For many caregivers, it’s easy to push aside their own needs to attend to the health and well-being of others. However, it’s just as important that caregivers remember to take care of themselves, too. Maintaining a good balance between caring for themselves and others can be a serious struggle that can negatively impact their own physical and emotional energy.

Dani DePetrillo, owner of Right at Home in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, says there are ways caregivers can help alleviate or prevent stress, such as taking time for themselves.

“It might be as simple as going for a walk, meeting a friend for a cup of coffee,” DePetrillo said. “Another thing we need to make sure we’re doing is setting our own boundaries, and recognizing our limitations and working within them. If we realize that we’re starting to feel run down, try to scale down a little bit.”

DePetrillo also suggests caregivers ask for help when necessary.

“If you have other family members, recruit them and don’t feel guilty asking for help,” she says.

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