Exercise Strategies for Caregivers

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Caregiver in Berkeley Heights NJ

From the millions of things you have to do for your aging parent to taking care of your own family, caregivers often do not take the time needed to care for themselves. From the millions of thingsCaregiver-in-Berkeley-Heights-NJ you have to do for your aging parent to taking care of your own family, caregivers often do not take the time needed to care for themselves.

As exhausted as you may be feeling, one of the best things you can do for yourself is exercise. When you are not taking care of your health, you can’t provide the care your elderly loved one needs. You could become sick more often or have poor sleep habits by not staying physically active. One way to help get enough time to fit some exercise into your day is by hiring a senior care provider to care for your loved one while you care for you. It may appear to be a selfish move, but taking a time-out from your caregiving responsibilities may be exactly what your mind and body needs.

Here are a few strategies to use in order to get enough exercise each day.

  • Put your wallet away. There is no need to spend loads of cash on a gym membership when you have all of the exercise equipment at your own house. Do you have stairs? Then walk or jog briskly up and down the stairs. Do you enjoy walking? Go for a powerwalk around your neighborhood. Workout videos are another great way to keep the body healthy. There are simple ways you can work out without even realizing it.
  • Exercise for the right amount of time. Try to do a moderately intense workout for 30 to 40 minutes at least three times per week. Even if you are unable to put aside that amount of time, there are other quick ways to stay active throughout the day. This includes parking the car farther away as a way to walk farther and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Challenge yourself. Do not choose a workout just because it is easy. Instead, choose one that challenges you a little bit. This will help build stamina, strength, and energy, while also helping you make the most of your exercise time.
  • Build your muscles. Part of being a caregiver may include lifting the elder into and out of their bed each day and night, so having strong muscles will help.

Caring for an elderly parent can be a challenging job, but one that can be done well by taking care of yourself. Try these four ideas to increase the amount of physical activities you participate in each day.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional caregiver services in Berkeley Heights, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

 

Source:  http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-2014/caregiving-find-time-for-exercise.html

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP