Contents:
- Medical Video: 5 Signs Of Depression That Should Never Be Ignored
- Tips for maintaining health while caring for a loved one who is sick
- 1. Take time for yourself
- 2. Know your abilities
- 3. Pay attention to your food intake
- 4. Do deep breathing
- 5. Join the community
Medical Video: 5 Signs Of Depression That Should Never Be Ignored
Many people focus too much on the health of their loved ones, making them forget about their own health. Caring for people who are sick will certainly drain a lot of energy, making you vulnerable to fatigue, stress, and falling ill. This certainly has the potential to cause health problems for yourself. You really want to provide the best care for your loved ones, but remember that your health is patient health too.
Tips for maintaining health while caring for a loved one who is sick
Here are some tips that can be applied to maintain your physical and mental health while caring for loved ones who are seriously ill.
1. Take time for yourself
Even if it's only a few minutes, spending time on yourself is a powerful way to help rest your mind and body. You can do yoga before breakfast, take a walk around the house, or just do a hobby that you like. Managing stress can help you stay fit and healthy when caring for a loved one who is sick.
Remember, if you do not maintain physical and mental health, you will also not be able to care for your loved ones to the fullest. So, don't forget to take the time to take care of yourself.
2. Know your abilities
Make a list of activities that you will do, from getting up in the morning to going back to sleep for a week. This includes bathing your loved one who is sick, taking him for a walk, cooking, or cleaning the house. Consider asking someone else for help if indeed you cannot afford to do all the activities yourself.
Many people feel guilty for giving up their responsibilities to others. Even so, you need to realize that you are not a superhuman. There are times when you cannot complete all the tasks themselves. That's why, don't hesitate to ask for help from others if you need it. You can ask family, friends, doctors, or nurses to treat patients.
3. Pay attention to your food intake
In addition, you have to make sure that if you do not skip meals, you also need to eat snacks. Don't get too busy caring for your loved one, it makes you forget to pay attention to nutritious food intake for yourself.
Snacks that contain high protein will help keep your blood sugar levels from rising and falling, which ultimately contributes to fatigue, headaches, and significant mood swings. Eat high protein snacks one or two times a day. You can eat yogurt, cheese, boiled eggs, almonds, and so on. However, pay attention to the portions, huh.
4. Do deep breathing
Deep and long breathing can be one of the simplest ways to release you from stress. If you already feel resistant, try to take a deep breath and breathe slowly. Do this method until you feel better. Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system so that it helps reduce the effects of stress and makes you more calm and focused.
5. Join the community
Remember, there is no alone. Chatting and sharing with people who are in a situation similar to yours is the best way to get emotional support. You can find this support on the internet or meet directly with certain community members. For example, cancer survivors community, patient family community, and so on.
Usually, the hospital or the doctor who handles your loved one has a community reference or recommendation that you can follow.
