Table of contents:
- Tips for maintaining health while caring for loved ones who are sick
- 1. Take time for yourself
- 2. Know your abilities
- 3. Watch your food intake
- 4. Do deep breathing
- 5. Join the community
Many people focus too much on the health of their loved ones, which makes them forget their own health. Taking care of someone who is sick will certainly take a lot of energy, leaving you prone to fatigue, stress, and falling sick. This of course has the potential to cause health problems for yourself. You do want to provide the best possible care for your loved ones, but remember that your health is the health of the patient too.
Tips for maintaining health while caring for loved ones who are sick
Here are some tips you can apply to maintain your physical and mental health while caring for a seriously ill loved one.
1. Take time for yourself
Even if it's only a few minutes, making time for yourself is a great way to help relax your mind and body. You can do yoga before breakfast, take a leisurely walk around the house, or just do a hobby that you enjoy. Managing stress can help you stay fit and healthy while caring for a loved one who is sick.
Remember, if you don't take care of your physical and mental health, you won't be able to fully care for your loved one either. So, don't forget to take the time to take care of yourself.
2. Know your abilities
Make a list of activities you will do, from getting up early to going back to sleep for a week. This includes washing a loved one who is sick, taking him for a walk, cooking, or cleaning the house. Consider asking others for help if you are unable to do all of the activities yourself.
Many people feel guilty for leaving the responsibility to someone else. Even so, you need to realize that you are not superhuman. There are times when you can't complete all of the tasks yourself. That's why, don't hesitate to ask other people for help if you need it. You can ask family, friends, doctors, or nurses to take care of the patient.
3. Watch your food intake
Besides having to make sure if you don't skip meals, you also need to snack on. Don't get too busy caring for your loved ones and it makes you forget to pay attention to nutritious food intake for yourself.
Snacks that are high in protein will help keep your blood sugar levels from rising and falling, which in turn can contribute to fatigue, headaches and significant mood swings. Eat high protein snacks once or twice a day. You can eat yogurt, cheese, boiled eggs, almonds, and so on. However, pay attention to the portions, yes.
4. Do deep breathing
Doing deep, long breaths can be one of the simplest ways to release you from stress. If you feel like you can't stand it already, try taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. Do this until you feel better. Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce the effects of stress and makes you calmer and more focused.
5. Join the community
Remember, you are not alone. Chatting and sharing with people in a similar situation to yours is a great way to get emotional support. You can find this support online or meet members of a particular community in person. For example, the cancer survivor community, patient family community, and so on.
Usually, the hospital or the doctor who treats your loved one has a referral or community recommendation that you can follow.
