iSavta | 21.01.2021

The anxiety that the Covid pandemic brought to each and everyone of us is something that we cannot ignore and just push under the rag. It is a reality that many of us are trying to understand until now, for more than a year.

 

The fact alone, that you are a Caregiver is already stressful to even imagine. The responsibility you have of another person’s well being is not easy let alone the other things that you have to sacrifice to fulfill your duties. Lack of Sleep, homesickness, anxiety attack, and many others.

 

Despite all of these, you still always feel that you are worthless and never take credit for all the things that you have to give up and things that you need to do for other people.

 

This year, it is important for you to acknowledge all of these things and reduce your anxiety, stress and self-pity.

 

Here are some best New Year’s resolution for Caregivers:

 

Let go of the things you can’t control - 

 

You are used to being a problem solver and you tend to manage it all but you have to understand that there are things that are out of your control and you can’t do anything about it.

 

Stress and anxiety will creep in once you’ll try to control the uncontrollable. It is important for you to know how to let go and accept reality. You are only punishing yourself and it will only make life difficult for you.

 

Take time to slow down - 

 

You need to decompress. You can’t do the job 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

 

Whether you take that vacation that you are looking forward to or just a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, you have to step away once in a while.

 

Caregiving job is an overwhelming job and only a few people like you can do it. But, you also need to give yourself a well-deserved break because it’s important for your well-being.

Ask for help if you need it -

 

Caregiving is not a one-man job. You will need help and you have to ask for help. You can’t be a hero all the time. There will be certain things that cannot be handled by one person, let alone an overworked, anxious and sleep-deprived person.

 

Your patient’s doctor, community nurse, your neighbor and especially the immediate family are your first point of contact. Their help is necessary not just for your patient but for you as well. You won’t be feeling well all the time and you will post a potential risk to yourself and to your patient if you are working alone while you are not 100% feeling fine. 

Appreciate and Love Yourself

 

The first person that should appreciate you is you. 

 

Look at yourself in the mirror, find that motivation to take care of yourself. Your well-being is as important as the well-being of your patient. Do not drown yourself in self-pity and frustration. Learn how to appreciate your work, your sacrifices and your dedication to your work. It’s time for you to love yourself again and do something that would make you happy. Reward yourself, eat healthy, exercise and be confident.