How Families in Virginia Beach, VA, Can Recognize the Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Taking care of an elderly family member is a big responsibility that can be hard to handle. Caregivers may feel burned out if they have to juggle the needs of the person they are caring for with their own, those of their family, and their professional obligations.
It's not always easy to tell when you're feeling the impacts of caregiving on your body and mind. The people closest to you, such as family and friends, are usually the first to notice a shift.
To prevent caregiver burnout, it's crucial to identify the indicators of stress and emotional strain. Here are some ways family caregivers in Virginia Beach can deal with feelings of burnout.
What Are Common Signs of Caregiver Burnout?
If you are the primary caregiver for an aging family member or friend, you should be aware of the symptoms of caregiver burnout. It might be difficult to take care of your loved one if you get too worn out.
Common signs of caregiver burnout include:
- Feelings of resentment or guilt
- Exhaustion, low energy and fatigue
- Anxiety or worry
- Irritability or anger
- No longer finding joy in caregiving or other activities
- Hyperfocusing on caregiving responsibilities
- Blaming your loved one or yourself for their situation
- Lack of sleep or irregular sleeping patterns
- Lack of interest or ability in eating well, exercising or attending social events
- Excessive smoking, drinking or eating
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Physical pain, such as headaches and backaches
How to Reduce Caregiver Stress
If you keep pushing through worry and stress, it could hurt your mental health, your relationships, and your ability to take care of the people you love. Taking time off for yourself may seem counterintuitive, but it's really the best way to avoid burnout.
Here are some ways family caregivers in Virginia Beach can manage stress:
Relaxation and self-care
Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, prayer, and mindfulness are just few examples of stress-reduction practices that are easy to include into your daily routine. Meditation or prayer, even if just for five minutes a day, has been shown to have positive effects on health and well-being.
Proper nutrition and exercise
A well-balanced diet may do wonders for your health, and it may also provide you the energy you need to get through the day. Exercises that don't require too much work, like walking quickly or taking the stairs, can improve stamina, burn calories, and make the body make more feel-good endorphins. This can help you handle your caregiving duties better and make you feel less tired or stressed.
Talk to your doctor
If trying to deal with stress on your own hasn't worked, it may be time to contact your doctor. Your doctor can give you ideas on how to improve your physical and emotional health.
Join a support group
Joining a local caregiver support group is a great idea if you're already providing care for a loved one and are looking to make new connections with individuals in a similar position or for tips on improving your work-life balance. Talking to someone who has gone through a similar experience may be healing, but telling your own story can be even more so.
Consider respite care from Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach
When giving senior care, it's reasonable to ask for help. Respite care services from Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach can help you get a break to rest or take care of yourself. Our caregivers can help with housework, take care of your loved one's physical and emotional needs, and make sure they stay safe and comfortable. So, you can relax and concentrate on yourself, knowing that your elderly loved one is getting the care they need from a trained professional caregiver.
Call our Virginia Beach, VA, office at 757-530-5961 to schedule a free in-home consultation today!