Caregivers in Sugar Hill GA
Caring for your elderly loved one can be a full-time job and it often means that your own needs, like getting enough exercise, fall by the wayside a bit. Staying fit can help you to stay healthier, though, and it can also help you stave off stress. Here are some easy ways to incorporate fitness into your busy life.
Start Slowly
You've probably heard this same tip when it comes to helping your loved one start an exercise program, but it works for everyone. You need to start out slowly when starting any new exercise program. Especially if you aren't used to working out at all, your body needs time to adjust and to become used to the new activity levels. Go easy on yourself.
Work Out with Your Loved One
Working out with your loved one is a great way to spend time together and to help make sure that your loved one gets the exercise that she needs. Find activities that you can do together, like walking around the block with each other or take a beginner's yoga class.
Have Fun with Your Workouts
Find activities and exercises that you enjoy so that you're more likely to stick with them. Things like playing in the park with your dog or your kids can bump up your activity level for the day and still be a whole lot of fun. If you're looking for something more formal, consider doing something like joining a community softball team or something like that.
Use Exercise for Your Quiet Time
If you don't have enough time when you can quietly spend time on your own, your exercise time can be that quiet time. Put on a motivational tape while you take a walk or start practicing yoga in the early morning hours. Find ways to make that time sacred for you.
Find a Buddy
Some family caregivers find that their social lives suffer a great deal because they're so busy with caring for their elderly loved ones. Try spending your exercise time with one or more of your close friends. You can use that time to catch up with each other and you can also help to motivate each other to stick with an exercise plan.
Staying fit doesn't have to be complicated, even when you're really busy caring for your elderly loved one.
