The career of a caregiver is one that requires a lot of love and energy each and every day. It’s fully natural for this type of work to leave you fatigued from time to time – both emotionally and physically. Even if you’re not a professional caregiver, keep reading to learn some important tips for reducing stress and regaining energy to be the best possible version of yourself.
Make your time off meaningful.
When you’re working, you need to be fully present. The same as true during your time not working. When you’re off, be sure to plan a fun and relaxing activities that bring you joy and allow you to spend time with the ones you love. As a professional caregiver, it can feel natural to constantly be caring for someone whether that is your client or your family. On your days off, you will likely still have personal responsibilities, but make sure you don’t spend it only doing chores or running errands. Schedule in some meaningful downtown that leaves you refreshed and ready for your next work shift.
Fuel your body.
Fatigue can be caused by a lack of sleep, stress, poor nutrition, sickness, and so much more. Start at the source. You need to fuel your body so that it has the energy to carry on the day’s activities. Look to create a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Next, make sure you get enough sleep, especially before a workday. And finally, manage your stress levels by being mindful of triggers that may cause your stress to increase. Which brings us to…
Pay attention to how you feel.
Every day will have its ups and its downs. But if you should experience a day when you are really feeling stressed and not like your normal self. It’s worth paying attention to these queues. It’s likely you need to make some changes whether that is in your schedule, your mindset, or your physical wellness. Paying attention to your body will give you a ton of important knowledge as to what is taking place at a mental, physical, and emotional level.
Find hobbies that relax you.
Next, seek hobbies in your off-time that relax and recharge your mind and body. So often we find hobbies or pastimes that continue to take energy away from us which only leaves us more depleted the next day. Look for things you can do like coloring, reading, taking a walk, or talking to a friend – all of which will take your eyes away from screens and your mind away from work.
Keep work and family separate.
And finally, the time to focus on work is when you are at work. As soon as you step back into your personal life, be sure you make the full mental transition. There may be things from your day that continue to weigh on you but put them away until your next workday. Your own loved ones need you just as much as your clients do. Be fully present with each party when the time is right.
If you’re a professional caregiver or work in any demanding career, these tips for preventing fatigue are so important. Pick one or two to start with this week!
