5 New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers
After the hubbub of the holidays, a new year offers a clean slate and a fresh start. It’s the perfect opportunity to reassess our goals, adjust our habits, and improve our lifestyles to be happier and healthier.
This can be difficult for in-home caregivers. As naturally selfless people, caregivers often put others’ needs before their own. However, setting achievable New Year’s resolutions can set the tone for a more positive, productive year ahead–plus, caregivers need to prioritize themselves occasionally, or they’ll be unable to help anyone else.
5 SMART Resolutions for In-Home Caregivers
Caregivers should set SMART goals to increase the success of reaching their resolutions. These are goals that are created using a set of standards to make sure they stand the best chance of being successfully met.
Here are five New Year’s resolutions for caregivers, including an example of how each can be defined as a SMART goal to make them even more achievable.
1. Put Yourself First
As we mentioned above, it can be challenging for caregivers to put themselves before others. This struggle can actually lead to caregiver burnout. Setting a self-care resolution reminds and encourages caregivers to carve out “me” time into their busy schedules.
Some simple self-care rituals caregivers can easily incorporate into their weekly routines include fitness, meditation, journaling, or pursuing meaningful hobbies.
Example of SMART goal: “I will schedule one hour of self-care, such as reading or meditating, every Sunday at 3 pm for the next three months.”
2. Seek Professional and Personal Development
We are never too old to stop learning. Personal and professional development opportunities enhance our knowledge, skills, and confidence. Caregivers can set a New Year’s resolution by attending a personal or professional development course. Whether it’s learning a new hobby or broadening caregiving skills, online programs and classes are available for caregivers to enjoy from the comfort of their homes and at their leisure.
Example of SMART goal: “I will complete one online caregiving course on dementia care by March 31st to enhance my skills.”
3. Ask for Help
Often, we may feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. Unfortunately, this can affect a caregiver’s mental health and even take a toll on their job performance. Caregivers should resolve to ask for help when help is needed and not feel guilty about doing so. Plenty of resources and support groups are available to in-home caregivers, including Caregivers Connect and CaringBridge.
Example of SMART goal: “I will reach out to my local caregiver support group at least once a week, starting next Monday.”
4. Exercise
It’s no secret that fitness makes you feel better, both physically and mentally. However, so many of us still struggle with prioritizing it for our well-being. Integrating more exercise into a caregiver’s daily life can help them put their best foot forward, giving them renewed energy and endurance for what can be a physically-demanding career.
Example of SMART goal: “I will take a 20-minute walk three times a week–on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings–for the next two months.”
5. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is an essential part of your overall well-being. Unfortunately, many of us may not consume enough fluids throughout the day. Caregivers should aim to drink eight 16-ounce cups of water every day. They can bring a large water bottle to work with them or set reminders on their phone to drink more water. It’s such a simple goal, but one that can greatly impact a person’s energy and health.
Example of SMART goal: “I will drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily by using a marked water bottle and tracking my intake through an app for the next four weeks.”
New Year, New Career!
Want to take your career to the next level in 2025? Consider joining the Visiting Angels of Eagle, CO, family. We are seeking compassionate and certified caregivers throughout Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Vail, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Edwards, Avon, Frisco, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Summit, CO. We offer competitive pay, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
Explore our job openings or contact us at (970) 328-5526 for more information.