7 self-care tips for the busy caregiver
Join a support group
It can be a great help to connect with other people who know what you’re going through because they’ve been there themselves or are currently in similar situations. Your Connections + counselor will be able to give you names of local support groups; these days it’s easier than ever to connect with people who live somewhere else as well. There are groups for people who care for those with cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s and other ailments, as well as for veterans and people whose careers or congregations bring them together.
Accept help
Even when friends and family offer assistance, we often thank them and say we’ll call when we really need them. Learn to admit that you would appreciate their help if they have the time. You might have a list handy of chores you’d be happy to delegate so they can choose the task that suits them.
Doing some shopping, spending time with the person you’re caring for, yard work, repairs, laundry, even changing a light bulb! It’s all good. Need more advice? Talk with your care coordinator about how to ask for help or hire additional caregivers.
Sign up for CaringBridge
CaringBridge is a donations-based organization whose stated mission is to “build bridges of care and communication providing love and support on a health journey.” According to their website, one in eight people have used CaringBridge at one time or another to stay connected. It’s always good to know that the people who care about you are close by in spirit.
Get creative
Keep a journal, write a poem, sing, sketch, sculpt. Many caregivers find that they are traveling less and spending more time with the person they are caring for. Some are able to use the time to get back into forms of creative expression they had dropped long ago, such as playing the guitar or drawing. Your new-found hobby may also bring delight to your loved one and give you something to do together.
Move
Simply taking a walk is wonderful therapy. Walking (running or dancing) may seem like that one thing you really don’t have time for, but there’s lots of evidence that shows that exercise is a top stressbuster.
Don’t move – sit and breathe
Practice some kind of meditation. Even five minutes a day can recharge the batteries, while folding some mindfulness or TM into your daily routine has been scientifically shown to reduce stress and improve sleep patterns, along with a host of other benefits. Here’s a guided 3-minute meditation that most anyone can follow.
Connect with your spiritual source
If you belong to a spiritual congregation and don’t feel comfortable leaving your loved one alone while you attend services, talk with your care coordinator about Connections + volunteers who may be available to spend time at your home while you’re out replenishing your spiritual batteries.
For more information and ideas, see the Mayo Clinic’s advice for caregivers.
It can be a great help to connect with other people who know what you’re going through because they’ve been there themselves or are currently in similar situations. Your Connections + counselor will be able to give you names of local support groups; these days it’s easier than ever to connect with people who live somewhere else as well. There are groups for people who care for those with cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s and other ailments, as well as for veterans and people whose careers or congregations bring them together.
Accept help
Even when friends and family offer assistance, we often thank them and say we’ll call when we really need them. Learn to admit that you would appreciate their help if they have the time. You might have a list handy of chores you’d be happy to delegate so they can choose the task that suits them.
Doing some shopping, spending time with the person you’re caring for, yard work, repairs, laundry, even changing a light bulb! It’s all good. Need more advice? Talk with your care coordinator about how to ask for help or hire additional caregivers.
Sign up for CaringBridge
CaringBridge is a donations-based organization whose stated mission is to “build bridges of care and communication providing love and support on a health journey.” According to their website, one in eight people have used CaringBridge at one time or another to stay connected. It’s always good to know that the people who care about you are close by in spirit.
Get creative
Keep a journal, write a poem, sing, sketch, sculpt. Many caregivers find that they are traveling less and spending more time with the person they are caring for. Some are able to use the time to get back into forms of creative expression they had dropped long ago, such as playing the guitar or drawing. Your new-found hobby may also bring delight to your loved one and give you something to do together.
Move
Simply taking a walk is wonderful therapy. Walking (running or dancing) may seem like that one thing you really don’t have time for, but there’s lots of evidence that shows that exercise is a top stressbuster.
Don’t move – sit and breathe
Practice some kind of meditation. Even five minutes a day can recharge the batteries, while folding some mindfulness or TM into your daily routine has been scientifically shown to reduce stress and improve sleep patterns, along with a host of other benefits. Here’s a guided 3-minute meditation that most anyone can follow.
Connect with your spiritual source
If you belong to a spiritual congregation and don’t feel comfortable leaving your loved one alone while you attend services, talk with your care coordinator about Connections + volunteers who may be available to spend time at your home while you’re out replenishing your spiritual batteries.
For more information and ideas, see the Mayo Clinic’s advice for caregivers.
