A new year is a time for new beginnings. If you’re a caregiver looking after a senior loved one, and you’re finding yourself experiencing caregiver burnout or suffering from a case of the winter blues, here is a gentle reminder to check in with yourself, not just the senior you care for. Now is a great time to put yourself back on your own list of priorities. After all, you can’t be there for the people who need you if you don’t take care of yourself first!
Being a caregiver comes with a lot of pressure. It’s tough to watch a person who is important to you struggle from day to day, so you want to do everything you can for them. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re not measuring up, you’re not alone. Circumstances and situations can change quickly, and nobody gets it right all the time. Instead of feeling guilty about what you can’t do, try giving yourself some credit for everything you manage each day.
Bethesda’s Caregiver Self-Care Checklist:
- Ask yourself — am I doing my best? No one is perfect, and we can’t be everywhere all the time. Learn to be satisfied with your best effort, knowing you are doing a difficult, but important, job.
- Make time for yourself. You can’t push yourself until you break. It’s important to rest and refresh so you can be there in full capacity when you’re needed. Start small. Give yourself 5 minutes to sit and breathe. Work your way up to regularly allowing yourself time to do something that is just for you.
- Ask for help. We can’t always handle everything by ourselves. Delegate tasks or get someone to stand in for you so you can get a much-needed rest and avoid caregiver burnout.
- Prioritize your responsibilities. Again, we can’t do it all. So, though for many this can be quite challenging, learn to say no to some of the smaller things in order to free up your time and save your energy for the things that are most important.
- Don’t sacrifice your own well-being. Don’t cancel your doctor’s visits, hair salon appointments or other obligations that keep you healthy and feeling like yourself just because you don’t feel like you have time to fit it all in.
- Seek advice. Reach out to professionals, organizations or family members. It isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s effectively managing your time and resources. Finding someone who is going through the same situation or who has been through it before can offer perspective and help you avoid caregiver burnout.
- Don’t neglect the other important people in your life. Your kids and your spouse need and deserve your attention, too. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to make time for a date night, family getaway or to attend a school event instead of dedicating all of your energy to your senior loved one(s).
- Remember, no one is to blame. When we’re young, we never think about how our lives will look when we need extra help just to get through the day. Remember to have compassion for your senior loved one and their experience. Keep communication open and honest to make the situation a positive one for both of you.
- Recharge your energy and your soul. Maybe it’s going for a run, seeing a counselor, having a spa day or spending time with friends. Do whatever you need to do to keep your head clear and relieve stress. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
One of the most important things to remember when caring for another person, is not to neglect your own needs. Eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, talk to your friends and loved ones, and watch for signs of caregiver burnout.
Happiness and success aren’t about being perfect at every moment. You need to have realistic expectations and celebrate your wins, both big and small. While you may be stressed right now, someday you’ll be grateful for this time you got to spend with your senior loved one, and proud of yourself for showing up even when it wasn’t easy.
Think about what it takes for you to feel energized and what you need to maintain your own sense of self-worth. Along with this checklist, make those needs a priority this year. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!
For more helpful tips and tricks for the new year, read Bethesda’s Caregiver Tips blog.
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