Skip to main content

Exercise for Caregivers

Avoid Burnout with Exercise

Sometimes it’s easier for caregivers to put their own health on the back burner while they’re providing care for someone else. Yet it’s incredibly important to put time and effort into taking care of yourself so you can keep doing the important work of caregiving and avoid getting burned out.

We all know that it is important to be physically active. Regular exercise improves overall health and helps to reduce risks for common health problems, yet most of us are not fit. Many of us together with our families are far too sedentary. The more involved your family is in physical activity, the healthier they will be.

Neglecting your own health can lead to stress, depression, illness and one of the best ways to improve your health is by adding exercise to your daily routine. Even small increases in activity boost your self-esteem, reduce your risks for getting a chronic disease and decrease your stress levels.

While you should check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program, you don’t have to do a strenuous workout to feel stress relief. Any form of physical activity improves your mood and relaxes your mind, whether you’re walking, swimming, skiing, doing yoga or Pilates.

Here are some other reasons to add more exercise to your daily life:

  • It helps you avoid or control chronic health issues.
  • It improves mood, boosts energy and promotes better sleep.
  • Repetitive motions can be a form of meditation.
  • It can help manage your weight.

For more information about how to avoid burnout as a caregiver, read here: http://www.fchp.org/en/caregiver-blog/2019/March/Exercise-for-caregivers.aspx

Useful links:

  1. https://www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/caring-for-yourself-3-easy-exercises-to-relieve-stress-as-a-caregiver
  2. https://www.fivestarseniorliving.com/blog/how-to-stay-physically-fit-when-you-are-a-caregiver
  3. https://www.bestofhomecare.com/Blog.aspx?ArticlePermalink=4-ways-to-relieve-stress-family-caregiver