How to Rest and Recharge This Summer as a Caregiver: 5 Practical Tips

The longer days and warmer weather that summer brings are an invitation to slow down and take care of yourself. As someone caring for people with dementia, we know that this is often easier said than done. Being able to properly relax, even when you have time off scheduled, is not easy when you’re used to being alert about who you’re caring for. 

Whether you’re taking some time off this summer season or working straight through, here are some tips for you to genuinely rest, recharge, and take care of your mental health.

5 tips to rest and recharge this summer

1. Reconnect with who you are outside of caregiving

Make plans with the people you love: friends, family, whoever brings you joy. Dementia caregiving is deeply human work, but it can also easily absorb your whole identity. Time off is a great chance to be someone’s friend, partner, or sibling, not someone’s caregiver.

2. Spend time outdoors and soak up the sun

Summer brings more sunlight and fresh air, some of the most effective mood-boosters out there. Being active outdoors through light morning walks, picnics in the park, or some light gardening does wonders for your mental health and can help you recharge your batteries.

3. Get enough quality sleep

It’s not always easy to get sufficient sleep when your brain is focused on caring for others. In fact, research shows that up to 76% of caregivers report poor sleep quality — a number that’s hard to ignore.

If you’re taking time off this summer, make this your chance to practice good sleep hygiene and get good quality hours of rest. A well-rested body is a more energized body!

4. Set boundaries around work during your time off

Avoid checking work messages or group chats while you’re away. Studies suggest that staying connected to work during time off encourages an ‘always on’ mentality, making it harder to truly disconnect.

However, if fully disconnecting isn’t realistic for you (especially as a family caregiver), try setting a specific window for checking in rather than staying on standby throughout the day.

5. Make time for hobbies and activities you love

One of the best ways to truly switch off is doing things that bring joy back into your life. Active leisure—free-time activities that require physical, mental or social engagement—pulls your mind away from work much more effectively than passively scrolling or watching TV. Baking, hiking, kickboxing, painting… Your summer break is the perfect time to give this a try!

But what if you’re not taking time off?

We know that for many dementia caregivers, a summer break isn’t always possible, but that doesn’t mean rest is out of reach entirely. Creating space for small, intentional moments of recovery during your working week can also make a real difference.

Actually take your breaks

When it’s time for your break, step away from residents and screens. Even ten minutes of being outside and away from your phone can help your mind reset and understand that it’s time to disconnect. You give a lot during your shift, and your breaks exist for a reason.

Create a small end-of-shift ritual

It can be a short walk, listening to your favorite playlist on your commute back, or changing out of your work clothes as soon as you’re back home. Small, consistent actions send the signal to your brain that work is done for the day, giving you a well-earned mental rest from the workplace mindset.

You spend your days caring for others, often day and night. This summer, remember to make some room to care for yourself too. You deserve it, and so do the people you care for. Prioritizing your mental health and relaxation is not selfish — it makes you a stronger caregiver.

We hope you find some time to truly switch off and enjoy the lovely season ahead!