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5 Ways to Enjoy a Break from Caregiver Duties

Okay, we know that you read that title and thought, “Break? What break?” There’s no doubt that being a family caregiver can keep you so busy that you feel like you never have time for yourself. That’s a problem. Caregivers need to take breaks, or they risk suffering from caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout occurs when the strain of caregiving causes you to feel physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. The good news is that there is help for caregivers suffering from burnout in the form of home care. Home care agencies can send highly qualified, fully vetted, and personable staff members to your aging relative’s home to care for them while you take a break. Wondering just what you might be able to do with those breaks? Here are 5 ways to enjoy them.

1: Have Coffee or Lunch with Friends

Some caregivers can barely remember the last time they spent time with friends. When you are able to take a break from caregiving, you can schedule coffee or lunch dates with the other people in your life. Being around people you enjoy can be an instant mood booster. In addition, staying connected with friends gives you people to lean on and talk to when you need them.

2: Exercise

Exercising can help you to feel better. It’s great for your physical health and can also relieve stress and make you feel happier. You could use your time away from caregiver duties to go for a walk, exercise with a video at home, or play an active video game with your kids.

3: Engage in a Hobby

If you haven’t had much time to spend on hobbies you used to enjoy, getting a break can let you pick them up again. You could read a book, knit, sew, do a woodworking project, or whatever else makes you happy.

4: Go On a Date

If you rarely have time to relax and spend time with your significant other, getting a break from caregiving offers you the opportunity to have a date night. You could go out to dinner, enjoy a meal together at home, or any other activity you both enjoy.

5: Take a Class

Have you been thinking about going back to school or do you want to learn a new skill? Home care can be scheduled to be with the older adult during your class times. Even if you’re not interested in going back to school, you might use your breaks to attend a local seminar or join a club.