Helpful Reminders for Caregivers
Caregiving for a loved one such as a spouse, parent or child can be a very rewarding experience. Providing the most essential care to a loved one is very important work. While that work can be fulfilling, it can also be unpredictable, overwhelming, and isolating. You can’t pour from an empty cup- it’s important for caregivers to pay attention to their own needs as well! Caring for yourself is key to maintaining your own health and well-being. When you feel good, you can take better care of your loved one.
It's important to remember that asking for help in caring for a loved one can be a critical step to warding off caregiver burnout and health issues of your own. One study found that as many as one in three caregivers rate their stress levels as "high," and half say they have less time to spend with family and friends. As a caregiver, it is crucial to take care of yourself in order to maintain a healthy and positive mindset.
Here are some reminders to help keep your own mental and physical well-being in check:
Self-care is not selfish
Don’t ignore your own symptoms; including signs of anxiety, depression, or feeling of helplessness or hopelessness. Reach out for help and see a doctor or mental health professional when needed
Make time for your basic needs such as: exercise or any body movement, adequate sleep, good nutrition, staying hydrated
Schedule in time for things you enjoy or you find relaxing: spending time with friends, journaling, meditation, creative projects, going outdoors
Carve out a small amount of time each day to set down your responsibilities for a few minutes and just breathe to settle your mind and body. Use this time to regroup, reframe and reboot
To combat isolation and loneliness, make a conscious effort to be around others: take a class, join a sports team or book club
Accept offered help and suggest specific things that they can do to assist. You can leave a list of your or your loved one's needs, favorite things to eat, or chores that can be taken off your plate
Seek support from other caregivers. It is helpful to know you are not alone
Don't let your inner narrative or feelings of guilt discourage you from taking breaks or getting away for awhile, you deserve rest
Sometimes as a caregiver, even if you are doing all that you can to care for yourself, you are faced with a lack of appreciation or your loved one not cooperating with you. This can make it difficult to find the motivation to continue to provide care. If you are feeling down, isolated, or frustrated, it is ok. A helpful way for caregivers to push through especially difficult moments is by using positive affirmations. Affirmations help you create more of an optimistic mindset and minimize the effect of negative feelings.
Here are some examples of affirmations to repeat to yourself in moments of frustration:
I will work on one problem at a time
I am not “just” a caregiver
I believe in myself and my abilities
I can do anything but not everything
I will do something for me today
I will focus on things that I can control
I am the best caregiver for my loved one
I am in control of my thoughts, feelings, and choices
I am not alone in my struggles
This is tough but so am I
I can do small things with great love
The simple act of caring is heroic
I don’t have to be perfect to be helpful
Resources:
Article: “Who is taking care of the caregiver?” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC5513610/
Website: Powerful Tools for Caregivers https://www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org/
Website: Family Caregiver Alliance https://www.caregiver.org/
Article: “What is the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique?” https://www.healthline.com/health/4-7-8-
breathing
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
