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...

Introduction

As caregivers, we face countless challenges daily, from managing appointments to juggling house chores and dealing with the emotional toll of caring for our loved ones. It's no surprise that we can sometimes feel a lack of motivation, fall into a funk, or feel utterly exhausted. Today, I want to dive into this topic because it’s something I’ve personally experienced and a challenge I coach other caregivers on.

The Reality of Caregiving

First, let’s acknowledge the reality of caregiving. This life is hard, filled with new and old challenges, constant juggling, and pure exhaustion. It often feels like we’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of doing hard, unappreciated tasks and handling critical details that rarely get noticed. And yet, despite the high expectations placed on us, we rarely get the time away we desperately need.

So, what do you do when you wake up and just don’t feel like doing this job today? What do you do when you...