As caregivers, we often forget to look after ourselves when we are taking care of our loved ones. Whether it's caring for someone with a mental illness, looking after seniors, or for many other reasons. It can be exhausting. We are stressed, overworked, and get little sleep. Yet we still juggle more than our bodies and minds want to handle. We may even feel guilty complaining of aches and pains because our loved ones are experiencing more health issues than us.
But, if we don't take care of ourselves, we too will fall ill over time. Before we know it, we will soon need help ourselves. Isn't the whole part of being a caregiver so that we can be there for those we love?
I was a caregiver to my then, husband who suffered from Bipolar and years later cared for an elderly parent who fell very ill. Yet, I too had experienced my health deteriorate, drastically. It took me many years before I realized I had to put some steps in place to make sure I didn't lose myself in caring for those I loved. I still had a kid to raise, and I wanted to be there for them and everybody else.
Because of my own experiences, I have put together a few simple steps that you can take and maybe make your life a little easier. They are just that, simple steps, but things we often forget, especially, when we are so drained from our daily routines of looking after those we love.
Take note of your health and change things now, so that you can continue to have the strength and energy to enjoy your loved ones and your life!