The condition “caregiver syndrome” is a real thing.
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Most Americans say, if given a choice, they would prefer to die at home. The health care system is also moving in that direction and the home is now the most common place of death, according to NPR.
Home hospice care, however, can be tough on the patient’s loved ones, who take on the role of caretakers. All too often caretakers are overcome with fatigue, stress, depression and the worry that comes with the role, according to the NPR report.
As a caregiver, you may suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, have frequent body aches or headaches or gain or lose weight. Caretakers are often so busy taking care of their loved ones, they forget to take care of themselves by neglecting to eat nutritional food, exercising or take some time to do something as simple as walking outside, reading a book or going out to a movie or dinner with friends.
If you are a caregiver, don’t shy away from asking for or accepting offers of help. Many people feel helpless and want to help, but don’t know what to do. They would gladly prepare a meal, run errands or sit with and watch the patient once in a while, if asked.
Chronic, prolonged stress can radically impact your health by increasing your risk of medical problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, so self-care is essential.
As a caregiver, you should also make time to practice some type of stress-management activity, even if it’s just a few times a month. Pick something you enjoy doing and that gives you a sense of relaxation, which could include meditation, yoga, prayer, experiencing nature, exercising or journaling, among other things
Practicing mindfulness with whatever activity you choose can be done anytime, anywhere and offers significant benefits for stress relief.
Mindfulness means you're actively paying attention to the moment you're in right now and letting distracting thoughts pass through your mind without getting caught up in their emotional implications.
You can add mindfulness to virtually any aspect of your day — even while you're eating, working, exercising or doing household chores — simply by paying attention to the sensations you are experiencing in the present moment.
Being empathetic may also help you relieve stress and strengthen your relationships.
Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their feelings and point of view. For example, empathy training has been found to reduce stress levels among medical students facing intense emotional encounters with patients.
Lastly, don’t overlook nutrition when it comes to reducing stress. Choosing healthy foods when you’re stressed can help relieve tension, stabilize blood sugar and spur a more positive outlook.
Some of the best foods to eat for stress include dark leafy greens, organic turkey breast, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, fermented foods, blueberries, pistachios, dark chocolate, avocados, seeds and sunshine.
OK, you caught it, sunshine is not a food, but a daily dose of sunshine might help stabilize your mood. That’s because serotonin — the brain hormone associated with mood elevation — rises with exposure to bright light and falls with decreased sun exposure.
Foods to stay away from include sugar, vegetable oils, processed and junk food, aspartame and artificial sweeteners.