Protect Your Joy!
Each November, we take time to celebrate and honor the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones during National Family Caregivers Month. Over the past few years, many have found themselves in caregiver roles they never foresaw. Caregiving is very rewarding and often allows those we love to be taken care of in their own home environment. This often leads to a better quality of life for the person receiving the care. However, while very rewarding, caregiving can also be very mentally, physically and emotionally draining for the caregiver which can lead to caregiver burnout. It’s important to remember to fill your own cup before you fill others, especially when we are caring for others.
How does a caregiver avoid burnout?
They begin by having self-awareness. When caring for others, do they find themselves irritable, tired and frequently short-tempered? Or are they a calming presence, grateful for the opportunity to be helping someone they love and care about? If they are the latter, then chances are they are pouring from a full cup. However, if they find themselves often annoyed or even bothered by the need to be a caregiver, perhaps it’s time to take a break.
Caregivers often lose their sense of self when caring for another and therefore forget to take care of themselves. If a caregiver identifies with being short tempered, impatient and irritable, there are a few things they can do that will help both themselves and the person they are caring for. One way to help is to begin by reading the Serenity Prayer.
The Serenity Prayer speaks of controlling what we can change and not what we can’t. Caregivers can begin by making a list of the things they cannot change, such as a loved one’s illness or lack of being able to help themselves. Now they list some of the things that can be changed, such as their attitude and ability to prioritize and time manage their caregiver tasks. Acknowledge that some days, not everything can be accomplished and that’s OK. However, if the days of not being able to accomplish everything happen more than the days where they are able to, it may be time to ask for help.
How does a caregiver find help?
Begin by identifying reliable sources of support and act on offers from others to help. Not all offers to help will be big and even small tasks such as running an errand can help lift some pressure on a caregiver. Making their own needs as a caregiver known is very important. No one knows a person is struggling if the person never shares it with anyone. Lastly and most importantly, a caregiver needs to find their own joy and protect it. What makes them smile? What helps them to enjoy life? It may be taking a walk alone or praying or meditating. It could be dancing absentmindedly to music when they are driving in the car. Whatever it is, find it, practice it and make it a priority. A person finding their joy and protecting it will enable them to be their best self as an individual and a caregiver.
If you would like more information on support for caregivers or tips to help them manage their responsibilities, please reach out to us. Until next time, stay safe and well!
