Taking Care of Yourself
Caregiving means caring for others, whether friends or relatives, who have
health problems or disabilities and need help. Caregivers provide many kinds
of help, from grocery shopping to helping with daily tasks such as bathing,
dressing, and eating. Most people who need help from caregivers are elderly
or disabled.
As a caregiver, it is important for you to take care of your own health. You may want to:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in saturated fat.
- Try to get enough sleep and rest.
- Find time for exercise. Regular exercise may help reduce stress and improve your health in many ways.
- See your health care provider for a checkup. Talk to your provider about symptoms of depression or illness that you may be having.
- Stay in touch with friends. Social activities can help keep you feeling connected and help with stress.
- Maintain your outside interests such as reading, sports, community activities, etc.
Many times, attitudes and beliefs form barriers that stand in the way of caring for yourself. The first task in removing personal barriers to self-care is to identify what is in your way. For example,
- Do you feel you have to prove that you are worthy of the care recipient's affection?
- Do you think you are being selfish if you put your needs first?
- Is it frightening to think of your own needs? What is the fear about?
- Do you have trouble asking for what you need? Do you feel inadequate if you ask for help? Why?
Because we base our behavior on our thoughts and beliefs, attitudes and misconceptions like those noted above can cause caregivers to continually attempt to do what cannot be done, to control what cannot be controlled. The result is feelings of continued failure and frustration and, often, an inclination to ignore your own needs. Ask yourself what might be getting in your way and keeping you from taking care of yourself.
Remember, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs and desires when you are a caregiver—it's an important part of the job. You are responsible for your care first.
