Caring for the Busy Caregiver - Part 1

You awaken and begin a new day.  Typically, your very first thoughts are not devoted to the Lord or to yourself, but to the person whom you are giving the care.  You begin to notice that this "morning routine" of yours has become a habit, and the repetitive behavior has caused you to grow tired and weary.  Isn’t it time to start caring for the busy caregiver?  You!

Neglecting your basic needs can very easily develop into a pattern.  It’s a trap that you must not fall into. The realization that you are responsible for the well being and even the very life of your loved one can weigh very heavily upon your shoulders. When your loved one is happy and content, this puts your mind at ease and becomes your constant focus.  But gradually over time, this pattern of neglecting yourself and YOUR needs will begin to take it’s toll on your spiritual and emotional well being.  Your overall physical health and much needed stamina will suffer if you are not caring for yourself.

I am going to share some very practical tips and suggestions to help you refuel and renew your spirit, mind, and body.  I will be sharing 15 tips total.  In Caring for the Busy Caregiver - Parts 1, 2 and 3, I will be sharing 5 helpful tips in each.

If you’ve already discovered yourself in a heap on the floor in auto pilot mode, don’t despair. There will be those times and situations when we just keep pushing ourselves. Eventually we will discover we have run out of steam and the only alternative will be to change those habits of neglecting our own needs. We can refer to this as a “wake-up call” or “learning from our mistakes”, it’s what we all do as humans. We cannot properly care for our loved ones if we end up sick ourselves. So if you are a tired, lonely, worn out, running on empty  caregiver, dust yourself off and pull up a chair!

Here are My 5 Tips & Reminders for Taking Care of the Busy Caregiver, .. YOU!

1) Make Sure the Lord is #1 on Your Daily “To Do” List!
The very first and MOST important thing that you must remember is that you are only human. You are limited and finite in nature. But if you are holding the hand of the Lord God Almighty, then you are taking the first step in the right direction.  Keep in mind that He is the ultimate caregiver!

2) Begin a Daily Journal
Make time to reflect upon your daily devotions. Jot down your prayer requests AND make note of how the Lord answers them. It’s so easy to forget all of the wonderful and miraculous ways that He provides and answers our prayers unless we purpose to write them down.  Keeping a journal will also provide an outlet during those times when it seems no one else is around to listen to our concerns.

3) Get Adequate Rest
Caregivers who are on call for their loved ones 24/7 will often find they are seriously lacking in the sleep department.  Adequate rest is not only vital to function properly, it’s one of our body’s built in healing mechanisms. When we sleep, the cares of the day prior are worked out in our dreams. Cells renew and repair themselves and the list goes on. If you MUST, get into the habit of reserving some time during the day for a 30 to 45 minute power nap.

4) Eat Right & Don’t Skip Meals
Every caregiver should already know and understand the importance of a proper diet, but a friendly reminder never hurts. Substitute cane sugar with natural sugars found in fruits like bananas, apples, grapes and oranges. Maple syrup is another very healthful alternative to sugar because it doesn’t cause a high spike and drop in blood sugar levels. Sugar substitutes that contain saccharine and aspartame should also be avoided. Recent studies have shown them to be very addicting, not to mention some serious side effects. Keep junk food to a minimum. I will be sharing some “top notch”, “energy giving foods” in part two of this three part series. 

5) Schedule in Some “FUN” Time
 That’s right! This tip is also a very important one to put into practice without delay! AT LEAST once a week, reserve some time for an activity that you enjoy.  Go see a movie, go shopping, ride a bike, play a fun family favorite board game. We need to smile and laugh. Again, you will feel and notice the difference in your body AND your outlook on things!

So get rid of the guilt you may be feeling!  You will be happier if you begin to put these simple tips into practice.  As you do, that precious loved one you're caring for will also be a happy recipient of the joy overflowing from your refilled cup!

Comments

[Venus]

Great reminders for tired moms too!