Working caregivers are superhuman - at least that’s what we think at KareHero.
With hectic schedules that combine juggling a professional role with caregiving responsibilities for a loved one, life can start to take its toll.
It’s important to remember - especially as a caregiver - that taking care of yourself needs to be high on your priority list too. If you feel burnout, drained or even depressed, not only will you be unable to support yourself, but the person you care for too.
Taking time out for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s the best way to take care of your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Because let’s face it, everyone needs - and deserves - a break from time to time.
With this in mind, here are 8 activities to help you decompress whenever you see fit.
Get outdoors to clear your mind
Getting out in the great outdoors can often feel like therapy in itself.
Breathing in fresh air, surrounding yourself with nature and giving you some headspace for a little while can work wonders for the mind, body and soul. And of course, a chance to increase your endorphins too.
Comforting content
One really effective way to reduce stress is to re-watch or revisit something they have already seen or done before, so take this as your prompt to dive into a book you love, stick on your favourite film or settle in to re-watch a TV show that you truly love.
According to Dr Linda Byrne, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy at The Cairnmillar Institute, in stressful times, our brains and bodies’ want comfort, and one of the ways we find comfort is in entertainment we have already consumed.
“It can serve as a way of nostalgia for a better time when things weren’t so stressful. It arouses those positive feelings and can become the new way of switching off from work.”
Try to breathe
Take some time to put your mind at ease and find your breath.
Focusing solely on your breath can be challenging, as it requires clearing out your mind to perform a normally automatic task. When done right, however, you may find yourself getting the headspace you need, and putting the world to rights in your own brain.
Find a comfortable place to sit and just breathe in and out...
Disconnect from the hectic world
As a working caregiver, your days are likely filled to the brim with tasks. While ticking off each task will feel rewarding, before you know it, juggling too many responsibilities for too long will lead to you feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.
Try putting your phone in another room for a few hours - if this is possible for your circumstances - or try being completely alone for the rest of the day.
Disconnecting from the outside world for a few hours can help you feel refreshed, recharged and reinvigorated.
Prioritise activities that bring you enjoyment
Make time for the hobbies that bring you happiness and joy. Whether working out in the gym, gardening, reading, knitting, playing with your pets or spending time with loved ones.
Get out of the house
Seek out family, friends and respite care providers to step in with caregiving duties when needed. This way, you will be able to have some time away from home knowing your loved one is being cared for.
Find ways to pamper yourself
Small treats or luxuries can go a long way towards boosting your spirits and relieving stress.
Get a manicure, buy fresh flowers for the house, take a long bath with scented candles. Whatever makes you feel special and happy.
Make yourself laugh
A little laughter goes a long way to boost our serotonin levels.
Watch a comedy, read a funny book or call someone who truly makes you laugh. And wherever possible, try to find the humour in everyday situations.
Dare to dream
They say sleep is the best medicine, which is why trying to catch more shut eye could be just what the doctor ordered.
When you get too little sleep, your mood, energy, productivity and ability to handle stress will suffer. So if you catch yourself feeling extra tired and in need of a snooze, allow yourself to do so. Your brain will thank you later.
Taking time out to rest and unwind is needed in life.
Although often hard to do, it is essential for your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, giving you the space to bring your best self to all elements of your life as you support not only yourself, but your loved one too.