What are some of the biggest stressors in your life? The rising cost of things like electricity, food, and heating fuel is stressing 87% of people who responded to an American Institute of Stress survey. Seventy-eight percent reported the pandemic caused significant stress. Watching an aging parent struggle with daily activities is another source.
When you’re a family caregiver, the help you provide can be very stressful. If you’re not properly managing that stress, your health is affected in over a dozen ways. Headaches, increased blood pressure, depression, a weaker immune system, and higher blood sugar levels are just a few of them.
April is Stress Awareness Month and a good time to look at the things you do for our dad and what you can delegate to others. It’s time to take care of yourself.
Keep Up With Your Own Medical and Dental Appointments
When you’re taking care of a parent, it’s easy to push aside your appointments and focus on theirs. Stop that and get caught up. If you haven’t had your tetanus (TDAP) booster, it’s time to get it. You can get your vaccinations caught up at your doctor’s office or a pharmacy that offers vaccinations.
Make an appointment with your doctor. You may not love having to admit you’re not taking care of yourself, but your doctor is going to understand. It’s not uncommon to have family caregivers who aren’t focused on self-care.
See your dentist for a cleaning and exam. The sooner you get caught up, the less stressed you’ll feel about your health concerns. If there are issues, you can start focusing on changing your lifestyle if needed or addressing your own health issues with medications and therapeutic services.
Sleep In
Every now and then, have a morning when you don’t have any responsibilities. You can sleep in and have a lazy morning reading a book or catching up on your favorite shows. Make it a day where you don’t even have to get out of your pajamas if you don’t want to.
Take a day when you do not have any responsibilities. Let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. Do the things you enjoy. If you like walking in the woods, get the dog or ask a friend to go explore a new trail with you. If you’d rather go alone, do that.
Spend Time With Friends
Socialization is important for your mental and physical health. Studies find that people who are isolated and rarely socialize are more likely to experience health issues like dementia, a weaker immune system, and depression.
Make sure you spend time with your friends as often as you can. Plan a night out with dinner and a movie, some drinks, or attend a sporting event or concert together. Whatever gets you out and social.
Respite care is the service you need from an elder care agency. Take breaks as needed without leaving your dad alone. He’ll have an elder care aide to help him while you have some time to yourself.
Sources:
https://www.stress.org/daily-life
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Dallas, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Parker County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, Hood County, Somervell County, Erath County, Bosque County and Hamilton County in Texas.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment - May 23, 2024
- Unexpected Ways Companion Care Can Help Your Mom - May 14, 2024
- Rituals to Help a Senior Practice Mindfulness Everyday - May 9, 2024
