You’re the primary caregiver to your mom. You help her each day, but what about yourself? As you help her with her daily activities, are you caring for yourself? It’s important that you do.
Social Activities Improve Mental and Physical Health
Staying social is important for your mental and physical health. Studies have found that regular socialization lowers the risk of certain health issues and improves cognitive function. What studies specifically find is that lack of socialization increases inflammation and blood pressure.
When you’re always with your mom, you’re likely telling your friends you can’t join them for a drink. You are unlikely to be participating in social activities like book groups or walking clubs. You need to change that habit. Go out and be social with your spouse, partner, friends, and siblings.
Leave Time for Exercise
You need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. It’s even better if you mix up the activities. Walk a few days a week. Go swimming once a week. Put on the TV and find a Zumba video and dance away some calories.
If you can leave a full hour for exercise, it’s even better. The more active you are, the more you reduce the risk of certain chronic health conditions.
Have an Hour of Me-Time Each Day
This can be hard when you’re so busy, but it’s also important. Set aside an hour a day where you’re alone and doing something you love. If you still have younger kids at home, put them to bed, and lock yourself away in your room. Take a book with you and read for an hour.
Get up an hour before the other people in your house. If the weather’s good, take your cup of tea or coffee onto the deck or patio and sip it while listening to the birds singing. If it’s cold or rainy, have that coffee in front of the fire or near a window where there are bird feeders.
If meditation appeals to you, sit down and meditate for an hour. Journaling is another way to ease the stress you feel. If you’re into aromatherapy, turn on a diffuser before you get started.
Elderly care services are one of the best ways to have time for self-care. Take a day off each week. While you sleep in late, go out with friends, run errands, and have time alone, caregivers help your mom with her daily tasks. From housekeeping to meal preparation, an elderly care representative gets her set up with the services she needs.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4725506/
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.