While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, it can also be very stressful. If you don’t tend to your personal care needs, you can become mentally and physically exhausted, making it difficult to take proper care of your family. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to manage your stress. Follow the tips below to promote relaxation and overall health. 

4 Ways to Deal With Caregiver Stress

1. Seek Support From Family & Friends

When you’re feeling overwhelmed from your caregiving duties, talk to a trusted family member or friend about your feelings. Venting to someone who cares about you will help relieve tension. Take a break to meet them for coffee or a quick bite. If you can’t get away from home, find a private place from which you can make a phone call. 

2. Concentrate on What You Can Control

Constantly worrying about things that you can’t change is counterproductive and will add to your stress. It’s better to focus on what you actually do have control over. You might not be able to cure your loved one’s illness, but you can pick up their prescriptions, talk to their insurers and doctors, and cook nutritious meals to help them feel better.

3. Find Time to Exercise

Exercise helps reduce stress by increasing your endorphins and is important for your personal care needs. Take at least 30 minutes out of your day to do some kind of physical activity, like a brisk walk or a bike ride. If it’s too cold outside, there are plenty of exercises to do in your living room, such as jumping jacks, squats, lunges, and light weight lifting. For a more relaxed physical activity, try yoga. 

4. Consider Respite Care

Avoid burnout by hiring respite care services. A trained healthcare professional will come to your loved one’s home and assist with tasks like administering medications, bathing, and meal preparation for a few hours a day for as long as their services are needed. Rely on them so that you can attend to your personal care needs.

If you’re looking for respite care in Tolland, CT, turn to Visiting Angels Of Northeastern Connecticut. This bonded, licensed, and insured home health care agency has been in business for almost 20 years and provides individualized personal care options to their clients. Whether your family member needs assistance with cooking and cleaning or around-the-clock support, these professionals will make sure their needs are met. For more information about their services, call (866) 872-6084 or visit their website.