Elder Care in Dallas, TX: How to Get More Energy during Caregiving

When you’re a caregiver, whether you’ve been doing this for a few years already or have just started taking care of your parent, fatigue can be an important issue. If you have a busy schedule and a life outside of the caregiving, you can end up not taking care of yourself and feel physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. You’ve probably heard that a good diet and exercise is the place you should start, and you’d be right. Whether you have help from a caregiver or home care for the elderly, or are doing this on your own, you still need some help. Here are a few more detailed tips on getting energy:

You literally are what you eat! Even though a candy bar or a cup or two of coffee in the morning can give you an initial energy burst, it won’t last and you’ll feel even more tired after the sugar crash.

Don’t forget breakfast. It’s surprising how many people skip this most important meal of the day. When you go off to work or start your duties for caregiving without any fuel for your body, no wonder it’s going to protest and cause you pain. Even for those who don’t have time to cook in the morning rush, eating breakfast can be easy with simple choices like a whole grain bagel, oatmeal with raisins, or a piece of fruit and yogurt.
Get your body working out to feel good. Exercise might not sound very appealing to some of you, or feel the greatest in the middle of a muscle burn, but you’ll sure feel the benefits afterwards. Exercise is also a great reliever for stress.
Choose more foods that release energy slowly throughout digestion, and avoid ones that are high-glycemic to deliver short lived amounts of energy. High quality sources of protein are slow to digest and help you feel full longer while giving you muscle-building nutrients.
Spend time with your elderly loved one doing some of the above things! Go on a walk together, make a healthy snack and then eat it while watching a favorite TV show, work in the garden, or go grocery shopping for good food.

Even though your life might revolve around your aging mother or father right now, you have to take care of yourself first. The better you take care of yourself, the better you can serve and love them. They want to see you happy and healthy, too. Even in a busy schedule, it really pays off to take some time to yourself each day. Just a few minutes to plan healthy meals, read a good relaxing book, or do a hobby that brings you joy will make a huge difference.