2 min read
Diet and exercise
Caregivers often put their own heath low on their list of priorities. But your health is more important than ever. Find out what you can be doing to keep your body healthy.
Eating well
The energy and nutrients that allow your body to function well, come from what you eat and drink, so it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. A healthy diet is one which is full of vegetables, proteins, whole grains and water, and low in sugar and salt.1
Staying active
There’s strong evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life.2 For example, United States Government physical activity guidelines are based on research suggesting that just 1 hour of activity a week has health benefits.3 In the UK, the NHS recommend being active every day. This can be as simple as walking instead of taking the car.2
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Just 2 hours and 30 minutes of brisk walking or other moderate aerobic exercise every week lowers your risk of many chronic diseases and other health problems
Emotional benefits
As a caregiver, you may find it hard to fit exercise into your already busy life, but it is important. As well as the physical benefits, there are also many emotional benefits linked to activity.
Research shows that physical activity can help:2
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Boost your self-esteem and mood
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Improve your sleep quality and energy
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Reduce your risk of stress and depression
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Lessen the risk of diseases
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NHS Choices. Eating a balanced diet. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/Healthyeating.aspx [Accessed March 2022].
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NHS Choices. Benefits of exercise. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/whybeactive.aspx [Accessed March 2022].
Also in this section
Focusing on you
Emotional wellbeing
“You just have to adjust your life to do the things that you can do. Embrace the things that they can do and just enjoy them together”
