When providing care and support for someone, over the long term, you can provide better care if you care for yourself as well. Family caregivers have a tendency to give up their own activities and interests in order to prioritize care. Their social life disappears, hobbies and interests are forgotten, they are less physically active and family leisure time diminishes.

Some family caregivers feel guilty if they take time for themselves, and others are too tired or too busy. However, research shows that leisure has a positive effect on mood and self-esteem and decreases stress and loneliness. Introducing leisure time back into your life will benefit both you and the person you are caring for because you will be more rested and less resentful of what you have to give up.

How might you begin to introduce leisure time and pleasurable activities back into your life? First, start by identifying what you enjoy doing. What activities did you used to do that you can make time for again? Did you once play bridge every week, enjoy painting, exercising, reading, cooking, playing golf, gardening or going to the theatre?

Do you prefer to do activities on your own or with others in a group? Which members of your social network might you approach to plan an outing? What days and times work best for you? Will you need to arrange for someone to cover for you or can your family member stay on his of her own for a short period?

An activity doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. Even 30-minute or one-hour breaks throughout the week can help replenish your energy or help you reconnect with others.

January is a great time to explore what is available in your community through the various recreation centres or other community centres that offer not only fitness classes but also cooking, craft, gardening and other special interest classes. 

You do not have to sacrifice your own life and what you enjoy doing in order to be an effective caregiver. Maintaining balance is important in all aspects of your life, and when people focus too much in any one area, other areas suffer. Balance doesn’t just happen, it is created by choice: choosing to make time for leisure activities means choosing to make time for your own health and well-being. This, alone, can make you a more effective caregiver. 

Next month: Managing the transition into facility placement

JANUARY 2012 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND
JANUARY 2012 SENIORLIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND