Care for Family Carers: Looking After Yourself as a Carer

Looking after our loved ones is a rewarding experience that can fill your days with a lot of joy.

Looking after our loved ones is a rewarding experience that can fill your days with a lot of joy. But it is important to remember to put yourself first now and then. When we work to care for our family, it can be easy to put our own needs last. Too often, that can lead to feeling burned out or overworked.

With this short guide, we’ll help you reprioritise some of your energy. With some easy care tips, you can improve your mental health and regain some of your lost motivation.

For personalised advice, contact our team at Bluebird Care today.

 

Why Self-Care Matters

 

Looking after our loved ones can sometimes feel like full-time work. This is why it is so important to make sure you are taking time for yourself when you can. Caring for our loved ones is incredibly fulfilling. But it can also come with a range of mental, emotional and physical challenges that can cause stress over time.

If ignored or left to pile up, they can eventually develop into more serious concerns. Many carers experience different levels of stress, anxiety and even depression. However, these feelings and experiences can be managed and improved with the right support.

Self-care is nothing to feel guilty about. Making sure you feel good is one of the best ways to make sure you are providing great care. By taking time for yourself, you can feel more confident and prepared. Likewise, improving your mental and emotional well-being lets you appreciate all the memories you are making.

 

Self-care Tips

 

Take Time for Yourself

If you’re a busy person, it might feel difficult to take time for yourself. But even something as small as five to ten minutes can help improve your mood. Go for a walk outside and enjoy the weather and fresh air. Take a small break to read a new chapter of a book. Set aside a few minutes at the end of your day to journal what you did.

This is a great way to appreciate the little moments and take in everything around you.

 

Remember to Eat Well

If you’re feeling run down and battling exhaustion, it might be because of too many coffees. Take a little extra time in the morning to eat a proper breakfast. This ensures your body has the energy to make it through the day. Likewise, drink more water to stay hydrated. It might seem simple, but drinking water can help you manage headaches and regulate your body properly.

Your health is important and eating an extra fruit at lunch or cooking a meal for dinner can go a long way.

 

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

While the small things add up, it’s important to remember to get out and about when you can. Plan an afternoon activity, like visiting the park or bowling. Having fun and enjoying yourself is often a great way to reset your mood and regain your energy. Whether you go with your family or friends, making memories you treasure is always worth it.

 

Building a Support Network

 

As a family carer, your connection to your family is an important part of your life. But when you are juggling lots of tasks, it can be easy to forget to reach out. Relying on your support network is a great way to relieve some of the pressure on you.

Remember to call your friends; a weekly chat is a great way to let off steam and feel connected. Ask your family for help if you need it – maybe someone else can help with appointments if you are unwell or away. Organising days with your family is a great way to manage the challenges you face and feel closer to them.

But your support network doesn’t just have to be personal. There are plenty of resources available where you can find information or support. Meet up with other family carers to share your experiences and knowledge. Likewise, different organisations have dedicated themselves to providing care and resources for your convenience. Some of these resources include:

• Minstead Trust
• BCP Carer Support
• BCP Carers in Crisis back up scheme

 

Caring for Yourself as a Carer

 

Caring for your loved one is an amazing opportunity to make great memories and have rewarding experiences. Caring for yourself as a carer might seem less important than caring for your loved ones. But it’s not selfish to take time for yourself when you can.

If you are experiencing challenges you’re not sure how to face or need help finding support, we are here for you. At Bluebird Care, we want to help you find the resources and support you need.

 

CONTACT US TODAY