- Do not allow the person in your care to take unfair advantage of you by being overly demanding.
- Live one day at a time.
- List priorities, decide what to leave undone, and think of ways to make the work easier.When doing a long, boring care task, use the time to relax or listen to music.
- Find time for regular exercise to increase your energy (even if you only stretch in place).
- Focus on getting relaxing sleep rather than more sleep.
- Take several short rests in order to get enough sleep.
- Set aside time for prayer or reflection.
- Practice deep breathing and learn to meditate to empty your mind of all troubles.
- Allow your self-esteem to rise because you have discovered hidden skills and talents.
- Realize your own limitations and accept them.
- Make sure your goals are realistic; you may be unable to do everything you could do before.
- Keep your eating habits balanced; do not fall into a toast-and-tea habit.
- Take time for yourself.
- Treat yourself to a massage.
- Keep up with outside friends and activities.
- Spread the word that you would welcome some help, and allow friends to help with respite care.
- Delegate (assign) jobs to others. Keep a list of tasks you need to have done and assign specific ones when people offer to help.
- Share your concerns with a friend.
- Join a support group, or start one (to share ideas and resources).
- Use respite care when needed.
- Express yourself openly and honestly with people you feel should be doing more to help.
- When you visit your own doctor, be sure to explain your caregiving responsibilities, not just your symptoms.
- Allow yourself to feel your emotions without guilt. They are natural and very human.
- Unload your anger and frustration by writing it down.
- Allow yourself to cry and sob.
- Know that you are providing a very important service to the person in your care.
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Dealing with Physical and Emotional Burdens
Excerpted from The Comfort of Home: A Complete Guide for CaregiversTM
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