Providing care for an older adult, especially if they are a parent or family member, can be a rewarding mission. However, it also requires a great deal of time and energy to ensure that the person you care for receives everything they need to thrive in life.
At Brickmont Assisted Living, we know caregivers play an essential role in the lives of many older adults. Therefore, we are committed to supporting the professional care specialists within our assisted living communities throughout Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the many informal caregivers working at home.
Part of being a successful caregiver is finding ways to renew your inner energy. Unfortunately, because caregivers often focus on the needs of others, they can forget to address their own needs. So if you are feeling tired or burned out as a caregiver, do not give up hope. We have several activities that will help you learn how to recharge your energy!
Get Moving (Even if You Feel Tired)
One of the best ways to renew your energy is through exercise. But, many caregivers may feel too tired to exercise after a long day of providing care. This can create a negative cycle in which caregivers continually skip essential physical activity because they feel worn out – when exercise itself is a great way to recharge your energy.
You do not need to spend hours in the gym or sign up for extensive classes to get started. With just 15 minutes of exercise each day, you can gain the essential benefits and feel happier and healthier. Here are a few good ideas for daily exercise:
- Take a brisk walk around your neighborhood or a local park
- Try yoga poses/movements
- Swim laps in your local pool
- Ride a bicycle
- Engage in light stretching and breathing exercises
Remember that it takes only 15 minutes of daily exercise to begin feeling the positive impacts. So take 15 minutes for yourself today.
Take Some Time to Relax & Unwind
It can feel like you are constantly moving from one thing to the next as a caregiver. This type of schedule can take its toll on your physical and mental health after a while, so it is essential to disconnect for regular recharging times.
The most important thing to remember when you take a 15- or 30-minute “time out” is that you should entirely disconnect. That means no phone calls, no emails – put your phone on silent and somewhere out of reach while you take some time for yourself alone.
Spending time for yourself and being free from all distractions or interruptions might seem selfish at first glance. However, it is an important way for the body to heal itself when you are feeling under stress. If you are ready to relax and unwind today, here are some of the best activities you can do:
- Engage in 15 minutes of deep breathing and meditation
- Sink into a warm bath and allow the water to calm you
- Experiment with essential oils
- Read a good book that you have been putting off for weeks or months
- Turn out the lights, draw the curtains closed, and take a nap
Create Something Beautiful
When you are learning how to recharge your energy, another great way is to make something beautiful – either for yourself or for others. Engaging in the arts is a wonderful way to relax, focus on the present moment, and make something that brings you joy.
Just the act of making art can be enough to recharge your energy and invite tranquility into your daily life. Whether you are practicing a piece of music, painting, or writing a poem, there are many ways that you can use art to relax and recover.
- Painting
- Playing an instrument
- Sewing or needlework
- Journaling or creative writing
Reach Out to Others
Although many of these tips for how to recharge your energy include solitary activities, another way that caregivers can renew their energy and sense of peace is by reaching out to loved ones. When you provide care every day, sometimes that can become the sole focus in your life.
- Take some time to call a friend or family member and talk about their day
- Write a letter to someone and tell them what you admire about them
- Take the evening off and go out to dinner with a group of friends or your partner
When it comes to providing high-quality care, it is just as important to care for yourself. Only then can you deliver excellent care to someone else.
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As an assisted living provider in the Atlanta area, Brickmont Assisted Living is committed to providing exceptional support while helping residents maintain their independence and dignity. We take pride in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for our residents, guests, families, and our team of professional caregivers. Visit our website to learn more.
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