1. Walking or Hiking

Walking costs nothing and can be accomplished anywhere. In urban areas, take your mind off everyday responsibilities by listening to upbeat music while walking. If you live close to nature trails, simply enjoy the sounds of nature while walking or hiking. When the weather turns cold, rainy, or otherwise unpleasant, go walking at the mall or on an indoor track. Perhaps invest in a treadmill. Walking is wonderful for strengthening the cardiovascular system along with the lower torso and leg muscles.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need some time off from your caregiving duties to exercise. When considering elderly home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

2. Swimming

Swimming provides an overall body workout. The exercise works the major muscle groups and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Swim in a local indoor or outdoor pool, or consider taking a water aerobics class. Swimming with other family members or friends also offers the chance to get in some socialization, which family caregivers often lack. 

3. Strength Training

Strength training exercises focus on specific muscle groups to enhance mass and endurance, which is especially helpful when daily responsibilities require physical strength. The exercises can be accomplished at fitness centers using modern equipment or in the home with traditional weights. Strength training can also benefit the cardiovascular system when the routine involves performing a series of targeted exercises one after the other in a series, which is known as circuit training.

Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide home care service. Dana Point families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.

4. Cycling 

Caregivers have the option of riding bikes, either indoors or out. While strengthening the legs and hips, cycling also benefits the cardiovascular system. If you’re indoors, ride a stationary bike while watching your favorite TV program or listening to inspirational music. Outdoors, cycling might involve a pleasant journey through the community or along a nature trail. 

5. Meditating

 Providing care often becomes stressful for a variety of reasons that include taking on too many responsibilities. While occasional stress can keep people alert and responsive, chronic stress commonly leads to illness. Consider setting aside time to alleviate stress and worries by practicing meditation. Find a quiet location, play soothing music, and focus on relaxing each region of your body from head to toe. Stay in a restful state for as long as needed until the tension subsides. 

Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to take a break from your caregiving duties to focus on your own health. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a leading provider of respite care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Assisting Hands® Dana Point will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (949) 426-7300 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.