Exhaustion is one of those problems you might expect that you'll experience as a caregiver. After all, you're busy all the time and constantly taking care of someone else. But exhaustion can be a bigger issue that lets you know that you're not caring for yourself the way that you should.
You've Likely Been Tired for a Long Time
One of the factors about exhaustion that is easy to overlook is that exhaustion is not something that just pops up overnight. You might finally notice that you're feeling exhausted, but the condition has been forming for quite some time. It's more than just being tired and not sleeping well for a night or two. True exhaustion means that you're extremely fatigued, even after a full evening of sleep.
Take a Break Now and Again
One of the first things that you need to do is to take a break from caregiving. This might be just for a few minutes at a time as you collect your thoughts. The important thing to do is to make sure that you're physically and mentally stepping away for even those brief moments. If a family member can take over for the afternoon or if your senior is open to having help from elder care providers, take an entire afternoon just for yourself.
Talk to Your Doctor
Sometimes exhaustion is a clue that something else is going on. Caregivers are notorious for neglecting their own health while caring for someone else. Make an appointment with your doctor and take the time to just make sure that there's not another underlying condition that you need to manage for yourself. Once you know what you're up against, you can make better decisions.
Join a Support Group for Caregivers
Other caregivers have definitely been where you are right now. They can share with you what has worked for them in the past and how they handled the situation you're experiencing. Having this additional layer of emotional support can help you in so many other ways, too. It's much easier to prevent exhaustion once you've worked your way out of it than it is to initially correct the problem, so give yourself time to adapt.
Exhaustion is your body's way of letting you know that you're not paying attention to some important factors. The sooner you can get yourself back to a more rested state, the better job you can do as a caregiver. Remember to take it easy on yourself.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregivers in Campbell, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.
