Carewell members have been sharing how important it is to look after your own health, as well as the person you care for.
If you're new to caring, their experiences and advice on how best to look after yourself, and cope with the demands of caring could be invaluable.
For those more experienced, please take a few minutes to share your top tips. For every tip published, Bupa will donate £1 to Carers UK.
Got a tip? Why not submit your own?
DisclaimerMy tip for exercise is to invest in a Wii Fit console system new or s/h.Have lots of fun in your pyjamas with no one watching and you can box, go bowling play tennis or other fun games at any time without having to drive, dress or join the gym!
Kathryn, I care for my mother
Be strict with your time browsing the internet, your time is precious, try to have an alternative stress buster available.In addition laptops and PCs can overstimulate the brain so switch them off an hour before bed to avoid creating sleep issues
Kathryn, I care for my mother
As a full time carer for my disabled wife, I realised that for us to live a normal a life as possible my physical and mental health had to be a priority. I watch my weight keep to a healthy diet and go to the gym about 4 times per week. It helps.
John, I care for my partner
My husband has great difficulty in coping with a duvet during the night - he had to have it tucked in at the foot so it would stay secure, which left it too short.So I split open a matching pillowcase & stitched it to the bottom - a flap to tuck in!
liz, I care for my wife
When you feel angry that so much is being asked of you to care, remember that it is not your loved ones fault. Try to put yourself in their place. However you need to realise some of your own goals, without guilt, to carry on caring well, so deputise
maggie, I care for my wife
learn to take a step back a prioritise , remember to always keep your own doctor,dental and optician appointments as a priority. If you don't look after yourself you wont be well enough to care for someone else properly
sally, I care for more than one person
My tip for managing stress is to try and do some light exercise like hoovering the spare room or looking at things you have done in the past that you can no longer do due to your change of curcanstances
Blaine , I care for my partner
My tip for exercise is to go out for a walk, in the fresh air, as much as you can. Even when I am really tired, and stressed, I still try to go for a short walk. It makes me feel 100% better, and helps my bones!!
Julie, I care for my brother
My tip for exercise is don't worry if you forget what you have gone upstairs for, go down again, retrace your steps and it will come back to you then up you go to complete your mission!!
margaret, I care for my wife
My tip for exercise is to start an ambling group. I did this a while back and to amble and chat together for about an hour and half is good physical, emotional and mental exercise. Age is no barrier, one member is ninety years young.
margaret, I care for my wife
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