Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver

Caring for an aging or ailing loved one is an incredible act of love. While deeply rewarding, it also brings about its own set of challenges—physically, emotionally, and mentally. While you are giving so much of your time and energy to ensuring the well-being of your loved one, it’s equally important to remember to care for yourself as well. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary to sustain the wonderful care you provide to others.

The first and most important thing to remember is to give yourself grace. As you dedicate yourself tirelessly to caring for others, it’s essential to also turn that compassion inward.  Acknowledge your limits and recognize that perfection is not only unrealistic but unnecessary. Allow yourself to take breaks, seek support when needed, and forgive yourself for the inevitable small stumbles.

If you’re struggling, try connecting with others in similar situations. There are in-person and virtual caregiver support groups that you can join to share advice, receive feedback, or simply vent. Beyond support groups, it’s important to maintain other social connections. It can be easy to miss outings with friends or family while caregiving, but try to set aside some time for these other relationships. Your mental health will benefit significantly, and taking a breather to reset will help you return refreshed.

On average, caregivers commit 26 hours a week to caring for their loved ones. We understand it can feel like you don’t have the time to care for yourself. So, here are a few simple ways that you can enhance your self-care through your daily routine:

1.  Breathwork
You can find various breathwork exercises online—try a few out and see which ones work best for you. Box breathing is a popular technique that helps settle the mind, calm the nervous system, and decrease stress. It’s simple: breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, breathe out for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and repeat. Next time you are having a stressful day, step away to gather yourself and try this method.

2. Mindful Exercises
Incorporating mindful activities like yoga or tai chi can be a great way to maximize the stress-relieving benefits of exercise. Plus, booking a group class or heading to the gym for an hour is a great way to ensure you get out of the house and have some designated time to care for yourself.

3. Eat A Well-Balanced Diet
Chronic stress has been linked to increased inflammation, so prioritizing good nutrition can be an effective way to combat burnout. Try to avoid highly processed and sugary foods and make sure you’re eating scheduled meals each day to avoid adding to irritability and fatigue.

4. Prioritize A Good Night’s Sleep
Getting an adequate amount of sleep each night is essential to self-care as a caregiver. Try to establish a nighttime routine that aids in rest and relaxation. Avoid stimulants like coffee or alcohol too late in the day, limit screen time before bed, and create a bedroom environment that evokes restfulness. 

It’s OK to Ask for Help
Caregivers are naturally unselfish people, and asking for help can be a difficult thing to do. But, knowing that you will ultimately be able to better care for your loved one by caring for yourself, does that change things? At Faith Hospice, we are here to serve both our patients and their loved ones. We can step in as needed to provide important respite care for caregivers while compassionately and expertly caring for their loved ones. To learn more about our services, please give us a call at 616-235-5100.

Sources:

Harvard Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/self-care-for-the-caregiver-2018101715003

National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/taking-care-yourself-tips-caregivers