iSavta | 23.08.2020

When I decided to push my luck abroad and joined the field of Caregiving, I already knew that myself would be the least of my priorities. I often shrug off the “take care of yourself” messages from my family and friends. For me, it’s a vague reality and I don’t really have time for that.

 

Many are aware how much we sacrifice as Caregivers in terms of time, energy, self worth and many others. But those who do not understand the reality of our job would still say “oh you gained weight”, you probably have a nice employer, letting you eat and sleep all the time.

 

Well, zip it!

 

Gaining weight is one of the results of stress and lack of sleep or rest. Your body will scream for help as your energy is being drained by sleeping late and waking up early. Since sleeping is not a possible option for you then you get your energy from food, resulting in stress-eating, eating junk and craving for a sugar boost. Eventually, your body will get used to this routine and normalize it. This routine is a nightmare for your body and your whole well-being.

 

The only way to get past this is to start thinking about yourself and find a way to take care of it. But, with the kind of job you have, how could you possibly take care of yourself or your health in all aspects?

 

You’ll be thinking that “taking care of yourself” would only mean having manicured nails or a relaxing spa treatment that you’re dying to have but it’s far more than that. It is even far more than having an 8-hour sleep everyday and waking up to your patient’s sun-shiny smile without any mid sleep accidents on the bed that you need to take care of.

 

I am talking about your mental health, your self-esteem, your self-worth. Self-care should consider all aspects of your life as a human being. This is not just about how tired you are physically. This is also about how exhausted you are because of your job, your routine and the redundancy of your overseas caregiver life.

 

In my 10 long years in this health care industry, here are the things that I want to share about Self-Care in Caregiving.

 

Face those problems/fears as soon as possible - Oftentimes, we run away from incredibly stressful situations because we’re scared to face it. We tend to delay hoping our problems will disappear into thin air. Then I tell you, it will only make it worse. 

 

Most of these stress and problems will come from close family, friends and our job. Because if it’s from other insignificant people, we would not care at all. This is the reason why it is important to deal with it as soon as possible. Nothing will ever make you feel scared and stressed out than an unsolved problem concerning the people or things you truly care about. No matter how hard you try to ignore it, it will always slip through your consciousness and will never let you feel at peace.

 

Strengthen your Faith - whether you are a spiritual person or just a self-reliant person not believing in any spiritual being, you have to strengthen your faith. Not only to God but to yourself as well.

 

The worst feeling in the world is when you realize that you are alone. Most people turn to prayer in faith and supplication asking for guidance and strength. Keep your faith and believe that you can do it and whatever situation you are in right now, there’s someone out there who is in far worse condition than you have.

 

Show Up To Work Not Matter What - the fact is, the purpose of all these sacrifices is our career and our salary. There will come a time that you would want to give up, pack your bags and leave but that’s oftentimes not a viable option. Gather your energy, think about your priorities and your future, save as much money as you can and show up to work no matter what.

 

Vent it Out - you may be a person who is not comfortable in expressing your feelings to other people. You may be afraid of wearing your heart out on your sleeves as people may judge you unfairly. You can vent in a lot of ways that feel right for you.

 

You may vent out while alone in the bathroom taking a shower. You can write a journal privately, writing down your thoughts, ideas and fears. You may vent while doing your laundry or cooking your favorite soup. You can also choose to vent out in private support groups where everyone understands you. Thing is, never bottle up your anxiety and fears. Vent it out and get over it. 

 

Get Lazy Sometimes - yes, you have the right to get lazy sometimes. Your weekend off is a good chance for you to lay on the couch or bed the whole day. Never allow yourself to get lost in a life wherein you need to live in routines for the rest of it. 

 

Dirty dishes? Dirty bedroom? Ready to Eat Meals? Who cares? Stay in bed, watch netflix and eat cup noodles. That’s a one day indulgence and you deserve it.

 

Give Back - the material things or the money that you have right now is from your own sweat and blood and you have the right to do whatever you want to do with it. 

 

I get that.

 

But I tell you, there’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing that you made a difference in other people’s lives. And when you give, do not expect something in return for a lot of people in this world today don't care much about gratitude. But you, a person who selflessly gives, will always find that contentment and peace within yourself and that’s the most wonderful feeling in the world.