Caring for an aging parent can be emotionally and physically draining, disrupting your quality of life. To ease your overall health and prevent caregiver burnout, you need to take up regular, moderate exercise. Here are some of the reasons exercise can lead to a healthier and happier caregiving experience.
Enhances Mood
Exercising can combat negative feelings such as depression, anger, resentment, and sadness. When you take up exercising, the physical activity will stimulate various brain chemicals that leave you feeling more relaxed and happier, even after you’ve had a difficult day. Turn to exercise when your daily duties become overwhelming. It doesn’t matter if you take a run through the park, go swimming at the local community center, or dance in your living room. The movement increases the positive endorphins in your body, which immediately boosts self-esteem and self-confidence.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Lincoln families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Increases Muscle Strength
Lifting large items is something caregivers have to do often. Depending on your elderly loved one’s capabilities, you may need to help him or her move from room to room. If you have poor muscle strength, it will be difficult to move around freely or lift large items. However, exercising at least three or four days each week can increase your balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. The ideal exercises for family caregivers who want to increase their bone health are:
• Cycling
• Weightlifting
• Squats
• Pushups
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.
Combats Serious Health Conditions
Taking on the role of family caregiver could increase your risk of developing arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Exercising can help you control your weight, lower your blood sugar levels, increase your blood flow, and boost your metabolism. Caregivers sometimes experience headaches, insomnia, and various infections. However, even a safe exercise like brisk walking could boost your physical health.
Provides Opportunities to Socialize
Indoor and outdoor exercises give family caregivers the opportunity to unwind and live in the moment instead of worrying about the challenges they face. While engaging in physical activities that make them happy, family caregivers can also connect with their friends in a social setting. Some of the social activities you can sign up for include:
• Dance classes
• Hiking groups
• Soccer teams
• Bowling leagues
Prevents Addiction
It’s not uncommon for family caregivers to turn to alcohol and dangerous substances to handle the challenges they face, such as worrying about their loved one’s health, taking on too much responsibility without receiving assistance from family and friends, and failing to take necessary time off. When family caregivers turn to alcohol, drugs, and food, the brain releases a feel-good chemical known as dopamine. As a result, they become addicted to the substances that produce dopamine. However, exercise allows the body to create endorphins that naturally regulate brain chemistry and mood, staving off addiction.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need a break from your caregiving duties. Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable senior care. Lincoln Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn about our premier home care plans, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.