It is no secret that caregivers often struggle to practice self-care. They are so dedicated to taking care of everyone else, so driven to nurture and heal others, that all too often they neglect their own health. This neglect may not always have dramatic effects initially. It manifests itself as a missed doctor’s appointment, a skipped meal, or a poor night’s sleep. Some caregivers may not even realize that they are damaging their health by doing these things. But eventually, the little things can add up to big consequences.
There are common self-care activities that we should all practice, activities such as healthy eating, exercise, laughter, and meditation. However, what many caregivers seem to struggle with is finding the motivation to practice self-care in these ways. Here's some advice for our caregivers on how to prioritize caring for yourself.
Learn to see yourself as a patient
We often struggle with self-care because we fail to see ourselves as patients. We are too used to being the ones who take care of everyone else. When we are in the position of the patient, we feel uncomfortable and out of place. One of the keys to self-care is realizing that you are also worthy of care and letting another person look after you when needed. You have to realize that although you are typically the caregiver, you cannot give care without first receiving it.
Remember what your health means to your patients
Your good health is not only beneficial to you. Taking care of yourself is an investment in your own health as well as the health of your patients. Consider how important you are to the families for whom you provide care. In order to be there for your patients in the long-run, you have to prioritize yourself now.
Think long-term
Caregiving is a long-term career. But without proper self-care that career could be cut short. You have to think about your long-term goals as well as your short-term goals. What are your ten-year and twenty-year goals? Without your health - emotional, physical, and psychological - you will never be able to truly care for your patients or last long in your career. Make self-care a part of your career plan and long-term goals.
Commit to your case
These are great motivators to get started, but you need to be able to continue to take care of yourself every day. Commit to taking care of yourself in the same way that you would commit to a patient’s case. Don't give up on your self-care resolutions this year! Following through on the commitment to you will make an incredible difference in your life and career.