iSavta | 29.07.2020

With what’s going on with the world right now, it’s not easy to maintain a positive outlook in life especially when you are in the midst of a crisis in both work and your personal life.

 

It is even difficult for people in the caregiving industry as they are dealing with individuals who are susceptible to Covid19, which is now one of the main reasons why people are too stressed in fear of getting the disease or one of their loved ones will succumb to it.

 

We will not be talking about Covid19 and the flow of negativity it brings to our lives at the moment. We will also consider some other factors why people tend to dwell on the bleakness of life as a whole.

 

As a Caregiver, there are certain things that you have to watch out for. Caregivers tend to fall into depression because of emotional fatigue and exhaustion. They always prioritize their job and the well being of their patients. Self-care is too vague and sometimes, it doesn’t exist at all. The next thing they know, they are depressed, tired and one sleepless night away from quitting.

 

But how can you actually stay positive and maintain a positive disposition in life despite all the odds and circumstances that you are facing?

 

1. Manage Your Stress - there are a lot of ways to manage your stress. One perfect way is trying not to dwell too much on your problems. Focus on the solution and how you will be able to get rid of it as soon as possible.
2. Rest and Eat Healthy - Having enough sleep and rest is very crucial to your survival as a Caregiver. Given the fact that Caregivers don’t have the luxury of sleep like any other health care workers, you can still manage your time efficiently and insert a full 6-8 hours of sleep a day. Eating healthy is as important as having enough sleep. Feed yourself with fresh fruits and vegetables instead of getting into stress eating which involves too much sugar, salt and saturated fats.
3. Move and Sweat it Out - Incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine. A simple stretching and walking can go a long way in terms of feeling better and stronger.
4. Surround yourself With Your Best People - Your best people are your family and friends who are your source of strength. Talk to them often, don’t forget to laugh and veer away from negative and depressing topics. 
5. Consider your challenges as opportunities - They say, in life, it’s always a win win situation. If you win, then you’ll be happy. If you lose, then you’ll learn a lesson. Always look at the bright side of things. Find an opportunity in every situation.
6. Do something good to other people - Fall in love with a good feeling. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that you did something nice to someone else. As simple as making your patient smile can brighten up your entire day and makes you feel that you can do everything. Lend a hand. Offer a little help. This free gestures are food for your soul. 
7. Be proud of yourself - Take pride in your achievements. To be away from your family for years is not an easy decision to make. Only brave people can do that. Do not underestimate yourself. Your past and your failures don't define you. What is important is what you have learned from your mistakes and how you are applying it to your current situation.

 

Being positive is not always about suppressing your feelings. It is about embracing your worries, your fears and your doubts. Life will never be perfect. But we can always find ways to be optimistic and hopeful that one day, things will get better not just for us but also for the people that we care about.