E207: Building Your Toolkit to Stress Better: Empowering Caregivers

 

In the sphere of caregiving, the concept of resilience is not merely a buzzword; it's a necessary trait for navigating the often tumultuous journey of providing care for loved ones. The latest episode of our podcast delves into the practicalities of crafting a toolkit designed for caregivers. This toolkit isn't just about equipping oneself with tangible items but also about accumulating a wealth of strategies and wisdom that can be tapped into during times of need.

The parallels drawn between the experiences of the podcast host in a high-stress corporate job and the role of a caregiver are compelling. They illustrate how life’s previous challenges serve as preparatory grounds for the caregiving role. The 'three I's' technique – Identify, Implement, and go All in – becomes a cornerstone for managing stress, where it was once applied to alleviate travel anxiety, it is now repurposed for caregiving scenarios.

Moreover, the podcast doesn't shy away from the emotional toll that caregiving can take. It openly discusses the feelings of anger and worry that are often intertwined with the caregiving experience. The host shares how, through her own journey, she's managed to transform these emotions into learning experiences, which have become integral parts of her resilience toolkit. This encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and recognize that they are not isolated in their struggles.

Creating a consistent routine is highlighted as a vital part of managing the chaos of caregiving. Drawing an analogy with a travel packing list, the podcast emphasizes how routines can anchor caregivers and provide a sense of control amidst the unpredictability of their responsibilities. This approach resonates with anyone who has felt adrift in the unpredictability of caregiving duties.

Furthermore, the podcast advocates for the importance of self-care. It acknowledges that to be able to give generously and with love, caregivers must first ensure...

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E35: Caregiving is self-development on steroids

 

Each morning about 6:30, I put on my walking shoes and grab my ear buds for my 2-3 miles walk.  One particular thing this week got me.    I kept nodding my head and walking faster and faster.  My head was spinning when listening to a new podcast.   I couldn’t wait to get home to grab a piece of paper and write down my thoughts.  

I love podcasts that feed my soul with inspiration, self-help and self-development and ones that are just plain fun too.   Podcast listening is my jam when I am walking or working in my garden or getting ready in the morning.    

Ok… what was I listening to? I am trying to level up and be a better speaker.  It was my newest podcast that I recently added to favs.  My new mentor and speaking coach - The Heather Saeger show.  It was one from way back on Jan 6 where she interviewed Anna Nelson about Unlock a new level in your business using your superpower.    

 

It’s funny how you get more out of a podcast.  What I mean is that I got tips for improving my speech but also go tips to improving my caregiving.  

When I got home - I wrote in my journal all that I remembered plus…  

  • Caregiving is self-development on steroids
  • It requires you step up and start working on your mindset in a different way imagined
  • It requires you to amplify your scheduling and coordination of everything - I put a super women cape next to my note.
  • It requires a whole new discipline and shift to your self care 

I think you get the picture.  

What’s crazy is that you can’t really enroll in caregiving school and take courses and once trained you can then know it all   

 

So when you become a caregiver, you need to learn and adjust as you go.  

We all are different.  We all learn differently.  Our situations are different.  Our passions are...

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