Build A Self-Care Toolbox: For Arlington Heights Families
While caring for a loved one can be a fulfilling experience, it can also take a toll on your body, mind, and emotional state. For Arlington Heights’ families who are balancing caregiving with other responsibilities, practicing self care is essential to maintaining overall health and well being.
Maintaining Well Being: Self-Care Tips for Family Caregivers
Creating a self-care tool box is a necessity for sustaining the strength and resiliency needed to provide high quality care. If you’re starting to feel burnt out, try the following self-care tips to give yourself a much-needed boost.
Prioritize Physical Health
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining energy levels. Arlington Heights has an abundance of parks and walking trails that are great for outdoor activity and relaxation, including Busse Woods and Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve. You can also take a fun and stress-relieving workout class, like Body Pump, at the Buehler YMCA. Not only will physical activity help you stay healthy and in shape, it’s a good distraction from life stressors. Additionally, make sure you’re properly fueling your body with nutritious meals so you’re able to keep up with the demands of caregiving.
Lean on Others
A solid support system can get you through tough times. Do your best to fit in regular lunch dates or meet ups with your loved ones to vent, chat, or simply enjoy being together. In addition to leaning on friends and family members, the Arlington Heights Senior Center offers helpful resources for caregivers.
Incorporate Mindfulness Techniques
For many caregivers, life gets so busy and hectic that they forget to slow down and just breathe. If this sounds like you, meditation and relaxation techniques are effective tools for calming your mind. Try a yoga or breathwork class, or check out apps like Headspace for guided exercises that you can do from the comfort of home.
Schedule Regular “Me Time”
Participating in activities you enjoy can be incredibly rejuvenating, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Whether it’s reading a good book, watching a movie, or simply taking a stroll in nature, you’ll feel better fitting in time for yourself.
Utilize Professional Support
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help when the rest of your self-care toolbox isn’t cutting it. Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who specializes in caregiver support and can provide you with coping strategies. For assistance with splitting care duties, hiring an in-home care provider with an agency like Visiting Angels can make a big difference as well.
Visiting Angels Supports Family Caregivers
Looking after yourself is essential for successful caregiving. If you could use an afternoon off or even an extended break, Visiting Angels Arlington Heights offers respite care services that allow you to dive into your self-care toolbox worry-free knowing your loved one is being safely attended to. We’re here to support family caregivers every step of the way.
Learn more about respite care and our other flexible in-home care options by contacting Visiting Angels Arlington Heights. Call us today at (847) 963-8944.