iSavta | 04.09.2020
Our energy is our lifeline and it is not unlimited. Our physical and mental energy varies as it depends on how much we use it with every activity in any aspect of our lives.
Just like our electronic devices, our energy is also getting drained as we go through our day. And just like any batteries, we are required to recharge from time to time.
Food is also one form of energy-giving element for our body. This is where we can get most of the essential vitamins for us to keep going. But, we cannot compensate for the physical rest or sleep with overeating. This would only cause obesity and heart disease. Our body needs at least 6 hours of sleep a day in order to function 100%. Our brain itself needs a break from time to time to recharge as well.
As Caregivers, we are expected to be our 100% capable self all the time. We are given a responsibility to take care of a human being. It is crucial for us to be alert, alive and “in the present” all the time. We cannot afford to mentally wander off while we are actively working.
Recharging our batteries is one of the most important ways for us to be an effective and reliable Caregivers. As they say, the best way we can do to care for someone else is for us to take care of ourselves. If we wear ourselves out by not having a complete rest, we will eventually get burnout.
One way of recharging is to eat the right kind of food for your body. Your patient will more likely have a strict diet because of his/her medical condition. Take this opportunity to eat healthy as well. Get rid of junks from your refrigerator and lean more into fresh fruits and vegetables.
Aside from sleep and eating healthy, your body also needs lots of water. Rehydrate and incorporate at least 8 glasses of water a day. Lessen your sweet beverages intake and replace it with plain water. Water helps in flashing out the toxins from your body that sometimes wear you down.
Exercise. This may be counterproductive if you’ll think about it but exercise doesn’t always mean physical exhaustion. Yoga is a form of exercise that relaxes your mind and stretches your muscles but does not give you the feeling of exhaustion. Meditation is also an exercise. Spend a few minutes or your time to sit still and be quiet.
Communicate. Talking to someone about your concerns and frustrations is one form of therapy. This may help you recharge as you vent out and release the bad energy that is weighing you down.
Ask Help. This may be a hard thing to do but if you feel that you cannot do it alone anymore, ask help. The family members of your patient could perfectly understand the situation if you let them know about it. People will not be able to read your mind. So unless you ask them, you won’t get any help that you need. They will be more than willing to help if you let them. It will even make them feel good knowing that they did something for their loved one.
As you manage to take on the responsibility of being a caregiver for many years now, it is certainly important that you understand the importance of being healthy and recharged. Not just for the person that you are taking care of but also for yourself. You are a machine, and sometimes machines need to be oiled. You deserve a proper rest and recharging.
