Caregiver Stress & How Overwhelmed Caregivers Can Manage Theirs

As a caregiver, you’re never alone. It’s a common trait of caregivers to be strong, reliable, and persistent in the face of challenging duties around caring for a loved one. Unfortunately, these expectations and many more like them can build up and cause you to go through certain negative habits associated with burnout. Experiencing caregiver stress is a real possibility.

Physical, mental, and emotional stress can significantly affect the care you provide, so it’s important for you and the person you care for that you’re at your best. Taking care of yourself should be as important as some of the other duties associated with caregiving.

Below are a few options caregivers can use for managing some of your stress.

Follow a Manageable Routine

It’s important to know that you can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Being realistic with what you can do does not take away from the care you provide, but in fact, helps you realize where you need help. Breaking larger tasks into smaller ones can make them seem more achievable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Use a Planner or Create a Calendar

If you’re a caregiver for a loved one in your home, a great way to relieve some stress from yourself is to plan out your day or use a calendar to plan out your month. Delegating duties that you, specifically, don’t need to do, like grocery shopping, dog walking, or folding laundry, can pass onto a spouse or other family member. In addition, planning out your day can give you the opportunity to set some time aside for yourself while ensuring you complete all of your daily duties.

Set Aside Time for Yourself

It can be challenging to find time for yourself when constantly caring for a loved one or patient. Taking walks, treating yourself to coffee, or seeing a movie are all opportunities for you to take time for yourself.

Establish Boundaries

Maintaining professional boundaries as a caregiver help in separating your professional and personal lives. Outline what you boundaries are and ensure you stick to them to help manage your stress both while working and during your personal time.

Keep Easy Meals Ready

Maintaining a healthy diet goes a long way to maintaining a positive mood. The demanding nature of being a caregiver can leave some too tired or unwilling to go through with preparing meals. Meal delivery services are an excellent option for caregivers to have diverse, healthy meals that usually don’t take long to prepare. We recommend services like Blue Apron, Marley’s Spoon, or grocery delivery services like Shipt to make sure you have the food you need to cook good meals.

Get Help Managing Your Stress

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Respite care services provide another caregiver to stay with your family member or patient while you decompress or pursue professional health. All too often, caregivers feel isolated and bottle up their feelings and emotions. Professional psychotherapy can help you cope and learn new techniques for dealing with stress from caregiving,

Find Additional Caregiving Help

Another outlet for caregiving help and support is to join a caregiver support group. These groups can be online or in person, and it’ll give you the opportunity to talk with other caregivers about their experiences. You’ll be able to share your stories and stresses while seeking help for them.

It’s important to know that you aren’t alone as a caregiver.

Signs of Caregiver Stress

Hyper focusing on your patient or loved one can cause you to overlook some of the signs of stress. Below are some of the most common symptoms of caregiver stress:

• Sleep deprivation
• Fluctuating weight
• Depression and Anxiety
• Mood Swings
• Withdrawal
• Headaches and Migraines
• Irritability

What JEVS Does to Help Our Overwhelmed Caregivers

At JEVS, we care about the well-being of our caregivers. We provide you with resources and support to work through your caregiver stress. We strive to make sure you know you’re not alone and that we’re here to help you.

Each of our caregivers are paired with a Client Care Manager. They’re available to support you through your caregiving duties and work with you to ensure all of your needs are met. You can contact them anytime to help you through the best ways of managing your stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your current Caregiver job, Click here today to view our available opportunities to switch over to the JEVS Care at Home family and receive the support you need.