Staycations for Caregivers – How They Can Provide A Much-Needed Reprieve
Wouldn?t it be nice if every time you were stressed or overwhelmed, you could jet off to some tropical island and enjoy a magical vacation all alone? However, for most of us, this simply isn?t a real possibility. There are, however, other ways that you can get the same type of relaxing reprieve from your responsibilities?this is possible with a staycation.
If you are not familiar with a staycation, this is a type of mental vacation where you take a break from your responsibilities and the demands of your daily duties and simply take a vacation right at home. You don?t need to go anywhere fancy or pay for travel, but you do need to take some times off in order for it to work.
If you are a busy senior caregiver then chances are you know a thing or two about feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This is why it is such a good idea to take a staycation whenever you need a little break. Here are some great staycation ideas for any senior caregiver who needs a little rest and relaxation in their lives.
Clear the House
If you have kids, a spouse or other friends and family members living with you, then find a time to enjoy your staycation when they won?t be home with you 24/7. While it is nice to spend some quiet time alone with your family members, you still need time to just be with yourself. This is especially important for caregiver types. You need the house empty and quiet and relax in peace. Otherwise you will find yourself being preoccupied with caring for others.
Don?t Do Projects
You may be tempted to take on lots of DIY projects during your ?staycation? but don?t be tempted to do them during your staycation. This isn?t a time to fix that leaky faucet or to paint the upstairs bathrooms. It is time for you to relax and unwind and do nothing else.
Read a Book or Watch a Movie
As a busy caregiver can you even remember the last time you sat down in peace and read a book or watched a movie? Chances are you can?t. Take this time to do some reading, go to the movies (or rent one at home) or start your latest Netflix binge. Trust us, you will be happy you did.
Pamper Yourself
There is no better time to really pamper yourself and relax then on your own staycation. Take a long, luxurious bubble bath, give yourself a pedicure or give yourself a facial. This a great time to pamper yourself and really make the most of your time to yourself.
One of the most important things for caregivers to do is to make sure they are taking care of themselves first and foremost. It is so easy for caregivers to become overwhelmed with their responsibilities and overly stressed by the demands of caring for their senior loved ones. Caregiver who take the time to take care of themselves and get the rest and relaxation they need are going to be able to take better care of those that they love. So, next time you feel you need to recharge and relax, consider a staycation?it will not only be good for you, but good for your loved one as well.
Author Profile
- Rena is the author of?The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver. As a caretaker to her mother who suffered from Alzheimer's and her subsequent advocacy, she understands fully the challenges faced by caregivers of seniors with dementia and brings a unique perspective of the subject. She has been featured on Huffington Post and other major publications.
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