Self-Care for Caregivers

Caregiving for a loved one is made up of special times filled with love, devotion, and compassion. And caregiving can bring opportunities to learn more about your own character and your loved one. But caregiving is also filled with huge responsibilities, exhausting days, struggles, and worries—and caregivers often find themselves wrestling with burnout, guilt, and high levels of stress. It should come as no surprise that a physically and emotionally healthy caregiver is automatically a better caregiver, but how can you take care of yourself when you’re so busy taking care of someone else?  

 

Self-care can take numerous forms, based on what makes you feel best. Consider the following questions: 

 

Take a few minutes to create a personal, unique Happiness L.I.S.T. (Likes, Interests, and Satisfying Things that bring you fulfillment.) Jot down five to ten things that make you happy. They can be things that give you joy currently or those you loved previously. Think of the activities you do or did when time “disappeared” because you lost track of time while doing them. For example: 

 

These passions are yours to continue doing or re-discover again. This list-making is the beginning of making time for yourself, taking action, and not feeling selfish or guilty in doing so.  

 

Look over your list and select one thing that will make you feel like you’re spoiling yourself. Now think of a way you can incorporate this action into your day, even if in an abbreviated or slightly altered way. 

 

Begin by doing things that take a short amount of time, and then you will likely increase the time you spend doing them, because you will see the positive effects self-care has in your life. For example, maybe dancing always brought you joy. Do you have a family member or friend who you can go out dancing with for a few hours? Or does your local dance studio offer group classes? If so, try one! Even just one class a week for one month will be helpful. Losing yourself in the movement and music will help clear your head of the caregiving worries you live with constantly. 

 

Maybe your list includes your love of the beach? If you live near one now, it’s well worth the time away from caregiving to take a walk on the beach every once in a while. It will rejuvenate you and make you ready to face caregiving realities once again. It’s sometimes hard to do, but leaving your normal physical surroundings causes a shift in perspective and attitude. So get out of your routine however possible and do something that makes you feel fulfilled.