New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers 2022

The New Year marks new beginnings, an opportunity for many to start fresh and create a new chapter in their life. Resolutions are an important step for self-care and acknowledging the need for change to a happy life. So we want to begin this year by sharing  New Year’s Resolutions for our Caregivers for 2022.

Especially being a caregiver, you often overlook the need for self-care. So we are sharing some doable New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers for 2022.

Commitment is the key. 

Your biggest strength as a caregiver is your commitment to serve your loved ones. So this year, commit yourself time to some self-care. New Year’s resolutions are possible if you set some small doable goals leading to life-changing resolutions. And most importantly is the attitude of gratitude and well-being, which is required to attain these resolutions.

Establishing healthy boundaries 

The most important step to avoid caregiver burnout and remain in a happy state of mind is to set healthy boundaries. There are a fixed number of hours in a day, and it is important to prioritize time for yourself. Learning to say no is crucial because, as a caregiver, you tend to don many hats, from being a chauffeur, chef, shopping assistant to doing many tasks.

So as a caregiver, promise yourself realistic expectations and set healthy boundaries to balance your older adult’s needs and your personal needs.

Practicing the art of gratitude and mindfulness

Caring for an elderly loved one is a commitment of time, a labor of love, but it can result in a lot of guilt and unwanted baggage of negative emotions. So, start this year with every day counting your blessings, seeking joy in small things, and practicing gratitude. Being mindful and grateful have far-reaching effects on improving our mental health and boosting our relationships with others. Living your life with gratitude will help you keep a happy and healthy mind in the long term.

Live laugh love 

Doing what makes you happy this year is the most important step towards a healthier you. Promise to find a new hobby, watch a movie, go on a bike ride or go on a leisurely walk around your neighborhood. We often tend to forget to slow down in our hectic life resulting in unwanted stress.

So slow down your pace and savor the small joys of life, eat slowly, breathe deeply, and laugh wholeheartedly. Being a good caregiver means taking care of yourself first before taking care of others.

Doing activities with your loved elders.

As a caretaker, life often becomes so hectic that you forget to stop, relax and enjoy the company of your elderly loved one. The tasks become mechanical, and you feel trapped. Caregiver burnout is a major issue, and the best way to tackle it is by spending quality time doing fun activities with your loved ones. Caregiving is a selfless act, but we forget that we have one of the best companies to spend time making more fond memories.

• Go through picture albums together and take a walk through the good times of memory lanes.
• Promise to set a routine or fun activity every week, Like a Friday movie, Thursday Bingo, or a simple Monday brunch together.
• Have some fun conversations about memories from their life before you were born. This will be a perfect time together and will help them relive the life of the past.
• Mark an hour every day to play fun board games involving other family members. This will be a fun activity you both will look forward to every day.

Take Some Time for Yourself

Caregivers always prioritize themselves last on the list. Ensure that life is more meaningful with activities that improve your health and overall well-being—a few ideas for becoming fit physically and mentally.

• A nutritious diet is not only crucial for your senior loved one but also for the caregiver. Caregivers usually have a schedule that is hectic, a healthy diet is important, so promise yourself a nutritious diet.
• Promise yourself to have an exercise routine. It can be simple activity walking, biking, or a group yoga class. It will not only help you be physically fit but will also reduce stress.
• Be more organized, start a journal keep tabs on your daily routine.
• Family caregiving can be stressful, and involving family and friends will make it more focused, so do not hesitate and seek support.

Take a break from your daily caregiving routine.

As a home caregiver, it is very important to take a break from your daily routine. Our Home Care Powered by AUAF caregivers can help organize activities and social companionship for your elderly when you are on a break.

Our in-home caregivers will engage in various social activities, including watching movies, playing board games, taking walks, or reading books. We are ready to participate in activities you or your loved one enjoy. So that you can take a well-deserved break.

Our core mission is to ensure our clients’ healthy lifestyles and well-being. Call us today at 773-274-9262 and ask how Home Care Powered by AUAF can help with your companionship needs.