Being a carer is a challenging and rewarding role that many are passionate about in their day to day lives. Putting someone else’s needs above your own can be gratifying but also very tiring on the body if you don’t take measures to avoid exhaustion.
If you are unaware of being tired and are running on auto pilot, you need to look out for tell-tale signs of exhaustion. Being at the top of your game is what all patients needs and being able to care to your best ability is what they depend on you for.
Some of the main signs of exhaustion include feeling overwhelmed, drained, helpless, impatient, resentful and having difficulty with sleep. If you are going through any of these emotions, you may need to take a step back and re-evaluate your caring habits to ensure you are not putting those you care for, or yourself, at risk.
Carers come in all shapes, sizes, genders and even ages. Many of the carers throughout the UK at the moment are young carers, looking after their family members in the free time they have. The Guardian recently reported on the crisis that surrounds young carers and the exhaustion that comes with juggling school and care work.
Regardless of whether you are at school or not, mostly not if you are an adult carer, taking care of yourself is so important when caring for others. “It can feel difficult – even disloyal – to raise your hand and admit that you’re struggling to cope” but it only ever benefits you and those you care for in the long run.
The best thing that you can do to avoid carer burnout is to regain a balance within your lifestyle. The more you are able to take care for your own needs, the more you are able to care for others in your prestigious role as their carer.
Focus on key areas in your day to day life that you feel are lacking empathy and give them a source of well-being to move forward in your care giving. Some of the vital areas to look at include:
1. Physical Exhaustion
Although you may be tired, run down and struggling to find free time, taking part in light exercise on a regular basis is great to fight fatigue. At the same time as relieving stress build up, lifting your mood and helping fight depression, exercise can help carers cope with looking after their health.
2. Fulfilment in Life
Being a carer is challenging as sometimes the situation can be totally out of your hands. At this point in your career, you need to realise what you can and can’t control in order to overcome frustration. To find peace and fulfilment in life you need to know that what you are doing is great, supportive and really means the difference in quality of life for your patients.
3. Asking for Help
It is not embarrassing or a signal of failure to ask for help and speak up. There is no shame in admitting that you are not superman (or women) as long as you are clear where you need a little more support. Running errands, picking up some shopping and having someone run you a bath at night can really make a difference in your overall emotional state and physical well-being.
Whether it be from other members of your caring team, family or friends, everyone needs appreciation and being a carer is no exception to this rule.
As a carer you are making a significant difference to the way the world turns – even if you don’t think so! Just keep doing what you are doing and make little changes where you can to avoid burning out.
Get in touch with Horizon Care Ltd for more information about becoming a home carer and keep up to date with our blog right here.
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