Feeling Worn Down? Try These Ideas to Gain Energy as a Caregiver!

These four simple tips can make a big difference in helping you gain energy as a caregiver.

Providing care for someone else can be exhausting. Add in the shortened daylight hours of fall that we’re beginning to experience, along with the everyday stressors in life, and it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling worn down and sluggish. Try these ideas from our home care team to help you shift from feeling fatigued to fabulous and gain energy as a caregiver.

1. Consume more high-energy, complex carbs. If the hectic pace of life or simply ingrained habits have you grabbing a quick bowl of sugary cereal for breakfast, snacking on chips and soda, and seeking out comfort foods like macaroni and cheese or white bread, it’s only natural for your energy level to be sapped. Instead, choose whole grains, beans and legumes, fruits, and vegetables. These selections release sugar into the bloodstream more slowly, providing you with a steadier stream of fuel, according to Karen Reznik Dolins, RD, EdD, an adjunct associate professor of sports nutrition.
2. Pay attention to hydration. Insufficient hydration impacts you more than simply making you thirsty; it causes fatigue, muscle weakness, and a lack of focus too. Drink plenty of water continuously throughout the day, whether you’re thirsty or not. An easy way to gauge your hydration level is through the frequency of urination and the color of urine, which should not be any darker than pale straw yellow, according to Reznik Dolins.
3. Get aerobic exercise each day. It may be hard to get yourself up and moving when all you really want to do is crawl back into bed. However, you’ll actually reduce your level of fatigue by being more active. As little as ten minutes each day of aerobic exercise will give you more energy while improving your memory and mental processes as well.
4. Get plenty of sleep. Speaking of crawling back into bed, however, getting enough sleep is also critical to boosting your energy levels. Strive for at least seven hours of sleep every night, following a set routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. If you have difficulty sleeping, make sure the room is cool and dark, engage in calming activities 30 minutes before bedtime, refrain from eating spicy or large meals late in the day, and turn off all electronic devices one hour before you’re ready to fall asleep.

How Can I Take Care of Myself When I’m So Busy With Caregiving?

If achieving these steps is a challenge, Hired Hands Homecare is here to help! We know that caregiving is hard work, both physically and emotionally. Let us work together with you to ensure you have the time you need to take care of yourself.

Our respite care services provide the opportunity for family caregivers to step away for regular breaks from care to make sure their own needs are met. While you take time to rest, exercise, or enjoy relaxing activities, we can help with:

• Preparing meals
• Light housekeeping
• Companionship
• Medication reminders
• Personal care
• Transportation
• Engaging, meaningful activities
• Specialized dementia care
• And more

Call us any time at (866) 940-4343 and ask for a free in-home consultation to learn more about our in-home respite care services in Rutherford, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and the surrounding areas.