Healthy Tips for Caregivers
By Sara Butler
In the United States, there are about 43.5 million Americans who are unpaid caregivers to adults and children. Being a caregiver to your children or an aging parent is tough and it takes commitment and a sense of selflessness to do it, but it can come at an expense to your health.
For many caregivers, their own health takes a backseat to caring for a loved one. Add that on top of the mental and physical demands of the job can leave caregivers in a bind where they don't feel their best. If you're a caregiver, it's time to take care of yourself with these simple health tips.
Stay Connected
It can be easy to hide yourself away and become absorbed in caring for your children or an elderly relative, but it's important to try to stay connected with the outside world. Reach out to other friends and family to try to give yourself a mental break. They can help you let go of any anxiety or stress you may be holding onto as the result of your role and help you to blow off a little steam, too. They may even make you laugh a little, which is great for stress relief.
Invest in Self-Care
If at all possible, try to get someone on board to help give you a break at least once a week. Then, use that time to go to a movie, go get a massage, or simply do nothing. You need to find time to participate in activities that have nothing to do with your caregiving role.
Maintain Your Health
You may be so consumed with caring for your loved ones that you forget to care for yourself. When was the last time you went to the doctor for a regular checkup or the chiropractor for an adjustment? Don't ignore symptoms you may be having. If you're unwell, get it checked out by a medical professional.
See the Chiropractor
Remember, your chiropractor does more than adjustments! Chiropractors can talk through lifestyle factors with you that can impact your health as well as ways you help you stay healthy with the physical demands of caregiving. Do you know how to lift someone or something correctly? Are you eating a healthy and balanced diet? Do you get enough exercise? Let your chiropractor be your partner in health to help you stay healthy as you work to care for loved ones in your life.
If you want to care for others, you have to care for yourself, too.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bossier City, La.