(Exercising Your Mind) By Brad Krause

There are many reasons that we become caregivers in our adult years. This could be something as simple as having a baby to a more complex situation, such as caring for an aging parent with Alzheimer’s disease. Whatever your reasons, you are now focusing on someone else’s well-being more than your own. However, you must continue to prioritize your own wellness so that you can continue to be an effective caregiver.

Today’s tips can help.

Start With Your Home Environment

Your home environment is one of the top factors that determine whether you’re stressed out or not. Although it might seem like a small change, plan to clean and declutter your home before you get heavy into your caregiver duties. You can also add houseplants and scented candles to give your home a more relaxed and healthy feel.

Take a Vacation

Wealth Attraction Research has touched on going on a self-care getaway before. As a caregiver, you might believe that you don’t have time to get away. But, even if you can only sneak away for a quick weekend trip, having some time alone with yourself and your thoughts can help you prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally to care for a loved one.

It’s Okay To Outsource

The fact that you’re a caregiver doesn’t mean you have to take care of everything on your own. You don’t. Don’t be shy about hiring a helping hand now and then to take care of things like lawn care and maintenance. A quick Google search of “best landscapers near me” can help you find dozens of professionals that come with great reviews and that are vying for your business by offering coupons and credits to new customers.

Make a Point to Sleep

Your body has to have sleep so that it functions at its very best. When you are a caregiver, however, you must be available when your loved one needs you, even if it’s in the middle of the night. According to Cottage Assisted Living, a few ways to get the sleep you need as a caregiver include napping when they do, exercising, and finding someone to provide respite care when you need a break the most.

Nutrition Is Crucial

Our nutritional needs change with age. But, when you’re caring for an aging loved one, it’s tempting to eat only what they do. However, you must prioritize your own diet so that your body has the fuel it needs to be at its peak. The Better Health Channel offers up tips on nutritional needs by age and touches on the unique nutritional needs of pregnant, breastfeeding, and menopausal women.

Spend Time With Your Spouse/Partner

Although most of your time will be spent providing hands-on care to others, you should also prioritize physically and emotionally intimate moments with your spouse or partner. Time together can help you keep your relationship strong, it relieves stress and helps you build positive memories during what might seem like a negative or tumultuous time.

Stay Hydrated

There’s a reason the athletes carry a water bottle with them all the time. This is because staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your mental and physical health. Even when your body is a little bit water deprived, you may wind up with a headache, feel extremely tired, and have a distracting dry mouth or cough. If you don’t like the taste of water, you can supplement your hydration needs by eating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, carrots, and peaches.

Self-care is not selfish, even for someone who must care for someone else. By prioritizing your own mental and physical needs, you’ll be more effective when your loved one needs you. Simple things, like keeping things organized, outsourcing lawn care and home maintenance, and drinking enough water, can help you have a more positive experience in your journey as a caregiver.

Stay tuned to the Wealth Attraction Research blog for more content that can help you take control of your health and your wealth.