Looking after a relative can be noble and rewarding, but caregiver burnout is very real. Too often we undervalue the level of stress involved. Since care is often long-term, this stress accumulates and builds up over time. As a result, people who provide care are often at risk of burnout. Burnout is typically characterized as a type of total exhaustion but the symptoms vary from person to person.
The good news is that it is possible to avoid burnout. In order to do so, it is necessary to take steps and be proactive about your own care. Let’s look at some tried and tested tips that’ll help keep you at your best.
Look for the Signs
Awareness is key. When it comes to burnout, you want to see it before it arrives, not after! Catching the signs as early as possible will help you minimize the negative impact full blown caregiver’s burnout might have on you. Too often it’s only when people are in full burnout mode that they take action.
Some common signs of caregiver burnout include feeling tired and run down, having trouble focusing and completing tasks, feeling resentful, and drinking or eating more as a coping mechanism. As soon as you notice these behaviors, take steps to improve your situation. Do something for yourself. Whether it’s a weekend away or simply an hour at the local coffee shop with a friend, give yourself the break you need.
Get Help
Caregivers often feel stressed because it feels like they’re all on their own. But that doesn’t have to be the case. While you may be the primary caregiver, you don’t need to be the only caregiver. You can recruit help relatively easily thanks to the web; for instance, Care.com reviews often say that the website makes it easy to get quality help at an affordable cost. Getting help will allow you to take a much-needed break, at which point you can do all the things you need to do to feel relaxed and happy.
Empower Yourself
It’s not always easy being in a caregiver role. But remember that you do have some control over your state of mind and general approach to your role. Focus on what you can control, and work at accepting the rest. For instance, cultivating an attitude of gratitude and happiness is a life long practice that can serve you well as a caregiver. You might also use your power to organize yourself to keep life simple. Empower yourself by celebrating your small victories, and little successes. Your doing a difficult job and should consider yourself the hero that you are!
Invest in Relaxation
Relaxation is key for all people, but it’s especially important to avoid caregiver burnout. Investing in relaxing activities is a tried and tested antidote to rising stress levels, and in many cases, even small tasks can have a big impact. It’s all about making an effort to enjoy a relaxing break, such as taking a bath or watching a movie. If it’s in your budget, treat yourself to a mani/pedi or a massage. It’s money well spent that won’t be spent on your ill health later on!
Talk with Others
Finally, be sure to speak to other people who are in the same position you are. It can be extremely beneficial to understand that there are other people going through the same situation as you are. You may pick up some handy tips that’ll help you cope and feel less alone in the process.
