This is a sponsored partnership between Voltaren and LatinaMoms.com
Did you know that one in five Americans is a caregiver?
In fact, according to a 2020 report by The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and AARP, there was “an increase in the number of family caregivers in the United States of 9.5 million from 2015 to 2020.” As a Latina, this makes perfect sense since our community tends to rely on our own family to be caregivers at a certain point.
Point blank: It’s undeniable that the level of dedication that family caregivers provide their loved ones is unique and invaluable. However, the risk of burnout is also real. How can we prevent it?
From scheduling time for yourself to make a list of personal goals, here are three ways to avoid burnout. After all, it’s important that we take care of ourselves first before taking care of others.
Make time for yourself each day
Figure out what activities make you feel relaxed and pencil in time for yourself throughout the week. It’s not selfish – it’s necessary. Whether it’s an hour of time for a manicure and pedicure, or 20-minutes to read a new book, these quick periods of “me time” can help alleviate some of the day-to-day stress you often experience while caregiving.
Exercise three times a week
Exercise has an abundance of benefits when it comes to your mental health. There is evidence demonstrating that exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and improving self-esteem and cognitive function. This can help avoid burnout simply by helping improve your physical and mental health. Making a set schedule when you have periods of downtime can help to make sure you get your exercise in a few times each week, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.
Make a list of weekly goals and check them often
The best way to keep yourself accountable is by making a list of weekly goals. These goals can be as simple as drinking a certain amount of water daily to gratitude journaling prompts. This will come in handy and remind you to take time to prioritize yourself while taking on the role of a caregiver.
For additional tips on how to balance your mental and physical health as a caregiver, listen to the CareWalks podcast, created in partnership between Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel and iHeartRadio.