Caring for a loved one can bring so much joy, knowing that you brighten their day and make everyday activities easier for them is a wonderful feeling. However, in order to be a great caregiver, it is important to first take care of yourself. Here are the top 5 ways to reduce family caregiver burn-out.

1. Enjoyable Activities

Spend time doing activities you enjoy! Go on a day trip, plan a spa or golf day with friends or join a weekly club.

2. Set limits for yourself

It is important to not overdo it. Make it known how much you are able to give as it relates to your time and assistance. If additional help is needed beyond your availability, consider hiring caregivers through an agency. Relevar Home Care has caregivers ranging from companions to CNA’s. Contact us for more information.

3. Nutrition

It is easy to give into the stress cravings of sweets and fast food but poor nutrition can lead to a number of health issues. Plan healthy meals ahead of time to avoid the fast food lines just because they are more convenient. Good nutrition will keep you feeling energized and good about yourself.

4. Sleep

Try to keep a regular sleep schedule. Adequate sleep will keep you on your “A” game when caring for a loved one. It is easy to miss small things when you are extra tired and can caused irritability.

5. Talk about it

Caregiver support groups are a great way to alleviate stress, fears, or concerns that you may have. These support groups are also good for meeting other caregivers in similar situations and seeing how they handle those situations.

If you are interested in caregiver support groups, subscribe to our support group events calendar to receive monthly support group listings