The Best Present You Can Give Your Loved One is Your Own Good Health!
- If you become run-down, more tired than usual, will you be able to provide the care you want to?
- If you become depressed, will you be able to make your best decisions?
- If you get the flu, will your loved one catch it from you?
- If you are not well, who will fill your shoes, whether temporarily or permanently?
These are not questions to be taken lightly. Your own good health is the best present you can provide to the person you care for.
Caregivers need to pay attention to physical and emotional symptoms that can affect our own health and well-being. We need to guard against caregiver burnout and avoid becoming overly tired and exhausted, which can reduce our own body’s ability to ward off illness.
Try to create balance between caring for others and caring for you. How?
- Take a daily vitamin supplement
- Get exercise — make it a priority for both your mental and physical well-being
- Get regular check-ups and do not ignore possible symptoms of ill health
- Take a break from caregiving – respite time is crucial
- Get a flu shot
- Watch for signs of depression
- Laugh with a friend