How to Wind Down as a Caregiver

Do you ever feel like your life is one big super stressful caregiving situation? If so, you’re not alone. Caregiving can be difficult and overwhelming for most people—let alone those who are also caregivers themselves.

Many caregivers end up feeling exhausted and overstressed by the demands of their roles. These feelings have a serious negative impact on the well-being of care providers, and so as a caregiver it’s crucial to understand how to effectively wind down as a way to manage stress, restore your energy levels, and prepare for another day of caregiving tomorrow.

Sleeping enough, relaxing regularly, having fun with hobbies and friends outside of work, asking for help when you need it instead of overthinking things or taking things personally (including other people’s judgment of your choices), and taking time for yourself outside of your role as a caregiver are just some ways to manage caregiver stress and burnout.

It might not always feel like it at first glance, but staying centered helps us remain grounded in reality instead of being pulled in by our emotions. Here’s how you can do that as a live-in caregiver:

Create a routine for sleeping and relaxation:

Sleeping enough, getting enough rest, and staying relaxed are crucial to feeling good and energetic throughout the day. For those who don’t get enough sleep, stress hormones such as cortisol remain elevated, causing even more stress.

Not only can this affect your own energy levels, but it can also make it much harder to manage the responsibilities of in-home caregiving. If you’re finding that you aren’t getting enough sleep as a caregiver, try to create a routine that makes it easier to wind down before bed.

If you’re having trouble winding down, you might also want to consider investing in a soothing aromatherapy diffuser to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere.

Ask for help when you need it:

Sometimes you might feel like you’re drowning in all of the stress of caregiving. You might worry that you’re taking on too much, that you’re not doing a good enough job, or that there isn’t anyone else to help you.

If so, reaching out for help is a great way to take a break and feel empowered again. Just recognizing that you need help and asking for it without shame can help you feel less alone in your feelings.

You might also want to reach out to friends, family members, or professionals such as a therapist or medical professional. Ask yourself how you can do a better job at asking for help and avoid feeling shame.

Eat healthy meals and snacks:

Eating healthy and nutritious meals can help you feel more energized, especially if you’re feeling fatigued and stressed. Eating healthy snacks can help you avoid a crash if you’re feeling fatigued in between meals.

If you feel like you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals for yourself, or that you’re just not in the mood, consider making healthy meals or snacks at home instead of eating out.

Studies have shown that making healthy meals yourself can be cheaper and provide more nutrients than eating out. If you’re caring for someone who’s sick, you may want to talk to your loved one’s doctor about what you can safely eat while they’re recovering.

Exercise regularly:

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost your energy and get more out of yourself. Taking time to exercise regularly can boost your mood and relieve stress.

It also provides benefits such as improved concentration and focus, improved sleep, and increased self-esteem. If you’re feeling stressed, it can be helpful to take a break from work and spend a few hours doing nothing but relaxing and being active.

Set boundaries with loved ones:

Boundaries are important, especially as an adult caregiver. Boundaries are about realizing when you have to stop or say no to things and drawing a line in the sand. If a loved one pushes you too far, you have the right to say “no” in a respectful way.

It can feel awkward to set boundaries with loved ones, but it’s important to remember that you need to set boundaries for your own health and well-being.

If you’re caring for someone who’s ill and they want you to change your routine so that you’re always at their beck and call, tell them that you need to be able to rest and that you expect them to respect your boundaries as well.

Have fun with hobbies outside of work:

Investing in your own happiness and well-being outside of your role as a caregiver can be a great way to boost your energy and ward off feelings of depression. Many adults experience feelings of loneliness or depression as they get older.

It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and not let them pull you into a darker place. Investing in your own hobbies, interests, or relationships can help you feel better about yourself and lead a more fulfilled life outside of your caregiving role.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your role as a caregiver, consider taking a break and doing something for yourself outside of your caregiving role for a few hours.

Plan activities for yourself outside of work:

Planning fun activities that are for your own enjoyment can help you take a break from caregiving and reset your energy levels. It can also help you make connections with others and form friendships that you can have as a support system outside of work.

Many types of activities can do this, but be careful to choose activities that are appropriate for your age, health, and other responsibilities. Working out, yoga or other forms of physical activity can be good for boosting your energy levels.

Working out can help you release endorphins, which can make you feel happier and less stressed. Many types of hobbies can be a good way to de-stress and relax. Something as simple as reading a book or listening to music can be a great way to unwind and boost your energy levels.

Conclusion:

Adults who are caregivers and those who are caring for a loved one should take the time to wind down in addition to working hard. Doing so can help in-home caregivers feel more energized and help them avoid burnout during what can be a tough and demanding time.

Caretaking is a difficult, taxing, and sometimes overwhelming role that can negatively impact your physical, mental, and emotional health.

It’s important to be mindful of your energy levels and make time for yourself every once in a while. This can help you stay grounded and focused on what’s important.

Want to learn more?

ConsidraCare’s caregivers are trained to offer professional support and companionship to seniors. Please reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.