Caregivers must take care of their health to better manage their caregiving duties. Remaining healthy requires eating the right foods, getting enough sleep, and using strategies to overcome stress. Exercising regularly is also important. Here are a few ways exercise benefits family caregivers.
1. Provides Energy
Without enough energy and stamina, individuals tend to become mentally and physically fatigued. Exercise increases cardiovascular circulation, which ensures all body systems receive a boost of oxygen and other nutrients. By exercising regularly, you can increase your energy levels to better manage your caregiving duties. When feeling slow or fatigued during the afternoon hours, a brief workout is a great way to feel rejuvenated.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Lincoln Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
2. Enhances the Quality of Sleep
Sleep may not come easy after experiencing a particularly busy or stressful day. However, getting proper rest enables the body to heal, relax, and alleviate stress. Individuals who have difficulty going to sleep or who awaken frequently during the night are prone to developing a variety of medical conditions. The National Sleep Foundation reports that people who exercise during the day sleep more peacefully at night. Exercise maintains the body’s circadian rhythms, which is necessary for sleep.
3. Prevents Obesity
Obesity is a common health issue in the United States. Being overweight puts more stress on various body systems, prevents organs from functioning properly, and leads to the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other ailments. Along with eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise can help you keep your weight within the limits recommended for your age and body size.
Consider taking a break from your caregiving duties to focus on your own health and wellbeing. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Lincoln, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break.
4. Relieves Stress
Exercising has been shown to reduce stress levels in the body. During physical activity, the body releases endorphins and lowers cortisol, which eliminates physical discomfort and alleviates anxiety, stress, and tension. When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed during the day, consider taking a walk or engaging in aerobic exercise.
5. Reduces Injuries
Some caregiving tasks require physical strength and flexibility. If muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues are not used to these activities, injuries are more likely to occur. When an injury occurs, you may not be able carry out your responsibilities. You must allow time for the body to heal. Routine exercise strengthens the musculoskeletal system and makes it easier to manage daily activities.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to take some time off from your caregiving duties to exercise. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated senior care, Lincoln, CA, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. Call us at (916) 226-3737 to schedule a free in-home consultation.