Often when we take care of those around us, we forget to take care of ourselves. If you are a Caregiver, according to the definition of the European Directive 1158/2019 – you provide personal care or support to a relative of yours or a person who lives in the same house as you and who needs significant care or support for a serious medical reason, the demands of everyday life are sometimes so much that they do not allow you to take care of yourself.
Because in your effort to take care of the person who needs you and put their needs above yours, you may sometimes neglect yourself. You don’t take the time to unwind, recharge your batteries and clear your mind to the point of exhaustion. Not only physical but also mental.
Try to think of something very simple: when was the last time you took a break to spend time with yourself? Perhaps reading these lines you are smiling, nodding your head condescendingly. Because you can’t remember and deep down you know that in order to continue your great work and take care as best you can of the person who needs you, you have to take care of yourself first.
But how do you manage to put yourself first? The following small steps will help you succeed.
1. Schedule quality time with the person you care for
Take a few hours a week and do something relaxing with the person you care for – whether that means chatting, listening to music, or even watching a movie. Spend meaningful and quality time together. During this time, you will temporarily leave the role of the caregiving agency near me and take on that of your other capacity: spouse, child, or parent.
2. Take short breaks
It is very important for your mental well-being and balance to take short and frequent breaks from everyday life. Take some time to enjoy your favorite drink, meet a friend, or go for a walk (even your block). Include small moments of happiness in your daily life that help you rest physically and mentally.
3. Don’t forget to exercise
Movement and exercise are very important to your well-being as you live in care for seniors. There are many studies that support that a walk in nature has better effects on your mental well-being than exercising indoors, as it can reduce anxiety, pressure, tension, and negative emotions, rejuvenate you and improve your mood. Your mood. If you can’t leave home, you can try some online programs. Another idea is to do a form of exercise with the person you are caring for that they can follow.
4. Start a hobby
Since you spend a large part of your day at home, what is better than trying a new activity? Do you know that knitting, writing, painting, puzzles, or even cooking are very relaxing and help you release the stress of the day while doing something for yourself? And you can do all this even when you are with the person you care for.
5. Meditate
Meditation is very important for live in caregiver, experts say. And when you say meditation, don’t imagine something complicated. Even 5 minutes of focusing on your breathing while taking a few deep breaths is enough to relax, gain clarity, and get back to what you need to do. Try it alone or with the person you care for.
6. Take care of your sleep
How many hours do you really sleep a day? Sleep, and especially adequate sleep lasting 7-9 hours, is essential for every area of your life: from your well-being and effective communication with those around you to your concentration and efficiency. Conversely, lack of sleep negatively affects almost everything: your mood, concentration and memory, alertness, and decision-making ability. So if you take care of your sleep, you will take better care of yourself and those around you.
7. Decide what is important and what is not and set realistic boundaries
As a caregiver, you may find yourself stressed and upset about everything, which is definitely not good for your mental well-being. So because it’s very easy to get burnt out with everything on your mind, think about what’s important and what’s not, prioritize and decide where you’re going to spend your time, energy, time and attention, and what you can realistically what you should do and what not. If you can’t do everything yourself, it’s probably time to ask for help from other family members or even your friends. It is very important to know your limits and not cross them because you feel guilty. And one more thing: don’t forget “self-care” on your list of priorities. In other words, the time you will devote to taking care of yourself first.
8. Listen to what others think
Apart from the priorities, you have to set, it is equally important to listen to the opinion of those around you about the person you are caring for. An outside observer, someone who is outside of your everyday life, such as a friend, a relative, or even your neighbor, definitely has a clearer view than yours, so don’t hesitate to ask and listen to the opinion of your own people and share with them any concerns you may have. This will help you not only to get rid of your anxiety but also to feel that you are not alone.
What does it mean to be a Caregiver?
There are many heroes who dedicate their lives to caring for others. But what does it mean to be a caregiver?
Caregiver means…
- serve
- I offer
- endure
- insist
- understand
- commiserate
- love
- I am rewarded
- look after
- I stay behind
- I give priority
- I’m getting exhausted
- I’m adapting
Sometimes in taking care of others you forget yourself. It’s time to take care of him. You first.
The Caregiver Support program, YOU FIRST, aims to support live in caregiver, strengthen their resilience and improve their mental well-being. Through small steps, tips, and personal stories, live in caregiver will continue their great work with one small difference: caring for them too.
