July 31, 2024

Maintaining Your Own Life While Being a Family Caregiver

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Caregiving is often a 24/7/365 role. It’s incredibly important, but it can be challenging, rewarding, and requires a lot of selflessness. Depending on what their loved one needs, caregivers often handle detailed and mentally challenging tasks. These responsibilities can take a significant toll on a caregiver’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.  

Caregivers are often very aware of what their loved ones need and how they feel, spending their days caring for them. However, they may not always take the same care of themselves. To avoid caregiver burnout and fatigue, it’s important for caregivers to balance caregiving duties with the maintenance of their personal lives. That may be easier said than done, but there are small steps you can take toward striking this balance. Read on for practical ideas and resources caregivers can use to fulfill their own lives while providing care for their loved ones. 

Caregiver Self-Care Tips for Finding Balance 

Caregiver Self-Care Tip #1: Find time for the things that bring you joy and take breaks to do them

• Hobbies and interests: Your hobbies are what make you you. They’re also a great way to enjoy fulfillment in the very busy life of a caregiver. Find ways to share your interests with your loved one. Tackle a puzzle together or listen to your favorite record. Try a new recipe for dinner or read a few chapters of your favorite book.  

• Exercise: Moving your body can be a powerful stress reducer and positively impact both your physical and mental well-being. Start your day with some fresh air–even a quick 15-minute walk can make a difference. Admire the sunset on a post-dinner stroll. Do some light yoga or stretching in your backyard or living room. There are plenty of yoga instructors on YouTube that can guide you through a session – Try Yoga 4 Caregivers). 
• Meditation and stress reduction techniques: In addition to being a great physical exercise, yoga can be an effective meditation practice and stress reduction technique. Whether your goal is to get your heart rate up or simply center your mind, yoga can serve many purposes. There are also several free apps that offer guided meditation practices and breathing exercises. Try Calm, Headspace, or Health Minds Program. 

Finding time for all of these activities each day is likely not realistic for most caregivers. But the value each one provides in preventing caregiver fatigue and managing stress can be a game changer for caregivers looking for ways to maintain their life outside of caregiving. Respite care can also be a way for eligible caregivers to take some time for themselves. 

Caregiver Self-Care Tip #2: Stay connected with your loved ones

Whether it’s a friend, a family member, a neighbor, or someone else you trust, staying connected with loved ones can be a significant source of emotional support for caregivers. Call them on your next walk. Include them in the daily routine you maintain while caring for your loved one. Making time for your support system doesn’t have to interrupt your responsibilities—find ways to weave that connection into your day. 

Caregiver Self-Care Tip #3: Use time management techniques

Focusing on time management can help caregivers stay on top of their tasks and routines. By being efficient, it can free up time for other activities like the ones listed above. Finding “work/life balance” is not a luxury caregivers often have, but managing the hours in a day most effectively can help you take a small step forward. 

• Staying organized: This can make a huge difference in minimizing stress and helping caregiver responsibilities feel more manageable. Use a calendar (physical or digital) to keep track of tasks, appointments, and medication schedules. Set reminders so you don’t have to remember on your own or keep track of the time. 

• Know yourself: Understanding how you operate best is key to maximizing your time. If you’re a list maker, start your day with a plan for what you’d like to get done. If multi-tasking isn’t your strong suit, limit distractions that could take you off course. And if the day doesn’t turn out the way you expected, always give yourself grace.  

Caregiver Self-Care Tip #4: Keep track of the good days

There are good days and bad days in caregiving. Keep track of the good days, no matter how small. Note any achievements you or your loved one reach. Looking back on old entries and seeing how much you’ve overcome can be an uplifting practice in itself.  

Whether you’d rather put pen to paper or go the digital route, there are plenty of journaling methods to fit your preference. Try apps like 5 Minute Journal, Apple Journal, or Samsung Notes. Many of these digital journaling apps provide prompts that can give you a starting point for your next entry. 

Caregiver Self-Care Tip #5: Seek support when you need it and build a support system

Caregivers don’t have to do it alone. Build your village and lean on them when you feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to ask for help—especially when you’ve reached your limit. Prioritize your own well-being as much as you can so you can show up for your loved one. There are many resources available to caregivers and the person you care for that can provide financial, physical, and emotional support. 

Careforth Supports Family Caregivers 

At Careforth, we strive to provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported at every turn in their caregiving journey. Visit the How We Help page on our site to learn more about how Careforth supports caregivers financially, emotionally, and mentally. If you’re ready to get started, contact uscontact us here.