In today’s episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we’re tackling a tough but crucial topic: the spiral of making excuses, blaming, shaming, and settling that many caregivers find themselves in. These feelings and thoughts can cloud our view, mindset, and overall joy in caregiving. Let's dive into this spiral and discover how to break free.

The Reality of Caregiving Excuses

Caregivers often say things like:

• "My culture expects the children to care for the parents."
• "As a wife, that’s what we do—take care of our spouse."
• "My religion won’t let me bring in anyone for help."
• "There is no one else to help."
• "We can’t afford help."
• "My parents don’t want to be in a home, and I promised Dad I would take care of Mom."

These are true and real challenges, but they can also keep us feeling stuck. Let's explore how we can find choices within seemingly unchangeable situations.

Personal Story: Recognizing the Spiral

One Sunday, after a full...

Welcome to The Caregiver Cup Podcast!

Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: "Making Space as a Caregiver." One of the biggest mistakes caregivers make (myself included) is putting ourselves on hold, which eventually takes a toll on our well-being. Let's talk about how to "make space," recharge, and find your personalized well-being.

The Importance of Making Space

Caregiving is demanding and can consume every aspect of your life if you let it. Let me share a few stories (names and details have been altered for privacy), but I’m sure you’ll relate.

Emma’s Story: The Overwhelmed Caregiver

Emma was a full-time caregiver for her elderly mother with Alzheimer's. She devoted all her time and energy to her mother, often skipping meals and losing sleep. Emma felt guilty even thinking about taking time for herself, believing it was selfish. Over time, her health deteriorated—she was constantly tired, emotionally drained, and began experiencing...

When Danae Robinett shares her caregiving journey, her words carry both weight and warmth. In a recent podcast episode, she bravely opens up about her experiences caring for her parents, who both battled cancer. Her story isn't just about challenges faced; it's a testament to resilience and offers profound lessons for anyone in a similar role.

As Danae navigates the complexities of healthcare and daily caregiving demands, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and mindfulness. Her insights serve as a guide for those struggling to find balance amidst responsibilities. Danae's narrative highlights the transformative power of approaching life's challenges with mindfulness.

One key lesson Danae shares is the importance of self-preservation while caring for others. She discusses setting boundaries, saying "no" when necessary, and managing time and emotions to sustain both caregiver and care receiver.

Throughout the episode, Danae discusses practical caregiving issues, from...

Are you burning out?  
Are you exhausted, fatigued, or just plain tired?
What’s your stress level? 
What about your anxiety level?
Are you sad or depressed?

How do you feel about your health?  Are you taking care of yourself?  Are you losing weight?  Or are you gaining weight?  

These are just a few symptoms of caregiver stress and caregiver burnout?  

I want to talk today about the ONE thing you can do.  The ONE thing you can take control of.  

I'm here to give you some tough love and hard talk.  

It’s time . Let me say it again.  It’s time.  Time to move!   

I'm here to tell you that you have to move.  

You have to even if you don’t feel like it.  Even if you're tired.  Even if you don’t think you have time.  

Start small -  just 20 minutes a day is all you need.   Or even if it’s 15 minutes.  

A study from Harvard says:  ...

In the hustle of caregiving, self-care often falls by the wayside, especially in the early hours when the demands of the day seem to pile up before the sun even rises. But what if the secret to managing stress and fostering well-being lies in the way we greet the morning? This is the empowering premise behind a recent episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast, where listeners are invited to delve into the transformative potential of morning routines.

The episode opens with a candid personal narrative, as the host shares a pivotal moment from six years ago that catalyzed a significant shift in perspective. This vulnerability leads to a broader discussion about the benefits of morning rituals for caregivers. It's not merely a list of tasks; it's about embracing a practice that has the power to ripple positive change across various aspects of life.

One key concept introduced is "habit stacking," which encourages caregivers to build momentum with small, consistent wins each morning....

You're in for a big treat with today's guest.  I chatted with a life coach and business friend who is passionate about self-care, self-love and the pursuit of growth.  

Today's guest, Amy Linsmeyer, is dedicated to helping women move forward in their personal and entrepreneur journey by encouraging dreams, their authentic self and developing a foundation that supports sustainable growth.   

Amy shared ways to put yourself first, finding a morning routine and most importantly taking action.   She gives her best tips and mindset practices, knowing that challenges are part of the caregiver life.  

Here are just a word from Amy worth noting:

• It's ok to let the pieces fall as you figure things out. 

• We need to know where we are, before we go where we’re going to go

•  It all comes down to what we want in life.   Appreciate the importance of your putting yourself first

• The difference between wanting and having is an...