Ever Wonder Why Waiting Rooms Are So Draining?

Waiting rooms can feel like they’re stealing our energy, even though we’re just sitting there. This past week reminded me of the unique challenge waiting room fatigue brings. My husband, Denis, had a biopsy on Monday, so I spent hours in a small 10x10 recovery room with no windows. I had my laptop with me, but focusing was tough with the anxiety and stress of waiting.

By Wednesday, it was a two-hour drive to Milwaukee for his stem cell/oncology consult. After the car ride, we faced the typical routine: check-in, sit and wait, get vitals, then more waiting in a tiny exam room. On Thursday, it was the oncology follow-up and treatment plan, repeating the same waiting cycle in labs, doctor’s offices, and exam rooms. Tallying up, we spent nearly 9 hours that week just…waiting.

Waiting room fatigue is real—and it’s more than just time spent in a chair. Between the anxiety, boredom, and the...

Welcome to the Caregiver Cup Community!

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a loyal listener, I’m so glad you’re here. I started the Caregiver Cup Podcast back in 2020 to share my journey and to help fellow caregivers navigate the challenging and often overwhelming season of caregiving. We know how demanding this role can be, especially when it feels like every moment is consumed by stress.

In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that resonates with so many of us: Breaking the Cycle of Overwhelm. This cycle—where stress leads to more overwhelm, and overwhelm leads to more stress—can feel inescapable. But I want to assure you, there are ways to manage and even break free from this cycle.

Recognizing the Cycle of Overwhelm

Have you ever planned your day perfectly, only to have one unexpected event throw everything off balance? Maybe you had a plan to start your day with a peaceful walk, but then a phone call from the...

Hey there, beautiful soul! Today, let's dive deep into a topic close to every caregiver's heart: finding your secret sauce to conquer those pesky negative thoughts and reclaim your joy. As someone who's been on this journey myself, I get it. It's not always sunshine and rainbows, but trust me, there's a way to sprinkle a little magic into each day.

You know those moments when you're feeling on top of the world? Take a second to celebrate those. What's working? What have you been doing differently? Maybe it's a heart-to-heart chat with a friend, a quiet moment of journaling, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun during a brisk walk. Whatever it is, it's your own special blend of joy boosters.

But let's be real, there's no one-size-fits-all solution here. Oh, how I wish we could just get a prescription for happiness! But alas, life doesn't work that way. Instead, we have to rely on our own intuition, listening closely to the whispers of our body and mind.

Think of it...