iSavta | 21.03.2021

Striking that perfect balance is one of the most elusive things for caregivers. After all, your life and the majority of your time are dedicated in caring for your patient. There are those times when you believe that you can handle things only to find yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually tired.

How will you find emotional balance as a caregiver if your personal needs are pushed to the side in favor of your job and your patient?

Read these 5 tips from iSavta to ensure that you keep your emotions in check:

 

Prioritize Yourself

When you are a caregiver, you might think that making yourself a priority may seem impossible but it is actually very much doable. However, it doesn’t mean that you can just neglect your patient and do all the things you want.

Prioritizing yourself only means caring for yourself. It includes taking your vitamins, visiting your doctor for regular checkups, and ensuring that your mental health is kept intact. These can all be possible while you take care of another person’s health and wellbeing. What matters here is to find and manage your time in a more efficient way.

 

Schedule Time for Your Own Physical Health

You probably think you no longer have time for this but you need to have time. Even if you want to wear your cape and simply forget about yourself, doing so is not only impossible but also dangerous. One of your main tools to become a successful caregiver is none other than your physical capability.

The moment you get sick, things such as your finances, your job, and your self-esteem will also get “sick.” Don’t forget to go for your regular checkups and physical exercises. See to it that you also pamper yourself with healthy and nutritious food.

 

Pay Attention to Your Mental Health

Emotional balance involves your mental health as well. If you are mentally tired, everything will go downhill. Allow yourself some time for doing your favorite hobbies and things that give you excitement. Go for that much-deserved vacation, buy yourself a gift, or have great conversations with your loved ones and family. Doing these will help you reset and prepared for a new day as a caregiver. 

 

Listen to Your Body

Have you ever noticed how you seem to feel sleepy and tired all the time? If yes, chances are it is your body telling you that you need to recharge soon through a long and undisturbed sleep. Never ignore such feelings. Always listen to your own body and follow what it says. There are symptoms that you can easily solve with enough sleep and rest while others may require a more serious fix. You might need to visit your doctor soon and get laboratory tests. You would be better off if you detect these things as early as possible.

 

Offer Choice and Eliminate Control

Ask your patient what kind of help you can offer instead of just informing them what you can do and be willing enough to do what they request from you. Remember that everyone is different with different journeys. When you avoid being tempted to control the situation, you can also save yourself from feeling caregiving burnout.