As a carer, you will often put the needs of the person you are caring for before your own needs. It’s important to remember that it is OK to also look after yourself too. Your mental and physical health is vital for your own well-being and to be able to not only provide better care but keep caring for your loved one longer.
3 Top Tips You Can Do to Look After Yourself :
Talk to Someone
We all have good days and bad days. Then there are days when some things just seem too much. Reaching out to friends, family or simply just talking to someone can make a real difference to the way you feel in that moment. You may just need a sounding board, or for someone to give you advice. Simply talking out loud helps you to cope with and reduce stress.
Make Time for You
Make a list of things you enjoy and set aside time for yourself every day to do one thing on that list that fills your cup and gives you the spark to be able to look after your physical and mental energy. It can be as simple as 5 minutes of mindful mediation, having a cup of tea whilst soaking in the sun, going for a walk in nature, or turning on your favourite song and dancing like no one’s looking.
It’s OK to take time for yourself and still do the things you love. Putting yourself first sometimes can feel difficult, but you reap the benefits in the long run.
Getting Help
When you are looking after a loved one you often don’t see yourself as a carer and don’t think to look or ask for help. It’s important you take the time to look after your own wellbeing to stay safe and healthy.
Thinking about your own needs and abilities will help you to assess your loved one’s needs with everyday life and offer you much-needed respite, you don’t have to manage it all yourself.
Talking to your loved one and involving them in the process of connecting to a home care service provider helps them to feel in control of their life and maintain independence. A home care provider like BCD will help you to explore care options so both you and your loved one can get the care you need when you need it the most.
To learn more about our services visit: BCD Community Care
