10 Ways for Caregivers to Take a Quick Break

Caregivers need regular breaks

Taking regular breaks is essential for caregiver health. 

As people often say, caregiving is a marathon, so it’s essential to pace yourself for the long haul.

An effective way to pace yourself is to take micro breaks during the day. 

These tiny breaks will actually fit into your schedule and still benefit your physical and emotional health.

We explain how even a 5 minute break can reduce stress and share 10 ways to take a quick break right now. 

Keep this list on hand and use these ideas anytime you have a few minutes to relax.

5 minute breaks reduce stress and help you think clearly

You might think that you have to spend a week vacationing at the beach to de-stress, but that’s not true at all.

Taking short breaks throughout the day gives your brain and body a break. 

These much-needed breaks relieve stress, keep you focused on important tasks, and help you think more clearly.

When your schedule is packed and your To Do list keeps growing, it’s more important than ever to find bits of time for breaks. 

Even 5 minute breaks can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

10 ways to take a quick break right now

We rounded up 10 great ways to take a quick break. The next time you have a few minutes, give one of these a try.

1. Close your eyes, slow your breathing, and count slowly to 10 and then back down to 1. Repeat.
2. Drink a glass of water. Dehydration makes you tired, headachy, and cranky.
3. Do a 2 or 5 minute guided meditation at the free website Calm.com (or see our guide to the free Calm.com mobile app).
4. Follow this 4 minute relaxing stretch video you can do at your desk or chair.
5. Listen to some upbeat music.
6. Take a 5 min walk outside. If you can’t leave your older adult alone, just step outside the door and breathe some fresh air, leaving it open so you can still keep an eye on them.
7. Do a brain dump. Get all your thoughts out on paper. Don’t worry about being organized, neat, or even making sense. Just start writing things down on paper and don’t stop until your brain is clear.
8. Do some exercise – do 10 squats, 10 jumping jacks, and 10 lunges. Repeat until your body feels energized.
9. Start planning a fun activity for yourself. Decide what you want to do, figure out how much time you’ll need, and ask family or friends to help with your senior while you’re doing your fun activity. You might want to plan to have a massage, take a long walk, eat a nice meal out, see a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with, etc. The planning and arrangements may take several 5 minute breaks to finish, but it will be worth it!
10. Watch a funny video like the best of the TV show Wipeout (an obstacle game show) with hilarious commentary.

Recommended for you:

• 6 Ways to Make It Easier for Caregivers to Take a Break
• Caregiver Emotions: 2 Tips for Managing Tough Feelings
• Stress Relief for Caregivers: Free Mobile App Helps You Relax Fast

By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Collins Comfort Masters

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