There are many responsibilities to juggle as a family caregiver. Many times, caregiving is a learning process, which means that there are many unknowns that have to be handled and mistakes that have to be made as part of the process. In this month's Newsletter, ElderCare at Home wants to share some ideas with you as we approach the Fall season to help you balance caregiving responsibilities as well as possible. It is always an appropriate time to discover new and healthy habits that can improve our lives. Consider these healthy habits as we move forward together on this journey.

(1) Don't do it alone: Caregiving is stressful, and no one is expecting you to go on this difficult journey all on your own. First, think of the kinds of things with which you need help. Then, if you have close relatives and/or friends, try talking to them to see if they can kindly offer any of their time to helping you achieve these things. If you don't think finding friends or family is possible, then there are always local resources, like nurse registries, nurse agencies, and community organizations that can provide services.

(2) Take care of your mind and body: Caregivers are most effective when they are healthy themselves. Look at your schedule, and try to fit in physical exercise and relaxing activities for at least three times a week. These sessions do not have to be hours long. For example, you can exercise for only thirty minutes and still receive many health benefits from the activity. Additionally, you can find 15 to 30 minutes to breathe/meditate or to pursue activities that you love, such as reading, talking to a friend, or any other hobby. Prioritizing your physical and mental health will help ensure that you stay healthy and can handle the responsibilities of family caregiving. 

(3) Sleep: This is perhaps one of the most important "healthy habits" to prioritize. Your body needs sleep to restore itself, as well as to restore your mind. Sleep helps you have more energy throughout the day and to be more alert and attentive. Not only that, sleep can help regulate your metabolism, help you learn more effectively, and it can help your body stay balanced mentally and emotionally.

(4) Be in charge of your diet: There is no "magic bullet" for diets. All of our bodies are different, and we respond differently to a variety of foods and drinks. The basic functionality of a diet depends on what you are trying to achieve. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume. If you are trying to maintain your weight, you must find an equilibrium between calorie intake and output (i.e. eating calories and burning calories). If your diet is meant to helping you eat more fruits and vegetables, then all you really have to do is change the content of your meals. The most important things to remember are to find a diet that is right for you, avoid eating excessively, and reducing the amounts of saturated fats, simple sugars, and salt in your meals.

(5) Rest: No successful person can sustain high-levels of energy and work without taking some time off. It is okay to take a day out of the week to spend time by yourself. This is not a selfish act. This can often be a necessary step to help you avoid working to the point of over-exhaustion. Think about the alternative: You never take a day off and you become overly-stressed and burn out from exhaustion. This situation is helpful to no one. So, for your sake and for that of your loved one, take a break.