When you become a caregiver, your already busy life doubles or even triples in workload. Tasks multiply, from getting second opinions and calling insurance companies to rescheduling your appointments around your loved one's needs. The emotional strain can zap your energy, making even the simplest tasks feel monumental. How often have you laid in bed, unable to fall asleep or waking up at 1 AM, unable to return to rest?
Before you know it, you realize you have no time for yourself, and even if you did, you wouldn’t have the energy. Everyone says to put yourself first, but how do you do that? More importantly, how do you believe you can do it?
Today, let’s tackle self-care in a way that feels achievable and special.
The Value of Just 15 Minutes:
As caregivers, we often feel that self-care is just another task on an already overflowing plate. But what if we reframe it as something manageable, like just 15 minutes? Studies show that short, frequent breaks...
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...