04/15/2025
Occupational therapists frequently talk about using energy management strategies to prevent physical and mental exhaustion. Here's the premise: we have a limited amount of energy available each day, and if we can strengthen our reserves or conserve what we have, we're less likely to run out of gas. Techniques include trying to schedule activity when we are at our best and incorporating rest breaks or other restorative practices to re-energize.
Here are a few others to help dementia care partners...
1. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day.
2. Be mindful of activities, people and places that drain your energy.
3. Go about things in an efficient, organized way to avoid backtracking.
4. Plan physically, cognitively, or emotionally demanding activity at the time of day when you feel best.
5. Become a list-maker if you’re not one already.
6. Prioritize activity and complete the most important things first, in case you don’t have the time or energy to get to everything.
7. Alternate between easy and challenging tasks.
8. Avoid tight scheduling and the need to rush.
9. Schedule time for exercise and at least eight hours of sleep.
10. If your person is awake at night, schedule a nap each day.
11. Take mini breaks throughout the day before you feel depleted.
12. Plan meals in advance and sit down to eat.
13. Limit foods that diminish your energy, like excess sugar and alcohol.
14. Automate as many services as you can, like bill pay and grocery delivery.
15. Say no to activities and commitments that don’t fulfill your needs.
16. Delegate as many tasks as you can to family members, friends, or hired help.
Are you thinking, "No way do I have time for that?" These strategies are not outlandish. They are the basic things human beings need for survival, including sleep, nourishment, and help from others.
And you're worth it 💚