Be a Healthy Caregiver

Quick Tips for a Healthy You

As a caregiver, you may find yourself overwhelmed with so many responsibilities that you neglect to take good care of yourself, but the best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is to stay physically, mentally and emotionally strong.

See Your Doctor:   

Be sure to visit your physician regularly.  

Listen to what your body is telling you. 

Any exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness, or changes in appetite or behaviour should be taken seriously. Ignoring these symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.  

Keeping your vaccinations up to date is vital to protect both you and the person you are caring for.

Get moving: 

No doubt you know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy.  It can help relieve stress, prevent disease and make you feel good, but finding the time to exercise is another story. 

When the person you care for naps, pull out a yoga mat and stretch, set up a stationary bike, or exercise to online classes. 

Start small.  Just 10 minutes a day is beneficial. Fit in what you can and work at trying to increase exercising up to 30 minutes a day. 

Gardening, swimming and walking are great ways to stay agile and get fresh air.

Doing something you love will be easier to make it a habit.

If the person you care for is still mobile you could exercise together by: 

• Taking a walk together outside to enjoy the fresh air
• Going to the mall and taking a stroll around the shops
• Doing seated exercises at home
• Dancing together to your favourite music
• Walking along the beach or having a swim
• Gardening or doing other routine activities that you both enjoy

Eat well: 

Heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are good for overall health and may help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasises whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats.  

Drinking at least 2 - 3 litres (8 - 12 glasses) of water a day keeps you hydrated and helps prevent brain fog.