As rewarding as a career in caregiving can be, it can also be a bit exhausting at times. You spend so much time and energy tending to the needs of others that you may find yourself putting your own needs on the backburner. While a big cup of coffee or tea may do the trick for a few hours, it’s time to start thinking about the bigger picture when it comes to keeping your energy levels at a high and your sleep-deprivation to a minimum.
Here are a few tips on how to do this the healthy way:
Drink lots of water – One of the many negative effects of dehydration is that it can drain your energy and cause you to feel incredible weary. Not only will drinking water all throughout the day help your body to stay healthy, but it will make your job as a caregiver much less difficult.
Eat small, healthy meals – There’s a reason we all feel sluggish after Thanksgiving dinner. Eating big, carb-loaded and calorie-rich meals can cause your energy levels to bottom out, which is why you should stick to smaller, high-protein meals throughout the day. Avoid quick-fix snacks, such as cookies, chips, candy, etc.
Take a quick walk – 30 minutes is all it takes to get more oxygen into your bloodstream and on its way to your muscles and organs. Take a quick walk around the block and you’ll be left feeling both physically and mentally recharged.
Taking on the responsibility of caring for another person is huge, and the only way that you can give them the support that they need is if you take care of yourself first. For more tips on how to keep your energy up in a healthy way, visit AARP.org and let us know if you have anything else to add to the list.