Caregiver's Corner, COVID-19 | April 29, 2020

Self-Care for Caregivers During Coronavirus

The nature of being a caregiver means we may often put other people’s needs ahead of our own. If you can identify, your selflessness is commendable and appreciated.

While you're going above and beyond during this uncertain time, it’s important to take care of yourself. Burnout can interfere with our ability to provide crisis support during a natural disaster or in times of stress and anxiety. To be an effective caregiver, start with giving yourself some love.

The nature of being a caregiver means we may often put other people’s needs ahead of our own. If you can identify, your selflessness is commendable and appreciated.

Eat Healthy Meals

Nutrition can impact our moods and energy levels. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Swap soda for sparkling water. And replace processed snacks with fruits and veggies. You may notice a positive change after a few weeks.

Exercise

Finding the motivation to work out can be difficult, but studies suggest just 20-30 minutes of walking per day can provide the benefits of stress-reduction and may boost self-esteem. You can also try home workout programs for more variety. Dance cardio? Yes, please.

Schedule Virtual Hangouts

During social distancing and isolation, we likely need connection. Schedule virtual happy hours, game nights and hangouts with friends and family to help keep your spirits high. GoogleDuo is free for iPhone, Android and web video chats.

Express Yourself

Journaling can help boost your mood and improve your sense of well-being. All you need is paper and a pen. If you get a case of writer’s block, Psychology Today has questions to help you get rolling.

Find Balance

Self-care is not an excuse to indulge every day, or you could end up feeling worse — sorry, ice cream bingers. But we all need a treat or hall pass sometimes. The key is moderation. Give yourself a break and then resume your regularly scheduled self-care programming.

Unwind

Take a bubble bath, read a book or listen to a podcast. Even better? Listen to a podcast in a bubble bath. Watch a movie you’re excited about or start a new TV show. Trying activities you enjoy can give your mind a break from endless headlines.

Give Yourself Grace

Ate a sleeve of Oreos? Who hasn’t? It’s okay if your day doesn’t go as planned. Take expert Brené Brown’s advice, “Talk to yourself like you would talk to someone you love.”

If feelings of selfishness and inadequacy are preventing you from pursuing self-care, know this is natural. Identifying these feelings can help you overcome them.

Reframe and remind yourself: Caring for yourself is caring for others.

Our hearts go out to the families, caregivers and communities affected by this pandemic, and we continue working to provide a happy, healthy environment for our residents. See all that we’re doing in response to COVID-19. Not seeing what you’re looking for? WHO and the CDC are helpful sources for trusted and updated information on COVID-19.

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