By Ewa Frydel, Owner

Caregivers have a lot on their plate.

Caring for someone else’s needs on a daily basis can make anyone tired and not energized enough to care for their own needs after all is said and done.

Maintaining your health and well-being as a caregiver can be a challenge, but it isn’t impossible.

We have blogs about time management and how to manage it well, but what are other ways you, as a caregiver, can gain health and happiness?

No doubt, caregivers face many challenges that impact their physical, mental, and emotional health. Especially because caregivers have big hearts, their emotional connection with a patient or family member can cause guilt, and sadness, despite the compassion and generosity they give.

It can be difficult to help a patient in need and see their struggle while keeping on a confident and reassuring face. It is important that caregivers find ways to manage their stress levels. 

Here are five tips to help you reduce stress as a caregiver.

1. Make self-care a priority. In our time management blog, we had you look into time spots where self-care is achievable. However, for the sake of this blog and assuming you are here because you are already at peak stress levels, we encourage you to make self-care fall under the priorities listed under “number 1”.

   Our tasks can be divided up into 1’s, 2’s, and 3’s. 1 being the most important, 2 being something urgent but can wait a bit, and 3 is not so important.

   Make self-care a number 1.

   This can be hard, but don’t feel guilty! Breaks help us become more productive and do our duties with more joy and focus. Breaks can really help take the stress out of our obligations.

2. Talk to someone. Many times, the best way to combat stress is to focus on something pleasant.

   You can make feeling good a priority when negative thoughts pop up. Changing your thoughts help change your mood and outlook on your life. However, there are times when it is necessary to find out what’s going on inside.

   If you’ve exhausted all tools to get you thinking and feeling positive, and they’re not working, find someone you trust. Talk to them about what’s going on.

   Just getting it out in the open and having someone deeply listen to you is helpful enough. Perhaps they’re a mentor of yours and really know what to say to get you back on track.

3. Get professional help. If your friends and family and all stress coping mechanisms are not working for you, find a professional healthcare practitioner to assist.

   If your stress levels and view on life aren’t thriving, a well-trained counselor can do wonders for your mental health. They speak to many people who may have similar challenges as you do. In fact, many caregivers need this kind of support.

   Don’t hesitate to talk to someone professional and schedule routine visits. Routine visits can maintain your well-being if matters get resolved.

   Don’t quit just because you’re better. Maintain that flow!

4. Kick up your health a notch. Yes, eating nutrient-dense foods and exercising is crucial to your overall well-being. Try to avoid processed foods that weigh you down and make you feel sluggish.

   Only you know what foods deprive your energy and positivity. Journal your physical activity and food intake for a while on apps like Cronometer. A simple notepad works, too.

   Be sure to list what feelings you have before the activity and meal, as well as afterward. After a week, look at any patterns. Where can you make changes?

5. Join support groups. Stress is a part of every caregiver’s career. You meet many patients with disabilities that require your attentive focus and energy.

   Guess what? You’re not the only caregiver going through this. It can seem that way sometimes, but you are not alone. You are also enough. Who you are and where you’re at is normal and perfectly imperfect.

   It’s okay to get as much support as you need. In fact, people can’t get by in this world alone. No one knows this better than you. You’re a caregiver! So find caregivers for yourself. Those who can offer love, guidance, friendship, and health benefits.

Managing your well-being is a part of the job, too. It’s not talked about much of the time, but it really should be a part of your job description.

Your health and happiness are crucial in order to provide the best care to a patient in need. People rely on your support. Make it a priority to get the support you need, as well.

For more tips on managing caregiver stress, contact us.

We’re here to help!

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about dealing with stress as a caregiver and should not be construed as medical advice.