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Being a caregiver can be rewarding, especially if your efforts are recognized. Under normal circumstances, caring for others can be fulfilling and often routine. But as the world adjusts to a new life with COVID-19, caregivers' routines are anything but normal.
Given that COVID-19 is particularly harmful for the aging population and immunocompromised individuals, caregivers’ jobs have perhaps never been more important.
If you’re a caregiver working to protect others, practicing a little self-care might be the best thing you can do—for everyone.
Here are a few tips for making sure you stay healthy and well during the COVID-19 crisis.
Stay on top of your physical and mental health
To be on top of your caregiving game, you first need to take care of your health.
A healthy diet combined with regular exercise gives you a natural boost of dopamine—an important brain chemical that influences your mood.
It can be tempting to opt for the convenience of fast food or high-calorie takeout, but healthier food will provide the long-term energy you need.
In addition to exercising and eating well, many studies show listening to music, meditating, and getting enough sunlight and sleep may naturally increase your dopamine levels.
Multitaskers who want to simultaneously mediate and exercise might want to give yoga a try. One study found that doing one hour of yoga six days a week can significantly increase dopamine levels.
Occasionally treat yourself
As a follow up to the last suggestion, don’t feel bad about the occasional treat or takeout meal.
And if you’re worried about food safety during the pandemic, the Utah Department of Health says it’s okay to eat food from restaurants. Just be sure to use good judgment.
"Restaurant takeout, pick up or delivery are encouraged. Dine-in services are allowable with extreme precaution," states their website.
In fact, eating out once in a while is a good way to support restaurants that have been hard-hit by the pandemic. Consider it a charitable move.
Continue to follow basic social distancing and sanitation guidelines
Yes, it’s still a good idea to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention social distancing and sanitizing guidelines. Small and simple efforts to stay healthy could end up making a big difference.
Wear a cloth face covering or mask when you're out in public or unable to stay 6 feet away (about 2 arm lengths) from other people not living in your home. Cloth face coverings help protect others, and especially those vulnerable individuals you care for, from being exposed to COVID-19. Recent studies show people may spread the virus that causes COVID-19 before they feel sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19.
Remember to laugh
While you should take yours and your loved one’s health seriously, remember that it’s okay not to take everything too seriously. In a year that’s seen its fair share of negative headlines, unplugging from the news and browsing humorous memes might be just what the doctor ordered.
Share a funny video with a friend, watch your favorite laugh-out-loud movie, or rewatch "The Office" for the 80th time on Netflix.
Ask for help, when needed
Finally, don’t let the term social distancing make you think you have to be alone in your caregiving duties. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed (which is completely understandable), it’s okay to reach out for help or support when you need it.
Even if you’re trying to limit exposure to individuals, this doesn’t mean your neighbor can’t mow the lawn or provide dinner one night. You may find that they’re more than happy to help.
Sometimes all you need is a good chat. If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of video calls, these are safe ways to communicate with family and friends—provided you don’t rely too heavily on that fickle mute button.
For additional help, check out the resources available on coronavirus.utah.gov. The COVID-19 High-Risk Hotline is another resource that can help you care for your loved one safely at home. The hotline can help you with things like getting groceries or prescriptions if you don't have another support system to help. You can reach someone at 1-877-424-4640 Monday-Friday.
If you are in the aging population, make sure you are taking care of yourself. The Age Well Campaign encourages you to watch for memory loss and symptoms. Visit agewell.health.utah.gov to learn more.
