Like many people, you’re the person designated to help your parents with their care needs. The AARP found that there are around 41.8 million caregivers in the U.S. About nine out of ten caregivers are caring for a family member. More than half provide care to an aging parent.
One thing is clear, it can be challenging to become your parents’ caregiver. It’s not a role you’re used to. Essentially, you become the parent to your parents as you push to get them to eat, take medications, and get enough exercise. It’s stressful at times, and you need to learn how to manage that stress.
April is Stress Awareness Month. Take time out this month to learn how to manage the stress you experience. Here are some helpful steps to reduce the stress you experience each day.
Exercise Often
In-Home Care in Redington Beach FL
Exercise is good for your health. You hear about it all the time. Exercise for your heart by getting the blood circulating and improving stamina. Exercise also helps reduce stress.
When you engage in a fitness program that helps you burn off some of your tension, you’re reducing stress levels. Kickboxing, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Tabata are all great options. Even a walk on a forest trail, around a park, or on the beach reduces the stress you feel.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Avoid some of the foods that can impact your body function. Foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium drag you down. You won’t feel as energetic as you will on a diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins.
Learn to avoid easing stress through sugary treats. If you’re an emotional eater, which is common when you’re experiencing excessive stress, find other snacks. A handful of almonds is better. You might want to slice an apple and dip it in natural almond butter.
What if you can’t fight the craving for a brownie or muffin? Learn how to make them without added fat and sugar. Mash bananas, add some cocoa powder, and mix that with eggs and oat flour. You’ll have a healthier brownie. Many recipes are available online.
Take Breaks With the Help of Respite Care Services
In-home care supports your parents and you. As the family caregiver, you can’t ignore your needs for self-care. Take steps to ensure you’re supported in your goals. If you need a day off, take one. If you have errands to run and can’t bring your parents along, hire a professional caregiver to help out.
Talk to an in-home care agency about services that help your parents and also help you. Respite care is one of the most important for family caregivers. Learn more about it by making a call.
Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2021/05/caregiving-in-the-united-states-50-plus.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.022.pdf
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring In-Home Care in Redington Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
