Caregivers Matter
Caregivers Often Carry Too Much!
With all that needs to be done, it's easy to keep going piling more on our backs, but everyone has a limit. Try to tackle the heaviest burdens to lighten your load and delegate when you can. The more people involved with doing little things, the less chance you have for becoming overwhelmed. You control how much you take on, and you know your limits. Get used to asking others for help, hearing no often and still continuing to ask for help until you find it. Eventually you will find it and any help is better than none, right? As long as it doesn't create more work for you, let others do more for you. Steer clear of perfectionism, lower your expectations and focus on being grateful. People want to help more when they feel appreciated for it. Keep your eye on the overall benefits of delegating and free up time for what matters most to you.
If someone takes time to help, and it frees up time for you, be careful not to add more to your list at that point. Use the free time to get caught up on tasks you have out off. It's tempting to do the easier, less daunting tasks associated with care, but if you take this time to do something you have procrastinated on, you’ll associate getting help with a positive feature and that’s in actually getting caught up. Later, as you get caught up more, add what you want.
I learned to use that time for my own care because there will always be something more we can do, as a caregiver. Drawing the line, inserting yourself in that space, helps you return to care more refreshed and energized.
In caregiving we, never feel ”caught up, ” so it’s important we are careful about what we get caught up in. The next time you receive help remember to first work on something that’s weighing heavy on you or urgent, and also consider taking time to do something for yourself.
At the end of the day, you should look back on it knowing you took for yourself to nurture your spiritual and emotional self. If you haven't done that, you can make it a goal for tomorrow, but don't put it off because you may end up as the person needing care before you expected.
Be the kind of caregiver you would want...one you could rely on because you know they take good care of themselves too.
Caregiving is Emotionally and Physically Challenging
It's Essential You Take Care of Yourself Too!
It's not true what they say about how we can't be good for others if we don't take care of ourselves. I can go a long time taking excellent care of someone else while ignoring my own needs. The truth is, there is always an end to that approach. It can be done, but there will be a time when you are forced to stop. Don't take that approach! Keep a healthy pace and balance your life. In other words, if everyone you care for is eating, you should too. If they are getting groomed and dressed, you should too. If you give them treats and gifts, give yourself some too. Make yourself a priority and watch your strength and spirit come back to life.
You know it's true, so get organized, eat good food and move your body so you can finish this journey of care.
Inspiration Thoughts For You!
Be Sure to Include Yourself in Your Care
Do Your Best and Feel Good About It!
