Stand Up for Caregivers!
Protecting and advocating for the health and wellbeing of adult caregivers
Why You Should Get Regular Physical and Mental
Health Screenings and Which Ones to Get
As a caregiver, your health directly impacts the health of those under your care. That’s why preventive care is so essential. A great way to ensure you stay on top of your own health needs is to regularly receive physical and mental health screenings. Here are a few essentials to schedule with your doctor if you haven’t done so recently:
Physical:
- A Yearly Well Visit
- Colonoscopy
- Mammogram
- Skin Exam
- Pap Test (or Pap Smear)
- Testicular and Prostate Cancer
Mental:
Great Ways to Relax for a Busy Caregiver
You’ve probably said it before: “I just need to relax.” How often do you actually get to do it? Your life feels consumed with caring for your loved one, but relaxation gives you time to unwind and enjoy life for the sweet gift that it is. Furthermore, relaxationr offers benefits such as decreased stress, lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and pain relief. If you have at least 10 minutes to spare, then the following are great ways to relax and take a brief break from your busy life:
Exercise
For most of us, running full speed on a treadmill isn’t what we picture when we think of relaxation, but exercise doesn’t have to work up a sweat. Yoga can be practiced any time, any place, and is a good way to relax your mind, body, and spirit. If you aren’t as flexible as you once were, meditation offers the same calming benefits minus the stretching. The point of exercise where relaxation is concerned is to get moving, whether that is taking a short walk or jumping in place. You’ll find that you’ll clear your head and be able to focus on the rest of the day ahead.
Creativity
If your talents or hobbies include the arts, why not put them to further use in your quest for relaxation? Should you enjoy writing, get everything down on paper by journaling. This is a great way to get all your stresses out, and use it as metaphorical way to let them go. Add a little color and engage in some art therapy such as sculpting, drawing, or making jewelry. Projects like these might take longer than 10 minutes, but the desire to complete it will bring you back to it each day.
Socialization
We are social beings, and sometimes you just need to talk to someone to vent your frustrations. Whenever you feel like you need a breather, phone a friend for a quick chat or snuggle up with your furry pet for some much-needed cuddles. Caregiving is hard work, and sometimes it feels as though you fall off the grid. Ask a friend or family member to check in with you at least once a week to keep you engaged and connected. Sometimes a friendly voice is all you need to remind yourself that you are doing an amazing job.
These are just a handful of the many ways you can relax and unwind. Chances are, you already have a go-to method of relaxation, so the next step is to make it part of your caregiving duties.