iSavta | 01.03.2021

Finding balance can be extremely elusive in a Caregiving career. You dedicate your life and most of your time taking care of someone whether it’s your loved one or a patient. And sometimes, we tend to believe that we can handle everything and then end up being extremely tired emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

 

How do you find balance in Caregiving when most of the time you neglect your own personal needs in exchange for your job and the person that you are taking care of?

 

Here are some tips:

 

1. Make yourself a priority

 

You may think that this would be impossible for you as a Caregiver but it is not. This doesn’t mean doing everything you want and neglecting your patient. Making yourself a priority means caring for yourself. This includes a regular check-up with your doctor, taking vitamins, and keeping your mental health intact. All of these you can possibly do while taking care of someone else’s well-being. It’s all about finding and managing time efficiently.

 

2. Set a time for your mental health

 

Your mental health is important to your emotional balance. When you are mentally exhausted, things will start to go downhill. Give time to do your hobbies and the things that make you excited. Talk to friends and loved ones, buy a gift for yourself or take that long overdue vacation. These things can help you reset and be ready for another day of caregiving.

 

3. Set a time for your physical health

 

I know you don’t have time for this but, you MUST have time. As much as you’d like to be a hero and forget about yourself, that is extremely impossible and dangerous. Your physical capability is your tool to be successful in Caregiving. Once you get sick, everything will get “sick” as well. Your job, your finances, and your self-esteem. Make sure you have a regular check-up and get involved in physical exercises. Also, make sure you are feeding yourself nutritious and healthy food.

 

4. Pay attention to what your body is telling you

 

You sometimes wonder why you are feeling tired and sleepy all the time. Then probably because your body desperately needs a long uninterrupted sleep to recharge. Do not ignore these feelings. Listen to your body and do what it tells you to do. Some symptoms require just rest and sleep but some require more than that. Maybe it’s time to go to your doctor and have yourself undergo some laboratory tests. It is important to know it early on than later when you can’t do anything about it anymore.