I feel tired, often stressed and a bit low. I need to look after myself, how can I do this?

Tiredness and stress is very common.  Many can feel that caring for someone leaves them physically, mentally and emotionally drained, exhaustion will have an impact on how well you are able to care.  When looking after someone else, people forget to look after themselves properly, but it is very important that you look after your own health and wellbeing too.

Keeping healthy is frequently thought of as being free of any illness or disease, but in fact it is much more than that.  Good health involves:

• physical health: A healthy body
• mental health: Being alert and able to think clearly and make judgements
• emotional health: Recognising how you feel and dealing with your state of mind
• social health: Engaging in social activities and interacting with others
• spiritual health: Recognising deep feelings and beliefs – both religious and non-religious – and being in harmony with the world around us.

These tips will also help you stay in good health:

• General wellbeing: Being preoccupied with looking after someone else can result in ignoring any symptoms or problems that you may have, but it is important to seek prompt advice from a doctor to avoid anything more complicated developing.  It is also important to have regular checks on your eyes, teeth, hearing and any other recommended health screening
• Looking after your back and feet: Caring for a person with Parkinson’s may involve a significant amount of lifting and turning, putting extra strain on your back, neck and shoulders and feet. It is important to use safe techniques for lifting and handling to ensure minimal strain and prevent injury to your own body. Using cues to encourage transfers can mean that these are accomplished with little or no physical effort.  A physiotherapist and occupational therapist can advise further
• Diet: A balanced diet is essential to keep you healthy and fit for your daily challenges. It can also play a role in preventing many conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and tooth decay
• Exercise: Regular exercise will not only help to keep you fit but can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.  It can also improve general wellbeing and vitality so try to develop a regular exercise routine, and where possible involve the person you care for.  Walking instead of driving or getting off the bus a stop earlier can help, as can dancing or doing brisk housework 
• Learn to relax: True relaxation can help to clear the mind and reduce physical and mental strain.  Even just 10 minutes each day can be very beneficial, so try to make time to focus on relaxing and finding an inner calm
• Complementary therapies: There are a range of therapies that many people find help with relaxation, improving vitality and posture and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.