Posted on: December 16, 2019
If you’re among the 8% of Americans who actually accomplish their New Year’s resolution goals, well done! However, if you are like most of us, you have given up well before even turning the calendar page to February. Although without a doubt it’s commendable to strive to improve ourselves by resolving to lose 10 pounds or eat healthier, for busy family caregivers, there are many truly meaningful, attainable goals that will inspire hope and improve life all through the year.
Consider these recommendations to care for yourself while caring for a family member:
- Find joy. Taking care of another person is a labor of love, but may bring about challenges which make it hard to focus on the everyday benefits which can kindle joy. Devote some time every day to pause and discover a reason to smile. Bring humor into the daily caregiving tasks to share laughter along with your loved one. Take pleasure in the feeling of the sunlight shining through the window as you’re sorting laundry. Phone a relative who lifts your spirits for a quick chat.
- See the bigger picture. Make an effort to take one step back from the busyness of your to-do list, and view the overall impact your caregiving is making. Thanks to you, a loved one can continue living in the comfort and familiarity of home. Thanks to you, life is the very best it can be for a loved one. Your contribution is priceless and is making a big difference.
- Compartmentalize. It is very important to make mental health a main priority, and one effective way to manage the numerous different responsibilities associated with providing care is to be entirely focused on the present. Picturing different rooms for different concerns is a good idea; if you begin to be concerned about an upcoming medical procedure a senior loved one is facing while watching a film along with your kids, contemplate placing that concern in its appropriate room until later, and concentrating on the present.
- Be kind to yourself. It is simple to fall into a pattern of hoping you could do more for a family member, or worrying about errors you have made which you wish you might change. Emphasize to yourself that you are human, and that you’re undertaking worthwhile work for the individual you love. Truly appreciate the sacrifices you are making, just as you would acknowledge and appreciate them in another family caregiver.
- Seek – and accept – support and help. Attempting to be a superhero who manages each and every thing independently can quickly result in burnout and depression. Working with others to assist a senior loved one is the best strategy to guarantee his / her needs are thoroughly met, while helping you realize the healthy life balance you need and are entitled to.