Exercise It is recognised that those of us who exercise regularly have better mental health and general well-being and lower rates of mental illness.
benefits such as Attendance Allowance. Keeping a routine Keeping to a routine may not sound important to some, but it can support and improve your mental health and general well-being. Significant life events or changes can throw your routine into disarray which can also compound mental health and well-being issues and those you care for. An effective routine can help reduce stress, so in turn improves your mental health and enables you to have more time to relax with less anxiety. A consistent daily routine can also give you a predictable day helping you feel more in control of everything going on around you and therefore better able to care for your loved one. Being clearer about your tasks, timings and consistency will help you become more efficient in your daily routine which in turn helps you feel under less pressure and more relaxed as you approach the jobs in hand.
Two thirds of unpaid Carers say that their caring responsibilities reduces what exercise they can do and only 16% frequently use leisure facilities.
More than half of unpaid Carers have been less active because they have less time due to their caring responsibilities or are unable to leave the person they care for. However, some 73% of unpaid Carers say that being physically active helps them to feel good about themselves. Some physical activity, such as swimming, walking or dance groups helps unpaid Carers feel connected to others and helps reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation.
Creating and keeping to a routine that works and supports you.
• Make a list of all the things you need to do each day and put them in order of priority. You might find that you do not really need to be doing some of the things on your list at all, and can take some of the pressure off of yourself. Use of technology could help e.g. Alexa. • If some tasks needed to be completed at specific times, such as supporting the person you care for with their medications or dressings, write this in a diary either on paper, electronically or even as post it notes on the fridge door. • Ask a family member, friend or neighbour you can rely on to support you with some tasks. Often people are very happy to help when they are asked. • Remember to check your routine with those near to you to make sure you have not missed anything important. • Whichever way you decide to make your routine, make sure it works for you.
Create an exercise plan that you can build into your routine, and you enjoy.
• When we exercise, our brain releases ‘feel good’ chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that help improve and lift your mood. • Improving your general fitness also helps lift your mood, improves sleep patterns, and distract you from negative thought patterns altogether further reducing anxiety and mental health illness. • If you feel nervous about starting to exercise you could ask a member of your family or friend to join you and help you overcome any anxiety, plus, exercising with others can be fun and motivational as you encourage each other to do more. • Many charities such as Northamptonshire Carers, and local organisations
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