4 Ways Caregivers Can Care for Themselves
A distinguishing quality amongst great caregivers is that they are naturally selfless, compassionate people. As a caregiver, your role is to monitor the overall health and social wellbeing of individuals. Those who go above and beyond this role are able to establish a connection with their clients or loved ones through empathy or by engaging in hobbies, spending quality time together, or by having enriching conversations.
As much as we can go on about how we appreciate caregivers who give their all for their clients, we also want to acknowledge the importance of caregivers remembering to care for themselves.
Empowering Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers
If you are a family or professional in-home caregiver, THANK YOU for using your time to look after others. Now, here are a few simple ways you can look after yourself, because you deserve it!
1. Make Your Health a Priority
As the saying goes, you can’t take care of someone else if you’re not taking care of yourself. It’s crucial to exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, and get plenty of sleep. We’ve all heard this advice before and it’s often easier said than done, but it’s up to us to make it our priority. So caregivers, if you need a reason to prioritize your physical health, here's one: focusing on your physical health will help you build strength, endurance, and stamina for current or new activities, thus allowing you to go farther.
2. Learn the Art of Saying No
Some caretakers may struggle to say no. While in-home caregivers might want to say yes to everything, this can quickly lead to them biting off much more than they can chew. It also gives them little to no time to unwind and relax.
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries for yourself. This can include saying no to a last-minute dinner invitation with friends, babysitting, or picking up your coworker’s shift. By saying “no” and giving yourself time to recharge, you’ll gain new energy and improved focus.
3. Find a Creative Outlet for Your Emotions
Painting, playing a musical instrument, and journaling are all fantastic examples of creative outlets for caregivers. These activities are also healthy ways to unwind and express your emotions.
Set aside a few hours every week to participate in creative hobbies that bring you joy or fulfillment. Never picked up a paintbrush or guitar before? Consider enrolling in a class at Lidya’s Fine Art Classes, West Coast Music Academy, or another Santa Clarita location.
4. Ask for Help When Help Is Needed
It's ironic how those who enjoy serving others often have a hard time being served or asking for help for themselves. Caregivers, if you ever feel your energy is depleting or if you are having a hard time managing various commitments, don’t feel ashamed to seek help. Everyone needs help and even a little bit of extra support can go a long way.
Gain Support from Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita
If you are an experienced caregiver and are looking for an amazing home care agency to work for, consider Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita. We pride ourselves in giving our caregivers the tools and support they need to succeed, including competitive pay, health insurance, paid training, flexible schedules, and more. Apply for our caregiver job openings today!
Or, if you are a family caregiver and could use some time for yourself, consider our respite care services. Our agency is well-known for our ability to step in and provide attentive, professional care when needed. Contact us today at (661) 263-2273 for more information.