This unusually hot summer has many of us feeling not just uncomfortably hot, but also emotionally down, possibly due to staying home so many hours, not being with others to communicate, and having to deal with our loved ones who have neurological problems. So, as caregivers, we must take care of ourselves and not feel guilty or neglectful of our loved ones. What can happen can be most destructive not only to ourselves but possibly our loved ones as well if they lose us.
Here are some “to-do’s” that you may want to incorporate into your daily routines:
1. Breathe: Try breathing in through your nose, inflating your belly, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth as your belly deflates.
2. Drink water: Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
3. Nourish your body. It’s very important to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time.
4. Sleep: Try to get six to eight hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause problems such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, and impaired driving ability.
5. Move your body. Just about any exercise can be of benefit to your physical, emotional, and mental health.
6. Take a break: It’s important to get time away from the person you are caring for. Do whatever it takes to get some time off.
Some Suggested Resources:
American Parkinson Disease Association Southern Arizona, 520-326-5400
Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, 520-322-6601
Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens, 520-836-2758
Senior Village at SaddleBrooke, 520-314-1042
Please feel free to reach out for help or just to talk. Contact Esta Goldstein at 520-825-1181 or [email protected] or Marilyn Sellers at 520-816-0965 or [email protected].