Caring for someone else during a serious illness can take a lot out of you. The American Academy of Family Physicians says it's important to take care of yourself as you care for someone else.
The academy offers these suggestions:
- Get regular checkups with your own doctor.
- Eat a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.
- Find time for plenty of sleep.
- Schedule time for 30 minutes to 60 minutes of exercise at least four days per week.
- Help manage stress with techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Take some time for yourself every once in a while.
Health Tip: Recognizing Caregiver Stress
Caregivers provide help for people who can't fully care for themselves, whether it's by cooking meals, paying bills or helping them get clean and dressed.
But caregivers may be prone to physical and emotional stress. The National Women's Health Information Center describes these warning signs that shouldn't be ignored:
- A feeling of being overwhelmed by responsibilities.
- Not getting enough sleep, or sleeping more than you should.
- Significant weight change.
- Constantly feeling tired.
- Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
- Becoming easily angered or irritated.
- A persistent sense of worry or sadness.
- Having frequent headaches, or other aches and pains.
- Turning to drugs and alcohol.
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