Caregiver Burnout: Reclaim Yourself
Naturally, caregivers give all of themselves to others. However, many do not recognize when it is time to give themselves a break - oh, I have been there! Burnout is a word that is used widely to describe a form of exhaustion and stress that effects a person mentally, emotionally, and physically. Usually burnout is used in the context of the workplace, however a form of burnout that is often over looked is caregiver burnout. Being a caregiver for children, patients, aging parents or relatives comes with immense responsibility. Cooking meals, attending doctors appointments, helping with transportation, bathing, dressing, or errands - the to-do list can seem like it will never end. Not to mention caring for yourself in the midst of it all.
Caregiver burnout can come on fast and strong. Symptoms include poor sleep, fatigue, depression, loneliness, health issues, and lack of self-care or motivation to care for oneself. Not many realize that caregiver burnout can lead to serious mental health issues if it is not worked through. Some mental struggles caregivers experience include loneliness, anxiety, guilt, lack of personal identity, low self-esteem, and isolation. It can truly be a slippery slope for hopelessness to grow.
With all of this being said, it is of utmost importance for caregivers to care for themselves. Even if it is for 10 minutes a day to engage in self-care, those are 10 minutes that you took to reset and recharge. It is essential for you to discover what self-care activities work for you - they are not “one size fits all”. Waking up at 6am and going for a run might work for your neighbor, but it might not for you and that’s okay! It is your chance to discover what you genuinely need in this season of your life to feel restored and reclaim your identity.
Here is a list of 10 Reflection Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Personal Self-Care Routine…
When do I feel most grounded or connected to myself?
What activities leave me feeling more rejuvenated afterwards?
What drains me even when it is labeled as a “self-care” activity?
What parts of myself have I been neglecting lately?
What do I need more or less of in this season? Solitude? Play? Creativity? Boundaries?
What is one thing I can do to create space for what I truly need in my life?
What boundaries do I need to set to protect my energy and time?
What does a well-supported, balanced version of me look and feel like?
What would it mean to give myself permission and grace to fully rest?
If I could create my dream self-care sanctuary, what would it look and feel like?
Feel free to use these questions as written journal prompts! Or if you want to get creative, use them as inspiration for therapeutic art directives! Create pieces surrounding the questions to visually express your answers and experience another level of connection to yourself - using color, line, shape, texture, and various mediums. Have fun with it and get to know YOU!
Self-care should not be a luxury - it is a daily essential. An essential maintenance for strong, independent women who put others before themselves, whether at home or at work. You deserve care, too! Never forget to prioritize yourself. Here’s to reclaiming your identity outside of your caregiver role.
