Self Care for Caregivers

Did you know that more than 65 million people (that’s 29% of the U.S. population) provide care for a family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one? With nearly a third of the country filling the role of a caregiver, it’s time to talk about the mental and emotional effects of caregiving, plus what you can do to combat them!

Caregiving can be very rewarding. For most caregivers, caring for a loved one feels good- and it often makes your relationship stronger! The demands of caregiving, however, also cause emotional and physical stress. It's common to feel frustrated, burned out, or simply sad. Many caregivers often feel alone, or feel as if they must always be strong “for” everyone else.

As a caregiver, you may be so focused on providing for your loved one that you have trouble seeing the effects of your work on your own health and well-being, but too much stress over time can seriously harm your health! You might notice you are feeling more depressed or anxious, not getting enough sleep, or you might not have enough time to eat a balanced diet. All of these factors increase your risk of health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. In order to maintain your own mental & physical health, there must be a balance between serving others and serving yourself.

When it comes to caregiving, remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup!

Here are some practical tips for caregivers to help ease your mental load and keep from getting overwhelmed:

• Don't overload your daily to-do list if possible- be realistic!

• Make it a priority to get a good night's sleep.

• Schedule short rest periods between activities or errands.

• Take time for yourself, your own needs, and a hobby you enjoy- even if it’s only a few minutes a day.

Finally, remember to always give yourself credit: The care you give makes a difference!