Spending time caring for someone else on a regular basis can be exhausting and stressful. In
fact, research even shows that caregivers have 23 percent higher stress hormone levels
compared to those who are not caregivers.
If you’re struggling with caregiver burnout, keep reading. Listed below are five tips that will help you to overcome this issue and maintain a loving relationship with the person to whom you’re providing care.
1. Know the Signs
If you want to overcome or avoid caregiver burnout, you first need to know how to spot it. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with burnout:
● Anxiety
● Depression
● Exhaustion
● Mood swings
● Avoiding people you love
● Skipping activities you once enjoyed
● Body aches and pains
● Headaches
● Changes in appetite
● Changes in weight
● Difficulty sleeping
● Weakened immune system (getting sick often)
2. Prioritize Your Health
Caregivers have higher levels of stress hormones than non-caregivers. They also have a 15
percent lower level of antibody responses and are more likely to get sick.
To counter this problem, make sure you’re still making your health a priority as much as
possible. Eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, limit your alcohol consumption, and try to
spend time outside each day. Remember, when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of others.
3. Seek Support
There are plenty of people who are in the same boat as you are (about 43.5 million adults in the U.S. are unpaid caregivers), and there are groups designed to put you in touch with them.
Through these groups, you can share stories, seek advice, and connect with folks who are
having the same experiences you are.
4. Set Boundaries
This can be difficult to do, especially if you’re a person’s primary caregiver. However, you still
deserve to have boundaries in place regarding the work you do.
Consider creating a schedule and sharing it with your family member or loved one letting them know when you’re available to help them and when you’re not. That way, when you’re “off the clock” you can focus on other things that matter.
5. Ask for and Accept Help
Another step you can take toward overcoming or preventing caregiver burnout is to ask for help (and accept it when it’s offered). If you know that other people are willing to assist with caring for your loved one, it’ll be easier for you to put boundaries in place.
Talk to other family members about stepping in a few times per week to lighten your load. You might want to consider working with a home care company to provide a caregiver or licensed nurse to provide relief.
Overcome Caregiver Burnout Today
Being a family caregiver can certainly be tiring. Keep these tips in mind, though, and it’ll be
easier for you to maintain a strong relationship with your loved one and to avoid feeling resentful and burned out.
If you need additional help from trained caregivers and professionals staff to care for your loved one, we at EverHome Healthcare are here to help. We bring high-quality health care and caregiving right to your front door. Contact us today to learn more about the services we
provide.
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