay Hydrated — If you don’t actively decide to drink the required amount of water daily, it may be difficult to remember. Generally, the more active you are, the more water you’ll need. Some health professionals advise getting at least 8 cups of water or liquid per day. Keep count to keep it fun!
- Get Enough Sleep — Sleep deprivation can negatively affect everyone. When people are tired, they usually make mistakes. When another person’s life is in your hands, it is essential to remain focused and alert to avoid accidental harm. Prioritizing your sleep by taking a break from the screen before bed and trying to get to bed earlier can help you perform at your best.
- Make Time For Yourself — Being a caregiver can be stressful. It is important to set personal time aside to care for yourself. Take a walk, draw a bath, read a book, do something just for you. Caregivers are sometimes reluctant to take the time they need to recharge but self-care leaves you feeling more refreshed and better able to care for your client or loved one.
Are you a caregiver looking for support? Mass Care Link is a Massachusetts health insurance program giving you the financial support you need to care for someone at home. Caregivers can apply for Mass Care Link services and receive a monthly payment. Find out more or call 866-880-8889.